Fri. June 27, 2014
By Gregg Shapiro
If you saw (and loved) writer/director John Carney's 2006 breakthrough film Once, about the unlikely romance that develops between an Irish busker and a Czech immigrant, then you've probably been waiting for a follow-up that is its equal. Begin Again (Weinstein) comes close, but it doesn't quite make the cut.
The Elton John concert doc The Million Dollar Piano (Eagle Vision/Yamaha/Rocket) is now available on DVD and Blu-ray. Filmed in 2013 at Caesars Palace's Colosseum in Las Vegas, where Elton John has been performing for many years, the concert features 18 songs from the legendary piano man's career, now in its sixth decade. Backed by longtime members of his band, including Davey Johnstone, Nigel Olsson and Ray Cooper, as well as backing vocalists including Tata Vega, the Rocket Man demonstrates why he's been able to be the concert draw he's been for all these years.
Seated at The Million Dollar Piano of the title, introduced by EJ as his "co-star," a nine-foot Yamaha equipped with several video screens to identify songs, albums and more, the gay music icon sings and tells stories to the audience. He even gets extra points for a Madonna slam. DVD bonus material includes a "Making The Million Dollar Piano" featurette and "Live In Kiev" footage.
For the complete article (non-reader view with multimedia and original links),
Tap here.
Head to the local LGBTQ news, events, directory and people network at ChicagoPride.com