Customer Reviews

Keali'i Reichel: Kukahi - Live In Concert

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

Punahele Productions has released performances from Keali'i Reichel's "Kukahi" concert series on both standard as well as HD DVD formats. "Kukahi" has clearly set the standard for Hawai'i concert DVDs in every way.

Keali'i Reichel and Punahele Productions have brought together performances from 2005 at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center and from 2006 at the Blaisdell Arena to create two "Kukahi" DVD offerings - one in standard DVD format and the second in HD DVD. Each contains an astounding 26 musical performances, many accompanied by his Halau Ke'alaokamaile and kumu hula Keali'i Ceballos from California. I received a copy of the standard DVD, and even in this format the video quality and cinematography are spectacular. The video frequently cuts away to both scenic and underwater footage that fit the mood and theme of the mele being performed. The quality of the audio recording and mixing is equally outstanding.

The DVD opens with a series of oli (chants) some featuring Keali'i's voice alone and others which are accompanied by hula. It then launches into h'meni (western-influenced songs) accompanied by his band and dancers. They include a pleasant mix of his own compositions, Puakea Nogelmeier's masterful "Melelana", Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett's "Ka 'Eha Ke Aloha", as well as many traditional favorites. Ben Vegas performs his composition "Pua Nani" while being accompanied by Keali'i and his background vocalists. Keali'i's marvelous sense of humor and dedication to the Hawaiian language and culture are on display throughout the video, particular his explanation of mele ma'i (procreation chants/songs).

Bonus features included a long and well-deserved tribute to kumu hula George Holokai, who passed away one year ago this past week, as well as a video retrospective of Keali'i's career, his appearances and victories at the Na H'ku Hanohano Awards.

"Kukahi" has clearly set the standard for Hawai'i concert DVDs in every way. I'll be buying a couple to give as gifts this holiday season - perhaps you should to.

Kukahi is a fabulous vision of lovliness. You do not know what Hawaiian music is unless and until you have feasted your eyes on this concert DVD. Keali'i Reichel has, in just a dozen years of his singing career, mastered the art. He is true to his Hawaiian roots. He is passionate about teaching us real Hawaiian history and culture. This DVD exceeds all expectations, for it is not only absolutely beautifully shot, you are there, in the theatre, experiencing his show. The song selection is outstanding, and he shows us some of the ancient chant, as well. Everything he does, even if in the Hawaiian language, he explains in English, for his mission is to teach and have us understand. His voice is soothing and in perfect pitch. Although he has ventured into a professional singing career only for these past twelve years, he has been a Kuma Hula (Hula Master,) for over twenty, and this shows. His numerous dancers shine with every step, and are always perfectly synchronized. Their costumes are lovely and numerous. You will find no fake huge smiles plastered on their faces, but expressions from their hearts as they perform perfectly throughout the over two hour show. Although he had three concerts that weekend, cameras were allowed only into one, which itself shows Keali'i's courage of conviction and confidence. Buy this one and be amazed.

In one word; beautiful. This dvd contains the soul and the spirit of the Hawaiian Islands. The voice of Keali'i is one of the most enjoyable voices I've ever heard. The presentation of the show is really good. With great decoration and beautiful hula girls. The highlights for me are "E O Mai", "Maunaleo" and "Ka Nohona Pili Kai". Keali'i tells the audience much about the Hawaiian history, culture and dance, so it's instructive if you want to know more about it. And he has a good kind of humour.
Summary it's a show with a laugh and a tear, with humour and seriousness, with culture and dance.
We in Holland enjoyed it!!!

Me ke aloha pumehana.

This video brought back floods of cherish memories. Keali'i spoke of things that my Tutu spoke of many, many years ago. It's amazing that I still remember. His halau are beautiful story tellers, they were magnificient.

Mahalo nui loa Keali`i for all your aloha and mana. You are a true example of all that is good and nani in Hawai'i Nei. Me ke aloha kaua, Kalyna Spencer

There is nothing as beautiful as the true Hawaiian spirit and nobody portrays that spirit better than Keali'i. His voice is transcendent. The hula is gorgeous. The DVD is superb.

This DVD is a must have if you're a keali'i Reichel fan. The blu-ray is beautiful. I recently went to one of his concerts, and this Blu-Ray disk feels just like you're there. Only disappointment is his song Kawaipunahele isn't on the disk. But the rest of the favorites are there, along with the wonderful hulas and chants.

A true masterpiece of Hawaiian music & the Aloha spirit. What "IZ" (Israel Kamakawiwo'ole) did through his legendary music to revive the dying traditions of the Hawaiian people & the islands, Keali'i's music is helping to continue that effort for all eternity. Just like "budda IZ", Keali'i is a master of communicating the Aloha spirit, as well as the unique beauty that Hawaii & her traditions possess. I could go on forever with how wonderful I think this musical DVD to be. But, I think the best thing to say is this: If you've been to Hawaii & know of it's special beauty, then you probably already own this DVD. If you've been, but don't own it, then you need to order it so you can watch it & recall all of the special feelings & experiences from your last trip. On the other hand, if you've never been to Hawaii, then you need to get it so you can feel what you're missing. By the way, although the disc is available in standard def as well, stay with the blu-ray version (if you don't own a blu-ray player, this DVD is a great reason to go ahead & buy one!). I own both versions, but seeing & hearing Keali'i in hi-def is beyond awesome.

Mahalo & Aloha.

Must-have for anyone interested in Hawaiian music, culture and dance. Keali'i Reichel is a living icon, and this concert video brings his music to life with the stories behind the songs. The video quality of the Blu-ray version is superb (albeit high on color saturation and contrast). Also, the Blu-ray version is not clearly designated on Amazon.com - even with the help of customer support, I ended up getting the standard-def DVD version first, before getting the hi-def version that I wanted.

A very good video. I've seen Keali'i in person and he gives an excellent show. As a matter of fact I bought one for my boss too.