For over 30 years, Gary Numan has moved effortlessly from one genre to another, all the while creating something instantly recognizable as his alone. Inspiring new generations of musicians at every turn, the synth-pop pioneer who first launched a thousand blips before morphing into the neo-metallic lord of darkwave, has not only reinvented himself but shed new possibilities on increasingly jaded genres. In this spectacular concert we filmed in Sydney, he plays his entire 1979 album The Pleasure Principle, and it's astonishing to remember that it was recorded with no guitars whatsoever. Today those same songs are delivered with a fierce determination, and it's easy to see how the sheer symphonic power of those early chords lay the foundation for the industrial goth-metal of later songs like Jagged and Halo.
Charismatic, enigmatic, Michael Hutchence was the personification of the classic rock and roll star and, seemingly, had it all. His untimely death in 1997 robbed the world of a unique and fragile talent. 'The Loved One' traces Hutchence and INXS' rise from obscure Sydney bar rooms and clubs to stadiums all over the world. Featuring interviews with many of Hutchence's close friends and contemporaries, the film sensitively investigates the pressures and demons that spurred his success and ultimately led to his spiral into depression and eventual death. Featuring stunning footage of Michael performing on the stages of the world, 'The Loved One' is a poignant and ultimately uplifting tribute to both the singer and the band.
A competition erupts between a tormented handsome trust fund baby and his risk taking rival over their feelings for a mysterious and conflicted young beauty throughout a sailing adventure to Catalina Island.
Shot over ten days in France, Julien & Claire is a lush, music-driven mood piece that examines the romance between a young American dancer and a struggling French musician after their chance encounter on the streets of Paris.
Recently widowed Reverend Grady Griffin soon becomes the hottest commodity at his church as the ladies line up for their chance to win his heart. With each woman vying for his attention how is the Reverend to choose?
Closing out the 2004 Montreux Jazz Festival, Chic, featuring Nile Rodgers made sure that this festival would end on a high note. Jamming on sme of their most memorable funk/disco hits, Chic also threw in a medley of songs by Rodgers and Bernard Edwards originally performed by Diana Ross and Sister Sledge. In 5.1 surround sound audio.
In addition to producing their own disco hits such as "Le Freak" and "Good Times" (the latter of which jumpstarted a music revolution when it was used as the sample for the first-ever rap single, the Sugarhill Gang's "Rapper's Delight"), the Rodgers and Edwards team also wrote anthemic hits for Sister Sledge ("We are Family") and Diana Ross ("I'm Coming Out"). This program finds a reunited Chic (minus Edwards, who died in 1996) performing these songs and more at the 2004 Montreux Jazz Festival.
Starring the exquisite coloratura soprano Emma Matthews as the innocent girl priestess Lakmé, and superb tenor Aldo Di Toro as the love-struck Gerald, the story tackles religion and cross-cultural love against a backdrop of British rule in India in the mid-19th century. French conductor Emmanuel Joel-Hornak brings out the full depth of the lush, dramatic score, with familiar high points being the beautiful renditions of the well-known Flower duet and Bell Song. Dominica Matthews adds her rich voice as Mallika and Stephen Bennett is darkly dominating as Brahmin priest Nilakantha, Lakmés father, while Roxane Hislop is a consumate Mistress Bentson. Set and costume designs by Mark Thompson fill the stage with rich colour, atmosphere and exoticism, complemented by Nigel Levings warm lighting. This restudied production, originally conceived by Adam Cook, is skilfully directed by Roger Hodgman.
Angela was once a talented writer and singer destined for success, but her dreams were replaced by her struggles as a single parent. She must face her past in order to find her future. Stars Cynthia Kaye McWilliams & Omar Gooding.
A square rich boy wants to make it with a pretty folk singer, so he buys the coffee house where she and a bunch of other beatniks perform. Features performances by The Goldebriars, The Free Wheelers, and a very young Joan Rivers doing a stand-up routine.
A journey into the world of well-traveled singer-songwriters like Peter Case, Mary Gauthier, Chris Smither, Dave Alvin, Slaid Cleaves and many more. The film contains live performances of 40 brilliantly crafted songs, as well as informal moments and interviews in which the artists reflect on audiences, songwriting, the music business, and life.
The multiple award-winning songwriter and performer Kenny Loggins is featured in this live concert video set against the majestic and awe-captivating backdrop of the Grand Canyon. This rock and pop balladeer sings many of his classic songs from his albums and motion picture soundtrack in this concert, including "The Real Thing," "Conviction of the Heart," "Celebrate Me Home," "Will of the Wind," "Leap of Faith," "Sweet Reunion," and more!
Considered the most influential hip-hopper since Notorious B.I.G., 50 Cent is on a jet-fueled rocket to superstardom. It was only a few years ago that DJ Jam Master Jay mentored 50 Cent and taught him the trade. Since then, he's been unstoppable, taking the streets by storm. Packed with interviews and rare footage, this documentary gives you the complete story -- for the first time -- behind the streetwise and fearless 50 Cent.
Determined to wed, a foolhardy old man is tricked by his friends into a sham wedding with an impish widow who turns into a harpy -- which subsequently cures his desire to marry in composer Gaetano Donizetti's famous opera buffa. Baritone Alessandro Corbelli plays the title character in this lush 2002 production also starring soprano Eva Mei and tenor Antonino Siragusa, with maestro Gérard Korsten leading the Chorus and Orchestra of Teatro Lirico.
Though it was taped 16 years after the first A Man And His Music special, this final installment continues to uphold the high standards of the series, thanks in no small part to the accompaniment of the legendary Count Basie and his orchestra.
Chronicles several years on the road with the Christian hardcore band For Today as they tour, record, shoot music videos, and spend time with their friends, families and fans.