Amazon.co.uk: Customer Reviews: Riverdance - The Show [VHS] [1995]

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12 Reviews
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31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Marvellous, but...
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...
Published on 30 May 2004

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21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars Riverdanceless
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...
Published on 23 May 2006 by K. Roth

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31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Marvellous, but..., 30 May 2004
By A Customer
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.
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21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars Riverdanceless, 23 May 2006
By K. Roth "G.H.E LTD" (NEW BARNET UK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
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.
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42 of 45 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining - but not worth buying., 15 Mar 2002
By A Customer
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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15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Riverdance 1995, 29 Jan 2005
This video is one of the best I have ever seen. I have had it since 1995 and keep watching it at least 3 times a year. My family, my daughters and grandchildren alike, ask me to put it on as they are mesmerised (as am I) by the timing and endless dancing of the Riverdance group particularly the lead dancers (Michael Flatley and Jean Butler). The combined Irish music and dancing make you have goosepimples when the actual Riverdance begins. I would recommend it to anyone.
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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful! This video shows the best in Irish dancing., 6 Sep 2000
By A Customer
Filmed live in radio City Music Hall in NY, this video is the second attempt to present Riverdance on the VHS tape and in my opinion, fairly overtakes the first version. With graceful Jean Butler and fantastic Colin Dunne starring, the ambiance is unforgettable. The show mixes delicate moods of Irish slip jigs and songs with lively step pieces and passionate flamenco dancing. The scene and costumes constantly change to reflect the mood and the music by Bill Whelan is overwhelming. 5 stars, undoubtedly.
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3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Superb to watch and listen to - you must buy it!, 4 April 2000
By A Customer
Colin Dunne and Jean Butler are both excellent in this American Riverdance show. The sound on the DVD is superb and you are able to hear every tap on the stage as well as the superb Riverdance Band.

The extra features are also of good quality, especially the background to the American show.
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3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Where's Michael Flatley?, 4 Feb 2006
A really good dance show, but it was lacking one thing...Michael Flatley. Colin Dunne takes the lead role, however he does not do all the dances that Michael did. I feel it is quite cheeky that they have kept all of Michael's routines. However as a dance show, it is a good show to watch, but maybe a little depressing.
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7 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars the first great performance of michael flatley, 5 Jan 2001
By ozelmahmut@pemail.net (Istanbul, Turkey) - See all my reviews
As a great fan of Michael Flatley when I first watched this show which was recorded in Dublin Point Theatre I was amazed. Because it was a great combination of Latin,Russian dancers and ofcourse the sensational Michael Flatley.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Riverdance-live from New York City, 11 May 2009
By Thomas Giblin "shamrock" (Solihull, UK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
Absolutely unmissable. Watched it 2ce already and loaned it out to parents who also thoroughly enjoyed it!
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4.0 out of 5 stars River Dance Live IFrom New York, 4 May 2009
By A. Ward (England) - See all my reviews
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Really enjoyable, just wish the focus was more on the full stage and less on individuals to get the impact of the dancing.
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Riverdance - The Show [VHS] [1995]
Riverdance - The Show [VHS] [1995] by Michael Flatley (VHS Tape - 1995)
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