Riverdance: The Show 2002

Michael Flatley is both the choreographer and the STAR of the show. When Michael Flatley is performing himself, his performance is unique, as is his kinesthetic interpretation of the part. He engages his audience in such a manner that they feel as if they are participants in the play themselves. His exemplary creation as well as his performance is only superceded by each of his own subsequent creations and performances, such as The Lord of the Dance, Feet of Flames, The Celtic Tiger, Michael Flatley Returns as The Lord of The Dance (2011), Michael Flatley gold etc. I have not seen anyone else with his charisma, and strength of presence on the scene. The whole family actually clap nonstop when he shows up and performs in the video. His autobiography, as well as his BEHIND THE SCENES discussions, give a glimpse of the process he has so far gone through in his evolution as a man, as a creator, as a performer, as a teacher, as a learner, and not only. Of course he is a work in progress and he has a lot more to offer, as he himself discovers his own potential and talents. I strongly recommend all of his works, including his music.Riverdance as a whole is a collaborative creation, and great talents as well as great minds came together for this production. Bill Whelan’s music is beautiful and the songs and musicians were excellent. Jean Butler is excellent, as is Maria Pages. The Moiseyev dance company was very lively, entertaining, and made us laugh. The Harlem Tappers were connecting to the audience and combined skill and unexpected performances that caught the audience by surprise. James Bignon and The Deliverance Ensemble evoked deep emotions and were very thought provoking through their high quality performance.However, this show is also not without controversy. Part 12 is called Macedonia Morning. , which is the source of the controversy depending on whose point of view it expresses. Of course, there is no better advertisement for a show than controversy, and I want to believe that show promotion and advertising is the only reason that Part 12 is so named. On the other hand, theater, in general, is no stranger to politics.

The editor's criticism of Riverdance is meaningless. Riverdance is truly a phenomenom. I was so impressed by how moving the dances and music are. The dancers never waste any time. They just move from one beautiful move to another. They have a very good dance cast and on the stage they bring life and motion. You can't resist the tapping sounds. The music brings just as much liveliness. The music cast includes piper Davy Spillane, accordianist Mairtin O'Conner, and fiddler Maire Breatnach(before Eileen Ivers joined the show). The music is at times slow and moody, but then it goes on to be energetic and jig like. One of the best parts of the music is the songs. The choral group Anuna, made up of five men and five women, sings so beautifully in "The Heart's Cry", "The Heartland", and the song "Riverdance". The American gospel influence of "Freedom", performed by the James Bignon group portrays the dreams of freedom shared by America and Ireland. The finally at the end with Anuna and the African-American group together is so cute! One cannot ignore the beauty of the song, "Lift the Wings", which I believe helped inspire the Titanic theme(you can't resist that lovely low whistle). All of the music is a great picture of Celtic music, bringing the spirit of the past to our time. At the same time, it has influence from cultural music of Spain, Russia, and African-American gospel. It is folly for one to resist this masterpiece. It is a classic that will last a long time. Even teenagers like myself adore the soundtrack, but one should also get a hold of the video to see the dances. The songs and dances often relate to Celtic legends and mythology, such as "The Countess Kathleen" and "Lament For Cu Chuchaillin". You can not say no to Davy Spillane's powerful uillean pipes! Therefore, be sure to get the original show of RIverdance, which I am pleased to see that as many Americans and Europeans alike have delighted in.

A masterpiece of its time but also I thought I was buying it as a dvd so that sucked

It was so good to see Michael Flatly doing the lead male role..He soars and knows it which only enhances the performance. And I loved the original Spanish dancer. The suppleness of her back and arms is incredible. I had one disappointment, however. It must not have been the performance that was taped by Boston Public TV (WGBH), where I first saw Riverdance, because the Spanish dancer's choreography at the beginning of her dance was different in this version. It eliminated an incredible back bend and arm movements back-lit and up high on the dais that elicits goosebumps. I was really looking forward to seeing that again, but that was my only disappointment. All Riverdance lovers must have this version.

If you are reading this review, or even looking to buy Riverdance - The Show, then you already know how good it is. You remember the beautiful music played on the penny whistle and the bag pipes, you remember how captivating the dancing was, the talent of all the dancers and the singers.This is the video that really launched Michael Flatley's career, and really change the world of dance forever. This film put Ireland on the map for many people. You could even go as far to say, that it is because of this show, that new tv series like "so you think you can dance", have grown to be so popular. Michael Flatley really commercialized dance with this film.I used to watch this all the time when I was a little kid. I have early memories of me dancing around the house, trying to keep my posture straight, arms to my side.All that being said, the video was new as promised, it is a VHS, no the picture quality isn't as good as blue ray, but honestly if you're like me, you wont really care.

"Riverdance: The Show 2002" is disappointing. It has the makings of a good production but is seriously let down by the stage lighting and scenery which just looks too much like a cardboard cut-out. The cast use a type of wireless microphone which clips on the ear, and it gives a 'space age' feel which sits uneasily with the 'dawn of time' story that is being told. The music is OK, but lacks punch and dynamics, and the musicians clothes look somewhat out of place. The inclusion of the Moscow Folk Ballet Company is an odd choice. There is one male singer who performs solo and who has a voice to die for, but I'm still not sure of his name! I bought this DVD to remind me of the production I saw in London several years ago, but overall I am disappointed.Included with this DVD there is a brief history of Riverdance ("The Story So Far") which gives some useful insights into the way Riverdance burst on to the world stage. The accompanying Photo Gallery was, however, hardly worth the effort...

Im an ex dancer and a major fan of Riverdance. I think all the recordings have positives and negatives, but this one in Geneva is really good. The costumes, the dancers, the new numbers all add to the show without taking anything from its originality back in 1995. The lead dancers are amazing and still keep the high standard from the day of Micheal Flatley, Jean Butler and Colin Dunn. The only thing Im not keen on is the voice over which comes across as cheesy at times, but all in all a great dvd for collectors and new comers!! I would definetely reccommend this to anyone.

If you want a DVD of Riverdance this is a fair enough version. The passion and spark of the original has gone, the Spanish dances in particular are lacklustre. The lead dancers lack the showmanship of Flately and Butler but do a perfectly competent job. On the plus side the visuals are far more sophisticated. I'm not sure I really needed a narrator to explain the 'plot' to me, but maybe some folks will find it helpful. As for me I'm transferring my original VHS version to DVD as I type.

an enjoyable show,though I still find it more fragmented than the other 2 big Irish dance spectaculars available. would rate this one 3rd of the 3. Butler and Dunne work beautifully together.

Great videos. Riverdance is a fantastic show, with great music and dancing. I always play it now when I need cheering up. Never lets me down.