Search - Keali'i Reichel: Kukahi - Live In Concert [HD DVD] on HD DVD

Kukahi Keali`i Reichel Live In Concert a must-have

Joseph N. Donaghy II | Hilo, HI United States | 11/03/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Punahele Productions has released performances from Keali'i Reichel's "Kukahi" concert series on both standard as well as HD DVD formats. "Kukahi" has clearly set the standard for Hawai'i concert DVDs in every way.

Keali'i Reichel and Punahele Productions have brought together performances from 2005 at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center and from 2006 at the Blaisdell Arena to create two "Kukahi" DVD offerings - one in standard DVD format and the second in HD DVD. Each contains an astounding 26 musical performances, many accompanied by his Halau Ke'alaokamaile and kumu hula Keali'i Ceballos from California. I received a copy of the standard DVD, and even in this format the video quality and cinematography are spectacular. The video frequently cuts away to both scenic and underwater footage that fit the mood and theme of the mele being performed. The quality of the audio recording and mixing is equally outstanding.

The DVD opens with a series of oli (chants) some featuring Keali'i's voice alone and others which are accompanied by hula. It then launches into hmeni (western-influenced songs) accompanied by his band and dancers. They include a pleasant mix of his own compositions, Puakea Nogelmeier's masterful "Melelana", Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett's "Ka 'Eha Ke Aloha", as well as many traditional favorites. Ben Vegas performs his composition "Pua Nani" while being accompanied by Keali'i and his background vocalists. Keali'i's marvelous sense of humor and dedication to the Hawaiian language and culture are on display throughout the video, particular his explanation of mele ma'i (procreation chants/songs).

Bonus features included a long and well-deserved tribute to kumu hula George Holokai, who passed away one year ago this past week, as well as a video retrospective of Keali'i's career, his appearances and victories at the Na Hku Hanohano Awards.

"Kukahi" has clearly set the standard for Hawai'i concert DVDs in every way. I'll be buying a couple to give as gifts this holiday season - perhaps you should to."

FABULOUS! EXCEEDS ALL EXPECTATIONS!!! GREAT GIFT IDEA!

MauiMe | Boston | 12/06/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Kukahi is a fabulous vision of lovliness. You do not know what Hawaiian music is unless and until you have feasted your eyes on this concert DVD. Keali'i Reichel has, in just a dozen years of his singing career, mastered the art. He is true to his Hawaiian roots. He is passionate about teaching us real Hawaiian history and culture. This DVD exceeds all expectations, for it is not only absolutely beautifully shot, you are there, in the theatre, experiencing his show. The song selection is outstanding, and he shows us some of the ancient chant, as well. Everything he does, even if in the Hawaiian language, he explains in English, for his mission is to teach and have us understand. His voice is soothing and in perfect pitch. Although he has ventured into a professional singing career only for these past twelve years, he has been a Kuma Hula (Hula Master,) for over twenty, and this shows. His numerous dancers shine with every step, and are always perfectly synchronized. Their costumes are lovely and numerous. You will find no fake huge smiles plastered on their faces, but expressions from their hearts as they perform perfectly throughout the over two hour show. Although he had three concerts that weekend, cameras were allowed only into one, which itself shows Keali'i's courage of conviction and confidence. Buy this one and be amazed."

After 1 month of waiting for HD DVD version, DISAPPOINTING!

wewa | honolulu | 12/17/2007

(1 out of 5 stars)

"UPDATE 03-13-08:
I received another copy of the HD DVD version of Kukahi and nothing has changed on my equipment.
I still have the Toshiba HD-A2, my 50" Plasma, and the images are decent for HD movie titles.
Unfortunately, I don't have the original HD DVD disc of Kukahi I purchased a few months ago, so I cannot compare and see what was different.
Not sure if I somehow had a standard DVD instead of HD the first time around, or some of my settings were wrong on my equipment (I always double check this stuff), but it is of HD quality video. Its not reference quality, but its definitely better than a standard DVD.
As long as all the current remaining HD DVD discs are of the same as I received now, I would update my rating from 1 star to 3.5 stars.
Mahalo.

PREVIOUS ORIGINAL REVIEW:
Based on the previous 2 customers 5 star reviews, i went out and bought a copy of Kukahi HD DVD version.

I am not a big fan of hula, but I live in Hawaii all my life. I have been exposed to hula in many ways, May Day in elementary school every year, going to Polynesian Cultural Center, taking visiting family & friends to Luaus, etc. If you are born and raised in Hawaii, its impossible not to be immersed in the Hawaiian culture.

But I mainly purchased this HD DVD as a videophile. I have a home theater, and always looking for software and movie titles that have a stellar video or audio production and mastering quality so i can show off and enjoy my 50" plasma and 5.1 DD/DTS system.

This is a disappointing HD DVD from a videophile perspective. The video quality is poor, and it looks like a SD DVD was just directly transferred to HD DVD format. Isn't there a rule against this? This is so wrong. Its like if I took a VHS tape of a show I recorded years ago, and then transferred it to a DVD with my DVDR recorder, and told people that I have the DVD version of that show. Most will expect 480p quality when they play the DVD, and will be extremely disappointed.

I had to double check the label on the disc, and look at the indicator on my Toshiba A2 to make sure it wasn't a mistake SD disc, and that I was indeed watching a HD DVD title in my unit.

I don't know what these amazon reviewers are talking about, when they rave about the video quality, but the hint is when he mentions that he 'received a copy of the standard DVD' so now I realize he is actually reviewing the SD DVD, and posted it on the HD DVD title page. But it turns out that the same quality is on the HD DVD version as well!

I work with videographers, cameramen, and others (ESPN, CBS sports, etc.) frequently in my computer consulting business (Final Cut Pro, Media 100, Avid, etc.), and so I know what has occurred in production so I will spare you the gory details.

I am embarassed that the first outing of a HD DVD from Hawaii is going to be soon known as a piece of junk.
Its release date on HD DVD was pushed back many times and I waited and hunted over a month to find it on HD DVD.
If you are a videophile enthusiast, I would stay away from this and save yourself $25.
Batman Begins is a much better HD DVD reference title, and I thought Dukes of Hazzard was a bad HD DVD title for videophiles, but now, compared to this, DOH is at least a REAL HD DVD."

Keali`i no ka oi!!!!!!!

Karyn Spencer | 04/15/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mahalo nui loa Keali`i for all your aloha and mana. You are a true example of all that is good and nani in Hawai'i Nei. Me ke aloha kaua, Kalyna Spencer"