Product Details

• Actors: Wayne W. Dyer, Michael DeLuise, Portia de Rossi, Ed Kerr, Shannon Sturges
• Directors: Michael Goorjian
• Format: Color, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: All Regions
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Studio: Hay House, Inc.
• DVD Release Date: May 15, 2009
• Run Time: 121 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (139 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B001S33QD6
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,876 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

About the Actor

Wayne W. Dyer, Ph.D., is an internationally renowned author and speaker in the field of self-development. He is the author of more than 30 books, has created numerous audio programs and videos, and has appeared on thousands of television and radio shows. Many of his books have been featured as National Public Television specials. Wayne holds a doctorate in educational counseling from Wayne State University and was an associate professor at St. Johns University in New York.

Product Description

Originally produced under the title, Ambition to Meaning. In this compelling film, Dr. Wayne W. Dyer explores the spiritual journey from ambition to meaning. The powerful shift from the ego constructs we are taught early in life by parents and society - which promote an emphasis on achievement and accumulation - are shown in contrast to a life of meaning, focused on serving and giving back. Through the intertwined stories of an overachieving businessman, a mother of two seeking her own expression in the world, and a director trying to make a name for himself, this entertaining film not only inspires, but also teaches us how to create a life of meaning and purpose.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

125 of 127 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Review of the origianlly named: From Ambition to Meaning September 5, 2009

By Leslie E

Format:DVD

REVIEW UPDATED 06-02-12:

It is necessary to update this review because Amazon has merged the reviews for both the 1-disc release and the Deluxe, 2 disc-set. Adding to the confusion, this is the same DVD that was released under TWO titles. It is listed on Amazon in MULTIPLE locations because many are being sold used. This has resulted in a lot of consumer confusion and disappointment for those mistakenly buying it twice thinking it is two different movies. Amazon will of course refund the mistake (including return shipping) if shipped directly from them, but don't count on it from anyone else.

So be forewarned -- This review below refers to the 2-disc "Deluxe Edition" set under this title: "The Shift" (which is the EXACT SAME disc set as what used to be called the "Expanded Version" under the old title "Ambition to Meaning"). Be sure to scroll up and check the PRODUCT DETAILS and look for "Number of discs: 2" if you want the 2 disc set. I initially posted two separate reviews: one for the single DVD and, one for the 2-disc set, but as I said, they merged the reviews in some places.

I hope this helps clarify things, but if there is still some confusion (and you probably won't be alone - lol!) plz feel free to ask any questions under the comments and I will respond as best I can. It really is a great DVD and probably worth all the trouble you might need to go through to ensure you are getting the product you really want. :)

I love you; Thank you; I'm sorry; Please forgive me. [Maybe a little Ho'oponopono blessing wouldn't hurt. ;-)]
LE

************ ORIGINAL REVIEW BELOW ************

This review is based on the originally named "Ambition to Meaning" which I was told by Hayhouse is exactly the same as the renamed version "The Shift". When I called Hay House they couldn't remember why it was renamed but said these two DVD sets are indeed identical.

This is a two-DVD set: the first DVD is the "movie" (which is more of a docudrama) and is 2 hours long. The second DVD is a supplemental disc containing about 2+ hours of interviews, additional movie footage, and music. Both DVD's are excellent and worth a few dollars more for the set, as compared to the single DVD version that is also available. The second DVD contains the taped interview with Dr. Dyer that the movie was ultimately written around. It goes into depth into areas sometimes only touched on in the movie itself.

The movie follows the stories of various guests checking into a beautiful resort along the California Coast: a young family; a wealthy couple with a troubled marriage; and my favorite, an ambition-driven director, wonderfully played by Michael Deluise, whom I remember as a frequent guest star on the Gilmore Girls. (Some trivia here - he is also the son of Dom Deluise.) The director and his small crew are filming a docudrama starring Dr. Dyer (played as himself).

All of the key characters in the film experience what Dr. Dyer describes as a "quantum moment". It opens the door to transformation for them as they recognize and begin to live "the music inside" that Dr. Dyer teaches we were all born with but too often push aside while we are busy living our lives. One of the key points in the movie: what if we come to the end of our life and discover it was all wrong?

The three stories (as well as some additional, interesting character development) are expertly woven throughout the movie and accompanied by voice-over's from Dr. Dyer. His deep, soothing voice always seems to hit the mark and works perfectly within each scene that it is added to. (Not too much, not too little.) The dramatizations are used to illustrate Dr. Dyer's timely teaching (mostly Taoist) of transformation from a life of ambition into a more meaningful life; a life that can be just as successful and full of prosperity and ambition as you desire but with greater significance through a deeper, spiritual motivation. It is a wonderful departure from the usual "live-audience seminar" format of his previous DVD's.

The narrative and story lines used as a way to exemplify the ideas presented here remind me of another Hay House production also directed by Michael Goorijan "You Can Heal Your life" starring Louise Hay, and of another docudrama, not related to Hay House or Goorijan, "What the Bleep Do We Know?" (I recommend the "Quantum Edition" only, as you can edit out the sometimes tasteless dramatizations & it offers hours of additional interviews). Although both of these are excellent DVD's and highly recommended, "Ambition to Meaning/The Shift" is so expertly written, directed, acted and produced that it has raised the bar and taken this genre to a whole new level. The cinematography of the Monterey Coast is absolutely breathtaking. The tranquil original musical score is worth noting as well. Especially nice are the original piano pieces played by "Joe, the Janitor" mid-way through the movie. (Don't ask... you just have to see the movie - it really does work.)

I have watched this DVD countless times now and continue to learn something new and unexpected about myself with each viewing. This is not a "spiritual addiction" response as a previous commenter on "Ambition to Meaning' asserts of another reviewer who also said they have watched this movie repeatedly. But rather it is to be encouraged if you wish to explore your true purpose in life - or just want to make sense of life's struggles and challenges. You might learn something new with each viewing. Also worth pointing out is that I am a Christian and find these teachings well attuned to the teachings of Christ, so I hope Christians aren't threatened by Dr. Dyer's references to the Tao De Ching. I personally continue to grow and learn learn from Lao-tzu, Buddha, Krishna, Rumi, etc.... I believe, whatever your faith, you will find the movie inspiring if not life-altering.

"Seek and you shall find, knock and the door shall be opened to you". God bless all who watch this DVD in the spirit it was intended. I believe you will be all the richer and wiser for it.

10-24-12 update: My husband and I just dug this movie out after a long hiatus and find it just as enjoyable and inspiring as the first time we watched it. No doubt this is destined to be a classic. I'd love to see more like this from Hay House. They recently released a set by the same director, Michael Goorjian, Tales of Everyday Magic: The Movies 4 DVD's but they pale by comparison to this DVD and Goorjian's first Hay House releaseYou Can Heal Your Life, the movie, expanded version. They aren't bad but not worth the high price tag of about $50 w shipping from Hay House. (You can get them individually too.)I doubt we'll watch them more than once or twice - but the Greg Braden interview on one of them is great.

103 of 115 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Previous Movie RePackaged!!!!! June 2, 2009

By Dawn Johnson

Format:DVD

First of All, I love Wayne Dyer and I own everyone of his books, CD's, wisdom cards and now DVD's etc. He is an amazing teacher. I cannot for the life of me understand why his previous movie, "Ambition to Meaning" was sold under the new title, "The Shift". Hay House (where I made my purchase) should have made it clear that it was the same movie re-packaged. Nowhere was that mentioned in the write-up. Now I have two of the same and I really felt duped. I'm very careful these days where I place my money and it should not have happened. Yes, it's forgiveable!

76 of 86 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Be warned. May 23, 2009

By Venice J. Rembold

Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is an expanded version of the DVD "Ambition to Meaning". It contains the same movie along with some extras and interviews. It is not a totally new DVD.