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The Best of Riverdancex$13.20
  (47 reviews)
Best Price: $24.99 $13.20
Includes 18 of the all-time best performances of Riverdance from its extraordinary beginnings at the Point Theatre, Dublin, with original stars Michael Flatley and Jean Butler, through its phenomenal success in Radio City Music Hall, New York to its latest live recording in Geneva. Riverdance boasts an international cast featuring the remarkable Riverdance Irish Dance Troupe, the cream of Irish musicians in the Riverdance Band and a spectacular array of talent from Spain, Russia and America, performing to the magic of Bill Whelan's music. More electrifying than ever, this DVD is a treasure for Riverdance fans worldwide! SPECIAL FEATURES INCLUDE: RIVERDANCE- The Ten Years. An all New 65 Minute Documentary, celebrating the Riverdance phenomenon over the first 10 years. Featuring all the passion, power and intrigue of the show backstage. Introduced by Gabriel Byrne. RIVERDANCE - Behind the Scenes: Never seen before footage of the Riverdance backstage crew in action. RIVERDANCE- Performance at the Special Olympics Opening Ceremony. The DVD debut of Michael Flatley's performance in Riverdance (or at least part of it) is one of the highlights of The Best of Riverdance, a generous survey of the Irish hard-shoe sensation that has riveted live audiences and PBS viewers for a decade. Beginning with the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest performance that led to the full-length stage show, the program compiles a number of highlights from the show's history, taken mostly from three sources. There's the original 1995 televised show starring the flamboyant, record-setting tapper Flatley and his partner, Jean Butler. There's the 1997 New York City concert, with Colin Dunne opposite Butler. And finally there's the 2003 performance from Geneva headlined by Brendán de Gallaí and Joanne Doyle. Because elements of the show and numerous performers have changed over the years, each performance has its own character, and The Best of Riverdance even takes the unusual step of blending segments of various shows into a single number. For example, "Riverdance" switches back and forth among the three shows and the three sets of leads. "Lift the Wings" begins with two verses of the solo voice of Áine Uí Cheallaigh, then segues into segments from the ensemble-sung version from New York and Geneva. Because the solo rendition was one of the biggest losses of later generations of the show, it's nice to have at least part of it on DVD. Likewise, because Flatley's complete Riverdance performance is not yet available on DVD, fans will be glad to have at least a few numbers here. Other later-generation numbers included are "American Wake" and "Trading Taps," and the DVD menu screens very clear note which performer or combination of performers is performing. Brand new in this nearly two-hour program are occasional introductions by Jean Butler, which help explain some of the ambiguous stage action. Bonus features are a new one-hour documentary about the history of the show, 16 minutes of high-speed backstage footage, and an eight-minute performance from the 2003 Special Olympics. Some viewers may find the introductions or the performance switches jarring to the flow, and The Best of Riverdance is surely not a substitute for the complete performances of the show, but it is a nice compilation, and offers some footage that you can't see anywhere else. --David Horiuchi
MPN: D2982D - UPC: 032031298293
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Customer Reviews
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Best of the Show That Started it All
By A33S7EW7UTF8V3 on 2005-12-14
I'll always be a bigger fan of Lord of the Dance but there's no denying what show started it all. "The Best of Riverdance" was better than I expected and was relieved to see they included footage of Michael Flatley despite the ugly breakup of the star from the show. It was well put-together. Other buyers have complained that the narration by female lead Jean Butler upsets the flow but that's certainly not the case. It's not like she's talking during the numbers. She's there to introduce the clips from the show and provide some background on them. Her part in this dvd is quite necessary. In addition, her behind-the-scenes insight proves to be interesting.
It's hard to believe it's been 10 years since the show's inception. This video is a great recollection of how it came about from a 7 minute jaw-dropping performance to a full-fledged touring production.
Not What I expected
By A2RZTIEMI90JUV on 2005-06-12
I am a hudge Riverdance fan who has been unable to see my original VHS tapes in a long time. However, this version is disjointed with way too much jumping between lead dancers. I like Jean Butler but having her constantly interrupt between each dance loses the flow and rhythm of the show. Her information was educational, but I wanted to hear music and see dancing! The scene selection starts with Butler's narration so even when you pick out a dance you still need to fast forward. I miss my original Riverdance filmed in Dublin, it showed way more of the dance. Again, the editing is quite poor, never following their feet for more than a flash. I was sadly disappointed, but I'm still a hudge fan of Riverdance.
Disappointing Due To Constant Splicing of Scenes
By A3A5J7PX56ENTT on 2006-03-19
We wanted to own a copy of Riverdance, and foolishly thought that the Best of Riverdance meant that they would pick out the best performance of each number and include that. They did include quite a few of the hits, but instead of showing the one best performance, they had to be "democratic" and include all of the performers, spliced together on the same numbers. So one moment you see girls in pink dresses, then they are in green, then back again. One lead dancer, then another, in a different costume. Also the film quality changes from each performance, so one minute you are seeing what looks like a videotape, the next what looks like a movie. It was jarring, distacting, and annoying.
The only saving graces were that the finale doesn't have the jumping around, spliced business at the end, it includes Davy Spillane's "Caoineadh Chú Chulainn", and the tappers are great.
A shame really, because this could have been a great DVD. We ended up ordering Riverdance - The Show (1995) from Amazon UK, so we could see the show in a smooth, seamless production. We do wish they would make a DVD of the 1995 version. Or re-do this one. We simply can't recommend it.
The more the merrier
By A3P7HNVNH5G8BV on 2005-06-15
If you are a Riverdance fan you will want to add this to your collection. Fabulous action, beautiful music and lovely poetry from Riverdance troupes across the last decade and, above all, the hosting of the incomparable Jean Butler. Her introductions add considerable insight and atmosphere to the familiar pieces. You will want to own the full all-in-one Riverdance in New York City as well, but this is a great program with some fascinating added features for all Riverdance fans.
An Excellent Compilation of Performances!!
By A1XH83E7KOSYFV on 2005-06-12
As soon as I saw this DVD listed for sale I bought it. Of course, I had lingering doubts in my mind as to would it be better than the Live From Geneva Recording I already owned, or would it be horrible.
Well, the good news is, I thoroughly enjoy this DVD. It's a must-have for any fan of Riverdance.
One feature I particularily enjoy and am ecstatic about is Jean Butler's narration between scenes. Although I am an English teacher in the Bronx, I also teach a section on Music Appreciation where I try and slip in Riverdance during the dance unit. With Butler's narration they'll have an easier time understanding the story behind the dancing which is an added bonus.
One thing a viewer has to become accustomed to is the fact that during many of the pieces, they switch back and forth between 3-4 different performances. The cuts are seamless, the only thing that makes them noticable is that the older performances were filmed using older means, so when you go from the Geneva performance which is extremly crisp, to the original 1995 performance where there is less quality its distracting. Other than that its terrific and I highly reccomend this DVD to anyone interested in Irish Dance or Riverdance in particular!
- Best Riverdance CD
By A1FUHMN4ZKRAA6 on 2005-09-21
This DVD contains some of the best scenes that I have seen. It is fast moving and wonderfully choreographed, with great music.
- Slush and Sludge, "The Best of Riverdance"
By ALYJZM8D7XSKE on 2006-05-16
A shocking disappointment containing very little of the Riverdance we all enjoyed so much on telelvision, a disc of which I would buy today.
This is a dreadful compilation of overly saccarine bits and pieces of all too many perfomers exhibiting their talent and craft all of which is of high caliber having little to do with Riverdance.
I am so saddened that the lovely, talented and star, Jean Butler has given her imprimatur to this disc. She is Riverdance, not Michael or Colin. There is more soul in her eyes than all of M's acrobatic display of ego and exhibitionism. Talk about mugging for camera and audience!
There is so little of Riverdance on this disc as to question "truth-in-advertising." This compilation is no more than a thinning of the mix. Amateur night.
Someone decided to make a politically correct vaudeville, slighting the headliner, offering us something for everyone instead of a celebration of "Irish."
NB. I am not Irish, to the bone.
Do not buy this disc unknowingly while expecting the show you saw on television.
- Loved Riverdance
By A1C93IPD488LHK on 2005-09-08
The dances and songs were very enjoyed by me and my family. The main thing I liked about those dances was watching that timing and rhythym was and I realized they were talented. The music was timed well with dances and songs. If that ever comes to this area I will try my best to watch them.
- energizing
By ARBAX9CEPZ773 on 2005-09-18
The DVD was excellent. The quality was what I expected and the DVD was energizing to watch. Don't watch it before going to bed for this reason.
- Good, but a little on the rough side
By A1WLADDHUJHHLS on 2006-03-03
The skipping from one dance partnership to another is a little distracting, but the information given to you by Jean Butler really adds insight to the performances. The introcution is a little long, but interseting. I love all of the extras that they give you with the DVD, but I thought that it was a little one sided when they were talking about the Original performance with Michael Flatley. They did not have any insight from him on this DVD at all. I don't know if they didn't ask or if he was unwilling to do it, but regardless I think that he could have made this a little better.
I must say that it is interesting to watch how the show has developed over the 10 years, though, like I said I wish that they would not jump to different performances as much as they did.
Over all it was a good DVD. I look forward to getting the new performance on DVD as soon as I can.
- Not True Celtic
By A14CGRZJY243VM on 2006-06-08
PASS ON THIS ONE. THE ORIGINAL WAS OK, BUT IF YOU WANT GREAT MUSIC, GREAT DANCING, AWESOME SETS, TRULY CELTIC--EVEN WITH THE HUGE EGO OF MICHAEL FLATLEY, WHO IS, BY THE WAY AN EXTRAORDINARY TALENT, BUY HIS SHOW "FEET OF FLAMES" TOTALLY TOE-TAPPING AWESOME. THIS WILL BE NO DISAPPOINTMENT LIKE THE SO CALLED "BEST OF RIVERDANCE" IT HAS NO SPANISH DANCE, NO SPIRITUALS, NO HIP-HOP, NO RUSSIAN DANCE. ALL WELL AND GOOD FOR MANY. BUT FEET OF FLAMES IS TOTALLY IRISH & CELTIC, WHICHEVER YOU WANT TO CALL IT. EMMA KILLINGBECK SCOTS&IRISH TO THE CORE
- Outstanding Documentary!
By A2HIVYSH5QAV7Z on 2007-01-03
My love of Celtic culture grew independently of the Riverdance phenomenon, nevertheless, when the two merged, it was like fire and oil, developing a bright, hot flame.
So I was pleased to find a piece of work that attempted to document the Riverdance story. I saw the very first Riverdance, performed during the Eurosong festival, and I watched it as it developed into the massively monumental work it now is. I so thoroughly enjoyed the Riverdance segment performed in Ireland for the Special Olympics (introduced by Pierce Brosnan--an Irishman) that I watched it four times in a row.
More importantly, I learned something about the characters involved in this phenomenon. I learned that yes, indeed, Michael Flatley for all his brilliance on the dance floor, has an ego the size of the Titanic (and may have the same fate some day--ah but I digress). I learned that the founders of the show were scared but determined. I learned that more than once misfortune befell the troupe, but they recovered and triumphed anyway.
This is a documentary, it is not a show. So don't expect it to flow smoothly. You may find the juxtapositions of the various versions a little unnerving, but if you can handle it, and if you are the kind of person who enjoys the backstory behind the success, this DVD is for you, and you'll not regret purchasing it.
- Fantastic
By on 2006-02-17
I myself am an Irish stepdancer and I thoroughly enjoyed 'The Best of Riverdance'. I loved 'Lift the Wing's' and 'Trading Taps' especially. This was a great performance and I would highly recommend it to anyone!
- Really best of Riverdance!
By ACTZ1KKFTFB15 on 2006-02-25
This wonderful DVD includes Riverdance 1st famous performance at Point Theater Dublin at Eurovision Song Contest 1994. You'll also see best parts from Riverdance show with Michael Flatley, including his hot dance with Maria Pages in 1995. Plus Jean Butler's comments and lots of other interesting stuff, which every Riverdance fan should watch!
- The Best of Riverdance
By A3K7S7RJNSPLKE on 2006-02-01
This is by far the best DVD I have seen in a long while. The Music is wonderful and the Dancing unbelievable......a MUST for anyone who loves MUSIC and DANCING.
- The Best Of Riverdance
By AFJWH9FETVU2X on 2006-02-27
Great DVD, love the extras, the dancing is awsome...a must buy
for everyone IRISH!
- Where's the original?
By A34Y6CCT9YMI07 on 2006-09-01
Where can I get the 'original' Riverdance -- the one we saw on TV? I have it on VHS, but it doesn't seem to be available on DVD.
- best of riverdance
By A3QFI8HOPRE9VC on 2007-01-12
as interesting as some of the background was; I purchased this dvd to enjoy the glory, power and dynamic of the Irish folkdance equated to Riverdance. The music minus the dance is understandable during a " show" but when you are compiling " a best of " from 8000+ performances there should be a predominance of the dance; the dancers didn't need time to change costumes and grab a breather in a compilation product. totally disappointing that the producer felt good about marketing this crap.
- its not the best
By A9XUB35DGJPL7 on 2007-02-12
i dont think this is the best rever dance. for me i think the first show (micheal flately and jean batler) is the best. any way i like this show and i think im really lukky to have this dvd.
- Best of Riverdance
By A1AFXHDNVM28EI on 2006-02-25
I really liked this DVD, having a granddaughter into Irish dancing made it well worthwhile. Gives a good idea on what Irish dancing is about.
- Outstanding Show and DVD
By A3S8EY6D87MOA2 on 2007-03-13
After seeing the stage production of "Riverdance" here in Melbourne, Fla. I had to order the "Best of Riverdance" pronto. I was not disappointed. It is a great show and a great DVD. Performance was one of the greatest dance troups that I ever viewed. It was a very uplifting and a real feel good show. It was well thought out and choregraphed. Each dance was woven into the overall meaning of the word "Riverdance" and the contribution that it made to that production. You are not only entertained but you actually learn something about History. The music is very inspiring and easily to get your blood flowing. I highly recommend it. You wont be disappointed.
Thanks very much. Ron Caylor
- Not good
By A3M4LN94YKN1B7 on 2007-05-25
If you are looking for riverdance get the original one. Do not waste your money on this one.
- Riverdance
By A8XVZCH9EO1AP on 2006-02-25
A little disarming when there is a transition between performances/performers but otherwise a wonderful dvd.
- Compilation
By A1R4OAFISSQRO5 on 2006-03-30
I love seeing the various performances all in one. The commentary was interesting and a good addition. The only thing better would be to have all the performances seperate to view in their entirety. I enjoyed the extra features as well.
- More than 5 stars
By A1K8K7WGP2AIM on 2006-06-14
This dvd is the best! I love the riverdance! Go Irish
- Riverdance
By A1PWXSRQU7VMG3 on 2007-01-15
Not as good as the original and the soundtrack could have used better mixing
- Delighted with both the DVD and the editing!
By A2VG3FLRKE4KX8 on 2007-05-21
Without a doubt one of the best edited and produced compilations of its kind. The editing between versions of the several productions is flawlwss and clearly illustrates the evolution of "Riverdance" over time.
The narrative and background shots "behind the scenes" add interest and appreciation for the complexity of the staging and production values.
- A great collection for fans of the show!
By A2IVEM00KU4D1K on 2007-05-25
I was intrigued by Riverdance when it first came out more than ten years ago, but I've never seen the show live and in person. I have a VHS copy of the original show lying around and I love it! When I wanted to update my copy with a DVD version of the same thing, I was surprised to learn that one is not available (anyone know when it will be available?) So, I bought the best of DVD hoping for the best but not really expecting it ...well, I was pleasantly surprised. Now, I'm not familiar with all the different versions of the show or the principal dancers (Breandan de Gallai is GEORGOUS, though), but I enjoyed seeing the different lead dancers, the different costumes and backgrounds. A previous reviewer complained about the editing of the various shows and the commentary by Jean Butler, but these elements enhanced my enjoyement of the show. In fact, I want to buy all the different versions of the show and have a whole set of Riverdance because of this DVD. I also want to get out and actually SEE the show live (anyone know when Riverdance is coming to the state of Texas again?) So, I am very satisfied with this DVD. I would recommend this DVD to anyone who likes Riverdance and to anyone who wants to get a comprehensive overview of the different shows throughout the years.
- Excellent Production-Live the Experience
By A2EE4JL55H7XU4 on 2007-11-29
As long as Riverdance has played, a busy life limited exposure to the little I have heard and a quick glimpse of a clip. Each glimpse would instantly capture my attention but there was little chance I would get the full story. When I saw the DVD on Amazon, curiousity overwhelmed my wallet. GREAT GOOGILY MOOGILY, am I ever glad I bought "The Best of Riverdance". WOW! I just HAVE to get out more and will be excited to make the 700 mile round trip drive to see it in Atlanta-2008. Better late than never.
Some pan the video edits within the Riverdance story to highlight the different principal dancers, but I appreciated it and am captured by the stories of Ireland, the power of the dance, the costumes, the band and the choir; all excellent in a foot-stomping presentation that is candy for the eyes and ears.
And still I am torn ... I don't whether you should first watch the documentary or the show ... both are fascinating. Yeah, the producers are filthy rich. They should be. They 'risked it all' into an unknown, which stands a fair chance of touring until the end of Earth time, capturing new generations. Thank you, Ireland!!
- Inspiring
By A3QU3CJY0AWJ11 on 2008-01-07
Watching this video of the Riverdance productions all over the world was to say the least, inspiring. They have done an excellent job of capturing the spirit of the production and there are times when the show just brings tears to your eyes. I bought this for my husband who is disabled and unable to attend the performance live. It was like we were right there. Just mesmerizing!
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