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From Amazon.co.uk
The Irish hard-shoe sensation Riverdance underwent its second incarnation with Live from New York City, a 1996 performance filmed at Radio City Music Hall. The dazzling choreography and energetic score remain, but Michael Flatley was replaced by less-flamboyant Colin Dunne, a superb technician who works well with Flatley's former colead, Jean Butler.
About half an hour longer than the 1995 original, Live from New York City expands upon the second act's theme of the Irish leaving their homeland for other parts of the world. In the most engaging new number, "Trading Taps", a trio of Irish dancers faces off against two urban American tappers. While much of this show will be familiar, it's different enough to be enjoyed on its own terms. It's also more stylishly shot, but that's also its biggest drawback--frenetic editing that allows only brief glimpses of the dancers and leaves the viewer dizzy. --David Horiuchi
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
49 of 51 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:DVD
I like "Riverdance" very much, as much for Bill Whelan's marvellous score (which is where "Riverdance" scores over Michael Flatley's "Lord of the Dance") as for the dancing. I also much prefer Colin Dunne, largely because I find ultra-egoist Michael Flatley difficult to take, marvellous dancer that he is. The problem is twofold. First, that dreadful editing, which doesn't allow one to see the dancers at their best. Second is the bizarre chapter divisions on the DVD, which prevents you from cutting to your favourite bit, without having to resort to fast forward. For example, if you want to see the wonderful "Trading taps" routine, one of the show's highlights, you have to wade through the boring, pretentious "Feed their hearts" singalong. Ditto, you have to dig for the dazzling number by the Moscow Folk Ballet (I'm sure these people aren't human, like the rest of us). However, if you can live with these shortcomings, it's wonderfully entertaining.
36 of 38 people found the following review helpful
By K. Roth
Format:DVD
I saw Riverdance live in the UK and this comes no where near what you would expect. It has been very badly edited. If it's a large group of dancers you need to see all of them to get the full effect of group dancing, zooming in on the waist line of one dancer does not do it. Many times when a distance shot was required you found that the view was too close to the dancers to really see what they were doing. Zoom in. Zoom out, Zoom in Zoom out, Zoom in, Zoom out, Oh please will you keep the camera still. I sat through it all hoping it would improve, it did not. A VERY BORING VERSION OF WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN AN AMAZING SHOW.
55 of 59 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:DVD
I love Riverdance! I saw the stage show in London 6 times. It is the most wonderful, exhilarating experience. I have no doubt that to have been in New York for this performance, amongst an understandably excited crowd, would have been magical. I have all the available recorded versions.
But the camera work/direction on this version is probably the worst of all the versions I now have on film/tape/DVD. It falls into the obvious trap of failing to give the sense of 'scale' - and all too frequently gives head and shoulders/torso shots when the action is so clearly with the feet. In particular, the 'running taps' routines - as with many of the most animated dances - are lost to clumsy editing and poor choice of shots.
Riverdance is an intensely emotional experience that is driven by the animation, energy, skill and expertise of the dancers. The dancers here are no less talented than all the other versions available. But most of that action takes place from the hips down and, gorgeous as Jean Butler is and handsome and passionate as Colin Dunne is, that ain't where it's all happening.
If you are a fan of Riverdance. you'll want to make sure your collection is complete. But you won't be buying this for its technical excellence or because you can appreciate the dance as it should be.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Satisfactory item.
For some reason when I gave my earlier rating for this DVD,it was misread,I could not for some reason enter the adequate rating.I have NO complaints regarding this DVD.
Published 1 month ago by Christine
4.0 out of 5 stars
Riverdance.
Hit the scene like a breath of fresh air. If you were unfamiliar with Celtic music and Dance this is a great introduction.
Published 2 months ago by Stewartinoz
5.0 out of 5 stars
riverdance
This item was bought as a gift but having seen the dvd myself previously I know it is going to be brilliant
Published 3 months ago by Mrs. S. Taylor
5.0 out of 5 stars
river dance
Bought it for a friend in SA and he's enjoying every time he plays it.He is now looking into buying all the riverdance DVDS
Published 4 months ago by Billy
4.0 out of 5 stars
Riverdance
Not the best recording that could have been done, however it was still very entertaining and for the price was good value for money.
Published 4 months ago by Colin M. Flack
4.0 out of 5 stars
Riverdance live in New York
i really enjoyed Riverdance, live in New York. i also sent it to some of my friends in Italy, and Australia. who just.
loved it, money well spent.
loved it, money well spent.
Published 4 months ago by greengodess
5.0 out of 5 stars
Riverdance the Show I
I love Michael Flatley and the Irish dancing. It is so
exciting to watch and there is a magic when watching him
and the rest of the performers in the show. Read more
exciting to watch and there is a magic when watching him
and the rest of the performers in the show. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Anita Diprose
2.0 out of 5 stars
Riverdance Live in New York
Did not read the full cast for me the real Riverdance is Micheal Flatley and Jean Butler,Jean fell out with MF who was sacked which I can understand because he did love himself but... Read more
Published 11 months ago by Drury R
2.0 out of 5 stars
Riverdance? Really? Where's the dancing?
I saw the very first public performance of Riverdance at the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin, Republic of Ireland. Read more
Published 20 months ago by Barrie & Lourdes
5.0 out of 5 stars
Riverdance Live in New York
I was very impressed the DVD arrived very quickly, we both enjoyed the Riverdance performance, and we what it often.
Published 20 months ago by Mr. Thomas Ingham
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