Boy Meets World: The Complete First Season

I can't tell you how amazing it is to see these guys again. Getting reacquainted with Cory, Shawn, Topanga, Eric, and the rest of the Boy Meets World gang is wonderful. I didn't expect it to mean as much as it has. While great acting, and characters that feel as though they really exist are two very important parts of this series, it's amazing writing, and believable story arcs that keep me coming back again and again. Usually, the first season of a show can be a little shaky while kinks work themselves out. While there is certainly some evidence of that happening here, the viewer will find themselves happily overlooking small inconsistencies, in favor of getting lost in human emotion. It's amazing how quickly maturity is evident.

Technical stuff. Really wish the video had been cleaned up a bit. Grain is extremely heavy throughout, sometimes to the point of distraction. I expected that though, so can't cry over it. Audio is standard for this type of release. Special features include audio commentary on select episodes, and a bonus episode from season 4. Commentary is quite enjoyable, and hearing the cast reminisce enriches the experience greatly.

Minor quibbles aside, it's a definite must-own!

One Night Only: Barbra Streisand And Quartet At The Village Vanguard-September 26, 2009

Let's shoot with the technical stuff out of the gate. Picture quality is Blu-ray worthy, if not 100%. Sound is just a half-step below, with a formidable attempt at an HD 5.1 mix. The loan special feature is short, cute, and ultimately unnecessary.

The intimate feel of the evening is apparent from the outset. After some cutesty introductions and stories, Barbra takes the spotlight. The majority of the set list for the performance is comprised of songs featured on her latest album, Love Is The Answer.

While Streisand's vocal ability is clearly diminishing due to her advancing age, she wisely manipulates the songs to accentuate her considerable strengths. If one were to close their eyes at select intervals, the ease with which this amazing performer floats on melodies and notes would astound. Comfortable, playful interaction with the audience only adds to the mostly incredible experience.

Leaves you with a warm, nostalgic feeling.

Fleetwood Mac-The Dance

Before I get to the meat and potatoes of the review, I have to thank my friend, Joe. He introduced me to Fleetwood Mac eleven years ago, and this concert still holds a special place in my heart because it always reminds me of him.

Now, the good stuff. For long-time fans, the group finally reuniting must have been an amazing thrill. For me, who was completely unfamiliar with them before this viewing, I couldn't have asked for a better introduction. All members of this legendary incarnation are here, and in amazing voice. Song selection, with two glaring exceptions, (I'm So Afraid, and Tusk), is strong and well suited. The performance of Silver Springs found on this DVD is my favorite song of all-time. You're sure to tear up, if not buckle under the weight of a full-on cry, just by witnessing the raw emotion and power.

While there are no extras to speak of, the double-sided DVD does offer two audio options. First side, a very well put together 5.1 Surround. Second side, standard stereo. Picture quality is clear, and expected for a DVD of this age. The music is all that matters in this case though.

While I'm biased because of all the memories and emotions I associate with it, The Dance is amazing! There is an abbreviated CD, but I advise you to pick up this complete offering, and get lost in it.

The Directors: Barbra Streisand

As you've probably deduced, this documentary details the directorial efforts of Barbra Streisand. An in-depth analysis of each of the three films is given. The highpoint of this offering is most certainly the candid behind-the-scenes glimpse Barbra gives us through sharing her experiences and stories. Costars and other Streisand fixtures make brief appearances as well.

Of special features, there are none. Audio and video quality are quite good. Whether you want a quick lesson on the ins and outs of directing, or just take a look because it's Barbra related, this DVD is very enjoyable.

The Rise And Fall Of WCW

My expectations for this release were very high. The popularity and excellent quality of its predecessor, The Rise And Fall Of ECW, had fans hoping for an equally great product this time around. Sad to say, nearly everything about this set is a disappointment. The documentary itself is rushed and uninspired. Huge periods of history are missing, interviews are lackluster, and key elements are glossed over.

The special features, if they can be called that, are laughable. Totaling all of about 15 minutes, they're not even worth watching. Match selection on the two bonus discs is weak as well. Nothing never-before-seen or even rare, all retreads. I wish the care and attention given to the first set was paid here. It could have, and should have, been amazing.

Macho Madness-The Randy Savage Ultimate Collection

Finally! I've been waiting for a career retrospective of Macho Man Randy Savage for such a long time. This set is awesome! The matches chosen are excellent and the extras are very entertaining. The wedding of Randy and Elizabeth and The Career Ending Match between Randy and The Ultimate Warrior are definite high points. Any wrestling fan would be stupid to not add this to their collection. Sensational!

One Voice

Streisand fans waited a long time for One Voice to debut on DVD. Was it worth it? In some respects. Picture is clear and improved for the most part. However, excessive grain and other distractions are very evident in some audience shots. The new surround sound mix is an absolute pleasure. A definite "A" on the audio side.

How is the concert itself? Song selection is certainly appropriate for this political fundraiser. Barbra's vocals are strong and confident. Barry Gibb makes a special appearance to duet with her and the chemistry between the pair is electrifying. The politically-minded commentary of the evening serves well to emphasize the urgent feel that Streisand no doubt does her best to make apparent. One Voice stands as a great example of why Barbra Streisand is an icon.

Shoot With Tammy Lynn Sytch

The best shoot interview I have ever seen! If you love professional wrestling, you know and admire Ms. Sytch's work. Refreshingly honest and straight forward, this interview allows one an amazingly candid look into the heart of a woman who truly loves wrestling. Mesmerizing! Thank you, Tammy!

Audio and video quality is fair. Truthfully, you'll get so caught up in the emotion of everything that it won't matter.

Streisand-The Concerts

Note: For the purpose of this post, the previously reviewed Live In Concert 2006 will not be
mentioned.

If you're a Streisand fan, you've been eagerly anticipating the release of this set. From a technical standpoint, be prepared for a major letdown. With no care given to the audio or visual restoration of The Concert: Live At Arrowhead Pond or The Making Of The Broadway Album, one is left feeling cheated and duped. Don't expect much of annything.

Technical issues aside, it's absolutely amazing to finally have these two Streisand treasures on DVD. I defy anyone to not get swept up in the pure magic that is Barbra live. There is nothing better!

The Making Of The Broadway Album is a take it or leave it situation. While it's nice to see once for insight and rare recording sessions, it doesn't bare repeated viewing and will most likely be forgotten in short order. Well worth purchasing for Arrowhead alone.

Streisand: Live In Concert 2006

I love it! I love it! I love it! To start, picture and sound quality are so superb they could be used as demo material. The special features included are wonderful and really add to the overall experience. The concert is absolutely sublime and showcases Barbra Streisand at her finest. Nothing to complain about here. One of the most incredible performances ever!

Les Miserables-The 10th Anniversary Dream Cast In Concert At London's Royal Albert Hall (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)

Any fan of Les Miserables knows that the tenth anniversary concert cast is widely regarded as the best representation of the show. Vocals, performances, and casting are perfect. It's very rare to assemble such an amazingly talented company. You won't find a better cast anywhere.

Where the DVD itself is concerned, I couldn't be more disappointed. Picture quality is among the worst I've ever seen. For all intents and purposes, it looks as though a worn-out VHS was used as the master for this release. Absolutely disgraceful with technology today. This aspect alone makes it not worth the purchase.

Sound is passable at best. Why an upgrade to 5.1 surround hasn't been made is baffling. The documentary on the second disc is wonderful and really provides great insight into the creative process. So good it may even stand repeat viewing. My advice: If you have the original DVD release and can live without the documentary, wait until an improved version is available.

Rent

One of the best Blu-ray discs I've ever seen. Picture and sound surpass expectation and are near-flawless. Special features are wonderful and allow the viewer to delve deep into the amazing world of Rent, thus allowing a better understanding and greater appreciation of this amazing piece.

As everyone already knows my unrequited love for everything Rent, the remainder of this review will focus on the differences between the movie and stage versions.

While the film reunites most of the Original Broadway Cast, Rosario Dawson and Tracie Thoms fold into the family perfectly as Mimi and Joanne. "Halloween" and "Goodbye Love" are noticeably absent, but don't disrupt the flow of the film.

This is the best big-screen adaptation of a musical to date. You won't be disappointed.

Yentl (Two-Disc Directors Cut)

The recently released two-disc director's cut of Yentl has gotten quite a bit of positive press. While the movie itself stands up very well 25 years on, I don't think the DVD is worthy of the effusive praise lavished on it. Picture quality is so inconsistent that you'll find yourself needing an Advil to stave off a headache. Sound quality doesn't fair much better. The special features are, on though whole, tedious and uninteresting. All that said, the movie itself is so amazing that it justifies the money spent. If you're a collector of anything and everything Streisand, be sure to pick this one up. If not, I advise renting.

Rent: Filmed Live On Broadway

The final performance of Rent on Broadway has been made available in this stunning Blu-ray. Picture and sound quality will leave you slack-jawed. Camera work is in a class all its own. It's been said that trying to replicate the live feel of theatre brings disastrous results. While true in most cases, this offering is the exception. Perfection on both the visual and audio fronts.

The cast themselves? For the most part, it's all good. A couple of quibbles though. I found that Renee Elise Goldsberry was unable to provide Mimi with the strong vocal presence needed for the role. I also found that Justin Johnston didn't bring enough feminine sensibility to Angel. However, once you're all wrapped up in this joyous ride, these things are hardly noticeable. For Rentheads and theatere lovers alike, YOU MUST get swept away by the beauty of this experience!