Last night, 23 years of waiting came to an end for me as I saw The Police again. That is a long time to wait for your favorite band... but it was worth it. The show was a tight string of hits and recognizable songs from the band’s five albums. It was well worth it and I hope it is not the last time I see these guys play together. I saw the Rolling Stones late in their 50s and, in the case of Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts, their 60s. Police guitarist Andy Summers (http://www.andysummers.com/) is 64 but played agelessly. Surely a few years from now he can do this again. I know Sting will still be going strong and Stewart Copeland won’t pass up the chance to do anything Police... so don’t keep me waiting so long next time.
Aside from the thoroughly captivating performance by Sting, the most amazing thing about the show was that it was just the three band members on stage. No back up musicians. No extra instrumentation not even a back up singer. The stage almost looked too big for the act. They just got so much out of their instruments and vocals, you really felt like you got a full dose of The Police.. nothing watered down. A few songs got rearranged, a few slowed were down but all the important points were hit.
Even with torrential rain outside, nowhere to park near the arena and a crowd of fat, balding, graying old people, it was a great time.
So what in the world does all this have to do with The Cosmetic Channel™. How about price? We just finished our negotiations with our primary talent for the shows and we are getting a better picture of what the final package prices will be. For now, the early pre-sale price is going up to $225 from $200. The synchronicity? That is what I paid for each seat to sit on the floor only a few rows from the band last night. (That’s right... can you believe it?) And... the 4th of July? That is the date the early pre-sale price goes up. So, if you are thinking of getting your early pre-sale, don’t wait past the fourth. Email me now and you can save $300 this year by getting the early pre-sale price before the 4th of July.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
The wait is over!
For me, tonight will be a night 23 years in the making. Amy and I are on the floor for The Police in Dallas at American Airlines Center. If you are a huge Police fan like me, here is a movie recommendation for you. See if you can get your hands on a copy of Everyone Stares: The Police Inside Out. It is a documentary on the band that Stewart Copeland pieced together from Super 8 footage he shot during the formative years of the band right up to the release of Synchonicity. Interesting inside look at the group.
Concert review tomorrow.
Concert review tomorrow.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Exclusive Annoucement about The Cosmetic Channel™
Okay... last week we did not have time to update The Cosmetic Channel™ landing page with details about the shows and episodes available. That did not stop several doctors and dentists from signing up for our early pre-sale special.
So, here is a complete listing of the shows and episodes you can find on The Cosmetic Channel™ when it debuts in September.
For Cosmetic Surgeons:
About Face
This educational program features an overview of cosmetic surgical procedures for the face, head and neck. Shot in a feature style, each four-minute episode of About Face focuses on one specific procedure. Episodes include: Blephroplasty, Facelifts, Rhinoplasty, Otoplasty, Genioplasty and Cheek Augmentation.
Second Chance
This educational program features an overview of cosmetic surgical procedures for the body. Shot in a feature style, each four-minute episode of Second Chance focuses on one specific procedure. Episodes include: Abdominoplasty, Liposuction, Calf Implants, Pectoral Implants, Thigh Lift and Buttock Implants.
Shapes & Sizes
This educational program features an overview of cosmetic surgical procedures for the body. Shot in a feature style, each four-minute episode of Shapes & Sizes focuses on one specific procedure. Episodes include: Breast Augmentation, Mastopexy, Breast Reduction, Gynecomastia, Breast Lift and Augmentation, and the choice of surgical incisions.
Improving with Age
This educational program features an overview of injectable cosmetic treatments. Shot in a Vlog style, each four-minute episode of Improving with Age focuses on one specific treatment. Episodes include: Botox, Restylane, Hylaform, Collagen and Fat Transfer, Juvederm and Sculptra.
Only Skin Deep
This educational program features an overview of non-invasive cosmetic treatments. Shot in a Vlog style, each four-minute episode of Only Skin Deep focuses on one specific procedure. Episodes include: Lasers, Thermage, Chemical Peels, Dermabrasion, Intense Pulse Light Therapy and Hair Removal.
Here Today, Gone Tomorrow
This feature series explores the options for treating needs and conditions. Shot in an informative, feature style, each four-minute episode of Here Today, Gone Tomorrow focuses on options for treating one specific conditions. Episodes include: Wrinkles, Age/Color Spots, Sun Damage, Facial Lines, Lip Enhancement and Acne.
Road to Recovery
This feature series explores the recovery process following given procedures. Shot in an informative, feature style, each four-minute episode of Road to Recovery outlines post-operative and post-procedure recovery. Episodes include: After Breast Implants, After Laser Treatment, After Chemical Peels, After Facial Injection Procedures, Lip Enhancement and After Scar Revision.
110%
This feature series explores the health and fitness side of preparing for and recovering from cosmetic procedures. Shot in an informative, feature style, each four-minute episode of 110% focuses on the 100% commit that we should all make to health and fitness. Episodes include: Recovering from Surgery, Before/After Liposuction, Before Breast Reduction, After Gastric Surgery, Diet for Better Skin and Developing Muscle Tone.
For Cosmetic Dentists
Smile of a Lifetime
This educational program features an overview of cosmetic dental procedures. Shot in a feature style, each four-minute episode of Smile of a Lifetime focuses on one specific treatment. Episodes include: Procelain Veneers, Whitening, Porcelain Onlays, Dental Implants, Smile Makeovers and Manufacturing Veneers.
Health in Mind
This feature series explores the options for treating needs and conditions. Shot in an informative, feature style, each four-minute episode of Health in Mind focuses on options for treating one specific conditions. Episodes include: TMJ, Gaps in Teeth, Snoring/Sleep Apnea, Mercury-Free Fillings, Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy & Dental Care.
Here Today, Gone Tomorrow
This feature series explores the options for treating needs and conditions. Shot in an informative, feature style, each four-minute episode of Here Today, Gone Tomorrow focuses on options for treating one specific conditions. Episodes include: Wrinkles, Age/Color Spots, Sun Damage, Facial Lines, Lip Enhancement and Acne.
A Thousand Words
This series features first-hand testimonials about Cosmetic Dentistry and TMJ treatment. Shot in an intimate interview style, each four-minute episode features multiple stories and testimonials.
This is a summary of Season 1 for both dentists and surgeons. Subscriptions will include between 3 and 5 videos in addition to the personalized videos you can add to your web site’s player. More on that later.
So, here is a complete listing of the shows and episodes you can find on The Cosmetic Channel™ when it debuts in September.
For Cosmetic Surgeons:
About Face
This educational program features an overview of cosmetic surgical procedures for the face, head and neck. Shot in a feature style, each four-minute episode of About Face focuses on one specific procedure. Episodes include: Blephroplasty, Facelifts, Rhinoplasty, Otoplasty, Genioplasty and Cheek Augmentation.
Second Chance
This educational program features an overview of cosmetic surgical procedures for the body. Shot in a feature style, each four-minute episode of Second Chance focuses on one specific procedure. Episodes include: Abdominoplasty, Liposuction, Calf Implants, Pectoral Implants, Thigh Lift and Buttock Implants.
Shapes & Sizes
This educational program features an overview of cosmetic surgical procedures for the body. Shot in a feature style, each four-minute episode of Shapes & Sizes focuses on one specific procedure. Episodes include: Breast Augmentation, Mastopexy, Breast Reduction, Gynecomastia, Breast Lift and Augmentation, and the choice of surgical incisions.
Improving with Age
This educational program features an overview of injectable cosmetic treatments. Shot in a Vlog style, each four-minute episode of Improving with Age focuses on one specific treatment. Episodes include: Botox, Restylane, Hylaform, Collagen and Fat Transfer, Juvederm and Sculptra.
Only Skin Deep
This educational program features an overview of non-invasive cosmetic treatments. Shot in a Vlog style, each four-minute episode of Only Skin Deep focuses on one specific procedure. Episodes include: Lasers, Thermage, Chemical Peels, Dermabrasion, Intense Pulse Light Therapy and Hair Removal.
Here Today, Gone Tomorrow
This feature series explores the options for treating needs and conditions. Shot in an informative, feature style, each four-minute episode of Here Today, Gone Tomorrow focuses on options for treating one specific conditions. Episodes include: Wrinkles, Age/Color Spots, Sun Damage, Facial Lines, Lip Enhancement and Acne.
Road to Recovery
This feature series explores the recovery process following given procedures. Shot in an informative, feature style, each four-minute episode of Road to Recovery outlines post-operative and post-procedure recovery. Episodes include: After Breast Implants, After Laser Treatment, After Chemical Peels, After Facial Injection Procedures, Lip Enhancement and After Scar Revision.
110%
This feature series explores the health and fitness side of preparing for and recovering from cosmetic procedures. Shot in an informative, feature style, each four-minute episode of 110% focuses on the 100% commit that we should all make to health and fitness. Episodes include: Recovering from Surgery, Before/After Liposuction, Before Breast Reduction, After Gastric Surgery, Diet for Better Skin and Developing Muscle Tone.
For Cosmetic Dentists
Smile of a Lifetime
This educational program features an overview of cosmetic dental procedures. Shot in a feature style, each four-minute episode of Smile of a Lifetime focuses on one specific treatment. Episodes include: Procelain Veneers, Whitening, Porcelain Onlays, Dental Implants, Smile Makeovers and Manufacturing Veneers.
Health in Mind
This feature series explores the options for treating needs and conditions. Shot in an informative, feature style, each four-minute episode of Health in Mind focuses on options for treating one specific conditions. Episodes include: TMJ, Gaps in Teeth, Snoring/Sleep Apnea, Mercury-Free Fillings, Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy & Dental Care.
Here Today, Gone Tomorrow
This feature series explores the options for treating needs and conditions. Shot in an informative, feature style, each four-minute episode of Here Today, Gone Tomorrow focuses on options for treating one specific conditions. Episodes include: Wrinkles, Age/Color Spots, Sun Damage, Facial Lines, Lip Enhancement and Acne.
A Thousand Words
This series features first-hand testimonials about Cosmetic Dentistry and TMJ treatment. Shot in an intimate interview style, each four-minute episode features multiple stories and testimonials.
This is a summary of Season 1 for both dentists and surgeons. Subscriptions will include between 3 and 5 videos in addition to the personalized videos you can add to your web site’s player. More on that later.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Web Video & The Cosmetic Channel™ FAQ
Last week’s response to our announcement of TheCosmeticChannel.com caused the biggest response to a product announcement in Dog Star Media history. As I predicted, this new web video service is going to be HUGE. Thanks to all the early adopters who have signed up already to be part of the first wave to introduce The Cosmetic Channel. (To take advantage of early pre-sale pricing, email me here.)
I am amused at how our competitors are scrambling to jump on the video bandwagon. I am equally amused at how they have not been able to touch our ability to create custom video for Flash. I guess those Film degrees our team has are good for something afterall.
This goes back to what I have been saying for almost a year. In order to have the best video on the web, you need a company that is expert in both web design and video production. Luckily, Dog Star Media has both and it really shows when you are comparing apples with apples.
So, the video battlefield is emerging. Thus, I have summarized all the interesting and frequently asked questions from the last week that regard The Cosmetic Channel™ and web video in general. Read this to be an educated consumer.
Q: What is the price structure for TheCosmeticChannel?
A: Early pre-sale price is $200/month for Season 1. Season 1 is 12 months long.
Q: Can I add my own video to my player on The Cosmetic Channel™?
A: Yes, we can adapt your player to offer your own video. You can even customize the main greeting video. We shot a custom greeting for Dr. Reginald Rice last week where he introduces The Cosmetic Channel™ personally.
Q: How does the video search on Google work? Is this Google Universe?
A: (From Mischa Gorrell of Redbud Search)
As you know, the great majority of searches are done through the main Google search page, as opposed to their other properties (including video, image and local search). Google Universe is Google's new program to integrate these results where appropriate. For example, if you did a search through the main Google search page for "Shakira" (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=shakira&btnG=Search), you will see not only web search results, but music, news and video search results as well.
(We detected a competitor in Canada misinforming one of our clients about this.)
Q: Does The Cosmetic Channel™ help with organic search engine optimization?
A: Yes. Your player for The Cosmetic Channel™ will pull video from our main site. Therefore, it is linked externally to a relevant, free-standing site. (See previous blogs about linking).
Q: Should I be adding my videos to YouTube?
A: (From Mischa Gorrell of Redbud Search) YouTube officially states in its Terms of Use (http://www.youtube.com/t/terms) that "use of the Website as permitted is solely for your personal, noncommercial use". This is where the line gets blurry. You will find thousands of commercials and testimonial videos on YouTube. I would suggest using YouTube if you have a quality video that provides useful information to your customers...and only as part of your overall online marketing plan. Keep in mind this is also something that needs to be monitored. Unlike your website, anyone can comment on your video and you have no control over your marketing message. This is obviously very important for brand and reputation management.
My answer is a pretty firm no. First of all I do not like that others can comment without your control and, secondly, I do not suggest knowingly violating use rules, even if they are not enforced. Clearly you can do this and YouTube is not going to track down your small business video and remove it. In general, I think it is bad form and we can do better on your web site.
Q: Can see the broadcast schedule for the shows on The Cosmetic Channel™ before I sign up?
A: Yes. This week, we will be publishing the episode lists for the shows in Season 1 of The Cosmetic Channel™. Keep checking the web site. It will evolve more than once a week for the next few weeks.
Q: Can I pick and choose the episodes I want to show on my web site’s version of The Cosmetic Channel™?
A: No. The episodes are on a schedule that will not be changed.
Q: What will the regular prices for subscriptions to The Cosmetic Channel™ be?
A: Just like subscribing to cable or satellite television, we will have subscription levels. Packages will be released after the episode schedules but right now, we have price levels set between $300-$500/month depending on the package. Try to focus on the early pre-sale subscription price of $200/month.
Q: When will The Cosmetic Channel™ launch?
A: Launch is scheduled for September 15, 2007. This is a conservative estimate. We are trying to launch early if we can.
Keep watching The Cosmetic Channel™ and keep checking this blog. You really are watching a groundbreaking project roll out.
I am amused at how our competitors are scrambling to jump on the video bandwagon. I am equally amused at how they have not been able to touch our ability to create custom video for Flash. I guess those Film degrees our team has are good for something afterall.
This goes back to what I have been saying for almost a year. In order to have the best video on the web, you need a company that is expert in both web design and video production. Luckily, Dog Star Media has both and it really shows when you are comparing apples with apples.
So, the video battlefield is emerging. Thus, I have summarized all the interesting and frequently asked questions from the last week that regard The Cosmetic Channel™ and web video in general. Read this to be an educated consumer.
Q: What is the price structure for TheCosmeticChannel?
A: Early pre-sale price is $200/month for Season 1. Season 1 is 12 months long.
Q: Can I add my own video to my player on The Cosmetic Channel™?
A: Yes, we can adapt your player to offer your own video. You can even customize the main greeting video. We shot a custom greeting for Dr. Reginald Rice last week where he introduces The Cosmetic Channel™ personally.
Q: How does the video search on Google work? Is this Google Universe?
A: (From Mischa Gorrell of Redbud Search)
As you know, the great majority of searches are done through the main Google search page, as opposed to their other properties (including video, image and local search). Google Universe is Google's new program to integrate these results where appropriate. For example, if you did a search through the main Google search page for "Shakira" (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=shakira&btnG=Search), you will see not only web search results, but music, news and video search results as well.
(We detected a competitor in Canada misinforming one of our clients about this.)
Q: Does The Cosmetic Channel™ help with organic search engine optimization?
A: Yes. Your player for The Cosmetic Channel™ will pull video from our main site. Therefore, it is linked externally to a relevant, free-standing site. (See previous blogs about linking).
Q: Should I be adding my videos to YouTube?
A: (From Mischa Gorrell of Redbud Search) YouTube officially states in its Terms of Use (http://www.youtube.com/t/terms) that "use of the Website as permitted is solely for your personal, noncommercial use". This is where the line gets blurry. You will find thousands of commercials and testimonial videos on YouTube. I would suggest using YouTube if you have a quality video that provides useful information to your customers...and only as part of your overall online marketing plan. Keep in mind this is also something that needs to be monitored. Unlike your website, anyone can comment on your video and you have no control over your marketing message. This is obviously very important for brand and reputation management.
My answer is a pretty firm no. First of all I do not like that others can comment without your control and, secondly, I do not suggest knowingly violating use rules, even if they are not enforced. Clearly you can do this and YouTube is not going to track down your small business video and remove it. In general, I think it is bad form and we can do better on your web site.
Q: Can see the broadcast schedule for the shows on The Cosmetic Channel™ before I sign up?
A: Yes. This week, we will be publishing the episode lists for the shows in Season 1 of The Cosmetic Channel™. Keep checking the web site. It will evolve more than once a week for the next few weeks.
Q: Can I pick and choose the episodes I want to show on my web site’s version of The Cosmetic Channel™?
A: No. The episodes are on a schedule that will not be changed.
Q: What will the regular prices for subscriptions to The Cosmetic Channel™ be?
A: Just like subscribing to cable or satellite television, we will have subscription levels. Packages will be released after the episode schedules but right now, we have price levels set between $300-$500/month depending on the package. Try to focus on the early pre-sale subscription price of $200/month.
Q: When will The Cosmetic Channel™ launch?
A: Launch is scheduled for September 15, 2007. This is a conservative estimate. We are trying to launch early if we can.
Keep watching The Cosmetic Channel™ and keep checking this blog. You really are watching a groundbreaking project roll out.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Introducing The Cosmetic Channel™
The wait is over! Dog Star Media proudly presents a new, online video service that can vastly IMPROVE THE CONTENT OF YOUR WEB SITE WITH NEW VIDEO EACH MONTH. We have been hard at work for nearly six months developing and preparing to release this new objection-free offering for cosmetic surgeons and cosmetic dentists. The landing page is ready and it will be changing over the next few weeks as we continue to develop the launch site but you can go there now for a first look at TheCosmeticChannel.com.
The Cosmetic Channel™ adds high quality, feature-style video to your web site. It offers separate programming for cosmetic surgeons and cosmetic dentists. You can see the first season’s programming options on the landing page. The video content is available on a very affordable subscription basis and a subscribing doctor or dentist will be able to pick and choose video content for the version of The Cosmetic Channel™ that plays on his/her individual web site.
Each show has six four-minute episodes that will be changed every two months for a year. When we change the video on TheCosmeticChannel.com, it will change the video content on subscribers’ web sites, assuring that new video is posted to subscriber sites each month. For instance, one show for cosmetic surgeons is About Face, a show about facial surgeries. Here is a description of the show:
About Face
This educational program features an overview of cosmetic surgical procedures for the face, head and neck. Shot in a feature style, each four-minute episode of About Face focuses on one specific procedure. Episodes include: Blephroplasty, Facelifts, Rhinoplasty, Otoplasty, Genioplasty and Cheek Augmentation.
Just like subscribing to cable or satellite television, you can pick and choose the show content for your web site at the time of subscription. Based on the amount of content you choose, prices are an affordable $300 or $400 per month for a full season. And, between now and our September 15 debut, early subscribers can get a full season’s subscription for $100 off the monthly price. Our goal is to end the early subscription period sometime in August when we launch the first shows on The Cosmetic Channel™. Once the first shows are broadcast on the web, the early subscription period will end.
The Cosmetic Channel™ broadcasts video on subscriber web sites in Flash. This means no media players are needed. In addition, we can add The Cosmetic Channel™ to any web site. If you have made the choice to design your web site with another web designer, we can still add The Cosmetic Channel™ to your site. We can add The Cosmetic Channel™ to any web site or we can show your current web host how to do it. So, all of you with sites from our competitors can add the superior content of The Cosmetic Channel™ to your sites, too.
The Cosmetic Channel™ was born in some internal discussions at Dog Star Media. Our team listed out several of the issues related to our clients when it came to web content. One issue is that everybody wants video but not everybody can afford it. Another issue is quality of message. Not everybody is the best at accepting real sales and marketing language in their marketing materials. Another issue is our clients’ desire to portray their practices as part of a bigger movement. In most cases, either part of the neuromuscular dentistry movement or the cosmetic surgery movement. Yet another issue is the ever-present search engine optimization (SEO) issue. And, of course, everybody wants the latest and greatest.
The Cosmetic Channel™ answers all of these issues. It is affordable at only a few hundred dollars per month in subscription. The videos are professionally designed by Dog Star Media and are hosted by professional on-camera talent. The medical and dental parts of the script will be proofed by doctors and dentists to ensure accuracy. The videos will present this material in a fun, educational and entertaining style. Special videos will be available for AACS members and LVI alumni describing the merits of those schools of thought and practice. For SEO, The Cosmetic Channel™ on a subscriber’s site will pull video content from the main site, TheCosmeticChannel.com, providing a high-quality, outside link to the site. This will help subscribers with the all-important linking elements of SEO. And, of course, this is the latest and the greatest for web content. What could be better than having new, relevant, educational and entertaining video that renews itself on your site?
Wow. The Cosmetic Channel™ is open for business. You can inquire about early subscription right now at TheCosmeticChannel.com or you can email me directly at donald@dogstarmedia.com. We look forward to hooking you up to Beauty’s Home on The Internet.
The Cosmetic Channel™ adds high quality, feature-style video to your web site. It offers separate programming for cosmetic surgeons and cosmetic dentists. You can see the first season’s programming options on the landing page. The video content is available on a very affordable subscription basis and a subscribing doctor or dentist will be able to pick and choose video content for the version of The Cosmetic Channel™ that plays on his/her individual web site.
Each show has six four-minute episodes that will be changed every two months for a year. When we change the video on TheCosmeticChannel.com, it will change the video content on subscribers’ web sites, assuring that new video is posted to subscriber sites each month. For instance, one show for cosmetic surgeons is About Face, a show about facial surgeries. Here is a description of the show:
About Face
This educational program features an overview of cosmetic surgical procedures for the face, head and neck. Shot in a feature style, each four-minute episode of About Face focuses on one specific procedure. Episodes include: Blephroplasty, Facelifts, Rhinoplasty, Otoplasty, Genioplasty and Cheek Augmentation.
Just like subscribing to cable or satellite television, you can pick and choose the show content for your web site at the time of subscription. Based on the amount of content you choose, prices are an affordable $300 or $400 per month for a full season. And, between now and our September 15 debut, early subscribers can get a full season’s subscription for $100 off the monthly price. Our goal is to end the early subscription period sometime in August when we launch the first shows on The Cosmetic Channel™. Once the first shows are broadcast on the web, the early subscription period will end.
The Cosmetic Channel™ broadcasts video on subscriber web sites in Flash. This means no media players are needed. In addition, we can add The Cosmetic Channel™ to any web site. If you have made the choice to design your web site with another web designer, we can still add The Cosmetic Channel™ to your site. We can add The Cosmetic Channel™ to any web site or we can show your current web host how to do it. So, all of you with sites from our competitors can add the superior content of The Cosmetic Channel™ to your sites, too.
The Cosmetic Channel™ was born in some internal discussions at Dog Star Media. Our team listed out several of the issues related to our clients when it came to web content. One issue is that everybody wants video but not everybody can afford it. Another issue is quality of message. Not everybody is the best at accepting real sales and marketing language in their marketing materials. Another issue is our clients’ desire to portray their practices as part of a bigger movement. In most cases, either part of the neuromuscular dentistry movement or the cosmetic surgery movement. Yet another issue is the ever-present search engine optimization (SEO) issue. And, of course, everybody wants the latest and greatest.
The Cosmetic Channel™ answers all of these issues. It is affordable at only a few hundred dollars per month in subscription. The videos are professionally designed by Dog Star Media and are hosted by professional on-camera talent. The medical and dental parts of the script will be proofed by doctors and dentists to ensure accuracy. The videos will present this material in a fun, educational and entertaining style. Special videos will be available for AACS members and LVI alumni describing the merits of those schools of thought and practice. For SEO, The Cosmetic Channel™ on a subscriber’s site will pull video content from the main site, TheCosmeticChannel.com, providing a high-quality, outside link to the site. This will help subscribers with the all-important linking elements of SEO. And, of course, this is the latest and the greatest for web content. What could be better than having new, relevant, educational and entertaining video that renews itself on your site?
Wow. The Cosmetic Channel™ is open for business. You can inquire about early subscription right now at TheCosmeticChannel.com or you can email me directly at donald@dogstarmedia.com. We look forward to hooking you up to Beauty’s Home on The Internet.
Friday, June 1, 2007
Summer Movies... of course!
I have had a lot of marketing posts lately so I wanted to shift gears and give you a couple of great movie recommendations. For those of you how are new visitors, we want you to think of Dog Star Media when you think about video. After all, most of us here have degrees in Film and Video production so, we kind of know what we are doing.
I have three great movies set in Summer season to recommend, all for a different taste in movies. So you are bound to find something here. Remember, try one or more and then keep coming back for more great tips.
For the sports or comedy lover... Try Long Gone. This is one of the best baseball movies out there. I even like it better than Bull Durham. Long Gone is a funny story about standing up for what is right set in the deep south of the 1950s. The team is a small minor league franchise and a young William Peterson (from CSI) stars. If you like Penn & Teller, Teller has a small role in this movie playing the comic genius Henry Gibson’s son. Teller talks in the movie.
For those of you who want a tense drama on the adult side, I highly recommend Summer of Sam. This is Spike Lee’s movie set in NYC during the unbearably hot summer of 1977. The movie focuses on the impact the Son of Sam killer (David Berkowitz) had on the city. However, I think this is Lee’s best movie to date. I lived in New York state in the summer of 1977 and I remember that time very clearly. This movie captures the cultural clashes of the time, such as the rise of the Punk music culture vs. the indulgent, drug-driven Disco culture, with a remarkable clarity. Watch this movie and you will never be able to hear some disco hits again without getting a chill down your spine.
And, finally, I highly recommend Kenneth Branagh’s Much Ado About Nothing for those of you with a liking for Shakespeare and a taste for art-house films. Sunsplashed and magnificent from the first scene when the men ride into town, this is by far the best Shakespeare adaptation to film. That includes Olivier and Gibson as Hamlet, by the way. A fantastic cast including Denzel Washington, Kate Beckinsale and Michael Keaton only helps. This is an art film with all the commercial trappings. The slow motion montage of Branagh’s Benedick and Emma Thompson’s Beatrice privately celebrating their realization that they are loved midway through the film is one of my favorite scenes of any movie. Just pure joy on film.
Writing this, I realize how much I love all of these movies. I will be seeing them this month. Give yourself a bonus. Pick a genre or two and treat yourself.
I have three great movies set in Summer season to recommend, all for a different taste in movies. So you are bound to find something here. Remember, try one or more and then keep coming back for more great tips.
For the sports or comedy lover... Try Long Gone. This is one of the best baseball movies out there. I even like it better than Bull Durham. Long Gone is a funny story about standing up for what is right set in the deep south of the 1950s. The team is a small minor league franchise and a young William Peterson (from CSI) stars. If you like Penn & Teller, Teller has a small role in this movie playing the comic genius Henry Gibson’s son. Teller talks in the movie.
For those of you who want a tense drama on the adult side, I highly recommend Summer of Sam. This is Spike Lee’s movie set in NYC during the unbearably hot summer of 1977. The movie focuses on the impact the Son of Sam killer (David Berkowitz) had on the city. However, I think this is Lee’s best movie to date. I lived in New York state in the summer of 1977 and I remember that time very clearly. This movie captures the cultural clashes of the time, such as the rise of the Punk music culture vs. the indulgent, drug-driven Disco culture, with a remarkable clarity. Watch this movie and you will never be able to hear some disco hits again without getting a chill down your spine.
And, finally, I highly recommend Kenneth Branagh’s Much Ado About Nothing for those of you with a liking for Shakespeare and a taste for art-house films. Sunsplashed and magnificent from the first scene when the men ride into town, this is by far the best Shakespeare adaptation to film. That includes Olivier and Gibson as Hamlet, by the way. A fantastic cast including Denzel Washington, Kate Beckinsale and Michael Keaton only helps. This is an art film with all the commercial trappings. The slow motion montage of Branagh’s Benedick and Emma Thompson’s Beatrice privately celebrating their realization that they are loved midway through the film is one of my favorite scenes of any movie. Just pure joy on film.
Writing this, I realize how much I love all of these movies. I will be seeing them this month. Give yourself a bonus. Pick a genre or two and treat yourself.
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