SUPERB ,DEMONSTRATION QUALITY
594699
This outing is a wonderful surprise. It shows Gladys to be highly intelligent in her regard to these standards. I mean the great singers she takes on ,all had mannerisms ,foremost Dinah Washington ,that extended listening to more than one cut could be chore and not pleasure. Gladys ,of course has her own mannerisms ,but to these ears they are not so simple and repetitive  that they are cloying. Many of her takes on well known phrases/words are as brilliant as great chess moves ,she is a thinker WITH SOUL. She has take the best ,gospel etc.and makes it work for the song. Above all ,though ,this cd is a sonic spectacle ,in the SACD range ,with arrangements by Clayton/Hamilton ,on par with Oliver Nelson. This work is also nicely paced in choice and placement of selections .There really is no rebuttal to listeners who don't like this CD,and who perhaps hang on to what they knew ,the fact is,she was always great but this one is special and worth turning up ,way up,your player for .Enjoy!!!
4905334
This is one of the best Qigong videos available, for the practices as well as the production quality. And the price is great too, seeing as you're basically getting 2 DVD's worth of material for the price of one. The instructors, Francesco and Daisy Lee Garripoli, are very pleasant and peaceful to watch and follow along with. Francesco's sincerity is apparent in every movement.

Disc 1 consists of the practices. The first part is the Wuji Short Form and consists of three exercises (totaling about 15 minutes): Wuji Swimming Dragon to loosen the joints, Dragon Pearl to increase lung capacity and develop core strength, and Bagua Xun Dao Gong to stretch and strengthen the legs (that's how they're described on the back cover). These three exercise alone are a nice workout by themselves.

Next follows the Wuji Long Form, which is about 40 minutes. There are 18 exercises in this routine - an opening and closing movement and 16 inner movements (all with Chinese names like Rou, Chai, Jian, Tuoa, etc.). Once learnt, you're instructed to do the inner 16 in a random order each time you practice. Of course, you don't have to do the entire set every time, you can choose whatever exercises you want (I certainly have my favorites). As another reviewer noted, there are a lot of detailed arms-out-in-front movements and a lot of upper body focus and emphasis on stretching with the arms (more so than most Qigong I've seen or done), and a few movements are a bit complicated, which turned me off a little at first, but I have grown to love these practices anyway. They are great for the spine, and especially if you carry a lot of tension in the neck, arms or back. It's also been helpful with digestive issues and tension in the lower abdomen (there are a lot of waist twisting movements). I feel stronger every time I practice. It is truly a whole body workout and you will feel it in the best possible way.

The practices conclude with the Shaolin Self-Massage techniques, which are typically done at the end of a session, although they can be done by themselves as well: Face Washing, Scalp Massage, Ear Massage, Eye Energizing, Sinus Energizing, TMJ Relaxing, Leg Stimulation, Kidney Energizing, Rag Doll Shaking, and Toss Off Stagnant Chi.

There is also an inspiring 13-minute interview with Francesco Garripoli on Disc 1. The entirety of Disc 2 is an hour-long Qigong documentary produced by him. It's been a while since I've watched it but I thought it was excellent. In one part, you can see the 90-something year old Chinese master that taught Francesco the Wuji form doing a few of the movements. Then there is another interview with Francesco talking about the making of the doc.

The only drawback to this DVD set is that Disc 1 does not have a menu where you can go right to a certain exercise; instead you have to manually skip through each chapter, but considering how otherwise fantastic the DVD is, that's not a big deal to me. I can't understand giving it a low rating for that alone; you'd have to push as many buttons to navigate a menu anyway. I do think a practice matrix (like on a few yoga videos I've seen) would have made it absolutely perfect. Or even better, a function that automatically scrambled the inner 16 Wuji exercises so you get a different order each time you play it (since you're encouraged to do them randomly). But that's a small complaint overall. Also, although this DVD is titled as if for beginners, it's really not. It's for any level. In fact, some absolute beginners might be turned off by the relative complexity of some of the movements as well as the number of practices. If you want simpler, shorter practices check out the Garripoli's other 2 DVD's ("Qigong For Cleansing"and "Qigong For Stress Relief"), also quite good.
4075461
this is a high quality item, sold at a value price.  the link to the excellent youtube video (which is ~12 minutes long), was a fantastic way to learn how to assemble and use my microscope, right out of the box.  I have only had it for a week, so time will tell how long the bulbs, fuses, etc. last.  But my initial impressions sure are favorable.
2555537
This biology program is a must have for anyone interested in seeing real footages and microscopic detail such as blood flow and heart valves.  Also, they inserted an arthroscopic camera down the gut.  There's a tad bit amount of computer generated, such as baby's skeleton crawling on the kitchen floor, but overall we're given the real deal, blood, guts, and squirting glands. Yummy if you're not light headed.  It also narrates our body's changes from birth to death in laymen terms.  I highly recommend this video.  It is very interesting, intuitive, and never a dull moment.

Some technical aspects: Running time is in fact 96 minutes, not 60 as Amazon incorrectly lists.  It aspect ratio is letterboxed widescreen; you'll have black bars on BOTH the tops AND the bottoms of your screen.  Not sure why the producers did this, but you can easily correct this to fill your entire screen by hitting the zoom button on your TV.  Don't worry, quality is still maintained, and excellent picture.  Relatively recent release '07, I did wish a blu ray version was available.

If you wish to have only 1 biology dvd on your ownership shelf, it should be this one.  The second one to accompany this is: the&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/National-Geographic-Incredible-Human-Machine/dp/B000XA5K0C/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">National Geographic - Incredible Human Machine</a>.  The third is: Discovery The Human Body Pushing the Limits blu ray.
3206153
Outstanding video!  Wish there were more videos made by this crew and instructor!
4364903
Finally watched this all the way through last night.  Very good instruction.  Simple, straight-forward presentation with clear and complete direction.  Scott does a great job breaking down each movement and explaining the associated the energy effects.

Of all the Xing Yi videos I've watched, I like Scott's and Wai Lun Choi's the best.  Both are very simple and focus on the basic techniques of the system, drilling down into each movement.  They don't try to get you to memorize long, complicated sequences.  Scott's video is particularly unique, in that he explains exactly what sorts of energy sensations you should feel with each technique.

A must have for any IMA practitioner's library!
183943
This DVD focuses on hand technique.  It focuses not at all on drum set coordination, foot technique, beats, or "licks".  Of course, if you master just some of the techniques he explains, particularly the Moeller technique and its variations, your ability to play beats (particularly jazz) and licks (particularly at breakneck speeds) will be greatly enhanced.

I think this is a great instructional video.  The only competition of which I am aware in this particular niche are the Joe Morello technique DVDS.  Morello's DVDs are wonderful and I recommend them, not the least because they have some of Morello's fantastic playing.  But Mayer's DVD is even better than the Morello DVDs.  The principal reason is that Mayer covers a broader range of techniques, ranging from the "free" or Gladstone stroke to the Moeller techniques and its variations to the one stroke roll.  In addition, Mayer's explanations of each are as clear, detailed, and understandable as one could possibly want.  Each technique is broken down into constituent elements, explained in depth, depicted both slowly and up to speed, and accompanied by recommended exercises for developing facility with the technique.  There is enough practice material for years.

Mayer is a good person to present the material.  He is not annoying or self-absorbed.  He comes across as sincere, intelligent, knowledgeable, and concerned.

I was not familiar with Mayer before this DVD but am now a real fan.  The segments in which he does some playing are a real treat.  He is versatile, musical, and *incredibly* fast.
964103
Not that polished a production, but that doesn't really matter. What matters are the very clear explanations and demonstrations. Unless you are a highly trained and experienced DSLR photographer, I highly recommend this video for the amateur enthusiast.
2996013
This is my second purchase of one of Bill Buchman's DVDs and I highly recommend both this DVD, Keeping the Melody, and&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Zen-Breakthrough-Making-Contemporary-Experimental-Art-with-Sumi-Brushes-Reed-Pens-and-Mixed-Media/dp/B006BADDHK/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Zen Breakthrough: Making Contemporary Experimental Art with Sumi Brushes, Reed Pens and Mixed Media</a>. For me watching these DVDs is a way to extend my learning from the classes I have been fortunate to take with Bill. But these DVDs would also be excellent for someone new to his abstract painting style as well. He is an excellent teacher and explains what he is thinking about and the reasons behind what he is doing as he demos. He informs you of the materials he is using and gives you parameters for good composition and color theory as well as helpful hints and his philosophy. I will enjoy watching his DVDs again and again in my studio, doing some of the many exercises he presents along with him! Thank you, Bill.
4279798
The DVD covers improvising lines over Turnarounds, Major 7ths, Minor 7ths (including Major triads over minors), Dominant 7ths, substitutions, and using Altered Dominant/Diminished lines over Altered Dominants. This is a wonderfully clear and entertaining presentation

You might also want to buy&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Joe-Pass-On-Guitar-with-CD-Audio-Cpp-Media-Video-Transcription/dp/1576234371/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Joe Pass On Guitar with CD (Audio) (Cpp Media Video Transcription)</a>, which is a complete transcription of this DVD in standard notation and TAB, with some extra material. The booklet included with the DVD only has standard notation.
3663231
The Complete Beginner's Guide to Knitting by Nici McNally is really great.  This is not a poorly lit YouTube video on DVD with background noise.  This is a professionally shot DVD with excellent production values.  Nici is a warm and energetic teacher, and you pretty much feel like she is in the room with you the whole time.  The video includes narrative pieces, where Nici faces the audience and explains the concepts, and the type of over-the-shoulder/detailed hand shots which make you feel as though you are watching your own hands (if you were that good!).

The best technical feature of the DVD is that it automatically pauses after a new concept is taught and there is an option for replaying or moving to the next chapter.  The chapters include:
Cast on
Knit & Purl (English & Continental)
Bind Off
Add Yarn (which also demonstrates simple color changes)
Increases & Decreases
Ribbing
Gauge
Finishing
How to Fix Mistakes! (my favorite!)

The DVD includes 7 simple scarf patterns printed inside, and a "secret code" to get access to more patterns on Nici's website.  I give this DVD 5 out of 5 stars as a beginner knitting resource.
2393336
I purchased L&M Guitar on the recommendation of 2 different guitar players. I'm an adult beginner, so I wanted something both basic and comprehensive in scope. Through Session Four, I'm perfectly satisfied. Krentz teaches by way of reading music, so this set is both music instruction and guitar instruction rolled into one. If you're not into learning how to read music, this won't be for you, though I encourage you to reconsider making that effort for reasons given to me by the two aforementioned guitarists. Krentz's approach is methodical (yet clearly stated), which suits my learning style. If you prefer entertainment-style instruction, this won't be for you either. But if you are serious about learning guitar straight-up and technically sound, give this series a strong look. Production and quality are top-notch. I was sold after seeing the demo video, and I recommend giving that a try before you buy.
2150124
A musical tour de force featuring outstanding precision, wonderful corps style sounds and movements set on a stage. I will enjoy watching this video over and over again. From individual musical selections to watching the entire presentation again and again.
4292844
Performance was most enjoyable. Rating based on quality of video presentation. Is there a 16x9 option out there somewhere? I ASSUMED this was it. Live and (not ) learn
2451817
Great Piece of Equipment! Along with the videos!
758818
Sheryl Crow is a brilliant artist and this concert displays that. This is one of a very few concert dvd's that can be played beggining to end. There's not a dud to be found. Sheryl is so "on",that I found myself checking for overdubs but have yet to find any obvious ones. Her band is extremely tight,engaging,and fun to watch. This concert was filmed with Hi-Definition cameras,and the results are dazzling. There is no DTS track,but the dolby track is excellent! It's mixed very well,with nice separation of instruments,vocals,and deep,full bottom end. There wasn't a dry eye in the room after Sheryl played Safe and Sound. Wonderfully filmed,this is a total concert experience,and a great showcase of a supremely talented treasure.
772364
I join the chorus of praise from the previous reviewers.  This is a great concert.  The images are very clear even though it is a standard definition DVD, The sound is excellent.  There are subtitle choices in multiple languages.  The instrumental group that Ms Bartoli performs with, Il Giardino Armonico, is amazing.  For example Mr. Antonini's performance of the Flautino Concerto in C Major is hard to believe when watching his fingers move through some of the allegro sections.  My only complaint was related to the near continual extreme close-ups of Ms Bartoli.  Sometimes images of tongue and lips are less satisfying than more distant images.