A Christmas Celebration Reviews

• A New All Time Hoilday Classic!

  
  By A2Z55FWWQPLKXD on 2007-10-06
  The lovely and all so talented young women from the Emerald Isle have once again achieved perfection. The long awaited Christmas DVD "A Christmas Celebration" is finally out and is it ever a treat for the whole family! Shot in Dublin, back in July just three weeks after the show completed a wildly successful five month concert tour of the US performing the "A New Journey" show. Dazzling in the most beautiful gowns and lovely stage settings Orla, Lisa, Chloe, Mairead and Meav (making her farewell appearance, sorry that's what we're told) breath new life into many of our favorite Christmas classics. Backed by the world famous Irish Film Orchestra, the Celtic Woman band and choir,
  the ensemble entertain to the max!
  A few of the highlights, and beleive me there are many- White Christmas: Chloe, Lisa and Meav, The Little Drummer Boy: duet by Orla and Chloe, Oh Holy Night: ensemble, Away in a Manger: Orla, The Christmas Song: Lisa, O Come All Ye Faithful: ensemble, Let It Snow: ensemble, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas: ensemble, The First Noel: ensemble, The Christmas Song: Lisa and many more.
  These very gifted young women blew this writer away with their first concert and they just keep getting better and better. The "A New Journey" live at Slane Castle is from all aspects a perfect music video yet the "A Christmas Celebration" takes perfection to a higher level. With the great success the show is having the girls appear to be having more fun than ever if that's possible. We'll really miss Meav, her wonderful voice, charm and grace is irreplaceable and we hope she can rejoin the show somewhere down lifes road.
  
  

• Best Christmas Yet!!

  
  By A20CY6ADZFX6RG on 2007-10-10
  Every time I think there is no way the lovely and talented ladies of CELTIC WOMAN could possibly out-do themselves, they do!! Every time I think there is no way they could top this, they do!! They just keep getting better and better. More beautiful. More lovely, to both the ears AND the eyes. More talented. Even more gifted, if that's somehow possible. I have seen CELTIC WOMAN live in concert numerous times. They are simply amazing! Simply the most gifted, talented performers you could ever hope to see and hear. And yet, they just keep getting better! (For those of you who may be unaware or, not entirely sure ... yes Meav did depart CW. She has decided to spend more time on her own solo [musical] projects as well as more time with her family. Meav is of enormous talent, beauty, grace and class. She is first-rate in every sense of the word and she will be sorely missed as part of one of the most incredibly gifted group of performers/vocalists I have ever encountered. [Meav, we wish you all the best in all you do]. Stepping in is Lynn Hilary who is herself a very beautiful and talented singer. She has worked in Riverdance and in fact her and Lisa [Kelly] have worked together previously. So Lynn is no stranger to this type of music or performance. She is also of pure Irish/Gaelic decent. We welcome Lynn aboard and will see her on the Fall 2007 Tour).
  
  This "A Christmas Celebration" DVD is easily, by far, the most beautiful Christmas Concert I have ever seen. This is MUST HAVE!! If you like Christmas Music, you will enjoy this offering. If you like Christmas Music AND are a CELTIC WOMAN fan, you will not believe your ears and your eyes!! I know (first hand) how incredibly talented and beautiful Lisa, Meav, Orla, Chloe and Mairead are and yet, I was positively STUNNED by the beauty of this performance. It is SO far beyond even what I had expected, that I still can't get over this performance. I rec'd my copy the day is was officially released (Tuesday 10/02/2007) and have watched this, twice a day, every day since receiving it. I don't usually start with Christmas Music until Thanksgiving. But I knew there was no way I could last that long, just from knowing how talented these ladies are AND from looking at the beautiful DVD package/cover. I had to play it. I did play it. And now, like so many others, I can't STOP playing it. They are beyond anything you could imagine. I have never, never heard nor seen anything so beautiful in my life! As one other reviewer here said ... "don't walk, RUN to your nearest music store and get this for yourself". The most amazing Christmas Concert you could ever hope to see, performed by five unbelievably beautiful and talented Angels. As a 'bonus', if you will, the Choir and the Orchestra are also in top form. They ALL deserve tons of credit for this performance. This was also a beautifully shot/filmed performance as well. The ladies never looked lovlier and the stage and lighting are also done to perfection.
  
  Every, single number is stunningly beautiful but ... Some of the highlights are:
  
  "Carol Of The Bells" (opening number).
  "Little Drummer Boy" (beautifully done by Orla and Chloe and Ray on the snare).
  "The Wexford Carol" (again, beautifully done by the one and only beautiful Meav).
  "Christmas Pipes" (is out of this world)!
  and closing the show is ...
  
  a Big Band rendition of "Let It Snow" (that is NOT to be missed)!
  
  Enjoy and oh what a Merry Christmas, thanks to CELTIC WOMAN!!
  
  
  

• Did I miss something?

  
  By A1ZZ6US6UV3RVB on 2007-11-11
  I give 5 stars for the beautiful angelic voices of these fine singers, 0 stars for the spirit of the season being conveyed through visual imagery, and 1 star for creativity and innovation. Let me begin by saying that after the spectacular and magical "A New Journey" DVD I had very high expectations. Unfortunately, there's no magic here. The stage lacks the warm nurturing coziness one is comforted by during the cold winter months, with large garish lighted graphics as the central backdrop and on the floor where the women stand. There does appear to be some bare trees back there but the imagery doesn't come through well as being a winter scene. Then, the production just starts off with no coaxing into any kind of mood. But I think the thing I object to most are the pastel colors of the dresses. I thought for sure they would change costumes at least once, but they didn't. I understand this was filmed in July and it looks like it -- complete with tanned bare shoulders and bright pastel dresses. The only thing Christmasy about this DVD are the songs which are very good traditional holiday fare. By the way, why have Chloe sing Pannis Angelicus again? It's excellent but I've seen her do this number many times and would have appreciated something new. When they made the New Journey DVD it looked like they were having fun. I don't see that here, except for the last number. Remarkably, this is a somewhat somber collection. The whole thing leaves me wondering why this DVD was made??? My guess is to capitalize on an enthusiastic audience and put a lot on money in the bank. My suggestion is skip the DVD and get the CD if you just love the women's voices singing the traditional Christmas numbers.
  
  

• Stunning and Beautiful

  
  By A1WGVQ30L4EF7F on 2007-10-04
  Simply Stunning and Beautiful is all I can say to describe this latest offering from Celtic Woman. This has probably the best video quality of their three DVD's. The music and vocals are top notch as always. These girls were made to do these timeless Christmas classics. Everything they do just has the magical touch that leaves you sitting back and basking in a dreamland of pure beauty both to the eyes and ears. A must have for any Celtic Woman fan and definitely a must have for any fan of Christmas music.
  
  

• This Is The Best Christmas or Any Other DVD I Have Ever Seen

  
  By A3EIDISMWG7D07 on 2007-10-06
  A Christmas Celebration
  
  I have had this dvd for three days now and have watched it 17 times. I don't remember ever watching any dvd more than once or twice at the most. You will find this to be a beautiful concert in every way. Run don't walk to the nearest music store now or order it right here.
  
  
• Good, but not great
  By A27FK04WGPSEF7 on 2007-12-04
  Of the 3 CW DVDs, this is my least favorite. No question, the women can sing and sing very well. However, for a Xmas concert, there's almost NO atmosphere at all in it. They are not dressed in holiday attire, the stage and backdrop are not decorated, etc. It is as if they came out and sang Xmas songs in May wearing some rather frumpy dresses and called it the holidays. The concert from Slane was much better.
  
  
• Not worth it :-(
  By on 2007-11-28
  I agree with the review from Teresa J. Mitchel "bkuming" (Fresno, CA)
  
  I absolutely love Celtic Woman, but this DVD is unspectacular and unoriginal. Most songs are very soporific and have neither the pace nor the catchiness of songs from the Helix Center DVD and the Celtic Woman: A New Journey DVD.
  
  I recommend checking this out from a library first before committing to buying it.
  
  Do not let this be your first introduction to this one-of-a-kind ensemble. I recommend that you instead go with Celtic Woman: A New Journey (filmed at Slane Castle), and then the original Celtic Woman DVD (filmed at the Helix Center.) If you already have both of those DVDs, skip this DVD and buy just the Christmas Celebration CD, if you really think that you will love these songs.
  
  The only good song on this DVD is the first one.
  
  
• celtic wonders
  By A1N4H7PZBPD8AA on 2007-10-21
  wow the picture is incredible i dont have an hd tv but with a picture like this one who needs hd tv also incredible sound.the ladies are wonderful.
  
  
• A Great Christmas Gift
  By A1TMAVN4CEM8U8 on 2007-12-01
  Celtic Woman; A Christmas Celebration
  
  I can't think of a better Christmas gift to give someone than this DVD, fantastic music and easy to look at women.
  
  Question? Do they not wear slips in Ireland? Look at the fiddle player closely.
  
  Highly recommended for fans of Celtic woman.
  
  Gunner December, 2007
  
  
  
• Celtic perfection of beauty, class, style and grace.
  By A1QDZ919YMYM9X on 2007-10-10
  Perfection in a DVD. A great addition to the other two DVD's of this wonderful Group of talented woman and other performers. I have been blessed to see them twice in Philadelphia, Pa. USA and lucky enough to consider them friends. Having met David, Orla, Chloe' and Maread and seeing and waving to Lisa and Meav I have been in awe of them and their music. Many a day turned around for me in amongst a lot of saddness and loss over the last two years. For the most uplifting gift to one's self or someone you love, run and get this, you will not be sorry you did. This Christmas concert was a treat all on its own level. Really surpassed my expectations. I would personally suggest all the DVDs and CDs of this group and of their own singular albums, all fantastic. Sorry to hear of Meav leaving but wish her well, a beautifully talented woman who will be back we hope for reunions. We welcome Lyn Hilary as her replacement and look forward to getting to know her. Thank you David and others for bringing us this wonderful music and class act of performers. God bless each of you involved in this group of CW. May you have many more tours, music and appearances. Thank you for making life a bit more sweeter and a hole lot more worth the living. Love, Dennis K. Yates and life partner Kenneth G. Hartman.
  
  
• Christmas at its best
  By A3TPQHOBDOJ4L4 on 2007-10-27
  Celtic Woman out do themselves! This is Christmas music at its best. Each song is more beautiful than the last. this dvd and the cd that is also available are a must have. I have had this dvd for a couple of weeks noe and I have been watching it daily. These ladies and their beautiful voices will lift your spirits. They seem to sing from the soul. They have fun and it is very evident that they enjoy what they are doing. My sister and I own everything that the Celtic Woman as a group have put out and all of the available cd's (and dvd's in some cases) that each of these ladies have on the market. Excellant does not really describe the quality of this dvd. We can not wait until their next project is available.
  
  
• At a Loss for Words...
  By A209QRVZ99UQDC on 2007-12-09
  This is my first introduction to the Celtic Women. I honestly don't know what to say. My words pale in comparison to these talented ladies.
  
  The voices angelic, the music heavenly, as if God opened the sky and dropped His angels to earth, lending them to us weary humans for the Christmas season. There's no other explanation.
  
  Tender and beautiful music. Every note is spot on. The blending of voice and fiddle is exquisite and perfect every time.
  
  Absolute perfection.
  
  Thank you, God.
  
  
• An Ethereal Yuletide Celtic Delight, except...............
  By AAUAOPPH3PBB2 on 2007-12-10
  The beautiful Celtic ladies have done it again. Providing splendiferous individual performances along with a beautiful blend of group harmony, the original gals of Celtic Woman provide us with an enjoyable catalog of yuletide favorites, ending with an out of the box performance of "Let It Snow", complete with falling snow. All in all a truly enjoyable offering for all and especially for fans of Celtic Woman!
  
  My one star deduction is that the entire performance just doesn't have a Christmas atmosphere. From the lovely but Easter-like pastel gowns to an absent red-green setting; it just doesn't feel like Christmas. They all had nice summer tans as the performance was taped in July (I think).
  
  Never the less, I will buy to add to my Celtic Woman collection along with souvenirs purchased when I saw them live on stage. If you ever have the opportunity to see them live, don't hesitate. They're even more spectacular!
  
  
• A Fine Take on Some Christmas Classics
  By A4NXA2IJNE10H on 2008-04-28
  With the success of their CDs, DVDs, and concert tours, the ensemble group Celtic Woman was sure to release a Christmas DVD and this effort is wonderful. Produced by David Downes, this DVD features Christmas Carols and Christmas songs performed both as solos by the members of the group and as ensemble arrangements. I found the performances to be polished, the arrangements generally well suited to the talent, and the recording is excellent. The DVD features additional tracks not found on the CD.
  
  Highlights include Orla on "Away in the Manger," an ensemble performance of "Oh Holy Night," and "The Little Drummer Boy" performed by Chloe and Orla. Lisa Kelly also puts her experience in musical theater to good use in a fine rendition of Mel Torme's classic, "The Christmas Song."
  
  My disappointments are few. The rendition of "Carol of the Bells" was arranged as a feature for fiddle player Mairead Nesbitt. While her performance is excellent, I cannot think of a Christmas song better suited to the a cappella vocal talents of Celtic Woman. I found "Green the Whole Year Round" to be forgetable as a Christmas song and even the vocal talents of Lisa Kelly could not save it. The DVD did help me make sense of the uncharactericly jazzy arrangement of "Let It Snow." The intro, which is not on the CD, helps make the reason for the number clear and it is much more enjoyable to see it then to only hear it.
  
  Overall, this is a very enjoyable Christmas video with perfromances by some extremely talented ladies. I highly recommend it. Merry Christmas and God bless corset dresses!
  
  
• A SUPERIOR Christmas Celebration DVD !!!!
  By A1FBMAT1LJQMJM on 2007-11-01
  I watched "A Christmas Celebration" several times and think it the best yet. The Girls are in perfect tone and pitch and look as lovely as I have ever seen them! The visual and audio were fantastic! The music was perfectly balanced and the girls sounded wonderful! It was great! There was no downside to the performance. Mairead sounded and looked fantastic even though more subdued than normal. Her rendering of "In the Bleak Mid Winter" was absolutely and wonderfully fantastic! I thought she was great as was the whole group! I did , however, miss Hayley. It did not detract from my opinion of the performance, I just thought she would have made another great contribution. In the song "Little Drummer Boy," I thought the effect and sight of Ray playing an over sized toy snare drum was super. I also liked the girls popping out of the choir - it surprised me very pleasantly. Even though I think Mairead did a great job, I also enthusiastically believe all the girls were great as was the rest of the cast and crew. The Choir was outstanding. The filming,editing and sound is superior. I could name each of the girls and rave about their individual performances all day and into the night.
  
  This is the best Music DVD produced by anyone all year and maybe for the next and past few years! ABSOLUTELY THE BEST IN/OF CHRISTMAS MUSIC!!! I believe it sets the STANDARD for any who choose to follow.
  
  If you like or want superior, fantastic, very well done, inspirational Christmas Music, this is the DVD for you!!! You may even want to buy several and give them as quality gifts to good friends and family.
  
  Art D.
  
  
  
  
• Celtic Woman Christmas dvd
  By A2GY3459YO4NOZ on 2007-11-01
  As usual the girls were excellent. To watch and hear them has to be the closest to heaven on earth you can get.We have all their DVD's and will continue our collection as they become available. The highest rating goes to this masterpiece.
  
  
• Mrs T
  By A1K0D42GWZX6Q4 on 2007-11-02
  They have done it again..Celtic women.
  The songs are well chosen and all have that wonderful signature sound. All the girls look beautifully lit and their sound is true to their talents.
  This is a beautifully shot and packaged DVD and I look forward to sending all my family and friends a copy for Xmas.
  The lighting is stunning and the girls voices are surreal and angelic.Its definitely a must for any fan of Xmas music or the multitudes of Celtic Woman fans...Look forward to their next DVD whatever that maybe!
  
  
• Celtic Woman Christmas Celebration
  By APVOOES6LM5EV on 2007-11-02
  I loved this show. It is visually great and the song arrangements are always fantastic. These ladies and the orchestra and choir are the best.
  I would highly recommend this product. It is a must have if you are a Celtic Woman fan!
  
  
• Christmas music done right.
  By A221BRO72C6BIP on 2007-11-02
  The Celtic Women never let me down with their angelic voices and vibrant fiddler. Their Christmas album and DVD are no exception. Producer/Composer David Downes returned to his original formula. The ladies are back at Helix where the first DVD was filmed. The ladies don't change gowns and remain in the same dresses throughout the show.
  This is Meav's farewell performance and her voice is top form. Meav's Silent Night is a show stopper early on. Her duet with Chloe on Don Oíche Úd I mBeithil is breathtaking. Meav steals the show on the Wexford Carol.
  Orlah is the second show stopper. Her duet with Chloe on the Little Drummer boy is lovely. She was the perfect choice to do Away in a Manger. Her celtic voice suits it perfectly.
  Mairead does a great job on Carol of Bells. Lisa and Chloe are wonderful as well. Your Christmas DVD collection is not complete without this work of art. We'll miss you Meav, but with this DVD we can always remember you at your best.
  
  
• Cectic lover
  By A2RECEBPNCKLXC on 2007-11-03
  This just one more of the great cd's & Dvd's put together by the Celtic Woman. Everything they do is super, supurb and Great!
  
  
• Another hit
  By A20XFC7QXT0SX7 on 2007-11-30
  just got this yesterday and watched it. The words Outstanding, wonderful and fabulous come to mind. The ladies put on another great perfomance. And be sure to watch "Let It Snow" a definate departure from thier usual songs but oh what fun..........
  
  
• Phenomenal!
  By A11Z1RDUHTA0Q6 on 2007-12-03
  I had heard about Celtic Woman before but had never heard any of their music. After seeing the two video clips on Amazon.com I had to order their Christmas DVD.
  
  Their music is so refreshing and just phenomenal. Their voices are so beautiful, they sound like they are classically trained. And I love Miread's violin/fiddle playing. She really makes the show outstanding the way she plays and moves with the music! The orchestra and chorus are first rate and everything comes together in a beautiful performance.
  
  Now, I would love to see them in concert!
  
  Highly recommended!!!
  
  
• good DVD for Celtic Women fans
  By AF28OZF8GQCCT on 2007-12-11
  Nice selection of Christmas songs and they sound really good -no extras on the DVD is a bit disappointing
  
  
• A Wonderful Collection of Christmas Songs
  By A2HTB0YFLXGZN on 2007-12-15
  To take one smart reviewer's advice, don't get too caught up in what others are writing, just say what you think. So, I'm doing my review over....
  I don't write too many reviews, but when I love something as wonderful as these five talented women, I just have to let my feelings out.
  I gave this collection of Christmas songs five stars; because, they are sung beautifully by Chloe, Meav, Orla, And Lisa. Then there's Mairead, with her violin, just enchanting!!
  Three stars for the ambiance. There is very little Christmas decor; the orchestra is practically sitting in the dark. The only brightness are the dresses; Lisa in yellow, Meav in lilac, Chloe in pink, Orla in aqua and Mairead in a paler blue version.
  All the favorite Christmas songs were sung. "Carol of the Bells" opened the show, "Drummer Boy" was done beautifully by Orla and Chloe, and "Christmas Pipes" were my three favorite songs. Lisa sung a new song, "Green the Whole Year Round" which was different. I liked it.
  The last song "Let It Snow"(with falling snow coming down) was jazzed up by the girls with their own rendition of it.
  You can tell by how the girls perform now, that they've improved so much throughout their years together. I'll be so sorry to see Meav leave though, being this is her last performance with Celtic Women. A new girl, Lynn Hilary will be taking her place. I know Meav will succeed in whatever she does, but I will miss her. I hope she returns every now and then.
  So, just sit back and enjoy these songs performed by these five beautiful women. Happy Holidays to all.
  
  
  
  
  
• Do Heaven's Angels Sound this Sweet?
  By ARS15AIZOF56 on 2007-12-21
  If I were to hear music from Heaven-this "group" would be it! The outfits in this DVD would fit the same description-"angelic". What a lullaby for the Baby Jesus!
  
  As always Celtic Woman does NOT disappoint!
  
  
• Celtic Woman
  By A268083P1ME9YW on 2007-12-25
  Watching this video is a beautiful experience. It's one of the best Christmas programs that I have ever seen and it is now a big part of our family Christmas viewing tradition.
  
  
• OMG THIS IS WONDERFUL!!
  By AMA76JC0IKETM on 2007-12-26
  This DVD of the Dublin performance is WONDERFUL. The arrangements are great, they stayed true to each Christmas song yet made them standout. The Celtic Women as they are called are also wonderful. The guys will love this as well as all of the ladies are truely beautiful!! I highly reccomend this to everyones Christmas favorites to watch each holiday season. And as alway at AMAZON it is affordable!!
  
  
• LOVE IT! LOVE IT! LOVE IT!
  By A1EQ9SG9M3W5FN on 2007-12-26
  Great DVD no matter how many times you watch it. I'm not much for Christmas albums but after seeing it on PBS I had to have it. Watched it again last night for the sixth time.
  
  
• Celtic Woman, another hit
  By A21DUBWS2DUJIK on 2007-12-27
  Probably will play this throughout the year as it will be better than waiting until next Christmas season to hear it again. Great orchestration and a wonderful blending of voices including the backup vocalazation.
  
  
• Fantastic!
  By A19NHW461GZYCR on 2007-12-27
  This DVD has become a Christmas favorite. The music features a full orchestra, small choir, and large choir, as well as the lead Celtic Women singers. The lighting effects enhance the experience, and the many cameras used make one feel as if they are, indeed, there. The song "Christmas Pipes" is worth the price of the DVD, even if it were the only selection on it. Don't pass this up! Get one right away!!
  
  

• Celtic Woman - A New Journey: Live at Slane Castle, Ireland
• A Christmas Celebration
• Celtic Woman
• A New Journey
• Noel