Customer Reviews

Lord of the Dance [VHS]

5 star:		(85)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(14)
2 star:		(13)
1 star:		(29)

 

 

When the name Michael Flatley is mentioned, many people immediately call to mind the heart-pounding rhythms and intoxicating melodies of Riverdance. That's all fine and dandy, but resist the temptation to consider Lord of the Dance an extension of its popular predecessor. This show concentrates exclusively on Irish dance, incorporating many of the darker aspects of the Celtic heritage into its story and imagery.

A consummate showman, Flatley dominates the stage in a fiery, breathless performance of boundless energy. There is a raw edge to this music and dance portrayal of the battle between good and evil. Lord of the Dance runs the full gauntlet of emotions; occasionally tender, often sensual, frequently aggressive to the point of near violence.

For one who takes the time (and the required concentration) to carefully observe, Flatley's technical brilliance is apparent in the speed, difficulty and perfection of form which he brings to his dance routines. Amazingly, the supporting dancers are almost equally as skilled.

However, the enjoyment of this show is not in its technical merit, but in its artistic wizardry. It is an intricate performance which frequently intertwines the movements of many dancers, yet maintains its cohesion and flow, never losing the simple beauty of skilled bodies in constant motion.

The single flaw is in the editing of the video, which occasionally cuts between camera angles so quickly and so often as to be distracting. Within this minor problem, however, are some visual gems, such as seeing the feet of the dancers from BENEATH the stage, a unique perspective that gives a true appreciation for the power and skill of the cast.

Lord of the Dance is not, as occasionally suggested, a repackaging of Riverdance. It is a completely different visual experience, one that stands rightly and proudly on its own. In this performance, Michael Flatley more than proves that he is worthy of the title.

After reading other reviews, I feel I have to explain this to many people who believe "Lord of the Dance" is strictly an ego trip for Michael Flatley. Look at the character he is portraying. The title alone explains this. The character needs to be ego-driven, better than all, and yes the camera should focus on his feet. Why would you want the video if you didn't want to see the dancing? If you don't like Michael Flately, go see Lord of the Dance on stage, he is no longer performing with the group. Otherwise, put down your swords and enjoy this video. He does a tremendous job, and like it or not, he portrays the character the way it was written. This isn't Riverdance, so why compare it. This is focused on a story, there are more colors and theatrics, and the dancers are allowed to show their enjoyment for what they do.

Michael Flatley truly is the Lord of the Dance (hereafter referred to as LOD). This show is much better than the original Riverdance. LOD is strictly focused on modern Irish dance, and the show plot is basically based on old Irish folklore involving the sweet Colleen and the tempting Gypsy trying to lure in Michael Flatley's character. There are several numbers that are performed without any music, and you will be amazed at how incredible the taps sound. Michael Flatley is as egotistical as they come, but he has reason to be! Once he is on stage, you won't want to focus on anyone else. His tapping is showcased in several numbers.
If you are trying to decide between LOD or Feet of Flames, here are differences. Personally, I like Feet of Flames better.
Feet of Flames (FOF) was filmed at Hyde Park in London. The stage and set are much bigger than shown on the LOD. In FOF, the music has been changed slightly and is more energetic. There are newer and more interesting looking costumes. Michael Flatley has a few more solos, including one where he is playing an instrument. Of course, his costumes are more flashy in FOF. I think FOF seems to flow better as the troupe is more experienced now.
My bottom line: you won't go wrong with either FOF or LOD, but if you had to choose one, I would pick Feet of Flames.

Michael Flatley has thrilled millions with his dancing and his shows. For those who have followed his career and believe in his philosophy of "follow your dreams" this is the book they have been waiting for.

Up to now Michael has many times been the subject of derision by critics and like many artists, "exposed" falsely in the tabloids. Those who knew him in person and shuddered to read the endless repetition about his "big ego" and "arrogance" they knew misrepresented him, are given a chance in this book to describe the man they know- his strength and courage, his warmth and generosity. Family, friends, and fellow dancers were interviewed and their words fill the pages with the stories of what really happened.

Michael himself reveals his determination, his passion, his strength and vulnerability as he describes his journey through the highs and lows to reach the pinnacle of success. His positive energy, his never giving in to pain, and his amazing talent all come alive in these pages. It is like watching a performance of "Lord of the Dance"- filled with great energy, romance, struggle and finally triumph. There are photos of his family never seen in public and many color photos of Michael as dancer and in private life. All in all a can't-put-down read.

It's possible the content of this DVD is worth 5 stars, but I'll never know. My husband and I couldn't watch it because of the constant camera angle changes. Just as we'd start to become engrossed in a dancer's moves, they'd switch to an overhead shot or, annoyingly, one from underneath the stage. My husband and I were equally irritated by this and could not even finish watching it.

This film is like those movie montage "previews" that show you a snippet of dozens of films without pausing long enough for you to take in what any one of them is. For this reason, this DVD is unwatchable and a total waste of time and money.

I loved the various camera angles. I found them to enhance experiencing as much of the excitement as a camera could allow. Lord of the Dance is "raw" Michael Flatley -- the guts, the grit, and the glory of his talent. And the fact is, that Michael hung up his dancing shoes in 1999. I saw Riverdance live on stage for the 1st time lately. Sure, live is always better. But if you're expecting to see Flatley perform live, you'll have a long wait. He has retired from performing -- so the videos Lord of the Dance, Feet of Flames, and Riverdance are your only chance to see his genius now. Unlike Riverdance, the Show (which is also totally amazing in its own right, including the hauntingly beautiful singing, the drumming, fiddling and collage of ethnic dance), Lord of the Dance has more plot, more story. A beginning, middle and end. I think Michael Flatley is probably the most talented dancer that ever lived -- and if you want to experience the magic, get this video! I doubt that there will ever be another like him. (I especially liked the camera angle from under a transparent floor section. Awesome.) The Riverdance phenomenon and Flatley's dancing have touched and changed my life forever. Grab these while you can.

I almost didn't purchase the video due to the number of poor reviews and complaints about the production. I'm glad I chose to buy the show anyway. The Lord of the Dance is the single most awesome entertainment experience I have ever witnessed. I have seen the show on more than one occasion and I own the sound track, DVD and VHS versions of the show. All are amazing. Although no movie can match the excitement of any live show, I enjoyed them all immensely. This is NOT Riverdance (thank goodness) and there's a lot more to see. I did not find the different camera angles to be distracting in any way. They allowed for great perspective, in my opinion. Whether you 've seen it live or not, get the CD and the sound track. There won't be another show like this one for a long time!

I received the book in my mailbox on a Saturday afternoon and finished it by Sunday evening. Like Michael's shows, it's mesmerizing and uplifting. He's had a childhood like so many kids in big cities (and small, with neighborhood ruffians and the like, for that matter) and many childhood adventures we readers can relate to. It's a fascinating progression from his childhood to his rise through the ranks of dance competitions to where he is today, with all of the passion you'd imagine added in. I literally gasped out loud a few times.
Those of us who happily declare ourselves to be "FLATHEADS" will be thrilled with this revealing look into some of what makes Michael who he is - a very real human being with extraordinary determination born from his Irish roots and the tenderness of his grandmother, father, and certain special people along the way. I especially enjoyed the way the book has perspective comments all along the way from many of the pivotal people in his life. The reader gets a real look at what drives Michael as an artist and a man, and I noted that his capacity for love, forgiveness, spirituality and joy is what has allowed him to finally receive the acclaim and success and true friendships he's worked so very hard for. And Michael himself is a great storyteller here, just as he is on stage. My only regret is that we Americans haven't been able to get our hands on the music CD's he's created, now that we know they're out there. Won't someone PLEASE market them in the U.S.!!?
I've seen Michael Flatley on stage once in Lord of the Dance and twice in Celtic Tiger and if God smiles on us, I hope to see him again. After reading his biography, I had to pop "Michael Flatley Gold" into the DVD player. Well written and edited, you'll really enjoy this book. I promise!

I loved every minute of this beautifully put together DVD! I am Irish and loved watching the perfectly choreographed sequences. The music is wonderful. I saw the show live in Vegas but to see Michael is to really feel the show!

Lord of the Dance is Flatley's baby. He has done for Celtic folk dancing what John Curry did for ice dancing; changed it into something bigger, better and more creative -- truly a new dance-creature. Just as Curry's ice dancing morphed into ice ballet in his genius hands, the ordinarily subdued Celtic dance has morphed into Irish Precision dancing under Flatley's creative genius. With lovely costuming, creative but understated arm movements and a jazzy touch of show biz, not a bad thing in every case, this is a treat for the eyes, ears and soul. Purists may prefer the less flashy, more reserved performances, and there is something to be said for that. But if you enjoy heart-racing passionate soaring dance and can appreciate the monumental precision training and athletic excellence involved in putting together just one dance, let alone several, you will truly enjoy this creative display of a brand new art form. With the exception of the oddball Druidic walk-ons by candle-bearing attendants, it was a cohesively dazzling performance. Say what you will about Michael Flatley's towering ego, he is nonetheless a creative genius. I could have done with fewer dizzying camera-shifts, no doubt a by-product of overzealous camera men who seem to have the notion that viewers have short attention spans. There were fewer such camera-shifts than in the motion-sick "Feet of Flame" but still far too many. All things considered, it is Flatley's best of the newer genre of Irish/Celtic folk dance.