Customer Reviews

Beethoven Lives Upstairs [VHS]

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Our family (girls ages 4 and 6) loved the CD by the same name so much that we bought the video too. We were impressed at the ability of the writers and director to rearrange the story and the music to fit a film version. I realized that I knew nothing of Beethoven and read his biography after viewing the video. Then I was really impressed to find how much accurate information about Beethoven's life was interwoven into the story. Although we prefer the CD version, I think that seeing the period costume and setting helped the girls place the story in an historical context. We are now all Beethoven fans and listen to his music with new appreciation.

Excellent video for children. I teach elementary school music and it puts a personal face on a distant genius. Beethoven lived a very troubled life and it puts his genius and suffering into a language that children not only understand but embrace. After watching this video they want to know more about Beethoven and his music.

This video is (as most media works are) based on many multifaceted specuations surrounding Beethoven's life. However, there are many "theories" about the final days of his life, and this particular "theory" is clean, and excellent for children.

I distinctly remember watching it in the fourth grade, and being a classical soprano myself, finding I was absolutley enchanted with the entire idea. It sparked an interest in Beethoven's life, which, years later, lead to the reading of many a biography and viewing of "Immortal Beloved", a movie which immediatly became my favorite. Therefore, I would most definitely recommend this movie, (for children) it is succinct, clean, to the point, and for me, inspiring. Take it from one who viewed it as a child many a time, children will adore "Beethoven Lives Upstairs."

We borrowed this tape from a local library and our kids (5 & 2 years old) loved it. We had watched it at least half a dozen times in a week. It gives the audience an appreciation of what Beethovan's final days were like when he was composing his last symphony.

We will buy this tape so the entire family can watch it again and again.

This video and the CD of same title are both beautifully made. Portions of the composer's most famous selections become part of the backdrop to the story of Beethoven's relationship with a young boy. An appreciation develops for the composer as a human being with human needs and frailties.

This Emmy-winning film is visually beautiful and moving, and also very accurate historically. Like the boy in the movie, a real-life young boy named Gerhard von Breuning enjoyed a special relationship with the composer while residing nearby. As an adult, von Breuning wrote about his experiences in a book titled after the name of Beethoven's building, Aus dem Schwarzspanierhaus. The talented actor who plays Beethoven (Neil Munro) looks remarkably like pictures of Beethoven from this period in his life. Much of the dialogue is drawn from Beethoven's own letters, conversation books, and other writings, and most of the action really took place. The musical score includes performances of Beethoven's masterpieces by some of the best international performers. This is one of my favorite DVDs, and very popular with friends to whom I have lent it. Highly recommended.

This is a really terrific, educational, and exciting film to watch with children say, from 5 years old to 12 years old. I'm buying another copy now because I'm dying to see it with some more children.

I teach music to K-4 and we watched this in all of my classes. It was entertaining, but I could have done without all the violent outbursts by Beethoven toward the housekeeper. The kids really did seem to enjoy the music and asked if there are other movies we can watch. It's a great way to introduce young kids to classical music. They were very excited when they recognized a song written by Beethoven himself.

The video story is great but the enhanced DVD-ROM features will not work on a MacIntosh computer. That caveat is printed on the DVD case and should be included on your product information page.

this film is just long enough to enjoy a small part of beethovens life. however humorous, it is seriously sad when beethoven expresses his pain from the loss of his hearing. the gatekeeper learns selflessness and becomes understanding of the importance of people in our lives. this approx. one hour video is reccomended for all ages.