Johnny Rzeznik Movies
- 2007
Still one more reality-competition series from the American Idol team, Fox's The Next Great American Band was a weekly talent contest wherein the hopefuls were groups rather than solo performers. The time-honored American Idol formula was followed to the minutest detail: The "Ryan Secrest"-style host (New Zealander Dominic Bowden); the three-person panel of judges, comprised of the sarcastic Simon Cowell clone (Ian "Dicko" Dickson, costar of the spinoff series Australian Idol), the sympathetic pop singer (Sheila E.) and the neutral "buffer" between the other two (Johnny Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls); the opening episode, wherein several born losers and weirdos paraded across the camera with no possible hope of being asked to return; the weekly winners, ultimately pared down to 12 semifinalists; the categorical competitions, ranging from "cover song" to "original composition"; and the input of the home viewers, who voted for their favorites via telephone and internet. The winners on this occasion not only landed a contract with the 19 Recordings label, but also the bragging rights as "The Next Great American Band." The festivities first got under way on October 19, 2007. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 2003
- Add Music in High Places: Goo Goo Dolls - Live in Alaska to QueueAdd Music in High Places: Goo Goo Dolls - Live in Alaska to top of Queue
Although it lacks any major extras, Music in High Places: Goo Goo Dolls -- Live in Alaska does offer several worthwhile features. "Kotzobue, Alaska ... Stranger Than Fiction" provides 12 minutes of additional behind-the-scenes footage from the small, eternally light town. "Train Story: The Alaskan Railroad" contains comments from a train employee about the charter vehicle and the beautiful surrounding scenery.
The text biography combines Goo Goo Dolls history with very praiseworthy text about their latest album, Gutterflower. While mildly informative, this entry virtually ignores their earlier work and original struggles. The only other supplement gives viewers the chance to skip everything but the music. Two bonus tracks--Sympathy and Do You Know--also appear on this list. The first song occurs on the moving train, and the other tune takes place in Kotzobue.
This feature utilizes a decent 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer that nicely conveys the attractive Alaskan scenery. While the guys play in front of stunning glaciers, the bright colors provide an impressive atmosphere. There is a little grain at times and the clarity is not always pristine, but the overall effect remains very positive.
Live music really smokes when given the proper DVD treatment, and this 5.1-channel Dolby Digital transfer is no exception. The outdoor, acoustic guitar sounds ring from the entire sound field and create an intimate feeling of being personally at the concert. The sound quality is especially high for a release of this type, which leads to a remarkable experience. A 2.0-channel digital track also provides a worthwhile presentation. ~ Dan Heaton, Rovi
Robert Louis Stevenson's classic tale of adventure Treasure Island gets a science fiction update in this animated feature from Walt Disney Pictures. Jim (voice of Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is a young man who grew up reading tales of pirates and adventures on the high seas, and longs for similar excitement in his own life. One day, Jim happens upon a dying man who hands him a map and warns him to "Beware the cyborg" shortly before he passes on. Upon careful examination, Jim realizes the map charts the course to Treasure Planet, a distant world where hundreds of space pirates have stashed their loot. Jim is certain this is the adventure he's been dreaming of, and joins the crew of the spaceship R.L.S. Legacy and Captain Amelia (Emma Thompson) as they set out to find the fabled Treasure Planet. While Jim signs on along with his friend Dr. Doppler (voice of David Hyde Pierce), he soon becomes close friends with John Silver (voice of Brian Murray), who works in the galley but has big plans. Jim discovers just how big his plans are when Silver reveals he's part cyborg and all pirate, instigating a mutiny and attempting to take control of the ship. Despite his friendship with Silver, Jim refuses to take part in the mutiny, and soon finds himself attempting to defend law and order against a spacecraft full of reckless men. Treasure Planet's voice cast also includes Michael Wincott and Martin Short; Johnny Rzeznik from the rock group The Goo Goo Dolls contributed new music for the soundtrack. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Brian Murray, (more)
