Rating: 
Summary: The Best Music You'll Ever See
Review: At the insistence of a friend, I began watching this movie, thinking I'd sample a little bit here and there (Afro-Cuban music, Salsa, etc. can be loud and repetitious). Forget it. The film is absolutely addictive and intoxicating, building to the kind of musical climax normally associated with a Bach B Minor Mass or a Verdi Requiem or a Strauss Domestic Symphony.Indeed, the film has a "script" along with cinematic-editing virtuosity, but the testimony to the power of both is that from the viewer's perspective the music itself soon becomes the only narrative. I've seen all of the great "jazz" films--Jazz on a Summer's Day, Bird, Round Midnight--and none comes close to offering the rich experience of this film. But this is far more than a unique film about jazz, or Latin jazz, or Latin music. I can't imagine even the most devoted follower of the classical music scene not being captivated by its sounds and images. In fact, if the film has a "star," it's the Steinway piano, which has never been more beautifully filmed and recorded (be sure to view the DVD with a good audio system, minus a sub-woofer). The instrument becomes an Excalibur whose power comes alive only in the most privileged hands (in this case, about 6 different pairs). Sadly, a film like this would not be made by an American, an irony it shares with Bernard Tavernier's poignant "Round Midnight." No matter. It's an event to be cherished.
Rating: 
Summary: Awesome - Simply awesome!
Review: Wow. I heard about this when it was released for a short time in New York City, but never got a chance to see it. Now, I'm not the type that normally goes for "Artsy/Documentary films", but Tito Puente was in it, so when it was released on Pay-per-view shortly after my son was born, I figured I'd watch it while feeding my 4 day old son at Oh-dark-thirty in the morning. ;) Wow. I was glued to the screen. I considered myself a fan of Latin Jazz and latin music in general, but I've never been treated to a dazzling display of talent such as the one that I saw and heard before my eyes. From the wonderful (And my all-time favorite song) Latin Jazz song 'From Within' performed by Michel Camilo, to the tour-de-force by Bebo Valdés, everything was awesome. Of course, there are problems that I noticed right off the bat. It seems as if the songs were recorded seperately from the actual performances, so you see the artists perform a few things that you don't hear reflected in the sound (Look at Hilton Ruiz using his elbow on the piano that isn't heard in the music during Tito Puente's 'New Arrival' for example), which takes off a star from my rating. As long as you come in as a music lover, you'll treasure this. If you're looking for a performance DVD, go elsewhere. Plain and simple. =)
Rating: 
Summary: This is for Latin JAZZ Lovers. Not for LATIN MUSIC FANS
Review: I liked the DVD but I can't say I'll watch it again, ever!
It's too slow paced, too much narration. (Bein from the Caribean I didn't care for the spaniard's accent). It just lacked Heat! I honestly fell asleep watching it. Some parts I just pressed fastforward because it was just toooooo boooring!!!! Does not come close to Buena Vista's excitement. But if you like Latin JAZZ, then this is for you. The best part was seing the places where the performers grew up, going from streets in NY to Havana.
Maybe I'll watch it again when I'm 50 and suffering from a bad case of insomnia.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely wonderful...Awsome production values!
Review: What a great disc! The visual quality is as good as any DVD out there, the sound seems even better than the sound track CD, and behind it all is the music. What wonderful music it is, full of artists that are legendary and a few I had not heard of. There are such gems to discover in this film, from the stunning flute solos of Dave Valentin to the beautifully understated piano of Elaine Elias to the poetic and magical scenes featuring Bebo Valdes. The last scene with both Chuchu and Bebo Valdes rises to such a poetic level that it brought tears to my eyes as I watched it. This is must-see viewing (ans listening), not only for lovers of Latin Jazz, but for anyone who loves Jazz in any way!
Rating:
Summary: A Magical Salute to Latin Jazz
Review: We are both music lovers and decided to see this movie because the description intrigued us. Neither of us knew anything about Latin Jazz music at all. We were completely spellbound by the combination of masterful filmmaking and exquisite music. The music is so beautiful in this movie that I literally could feel myself starting to float away in the air. In the beginning of the movie, the narrator mentions how Latin Jazz has changed his life -- I can certainly agree that just seeing this film has changed ours. Besides the awesome musical numbers, this movie has a wonderful way of revealing the character of each of the musicians with skilled cinematography and editing.
Rating:
Summary: Incredible!
Review: This is an incredible film. The music is fantastic. Do yourself a favor and get the DVD and not the VHS, or you will miss all the bonus stuff.
As a cuban musician brought up on this music, I highly recommend it!
Rating:
Summary: Awesome - Simply awesome!
Review: Wow. I heard about this when it was released for a short time in New York City, but never got a chance to see it. Now, I'm not the type that normally goes for "Artsy/Documentary films", but Tito Puente was in it, so when it was released on Pay-per-view shortly after my son was born, I figured I'd watch it while feeding my 4 day old son at Oh-dark-thirty in the morning. ;) Wow. I was glued to the screen. I considered myself a fan of Latin Jazz and latin music in general, but I've never been treated to a dazzling display of talent such as the one that I saw and heard before my eyes. From the wonderful (And my all-time favorite song) Latin Jazz song 'From Within' performed by Michel Camilo, to the tour-de-force by Bebo Valdés, everything was awesome. Of course, there are problems that I noticed right off the bat. It seems as if the songs were recorded seperately from the actual performances, so you see the artists perform a few things that you don't hear reflected in the sound (Look at Hilton Ruiz using his elbow on the piano that isn't heard in the music during Tito Puente's 'New Arrival' for example), which takes off a star from my rating. As long as you come in as a music lover, you'll treasure this. If you're looking for a performance DVD, go elsewhere. Plain and simple. =)
Rating:
Summary: Worthy of six stars
Review: Simply put, this is a brilliant DVD. A very important documentary . . . my favorite DVD (music or otherwise), period. Worthy of multible viewings, especially the bonus chapter on the history of Afro-Cuban Jazz. A "must have".
Rating:
Summary: Video is Christal Clear. Music's unbelievable. BUY THIS.
Review: My title says it all. ANYONE that loves latin jazz MUST have this DVD. That's it.
Rating:
Summary: Calle 54
Review: You will have to watch this film for yourself if you like Afro-Cuban music. From the beginning when Paquito D'Rivera and his saxophone plays, his tribute to the 3 Americas with Panamericana to the sensuality and Brasilian beauty of Eliane Elias, the mix of jazz and caribean music of a true perfectionist in Michel Camilo. The whole documentary displays Fernando Trueba's passion for the music of a region that was first discovered by an Italian supported by the kings of Spain. Fernando is crazy about this music and it shows in the film. This is a captivating film about music, not just cuban or dominican, but latinamerican. I hope Fernando finds the way and the means to continue making films like this one.
| 
