Music & Musicals
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Loreena McKennitt: Nights from the Alhambra
rating:3.7

Loreena McKennitt: Nights from the Alhambra

2006Runtime:0 minutes
Celtic-New Age-world music sensation Loreena McKennitt brings her trademark ethereal stylings to Spain's most historic medieval fortress, the Alhambra, for a mystical evening of music. Backed by a stellar band, McKennitt delivers magical renditions of "The Mystic's Dream," "The Mummers' Dance," "The Bonny Swans," "Santiago," "Dante's Prayer" and "Cymbeline."

Directed by:

  • Julia Knowles
  • rating:3.7 3.7 Average Rating

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    High Lonesome: The Story of Bluegrass Music
    rating:3.7

    High Lonesome: The Story of Bluegrass Music

    1994Runtime:0 minutes
    Longtime fans of bluegrass music and those only recently discovering it will appreciate this documentary on the genre, which was born of a combination of African and Celtic sounds and is the base of American country music. This film traces the musical form from its Appalachian roots to the present and features more than 100 songs performed by legends such as Bill Monroe, the Stanley Brothers, Mac Wiseman, Jimmy Martin, Flatt & Scruggs and others.

    Directed by:

  • Rachel Liebling
  • rating:3.7 3.7 Average Rating

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    Joni Mitchell: Woman of Heart and Mind
    rating:3.7

    Joni Mitchell: Woman of Heart and Mind

    2003Runtime:0 minutes
    Joni Mitchell's career as a singer-songwriter and painter is extensively profiled in this in-depth documentary, which originally aired as part of the PBS American Masters series. Take a look at this prolific artist as she reflects on a career that spans decades and includes some of the most influential music of that era.

    Directed by:

  • Susan Lacy
  • rating:3.7 3.7 Average Rating

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    Across the Universe
    rating:3.7

    Across the Universe

    2007Runtime:0 minutes
    In this musical mix of live action and animation featuring songs by the Beatles, Liverpool dock worker Jude falls for Lucy on an excursion to America in the 1960s. But when Lucy's brother is drafted, Jude and Lucy take a stand as anti-war activists.

    Directed by:

  • Julie Taymor
  • rating:3.7 3.7 Average Rating

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    Harp Dreams
    rating:3.7

    Harp Dreams

    2010Runtime:0 minutes
    Blythe Danner narrates this music-driven documentary about the prestigious USA International Harp Competition, a discriminating contest held every three years that attracts talented harpists from all over the world. With footage shot in the United States, Paris, Moscow and Zurich, Switzerland, the film follows a handful of young contenders all vying for the coveted grand prize: a lucrative recording contract and a priceless instrument.

    Directed by:

  • Susan Schwibs
  • rating:3.7 3.7 Average Rating

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    Africa Unite
    rating:3.7

    Africa Unite

    2008Runtime:0 minutes
    This documentary tribute to legendary reggae icon Bob Marley centers on the Marley clan's 2005 visit to Ethiopia, in which they perform a live musical salute to the family luminary, with more than 300,000 fans in attendance. The film also includes never-before-seen footage of Marley, along with a soundtrack full of his studio hits and appearances by the likes of Danny Glover and matriarch Cedella Marley Booker.

    Directed by:

  • Stephanie Black
  • rating:3.7 3.7 Average Rating

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    Eric Clapton: Live in Hyde Park
    rating:3.6

    Eric Clapton: Live in Hyde Park

    1997Runtime:0 minutes
    Eric Clapton is on a tier of his own in the world of music. A guitar genius who elevates songs he sings to classics, he's even more impressive onstage, as seen here in this live June 1996 concert at London's Hyde Park. With his signature aplomb, Clapton runs through some of his most memorable and iconic hits, including "I Shot the Sheriff," "Old Love," "Every Day I Have the Blues," "Have You Ever Loved a Woman?" and "Wonderful Tonight."

    Directed by:

  • Julia Knowles
  • rating:3.6 3.6 Average Rating

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    Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel
    rating:3.6

    Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel

    2009Runtime:0 minutes
    Alvin (voiced by Justin Long), Simon (Matthew Gray Gubler) and Theodore (Jesse McCartney) are back, along with their careworn manager, Dave (Jason Lee), and this time they have competition: The Chipettes (Anna Faris, Christina Applegate and Amy Poehler), hired by Dave's nemesis, Ian Hawke (David Cross). Cameron Richardson, Zachary Levi and Wendie Malick also lend their voice talents for this good-time live-action/CGI sequel.

    Directed by:

  • Betty Thomas
  • rating:3.6 3.6 Average Rating

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    Songcatcher
    rating:3.6

    Songcatcher

    2000Runtime:0 minutes
    During a visit to her sister in Appalachia, a gifted musicologist stumbles upon a musical treasure trove of dozens of Scots-Irish ballads that have been preserved for generations by the local populace and are unknown to the outside world.

    Directed by:

  • Maggie Greenwald
  • rating:3.6 3.6 Average Rating

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    Strange Powers: Stephin Merritt and the Magnetic Fields
    rating:3.6

    Strange Powers: Stephin Merritt and the Magnetic Fields

    2010Runtime:0 minutes
    A decade in the making, this documentary by filmmakers Kerthy Fix and Gail O'Hara examines the career of prolific singer-songwriter Stephin Merritt, the enigmatic, deep-voiced heart and soul of indie pop band the Magnetic Fields.

    Directed by:

  • Kerthy Fix
  • Gail O'Hara
  • rating:3.6 3.6 Average Rating

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    Joan Baez: How Sweet the Sound
    rating:3.6

    Joan Baez: How Sweet the Sound

    2009Runtime:0 minutes
    Celebrating the life and career of folk legend and activist Joan Baez, this documentary features a wealth of archival footage, recent performances and interviews with David Crosby, Jesse Jackson, Bob Dylan and others. Her performance at the Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island and footage of her human rights activism highlight her public persona, while a candid chat with ex-husband David Harris offers a private glimpse into this American icon.

    Directed by:

  • Mary Wharton
  • rating:3.6 3.6 Average Rating

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    Madonna: Celebration: The Video Collection
    rating:3.5

    Madonna: Celebration: The Video Collection

    2009Runtime:0 minutes
    A companion to the career-spanning double album "Celebration," this anthology features 47 videos, including uncensored editions and never-before-seen footage too racy for the music networks. The collection also boasts the all-new title track. This retrospective features "Lucky Star," "Like a Prayer," "Into the Groove," "Ray of Light," and "4 Minutes," as well as uncut versions of "Erotica," "Justify My Love," and "Give It 2 Me."

    Directed by:

  • Mary Lambert
  • rating:3.5 3.5 Average Rating

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    Janet Jackson: The Rhythm Nation Compilation
    rating:3.5

    Janet Jackson: The Rhythm Nation Compilation

    2001Runtime:0 minutes
    The 1989 album "Rhythm Nation" sealed Janet Jackson's status as one of music's biggest stars with its record-setting six Top 5 singles. Already on her way to becoming the next Jackson family superstar, Janet put herself into another league thanks to her album, which was praised by critics and fans alike. This collection of music videos from the album includes favorites such as "Miss You Much," "Black Cat," "Rhythm Nation," "Escapade" and more.

    Directed by:

  • Jonathan Dayton
  • Valerie Jean Faris
  • Herb Ritts
  • Dominic Sena
  • Peter Smillie
  • Julien Temple
  • rating:3.5 3.5 Average Rating

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    The Beatles: The First U.S. Visit
    rating:3.5

    The Beatles: The First U.S. Visit

    1994Runtime:0 minutes
    Like Richard Lester's A Hard Day's Night, this documentary follows the Beatles on their first trip to America in February 1964. Documentarian brothers Albert and David Maysles were given surprising access to the band during several of their concerts and even their influential first appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show." Performance clips include "All My Loving," "I Saw Her Standing There" and "This Boy."

    Directed by:

  • Kathy Dougherty
  • rating:3.5 3.5 Average Rating

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    Yentl
    rating:3.5

    Yentl

    1983Runtime:0 minutes
    Based on Isaac Bashevis Singer's story, this Oscar-winning musical stars Barbra Streisand as Yentl, the bookish daughter of a Talmud teacher who instructs her even though it's forbidden to teach the sacred text to girls. Determined to continue her schooling after her father dies, Yentl disguises herself as a boy to gain entry to a yeshiva. There, she meets the brilliant Avigdor (Mandy Patinkin), who only has eyes for Hadass (Amy Irving).

    Directed by:

  • Barbra Streisand
  • rating:3.5 3.5 Average Rating

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    The Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye
    rating:3.5

    The Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye

    2011Runtime:0 minutes
    Featuring home movies, interviews and more, this documentary chronicles the deep love between visionary musician Genesis P-Orridge and his wife, Lady Jaye, a couple devoted to "pandrogyny" -- using plastic surgery to make themselves look alike.

    Directed by:

  • Marie Losier
  • rating:3.5 3.5 Average Rating

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    Now and Then
    rating:3.8

    Now and Then

    1995Runtime:0 minutes
    Waxing nostalgic about the bittersweet passage from childhood to puberty in this tender coming-of-age tale, four childhood girlfriends -- Teeny, Chrissy, Samantha and Roberta -- recall the magical summer of 1970. During their walk down memory lane, they reconcile experiences with boys, secrets, bullies and more. Lesli Linka Glatter directs; Gaby Hoffmann, Ashleigh Aston Moore, Cloris Leachman, Thora Birch and Christina Ricci co-star.

    Directed by:

  • Lesli Linka Glatter
  • rating:3.8 3.8 Average Rating

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    Now and Then (1995)
    A heartwarming movie about four childhood girlfriends who, in adulthood reunion, relive their experience of the life-changing summer of 1970, including a mystery death, divorce, standing up to the boys, first kiss, and the meaning of true friendship. Each explores her unique identity amidst family and friends. Beautifully directed by Lesli Linka Glatter.
    - Frances   
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