Customer Reviews

Feet of Flames [VHS]

5 star:		(95)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(10)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

It appears that, at least for the moment, Michael Flatley has found a niche that he is comfortable with and that he intends to carve ever deeper. He accomplishes that purpose handsomely with Feet of Flames.

Much of the material in this show is taken directly from Lord of the Dance, but there are a number of impressive additions, including a spectacular combat dancing sequence near the end. Feet of Flames maintains the Celtic slant established by its predecessor and is powerfully performed by a dynamic group of dancers, spearheaded by Flatley's magnificent work.

The video itself is far superior to Lord of the Dance in that the constant cut-aways and angle changes have been largely done away with. The production quality is superb and the music breathtaking, particularly in surround sound or with a sub-woofer.

As with Lord of the Dance, there is a raw, sensual feel to Feet of Flames that adds to the inherent excitement of Irish Dance. Flatley's flamboyant interpretations and variations on classic moves add to the visual impact.

From start to finish, this is an outstanding entertainment event.

I'll try my best to do this production as much justice as I can. This performance, titled "Feet Of Flames" is billed as Michael Flatley's last performance in the role of the "Lord Of The Dance" and I think he does an excellent job here! It is a fitting send-off, very grand and epic in scope and scale. I did get to see the original Lord Of The Dance show live on stage in Philadelphia in 1997 and was totally blown away by the experience. The dancing, the beautiful music and the celestial and haunting singing of Anne Buckley remain in my heart to this very day. There is just something about hearing that music live and feeling the vibrations course through your body with every step the dancers make. It gives new meaning to the saying that you just HAVE to be there. There is NOTHING like the energy of a live stage dancing performance. Particularly not one like this one, with sure fire and energy and passion.
Do not be fooled into thinking that is is just an out-of doors version of the original Lord Of The Dance show. It IS in a sense, and yet in many ways it is not. This show takes the original Lord Of The Dance production and kicks it into high gear. All of the original music and dances are back, but the dance routines look different a bit and more elaborate. They are longer and feature quite a bitof more complicated step work and more character interaction. There are also many new dances and more original musical pieces that make this a totally new experience.
I loved the fact that Bernadette Flynn (the "good" girl in the show) got to do her own solo dance in the middle of this. It really gave her a chance to shine. The new numbers played by the dueling violinists were lively and lovely at the same time. The costumes and sets for this show were much bigger and elaborate than those for the original show. I would EASILY say that for me, the combination of old music and new numbers with more elaborate and totally new dance sequences was wonderful to watch. It made certain that I did not feel I was watching "the same old show" done over again. There were just so many new things to see and to hear and to take in. I loved Michael Flatley's solo flute performance near the beginning of act two. Very lovely stuff. I must say though that for me the highlight was another chance to hear Anne Buckley sing. What a GOLDEN voice. So beautiful and tender, yet rich and deep and passionate. The three songs she did here were even better to me than the ones she sang in the original Lord Of The Dance show. Her version of "Marble Halls" to me was even better than Enya's rendition, which I had previously loved. Ms. Buckley introduced me to the haunting love ballad "Carrickfergus" that had me reaching for my Kleenex even as I was wide-eyed and smiling from ear to ear. And the Gaelic piece she did (An Maigdean Mhara, if my memory serves correctly) was so beautiful that mere seconds after Ms. Buckley began to sing this number, my floodgates FLEW open and did not close for the full 3+ minutes of this song. Also I loved the fact that in this show instead of having just the green hooded cape for all three of her numbers, this time Anne got to wear three diffferent and very beautiful dresses, one for each song that she did (green, white, and gold). Exquisite costumes to fit with a stunning voice and an incredible beauty with great stage prescence. I for one cannot wait for her solo debut album.
In short, this was an unforgettable experience. I have loved Celtic music and dance for years now and this performance only made my fires burn all the hotter with enthusiasm. The music, the dancing, the lighting, the story of a noble warrior saving his land from a dark knight's conquest...they combined to take my breath away and give me one of the greatest entertainment experiences of my life. If you get to see this I hope you get to enjoy it and even love it as much as I did. I still love this show today, more than two years after I got to see it, and I know I always will. Peace.

A breath taking show. Music, happiness and dance are the motives. Michal Flatley is a true genius and he put together an incredible performance. I could never get tired of it.

The scope of this show alone, the largest stage show ever produced, was awesome, and with nearly 100 dancers! I enjoy Lord of the Dance immensely, but this version literally had me gasping for breath. Several new numbers that have been added are amazing. "Dun" as the Druids, the "Flute Jam" with Michael and the musicians, Anne Buckley's new songs, with "Carrickfergus" and "I Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Halls" as standouts, and of course Michael's own solo, Feet of Flames. Bernadette Flynn's solo, "Dance of Love" is haunting, full of grace and beauty. And Flatley playing the flute for it, backed by the National Orchestra is magical. His own flute solo was touching, and his own reaction on this, his last night with LOTD, was very moving. In another new number, "Dance above the Rainbow", the joy and excitement from the dancers is able to be felt throughout, as it practically jumps off the TV screen at you. This was a show that was being so obviously enjoyed by the dancers themselves, that it's joy is contagious. Each of the stars of the show have matured so much since the original, that it was astounding seeing that they had improved even beyond the perfection of the first show. The cameras did their best to show the faces of individual dancers who are in the troupes of LOTD, but the show is so huge that it was very difficult. A stand out performance by Daire Nolan as the Dark Lord, with a shocking, lightning fast duel with the Lord of the Dance, (with a surprise in it) had us on the edge of our seats. These men were working within inches of each others faces with flying high kicks delivered at high speed. Gillian Norris' temptress was sultry and sexy, even more than the original show. Michael Flatley himself seemed to relax more with this show....it must have been very emotional for him. He is looser, and just seems to be having fun (and heartache) with his last performance as the lead. The entire cast of this show are all truly amazing talents in their own rights, and Michael has left the show in good hands. Overall, the editing was much better than the original tape, although audience shots during the performance are not appreciated. However, there were not too many of those. The slow motion on the leaps and kicks, however, I did not like. I bought this video to see Michael Flatley and Troupes at work, not to see fancy camera tricks. Still, there were only a few of those, however, at critical times. Overall, however, the filming and editing, for a show of this magnitude was well done and I do not hesitate to give it 5 stars. It is pure magic and joy and delight. A must have.

Michael Flatley's Feet of Flames is magnificient. This was Michael's last performance of his "Lord of the Dance" show. It was filmed live at Hyde Park in London in front of an audience of over 30,000. Although it includes all of the dances in the original, it takes it several steps further. There are 6 entirely new pieces in this video. Most of the orginal pieces have been reworked or expanded to accomodate over 100 dancers (spectacular). New songs have been added. The costumes have been changed. However, the most significant change is in the editing. This video is for those people who were frustrated by all the quick cut aways in the original "Lord of the Dance" video. Although it is not filmed in the quick flash MTV syle, it has an excitment to it that keeps your heart pounding throughout. The six entirely new pieces are: 1. A new Siamsa style dance. It is a quick lively ensemble piece, guaranteed to get every foot tapping. 2. A Gregorian chant syle piece sung by some very eerie monks (actually a choir called Dun). This one is a little strange but it grows on you. It is later incorporated in a ancient celtic "rumble" and is very effective. 3. A flute solo by Michael Flatley. Hauntingly beautiful, I think this is Michael's kiss goodbye to his audience. It's amazing the feeling of intimacy and love you can sense between this man and his audience, even on a video. 4. A breathtaking hardshoe solo, by the female lead Bernadette Flynn. This one is incredibly beautiful. The costume, the music, the grace, the beauty, just gorgeous. 5. The violin players, the band and Michael Flatley on flute in piece that I believe is called "Celtic Fire". Lots of life, lots of fun. 6. The piece that gives the video its name Michael Flatley's Feet of Flames. This is Michael's dance solo. There is no music just him and his incredible talent. I can't describe it, you just have to see. Even after you see it you won't believe that any human being can do what you just saw him do. The rest would be a review of "Lord of the Dance" but kicked up quite a few notches and filmed in a much more pleasing style. I think the word "masterpiece" is a pretty apt description.

After giving away my VHS tape of Feet of Flames, I immediately ordered it on DVD. Best purchase I made this year!
Feet of Flames is a fantastic Irish dance and music celebration that features the one and only Michael Flatley. It is a more expanded version of Lord of the Dance (LOD). The dancers are more experienced, the costumes have been updated, the music has been tweaked, and best of all is that we get to see Michael Flatley in a new solo dance as well as playing a very beautiful and memorable flute piece. This was filmed live from Hyde Park in London. The concert features the biggest show stage ever built and it incorporates all three of the LOD dance troupes.

The DVD has some added features. You can choose which dance number you want to see or you can watch the whole concert. There is a FANTASTIC "making of Feet of Flames" mini movie that lasts at least 20 minutes. This featurette is narrated by the man himself (Michael) as they count down to the day of the show. You really get a good, brief look at the planning and execution of such a huge project. You also get some very brief comments from the other show stars. I loved this feature and have been wanting to see a "behind the scenes" piece for some time now. There is also a biography of Michael Flatley.

Bottom line: You don't have to be a music lover to enjoy this enchanting show. You will love it! If you are trying to decide between LOD or FOF, go for FOF.

"Feet of Flames" truly is the best dance show ever done! Michael Flatley sure knows how to do it right...the music, sets, costumes, lights...and of course the dancing. His talent and artistic sense shine through every moment. Everything is superb...an immense feast for the senses!

The best thing with the DVD version is that it includes a 60-minute (or so) "making of" feature with interviews and extra footage of the show! Also included is a biography detailing Michael Flatley's career.

If you are deciding on whether to buy Feet of Flames or Lord of the Dance, you'd probably want to choose this one instead. Feet of Flames is basically the same as Lord of the Dance in the sense of storyline, however there are additional dances, a special flute solo performed my Michael Flatley himself, different & better costuming and the camera work is a whole lot better! The one thing I did not like about Lord of the Dance was the bad editing/camera work. The scenes cut away much too quickly. I owe both LOTD and FOF and I've found it more enjoyable to watch FOF purely for this reason. With Feet of Flames you get lots of different angles and extended views. Overall it's a much better put-together show.

If you're looking for traditional Irish dance, this shouldn't disappoint you either. Sure, it has modernized the idea of traditional dance and it is a couple of steps up from Riverdance but that's what makes it fun! It's so modern and exciting yet it still gives you that feel of deep-rooted Irish tradition.

I admit, I've always been ignorant about Irish culture. Untill I obtained "Riverdance" the only thing Irish about me was my two cd's by The Chieftains. I thought that video was the epitome of Irish dance. Then I wittnessed the final closing moments of "Lord of The Dance" and knew I had to have it. Next came "Feet of Flames" which I have to admit, I enjoyed slightly more than LotD, because of the slower camera shots. Michael Flatley, in my opinion, is a fantastic dancer, who may have an inflated ego, but with his phenomenal rise to stardom, he deserves it. Give the guy a break. I think he's a pretty cool dude. The dance troupe is extremely capable, and the young ladies are genuine eye candy. A special salute to ms Anne Buckley whose charm and grace and melodious voice are a treasure to all those who would see her and hear her sing. I hope the rumor is true that she will be making an album on her own. Best of luck to her. Finally, I feel that FoF and RD should not be compared with each other, as some are wont to do. They are two different shows, and both should be enjoyed on their own merit. Believe it, Feet of Flames is a show to see. Live if possible,(when is it coming to Oklahoma)or at least by video. I'm still quite ignorant of Irish culture, but I'm learning, and at 60 years old, I know what I like. I believe if you view this video, you'll like it too. If not, relief is only a trashcan away.

On July 25, 1998, in Hyde Park, history was made. Performing on the largest stage ever built, Michael Flatley with over 100 dancers performed Feet of Flames in front of an audience of 50,000 people.

With the plan of it being his last performance, Michael Flatley decided to do one last, huge, triumphant and expanded version of Lord of the Dance. He called it after his solo: Feet of Flames. The entire show is Michael performing at his best. Compared with the original Lord of the Dance, Michael and all the dancers have become much more free, and they relate to the audience at an incredible level. With all new costumes, added dances and songs, Feet of Flames is truly a masterpiece.

Michael's flute solo Whispering Wind, is a touching traditional air. He is a world champion flautist and his playing is beautiful. Celtic Fire (a new number with the band) showcases the often neglected talents of the musicians. It is traditional Irish music played in very untraditional way, and it is absolutely fantastic. The new Siamasa number is simply a joy to watch. The dancers look happy, and are so energetic one just wants to get up and dance with them. But the most incredible part of the entire show is Michael's new solo. With no music and no other dancers, it shows just what he does. From slower, variated rhythm patterns, to blazingly fast footwork, and everything in between, this is Michael Flatley's masterpiece.

I have watched Feet of Flames 30+ times since I got it this past October, and I absolutely love it. The 'Making of FOF: Into the Fire' is almost a full length film in and of itself, and gives a fantastic day by day report of the two weeks leading up to the show. Feet of Flames is Michael Flatley at his best.

Feet of Flames - the show - was devised & presented by Michael Flatley & his team as Michael's personal farewell to the role of 'Lord of the Dance'. It was intended not just as a show, but a total experience. Presented on a 300 foot wide. 3-tiered stage erected in London's Hyde Park, as dusk fell & a new moon rose, before an audience of 25,000, for one performance only, the show was intended to, & succeeded in, making Dance History. To capture this experience & present it on videotape using only live footage is an extraordinary technical & artistic achievement, of which all concerned in it's direction & production can be justly proud. The simple story of the 'Lord of the Dance'. based on Celtic myth, & told purely in dance & music, was powerfully presented in the original video, but this new film goes much further. Hard though it was to believe when watching 'Lord of the Dance' that this company had been formed & trained in a few months from young dancers still at, or just out of school, it becomes more credible when you see how they have matured as dancers & as a company since that risky beginning. Two companies are combined in this performance, & their dancing, timing, & stagecraft are truly admirable. Helen Egan, who dances 'The Little Spirit', Bernadette Flynn (Saiorse, the Irish Colleen), & Gillian Norris (The Morrigan) have all fulfilled their earlier promise & each is worthy of whatever the Irish Dancing equivalent of 'Prima Ballerina' may be. Daire Nolan (Don Dorcha, the Dark Lord), one of the more mature dancers in the original production is as commanding as ever, while Anne Buckley - again one of the mature artists in 'Lord of the Dance' sings as blythely, yet looks younger than she did 2 years ago. Blonde fiddlers Mairead Nesbit & Cora Smyth are as stunning as ever, their musicianship is astounding. In 'Feet of Flames' there are innovations - gone is the Goddess Erin, with her flowing emerald cape. Anne Buckley is showcased in a different fairytale gown for each of the three performances she gives of well-loved folk songs. The choir Dun, with soloist John McKeon, formerly heard but not seen, is given their own dramatic number, as chanting High Priests in dark robes, & later appear on the upper stage, like the druids of old overlooking the battleground, during the dramatic Hell's Kitchen. In 'Breakout', the famous scene much criticised by traditionalists, in which the demure Irish Colleens strip to their underwear after being taunted by the Morrigan, they start out wearing traditional Irish Dancing competition costumes! The famous Flute Jam - added after the LOTD video was made, to showcase the individual instrumentalists - for this show always has a live band! - and Michael Flatley on flute, is included. There is a new pub-style dance for the whole company, ' Dance Over the Rainbow', in the first half. Michael plays his own solo flute composition 'Whistle Down the Wind' as an Entr'acte, and then plays for a solo hard-shoe dance by Bernadette , entitled 'Dance of Love'. Altogether there are many new costumes, & while some have criticised the cape worn by Daire Nolan to increase the villainy of his appearance, I liked it, althoug he obviously found it a bit of a nuisance. The show seemed to me more balanced than 'Lord of the Dance', where Michael Flatley's obvious experience & maturity, both as a person & a dancer was thrown into sharp relief by the immature, albeit brilliant, performances by the rest of the cast. Here things were on a more equal footing, and the overall effect was smoother for it. Not that there is any doubt of Michael Flatley's prowess! The title number 'Feet of Flames' is the most extraordinary display of male dancing I have ever seen - & at 60 I have seen a lot of male dancers, including Nureyev's 'Corsaire'. It cannot be described - it has to be seen to be believed! Flatley's creative & symbolic choreography, in partnership with Ronan Hardiman's , which puts Irish music firmly into the World Music class, is fully complemented by the thorough attention to every detail of the lighting, scenery, staging, costumes, & pyrotechnics. The rich symbolism used has been well-researched, & whether subtle & apparent only to the Celtic scholar, or very obvious, as in the colours of Anne Buckley's gown, & the 3 -tiered stage for the final scene, 'Planet Ireland', consitutes a powerful subliminal continuity throughout the performance & afterwards. The audience shots were varied, & carefully chosen to give the feeling of the experience of 'being there'. One picture that stays with me is of a child small enough to be held by his father, face totally rapt, aborbed & transported by wonder. This show is not about a new story - like all the best stories, we all know how it ends. But these are the stories we like to be told again & again, the myths & fairy-tales of old. No-one is too old or too cynical to remain unmoved by them, especially when so skilfully re-told. This film is a feast for all the senses, 114 minutes of magic, a modern mystery play. From the thrilling lead up to the first scene, to the final wistful notes of Michael Flatley's solo flute, I was spellbound - I almost forgot that this was the video, not the live show.