'Elis'
(Andreia Horta, Gustavo Machado, Caco Ciocler, Zecarlos Machado, Lucio Mauro Fiho, et al / DVD / NR / (2016) 2018 / Cleopatra Entertainment - MVD Visual)
Overview: 'Elis' is the life of Elis Regina, undoubtedly the greatest Brazilian singer of all time, now told in this biopic film with energetic and pulsating rhythm.
DVD Verdict: For those not in the know, Elis Regina Carvalho Costa (March 17, 1945 – January 19, 1982), popularly known as Elis Regina, was a Brazilian singer of popular and Jazz music.
She became nationally renowned in 1965, after singing "Arrastão" (composed by Edu Lobo and Vinícius de Moraes) in the first edition of TV Excelsior festival song contest, and soon joined O Fino da Bossa, a television program on TV Record.
Elis was noted for her vocalization, as well as for her personal interpretation and performances in shows, and she also recorded several successful compositions, such as "Como nossos pais" (Belchior), "Upa Neguinho" (E. Lobo and Gianfrancesco Guarnieri), "Madalena" (Ivan Lins), "Casa no Campo" (Zé Rodrix and Tavito), "Águas de Março" (Tom Jobim), "Atrás da porta" (Chico Buarque and Francis Hime), "O bêbado e a equilibrista" (Aldir Blanc and João Bosco), "Conversando no bar" (Milton Nascimento), etc.
Her untimely death, at the age of 36, shocked Brazil. She has frequently been regarded as the greatest Brazilian singer of all time by critics, musicians, and commentators alike.
Out May 22nd on Cleopatra Entertainment / MVD Visual, 'Elis' is a superbly touching portrait of one of Brazil's most iconic performers, beautifully photographed by Adrian Teijido and very well directed by Hugo Prata.
Indeed, Prata not only dominates the technical aspects of the film making, but also knows how to play with the language of music throughout his film. Andreia Horta shines as the troubled, but yet brilliant singer, of this you should know, for her work is a true highlight here.
Julio Andrade surprises as a particularly spirited Lennie Dale, but besides great performances, the film also leads you through the beginnings of MPB (Popular Brazilian Music) and what it meant to Brazil as a nation facing military dictatorship.
But yes, and ultimately, of course, the soundtrack is one of the best parts of the film! Very powerful songs sung by Horta with her own voice. Overall, 'Elis' is pure and unadulterated entertainment with quality throughout, with a stunning cinematic and musical rhythm that is highly impressive for a feature film. This is a Full Screen Presentation (1:33.1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:
The making of "ELIS"
Theatrical Trailer
Image Slideshow
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