1 comments about Globe Trekker: Central America.

1. This DVD is interesting and shows travel through Mexican towns. It presents history without forcing it on the students. I like the part about the grasshoppers and mole from Puebla - a dish made of chocolate and peppers. The chocolate segments are enticing. The filming is well done. The host is quite comical and gives a light hearted presentation of what appears to a great deal of fun. Great for a Spanish Class, although you need to view to see if all of the parts are age appropriate for your group.

5 comments about Millennium.

1. If it strikes you as a little strange that a big-budget sci-fi extravaganza aspiring to be first out of the gate with the millennial doomsday theme starred Cheryl Ladd and Kris Kristofferson, you're already in the right mood for the 1989 time-travel howler Millennium. The fun begins when airline-disaster investigator Kristofferson meets mysterious airline employee Ladd while checking out the wreckage of the latest crash. Because Ladd, done up in an appalling perm and enough eyeliner to outfit a pack of raccoons, looks like she's about to shoot The Donna Mills Story, you first suspect Kristofferson might be the weird one -- he invites her to dinner. Then Ladd chain-smokes while eating, a dead giveaway that she's the movie's space case. And that's before she has sex with Kristofferson and gushes, "You're the best thing in a thousand years!" Apparently well aware he's not that good in the sack, Kristofferson responds, "The first rule is: Don't go to bed with anyone crazier than yourself. You're right up there on the top 10 of my Weird List, lady." To which Ladd replies, "If you knew me better, I'd be number one." Then, when Kristofferson's back is turned, Ladd disappears -- literally.
   
   Wandering alone in the plane wreckage the day after this romp, Kristofferson comes upon what looks like a futuristic set of brass knuckles. And indeed, when he touches it, he's knocked out! Then, lo, a tacky blue hologram appears in the air, and Ladd steps out of it in S&M Tinkerbellesque regalia with a hairdo shaped like a giant Foster's Freeze soft ice cream swirl. Yes, Ladd is actually a human visitor from a thousand years into the future. She's here on a mission to -- well, let her tell it: "We're all dying. We can't have children anymore. We steal people from the past and send them somewhere else to start over, to give them a second chance." That's right: Ladd takes airline passengers who are about to crash and transports them to the future. But what about the dead bodies found after the crash? Ladd simply brings a supply of look-alike corpses from the future to leave behind in the live passengers' seats. Ah, but how does she get the passengers to cooperate? Well, that's what the brass knuckles are for, dummy.
   
   Alas, two of the stunner devices were left behind on this latest crash and Ladd's got to retrieve them or "a paradox" will occur and destroy the future. A what? As Nobel Prize-winning physicist Daniel J. Travanti explains, "Say you build a time machine, go back, and murder your father when he was 10 years old. That means you were never born, and if you weren't, how did you build the time machine?" See, this is why Ladd was willing to sleep with Kristofferson - she thought he had the devices. So when Kristofferson sees the futuristic Ladd in the plane wreckage, she's still after the stunner, which she finds and takes with her in her tacky blue time-travel hologram before Kristofferson can ask her on a second date. Later, it turns out that Dr. Travanti has the second scanner, but when Ladd appears from the future this time, Travanti accidentally zaps himself to death with it. For reasons you really don't want to know, this causes the dreaded paradox, which compels Ladd to take Kristofferson back to her future world, where everything is rapidly coming apart -- which is hardly surprising since it's one of the cheapest-looking sets ever seen in a sci-fi pic. Just before the world explodes, Ladd resets the time-travel dial so she and Kristofferson can go even further into the future -- in hopes of more convincing production design, better scripts and more flattering hairstyles.



2. I recently saw this movie and loved it. It is cheezy but a great SciFi.



3. I suggest you buy this movie if you find it, it has been pulled from publication for a very dubious rea. IMHO, the TV series "LOST" is using key points of this movie for it's plot concept.
   
   Anyhow, it is darn good cheesy sci-fi!



4. I saw this movie when it first came out, and the thing I remember most was that halfway through I was so bored that I wandered out and bought popcorn and played video games for a while before going back to check on my friend in the theatre. I asked what I had missed and she just looked up with glazed eyes and said "nothing, they just had the longest flashback in movie history and replayed half the movie! "
   This story had potential, but was just so badly done that it is almost unwatchable.
   Later I found the story it was based on, I think it was about 8 pages and covered everything it need to.



5. 
   John Varley's time travel story "Millennium" which came out both as this film and as a full length novel with the same title in the 1980's is one of his best pieces of writing.
   
   Varley's initial concept was first published as the short story "Air Raid" and he was commissioned to write the screenplay for this film version: at about the same time as the film came out he published an extended version of the short story, lining up with the film but including some rather broader themes and more detail in several areas, as the novel "Millennium."
   
   If you have read the novel and are wondering whether the DVD measures up, it was not practical for the film makers to get the full scope of the novel into this film adaptation, but they did a pretty good job. Most of the political comments about air safety in the book, particularly those about the battle between Ronald Reagan and the air traffic controllers did not make it into this film, and neither did the quasi-religious aspects of the book. But most of the guts of the story did.
   
   In particular, the film is faithful to the plot and tone of the novel, including both the central romance and some of the most gripping action scenes. Both the book and the film captures brilliantly some of the most memorable scenes in the story, and incorporate one or two quite funny moments, none of which I can begin to describe without spoiling the story.
   
   Kris Kristofferson is excellent as an air crash investigator, who discovers some unusual anomalies in the wreck of an aircraft. Cheryl Ladd is equally brilliant as the mysterious woman who sleeps with him and then disappears. As the story continues we learn more about the investigator's past, and why the mysterious woman reminds him so much of someone he remembers from his childhood.
   
   I can recommend both the book and the film. If you might want to experience both I don't think it makes any difference in what order you do it.
   
   DVD extras are a little basic: they include a trailer, short filmographies on Kristofferson, Ladd, and one or two other people, a short synopsis of what the producer was trying to do, and an alternative ending, which differs only in the backdrop to the Winston Churchill quote which provides the very last words of the film.
   
   Varley made a joke about this book (and film) in one of his much more recent novels, "Mammoth" which I can also highly recommend.

5 comments about Music in High Places - Collective Soul (Live from Morocco).

1. I've been a fan of Collective Soul since 1995 and bought this dvd a few years ago. Such a great look into the band and a chance to hear them play numerous songs live acoustically outside in Morocco. Every band member has speaking/interviewed parts, there is humour and seriousness, and a lot of passion in their music here. If you have ever heard a Collective Soul song before, you should see this. If you have never heard a Collective Soul song before...well that's impossible. You have heard of them you just don't know it.



2. My partner bought this, I had no idea what it was and I loved it, a feast for the eyes and ears. I smiled the whole way through. Awesome band, awesome songs, beautiful country. The next bit is His review...I'm sorry the acoustic version didn't do it for me.It doesn't matter who the band is I prefer them to be plugged in not unplugged. I should have read the description more closely. I do have their 7 Year Itch cd and I absolutely LOVE it. Maybe a greatest hits dvd with original videos might come out in the near future - here's hoping.



3. Music in High places is an outstanding series. You get to see many stars in a whole new light. The visuals are incredible and the sound is awesome. I'm a fan of acoustic music and it is neat seeing the offstage side of some of these stars.



4. One of the best live dvd's ive seen. If you like this I recommend Goo Goo Dolls Live in Buffalo



5. This is very good acoustic music. For the full Collective Soul experience, get the incredible "Home" DVD.

5 comments about The Man Who Skied Down Everest.

1. I have been fascinated with Mount Everest since reading Jon Krakauer's "Into Thin Air". There was an underlying message in that book that made me want to understand more about why someone would risk their life and struggle through overwelming physical challenges just to say they had climbed the mountain. There was also a picture, in words, of a rugged beauty that served, in part, to explain that puzzle. I have purchased and enjoyed a number of cinematic accounts of Everest climbs and the beauty and the questions still remain. "The Man Who Skied Down Everest" is probably the best of those videos because the cinematography is outstanding and the quest is beyond the scope of just wanting to climb Everest; Yuichiro Miura wanted to ski down it. Indeed, it did not appear that Everest was summitted but, rather, plummitted.
   
   The film begins as a sort of "how to" and shows all of the equiptment and provisions that needs to be hauled up to the base camp (I forget how many tons but it was a lot). It takes us through the route that the porters (and climbers) had to journey. That seemed like a challeging enough trek in itself. We get to the base camp area of Everest which appeared as though Miura and his crew had sole reservations to. This was in the early 1970's and was, apparently, before the climbing of Everest became such a popular sport. Knowing about the thin air from Krakauer's book and other sources, I was astonished to see one of the party smoking a cigarette. I recalled the time I did that in the Andes and almost passed out. There is a tragic accident due to a cave in and half a dozen native porters are killed. I pondered the superhuman efforts that must have occurred in order to recover the bodies.
   
   Eventually, we see Miura ski down a major portion of Everest and it is, by itself, worth the price of the DVD. The uncredited part of this video presentation is the camera work that was done to bring this event into our homes. Even on the single-file portering of the provisions up to the base camp, we get incredible camera shots from quite a distance. It may be by plane in some cases but the shots vere very steady and I'm not sure that would have happened in an air-borne vehicle at that thin-air altitude. The shots of the skiing also seemed to come from parrallel angles but the there was a noticeable decrease in clarity so it might have been shot from quite a distance at a lower altitude. Either way, we got the feeling that we were seeing things from a relatively close perspective.
   
   I remembered the title of this movie from the Academy Awards from 1975. It's title is compelling. The film is even more so.



2. Excellent DVD.Maybe the best Everest video.Totaly different camera posision than other films.Probably the most viues of this Mountain.Great film. Strongly recomended for evryone who like Everest subject.



3. This guy is nuts and the video is good. If you want to see what people really had to go thru to climb Everest without all the fluff added, see this video. Not to mention you get to see this guy attempt this insane feat.



4. It is a fantastic work. The sherpas, the small towns they pass through, the culture that was alive back in the 1960s still, all that is beautifully filmed. All that is gone, changed forever now. The mountain, the challange, the courage, all can be felt in this film. I highly recommend it to everyone, but most especially to those who can remember supreme adventuring before goretex, gps /cell phones and high tech equipment. It's a remarkable film on many levels.



5. The first time I saw this was on The Discovery Channel, 1987. I was an engineering student at the time and I only caught the very last part, where he skies down the mountatin. I told my friends about it, but no one believed me. A few weeks later, it was on again. This time I taped/recorded it (old school VHS), I had proof! This is a great documentary, not only of one man's physical journey but also the spiritual journey of all who attempt this quest.

2 comments about Heavenly Hawaii.

1. Incrediable footage of Hawaii. Those of you that love hawaii or wish you lived there, buy this DVD. It would give you even more reasons to love it.



2. What a great film. I lived in Hawaii for almost a year and didn't even learn half as much as i did in one hour of watching this documentry. This is a must have and if you are ever thinking about going to Hawaii definitly pick this up it will be a life saver.

No comments about Hemingway Adventure/Great Railway Journeys.

5 comments about Discovery Atlas: Australia Revealed [Blu-ray].

1. I bought the Italy, China and Ausatralia ATLAS from discovery. This one is kind of boring. I think the stories told are very weak. Anyway it shows good images in HD. The other two are much better.



2. It is a shame that there are people who don't bother to READ what these documentaries are about BEFORE they buy them and are disappointed.
   
   The oft-stated aim of Discovery Atlas is not a history lesson ... it is a unique look at countries through the eyes and personal stories of a select group of individuals.
   
   What better ways to learn the true feelings and emotions than by this manner.
   
   Exquisitely shot, wonderfully narrated, these videos provide a unique look into each of these nations that one would not otherwise EVER be party to.



3. Guys, dont waste your time with this video. I have China, Brasil and Italy Discovery Channel and BY FAR...this is the worst one (I highly recommend the others!)
   
   Basically you can't hear the narrator. Crowe's voice is TOO low and its impossible to listen too. My girlfriend asked to turn on the "subtitle" function because it was sooo bad.....we both fell asleep within 10 mins. (Its doesnt support subtitle features)
   
   Again, don't purchase this series (Australia). HORRIBLE AUDIO!
   



4. This is a true work of cinematic art. I saw my own country in a new light. Fabulous. Made me home sick for the simple life. If your planning a trip to Australia any time soon........this is a must see. As we aussie's say....G'DAY MATE. and welcome home.



5. Stunning pictue quality on Blu-Ray. It was simply amazing using my Panasonic High Definition projector, blown up to 106" diagonal. However, like many otherwise fine documentaries (ie Plant Earth), it sometimes lingers far too long on one subject. Personally, I can only handle so much sheep shearing or aboriginal dancing. "Keep the action moving" should be the rule in these types of documentaries.

3 comments about Rick Steves' France and Benelux, 2000-2007.

1. Know before you go! The perfect way to prepare for a visit to France and Belgium is to see what to expect. Rick Steves shows you.



2. Has there ever been another travel guide more amiable, more informative, more eclectic and just plain likeable than Rick Steves? This somewhat nerdish but pleasant looking fellow will immediately win the viewer over with his charm, humor and smoothing, layback manner. However what will keep you watching program after program is his consummate knowledge of the sites and people he visits.
   
   While each journey is only 30 minutes in length Rick has a unique talent of synthesizing the many facets that make up a people and place. He leaves no stone unturned in his analysis; historical background, spiritual heritage, cultural underpinnings and political legacy are all equally touched upon to give the audience a fuller understanding of the rural and urban landscape.
   
   However not not an individual to dwell too much on the past, he provides a delightful tour of the markets, music, restaurants and nightlife. The kind of information would really want to know if you're out for a good time.
   
   The production values are also wonderful offering fanstastic visuals that are worth watching even if there where no commentary. Traveling with Rick Steves' is the next best thing to being there.
   
   This particular DVD contains eight episodes, thirty minutes in length. Imagine four hours in France and Benelux await, better get started!



3. Been thinking about a vacation to France, the Netherlands, or Belgium? Never done so before? Not sure where to begin? Rick Steves series on European travel (here, France and the "Benelux" region, a term coined by The Economist Magazine back in the 1940's to describe The Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxemburg) is perhaps one of the best ways to start. Rick is your travel companion, and his friendly, affable, and matter-of-fact approach will appeal to anyone wishing to make such a trip but a bit apprehensive about just how to pull it off.
   
   Steves approach is a good one. Each episode is only about 30 -40 minutes in length, and covers some of his highlights picks for the region under discussion. We know immediately than any of these locations would take years of intensive visits to get to know completely, so Steves doesn't attempt to cover too much in such a short time. Rather, he gives you a pleasant, and often stunningly beautiful, tour through the region, pointing out favorite restaurants, hostels, bed and breakfasts, sights, and so on. Even the experienced traveler should enjoy the presentation, which is kept family oriented and points out things that should be on anyone's "short list" for the trip. This particular disk does not focus on Paris, so if you are wishing more information specifically on this city, this disk may not be your best bet. But you WILL get a nice sampling of some of the myriad regions of France, so varied in characteristics that it surprises you that you are in the same county.
   
   These videos are terrific for getting your juices going on planning a trip. But if you have never made a trip to the region before, you should follow up with some of the terrific guide books by DK, Knopf, and others to get more detailed information. But for early "start up" thinking, brainstorming, or just to have the family together see what Europe has to offer, you can't beat Rick Steves. Fun, fun, fun.

5 comments about Clockstoppers.

1. The concept is not original. You have seen this before many times from Twilight Zones to "The Girl, The Gold Watch & Everything" (1980). Some do it well as in "Timestalkers" (1987) and then there is this movie.
   
   Standard premise, misunderstood youth know better than parents. Yep and of course has to save sire from the evil bad guy that has gone amuck. Zack has Henry's (Michael Biehm) molecular watch and he wants it back. On the side father of Zack can be useful in completing project. So will Zack save his dad or will Francesca runoff to Tahiti with the bad guy?
   
   One plus is the presents of French Stewart; I guess they needed one actor in the movie. And for distraction purposes Paula Garcés.
   
   Timestalkers Starring: William Devane, Lauren Hutton



2. CLOCKSTOPPERS reminds me of an afterschool special, aimed at a teen audience but okay entertainment for we adults too.
   Jesse Bradford plays a young man who stumbles upon a watch that can stop time, which he finds amusing at first but then when corrupt government agent Michael Biehn comes after him, he finds himself in danger.
   The special effects are okay and Bradford and his fellow castmates appealing; it's all been done before and better, but this one's passable.



3. My grandchildren love this movie. They want to watch it when they stay with us.



4. It could be the handful of hours rest that I am currently working on or the pathetic excuses for film that I am currently enjoying, but "Clockstoppers" didn't anger me or make me smile. This was a near-perfect example of a film that played it safe, worked with the teen audience, and boasted special effects that honestly, were appealing to the eye. "Clockstoppers" won't win you awards at the company Trivia Night, nor will it impress your co-worker's mind at the water cooler the next morning, but it doesn't make you go into a fit of rage either. The script is loose at best, the acting fits well into the predestined can of cliché, but it is the special effects that really make you sit and watch this film from beginning to end without fits of rage. This may be surprising to my loyal readers, but I could not willingly sit here and bash a film that honestly engaged my inner boredom as much as this film did. "Clockstoppers" was a film dedicated to hitting the median, not going above or below, and wildly succeeded.
   
   "Clockstoppers" is one of those simple PG plots which involves a boy, a watch, and no need to corrupt the system. A kid, unlike you or I, finds a watch from his super-genius father that can literally slow down time (actually, speed up his molecules so that time seems to be going slower). Instead of stay in that time forever, growing old and experiencing the powers of "invisibility", he uses it to win over the heart of an unknown girl and stop the world from catapulting into utter annihilation. Yep, something I would do if I could stop time. Like any other film of this nature, I am sure you know what ultimately happens in the end. Helmed by "Star Trek's" very own Jonathan Frakes, "Clockstoppers" boasts the talents of Jesse Bradford, Michael Biehn, and French Stewart - with a cast like this, who needs enemies. Using amazing CGI to bring this story from the page, where Frakes falls short are the characters and his inability to grapple with the technology he is filming. I am not going to cover my issues with the molecular speed-up, because I am sure they have been nauseatingly been said before, but they did force you to consider the unmentioned possibilities. Why wasn't this whole film done with slowed time? How could some inanimate objects fly through the air in slow time, while others fit into the pattern of going slow? Why didn't Bradford fall through the floor? Age issues - don't make me go there! Again, this could be a whole topic of conversation, but instead, lets talk about the other pivotal downfalls of this film, and how they related to me feeling decent after watching this.
   
   I must admit, Frakes does a decent job behind the camera. He has learned from his acting lessons and can tell a complete story. Without the science fiction plot holes, the story itself for "Clockstoppers" was pretty cliché, yet straight forward. He didn't try to overdo it, while his actors might have attempted to gobble every line they could, Frakes kept the story simple and the CGI impressive. I have to applaud him for his work here, he could have made this a very dark story, but instead kept it suitable for a teen audience. This wasn't the original "Agent Cody Banks" in any way, but it did attempt to stand on its own, and I must applaud Frakes for his attempt. The acting, as mentioned before, was horrid. French Stewart was possibly at the lowest point of his career with this film. His attempt to be a honest scientist was goofy at best. He was never mad, just loony with his approach to this character. Jesse Bradford was middle of the road. Consistent with the standards of this film, he never went above where we wanted him to be. Oddly, his Ebay selling reminded me of another character from "Transformers", but I don't want to think the two films plagiarized. Julia Sweeny, well, just don't make me go down that tunnel. Paula Garces was middle of the road as well, she played off Bradford with ease because there was nothing they needed to attach themselves to. Could I be any more vague? When I finished watching this movie, I wasn't feeling upset or happy about the results - this was a mediocre film, and I can applaud it for staying within that genre.
   
   Sometimes I listen to music half my age - this film is a prime example of music that is half my age. There was an attempt to take it even further up the tween channel by employing the music of Blink 182 to heavily dominate the scenes of joy, empowerment, or victory. There was the overuse of Smash Mouth, which seems to plague every tween movie today - but oddly, that was allowed this time. Typically, I find myself yelling about how one-sided these releases tend to be. Focusing their marking towards a singular audience instead of just pushing the boundaries, but with "Clockstoppers" I felt their average outing calmed me. It worked I shouldn't have worked, but it did. Frakes subdued me, and I cannot argue with him. The special features surrounding this film were pathetic as well, staged "behind the scenes" which only showed how "fun" a film like this could be - it was disgusting. The music videos didn't fit, and the Saturday Morning interruptions also included were vile as well. See this language, yet I am going to give this film at least three stars. See, Frakes did dupe me.
   
   Overall, I gotta stop this review before I stick myself in a deeper hole. Agents with no names, bad villains bent on total domination using everything in their arsenal outside of the weapon of choice, a cool watch that may have sold well over the holidays, and plot holes the size of Miami. I hate these features on a film, but again, "Clockstoppers" filled a hour and a half of couch time well for me. I never laughed, but I never got bored with this story. Call me a quitter or a lacky to the cause, but "Clockstoppers" never came out of its shell, and I am happy for that. It was pathetic, but delightful in the same sense. I cannot suggest this movie to friends, but if it rained one afternoon and we needed something to kill the time - I think "Clockstoppers" would find its way back to the DVD player! Thank Frakes - you duped me again!
   
   Grade: *** out of *****



5. This DVD can be used as a benchmark for your plasma monitor (or large-screen LCD).
   
   ... and aside from the excellent photography and good sound, its actually a good movie....
   if you happen to like teenage films (and I do).
   
   Check the scene in the consulates mansion on the first date... particularly the honey bee in flight against the
   pink flower petals.... the "frozen" water of the sprinkler... the close-ups of the faces
   in the kitchen scene.... the rat scampering along the tiles.
   
   From the point of view of lighting, focus and high quality imaging it
   deserves 5 stars
   
   I watch a LOT of movies... and I am also a professional photographer...
   
   trust me, this disc is just the thing you need to restore your confidence
   in your home theatre setup.... after watching all the "other" movies !!

5 comments about Alice at the Palace (Broadway Theatre Archive).

1. Produced by Joseph Papp and directed by Emile Ardolino, this Palace Theater/vaudeville version of Alice in Wonderland, filmed in 1981, is so energetic, so beautifully choreographed (by Graciela Daniele), and so full of fun that when I finished watching it, I immediately watched it all over again! Part of the reason comes from the joy of watching Meryl Streep as a music hall star, playing seven-year-old Alice, acting as a comedienne, and singing her heart out. With a strong soprano voice and perfect timing, Streep as a singer is a real surprise for those more accustomed to seeing her in Sophie's Choice or The French Lieutenant's Woman, but she is, not surprisingly, as gifted a vaudeville star as she is a serious dramatic actress.
   
   Featuring a score and lyrics by Elizabeth Swados, the production has everything, its split second timing and quick cuts from one scene to another keeping the viewer constantly entertained with changing action and moods. Stunning to watch, the show features as "the caterpillar," a tower of actors who wave their arms as "legs," while Richard Cox (who also plays the March Hare) sings to Alice with a voice that sounds like something from the Casbah. Alice's solo, "Beautiful Soup," a lovely ballad with the ensemble, changes the mood, and Rodney Hudson's next scene, as the Cheshire Cat, changes it yet again. Hudson is particularly memorable, varying his singing style from rap to rock, and his dance style from a softshoe to the buck-and-wing. Debbie Allen as the Queen of Hearts plays the Queen as a dancehall floozy, with red dress and slit skirt, dancing with complete abandon.
   
   The variety inherent in music hall productions continues in the croquet game, where Streep has some fun, strumming a flamingo while singing a great imitation of Joan Baez. Succeeding scenes feature a waltz, a wonderful mime show with Mark Linn-Baker, a formal ballet, a brief hula by Streep, and a modern dance with the unicorn. In the "Jabberwock" scene, Streep even engages in a duel and martial arts display, Maori style. With loosely connected scenes showcasing a great variety of talents, the craziness of Alice in Wonderland merges with the music hall spirit and the show comes fully alive--full of fun, very funny, and as mad as the Mad Hatter. Mary Whipple



2. Composer Elizabeth Swados created something unique in her adaptation of
   Carroll's two classics weaving them - not seamlessly - into a two act,
   somewhat disjointed, non-traditional and at times difficult musical theatre
   piece, she labels a "Music Hall." As odd as that may sound, that
   disjointed, fragmentary nature is precisely where it's charms lay. Like
   Carroll's original, Swados's version is a work best taken in on its own,
   episodic, mixing logic with the illogical, fascinating word play, an almost
   stream of consciousness and whimsy mixing with fantasy, resolve, and the
   wonderment of childhood viewed through the sentimentality - and detachment -
   of adulthood. It is a weird piece.
   
   Swados's score invokes jazz, blues, classical music, rock, ballads both of
   the American and Old British Isle variety and a good strong dose of middle
   eastern music. Though "modern" - at least a bit - when new, it definitely
   feels of a certain age, and that too is part of its charm.
   
   Here in a television studio Meryl Streep recreates her Alice in a slightly
   re-worked version from the Joe Papp production she'd done at the Public
   Theatre. And what an astonishing Alice it is. At about a minute past 30
   years of age, Streep looks remarkably young and exudes a girlishness that
   is never arch or false. She can capture a child's wild mood swings from
   exuberant radiance - to frightened despair or total confusion in a single
   gesture and the blink of an eye. She moves with the grace of a dancer and
   her all purpose pink jumpsuit and wild mane of hair lend more than a
   suggestion of Sir John Tenniel's famous illustrations (particularly one of
   the final visions, where Queen Alice falls asleep on the throne, the too
   large crown slipping at an angle).
   
   Streeps attempt at croquet with a limp, stuffed flamingo is a study in dead
   pan hilarity and boredom. While nimble enough in the faster numbers her
   voice takes on a noble beauty in the slower, more ballad-like
   numbers, "Beautiful Soup" and "An Aged, Aged Man."
   
   Other favorites include the hypnotic "Eating Mushrooms" ("curiouser and
   curiouser") where Streep captures perfectly confusion, anxiety and ennui as
   she sings "I have never been in such a state before . . . I suppose it is a
   regular day if your mad."
   
   Then there is the beautiful "What There Is" with Swados using middle
   eastern sounding melodies, full of western music no-no's like parallel 3rds
   and fifths over single note drones. It is contemplative, hypnotizing,
   radiant and joyful in a way no "big number" from a typical musical could
   be. Rather Monteverdian in its quiet beauty.
   
   The ensemble, playing a myriad of roles includes Debbie Allen, Michael
   Jeter and Mark Linn-Baker.
   
   The production is low-budget and resembles something might well have seen
   on The Muppet Show back in the 80's. It is ingeniously directed, decently
   lit and allows an extremely talented cast to tell the story on their own
   terms.
   
   Those looking for something more "coherent" and linear in a musical might
   end up being perplexed for those willing to go along for the ride it's a
   joyous one indeed.
   
   Nice to see this long-hidden little gem released onto DVD. (It's available
   through culture, or your usual drug, er . . . I mean DVD dealer).



3. Elizabeth Swados seems to be virtually unknown these days outside of theater circles, despite a rich output of plays and books, but her "Runaways" was the "Rent" of its day, and it was showered with Tony awards. I had fond memories of her musical riff on Lewis Carroll, "Alice At The Palace" (aka "Alice In Concert") -- which adapts story elements from both "Alice in Wonderland" and "Alice Through the Looking Glass" -- from a PBS broadcast back in the early 80's. Seen through my older, seen-it-all eyes in middle age, the show now seems a little aimless and v-e-r-y l-o-n-g. There's still a lot to savor, though, not the least being Meryl Streep's charming Alice. There are some other familiar faces, like Debbie Allen, Mark Linn-Baker and the late Michael Jeter, all skilled theatrical entertainers, but it's Streep who carries the production. With a bit of judicious fast-forwarding (past, for example, Linn-Baker's tiresome Jewish Mock Turtle), it could provide an entertaining evening.



4. I expected some entertainment value at least with Meryl Streep in the lead as Alice but I was disappointed. This might be a good show to watch with a class of 5-6 year olds, but it is certainly not adult entertainment. Meryl does OK but the rest of the cast is, in a word, awful. I could barely get through it and I am certain I will never watch it again.



5. I cannot tell you how much I adore this movie. Meryl Streep never ceases to amaze me, and the entire cast, I could rave on and on and on about them. I just simply adore this, and the music itself is FANTASTIC. i don't know why I had not heard of it sooner or why more people do not do it. I cannot recommend this enough!