Helicopter String Quartet - Karlheinz Stockhausen DVD

Advantages: Fantastic, frenetic, creative, unique
Disadvantages: none, stands up to repeat viewings and is in all ways perfect!

...Apocalyptica are always going to be compared to Mettalica. Their name isn't a coincidence. this quartet of Classically trained musicians cut their names into the metal history books with their interpretations of Mettallica classics. This is no mere covers band however, here all "traditional" instruments from the metal spectrum go out the window, replaced instead with 4 Cellos (complemented live by an incredible session drummer). Vocals are gone as well, the haunting string work at times though tempting the listener into creating lyrics. This Live DVD is an excellent package. Featuring a two hour, twenty song, live concert (recorded in Germany). Both the classic 'Tallica tunes the band became famous for are featured, as well as their own, more classical inspired output. (and the last track is the well known "Hall of the Mountain King", 5... Read review

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Advantages: An excellent live performance of old and new material from a distinctive singer / songwriter and her group ably supported by a classical string quartet. This DVD is scheduled for release in the first week of September 2003.
Disadvantages: None

...In May 1995 Chrissie Hynde and The Pretenders performed a live ‘unplugged’ concert at the Jacob Street Studios, London. They were accompanied by the Duke Quartet and sang a medley of their old and recent hit material. Chrissie was joined for one song as an encore by a surprise guest. There was a receptive and enthusiastic audience. Given their chequered and at times tragic history it is perhaps incredible that The Pretenders are still in existence. Formed in the “post Punk” and “New Wave” days back in 1976 by Ohio-born Hynde and guitarists James Honeyman-Scott and Pete Farndon, they had a string of hits both in the UK and America. However the latter two were both dead within three years. Chrissie also had high profile liaisons in her personal life (Ray Davies of The Kinks, Jim Kerr of Simple Minds). The Pretenders these days comprise... Read review

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Advantages: Alex Guinness, Peter Sellers, Herbert Lom
Disadvantages: It has been redone (but not out done)

...between the outward innocence and vulnerability of the old landlady against the culpability and strength of the gang producing an irony by reversing these outward appearances with the reality that the landlady held the power all the time. The soundtrack by Tristram Cary reflects the fun of the film. The music reflects the action of the film with some lovely snatches of string quartets music. There is a delightful scene, when the Landlady discovers three of the gang downstairs whilst the playing (supposedly by the quartet) is heard playing upstairs yet she hardly appears to notice. The music is actually performed by the Sinfonia Orchestra of London and conducted by Dock Mathieson. The film is available on video from about £4.99 and on DVD at £9.99. The DVD, rated PG, contains limited extras. There is a dramatic theatrical trailer with voice... Read review

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