Michael Ball: Live at the Royal Albert Hall is a tour de force from a performer who manages to combine stardom on the British musical stage with great success as a pop performer. By the end of the 1980s he was already a yo... more »uthful veteran of some of the decade's biggest musicals, including Les Misérables and The Phantom of the Opera. But his performance in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Aspects of Love, which spawned the hit single "Love Changes Everything," turned him into a major star--a status he has maintained with bestselling albums, sellout concert tours, and television series. As this 1999 concert reveals, he is at his best singing show songs that give him a character to get his teeth into: "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables," for example. And he is a first-rate pop singer whose gallant 1992 bid for Eurovision glory is recalled with the uptempo "One Step out of Time." He favors dramatic ballads and sometimes takes them way over the top: there's more than a touch of Dusty Springfield in his histrionic gestures. But it's all delivered with an engaging charm that clearly delights the predominantly female audience. --Piers Ford« less
Genres:Music Video & Concerts Sub-Genres:Pop, Rock & Roll Studio:Hip-O Records Format:DVD - Color DVD Release Date: 11/26/2002 Theatrical Release Date: 01/01/1999 Release Year: 2002 Run Time: 1hr 30min Screens: Color Number of Discs: 1 SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Total Copies: 0 Members Wishing: 0 MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated) Languages:English
"If you are (or are not) a Michael Ball fan, this video is an incredible example of his talents. It has it all. From the serious to the comic side, Michael displays a unique mixture. His vocal range is phenomenal. If you have either of his first videos, he has matured and improves each time I see him. His acting ability shines with each serious song. His appeal to the ladies is understandable. This video has songs selected to appeal to every type of viewer. The Blues Brothers medley is a "fun to watch sequence." His Gethsemene and Empty Chairs at Empty Tables are emotion wringers. I have viewed this video so many times I fear I shall have to buy a second one."
Wow, 5.1 has been fixed
David Craig | Toronto, Canada | 06/30/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is my second review.Universal Music has now remastered this DVD and I am pleased (thrilled!) to report that all is well with the Dolby 5.1 track. I have just watched Love Changes Everything in 5.1 mode and the video matches the sound perfectly.So how do I rate this DVD? There are certainly some songs on this DVD that are a bit slow and not too exciting. However at least half of the songs are simply "stunning" and, of course, Love Changes Everything turns me into a quivering bowl of jelly every time, so I have to give it a 5 of 5."
"musicals & film music delivers a star ~ Michael Ball"
J. Lovins | Missouri-USA | 01/20/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Michael Ball takes DVD performances to another level with a strong connection between musicals and film scores. Michael's pure voice and interpretation is nothing less than perfection in motion, will totally captivate the moment. Each cue is beautiful, with a trace of dramatic melancholy that draws you completely in immediately.You can feel his peaceful and mellow mood with "EVERYBODY'S TALKIN'", a great tune sung originally by Glen Campbell and a hit was born, but Michael's voice brings a new meaning to this classic ~ another sensitive song "LOVE ON THE ROCKS", the Neil Diamond hit attains new heights with this arrangement and performance ~ memories sends us to "THE WAY WE WERE"/"THE ROSE", a medley that brings new feelings of passion and love, as emotion is conveyed with the power and smooth style of Michael's performance. When asked of John Barry the composer~of all the James Bond themes which is his favorite, his reply was "WE HAVE ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD", is also one of my favorite themes, originally sung by Louis Armstrong in "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" was a highlight in the film, but this rendition on the DVD is incredible.Most highly recommend this DVD, exceeds all expectations and then some. Michael's voice will touch every emotion and fiber in your body, and at the same time bring a tear to your eye. Michael Ball has an extraordinary gift and he shares it with his fans and friends---you couldn't ask for anything more, gotta love it!Total Time: 90 minutes ~ Hip-O/Universal 088-111-992-9 ~ (2002)"
ENJOYED ACT II MORE THAN ACT I
David Craig | 05/02/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I enjoyed Michael's performance very much and only had the four songs he performed at the 50th birthday celebration for Andrew Lloyd Weber on DVD at Royal Albert Hall to compare this live performance to.I only found Michael a few short months ago, and am overwhelmed by his talent.I really enjoyed the opening of the concert and how as he was singing "Hot Stuff" he showed portions of the concert and I eagerly awaited each song to see how he would perform it.I was a little disappointed with Act I, due to the mood of some of the songs he sang, even though I did enjoy "Something Inside So Strong, "Oh What A Circus," and of course "Gethsemane." Each time I watch him since "Gethsemane," I am moved tremendously by the amount of emotion and feeling he puts into performing it. I am a Bette Midler fan and love to hear her sing "The Rose," but Michael's version touches me in a way I cannot even explain.Act II was much more fun for me. It was my first experience seeing Michael in a "playful" mood, and when he finished up with "Help Yourself" before his signature song, "Love Changes Everything," I don't know how those ladies in the front row were containing themselves from jumping up on the stage. I have only had the DVD for three days and have watched him perform "Help Yourself" so many times I lost count. I wonder if Tom Jones has seen this performance? WOW!I have to admit I was unsure if I should purchase the DVD due to comments made about it at this website. I was concerned that I would not be able to get Michael's mouth in sync with the words to the music, but the comments here were very helpful and by following the advice posted, I fixed the problem straight away and settled in for what I think was an overall very enjoyable experience."
Wow!
J. Lovins | 10/13/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a video you will want to view over and over again! Michael Ball is so very talented! There is such a variety of songs, and the orchestration is great. Michael lends his acting talent to each and every song. I can't imagine anyone else singing Gethsemane, but Michael Ball! You won't want to take your eyes off of him, during this song, especially. He sings slow serious songs, upbeat songs, and clowns around when singing the Blues Brothers medley, and Just Help Yourself. I really enjoyed watching this show, and it is one of my favorites. If you love Michael Ball's voice, you have just got to have this video, as watching Michael perform his songs, is twice the pleasure!"