Umm Kulthum: A Voice Like Egypt

Umm Kulthum: A Voice Like Egypt
by Michal Goldman

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DVD details

Director: Michal Goldman
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: Arabic (Original Language); English (Original Language)
Format: Color, Dolby, Full Screen, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 67 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2007-01-09
Audience Rating: Unrated
Studio: AFD

DVD Reviews of Umm Kulthum: A Voice Like Egypt

DVD Review: Umm Kulthum: A Voice Like Egypt
Summary: 3 Stars

This is an interesting documentary about a music star little known in the United States, but I would have been glad to hear quite a bit more singing, in addition to the cultural history, not in preference to it. Only a few relatively short samples of her singing are offered. Perhaps the length of the presentation was limited, or it may be that few filmed records of her performances are available. One definitely does come to the end wishing to hear more of her singing.

DVD Review: Egypt's Edith Piaf . . .
Summary: 4 Stars

For anyone unfamiliar with Arab and Middle East culture, Umm Kulthum can only be described as a phenomenon like Edith Piaf, a singer from humble origins who captured the hearts and minds of millions with her voice and her song. To Western ears, her style of singing will seem utterly foreign - even unmusical. For me, its appeal comes closest to the appeal of opera, at its most emotional and impassioned. This short, hour-long film does much to bridge the cultural gap between the Arab world and the West, as it recounts the story of the singer's life, her rise to fame and fortune, and her enduring legacy today, more than 30 years after her death in 1975.

There is footage of her performances, showing the rapturous response of her audiences and describing the distinctive style of singing poetic lyrics, typically about love, extending a single song over the length of an hour or more. (A description of one of her regular radio broadcasts is described in Rabih Alameddine's recent novel "The Hakawati.") The film includes scenes from her films and interviews with men and women who knew her, including Nobel Prize winner Naguib Mahfouz, with narration by Omar Sharif and a director's commentary.

DVD Review: EXCELLENT INTRODUCTION TO THE LEGEND
Summary: 5 Stars

An excellent introduction to this legend narrated by the great Omar Sherif
(Dr. Zhivago). The world has witnessed the talents of Mozart, Charlie Chaplin, Albert Einstein, Edith Piaf, Umm Kulthum, Elvis Presley, Charles Aznavour, Fritz Lang, ... . Do you get the idea how great she was and still is so many years after her death?. If you are not YET familiar with Lady Kulthum, to appreciate her singing and her hypnotic effect on her audience, I would recommend you just listen to her song "ENTA OMRI" (which means "you are my life") composed by the legendary Abdel Wahab. [A short segement of this song is on the DVD - a CD or even a DVD of the full concert may be readily purchased on the internet.] Even if you don't understand one word of Arabic, you will still appreciate listeninng to the background music and to her deep voice. If you ask somebody to translate the words you will be hooked. It is interseting to know that each of her songs lasts, on the average, about one hour (!), and that kings have travelled great distances just to attend her concerts and join humbly the general audience. I highly recommended this DVD which, by the way, has a good DVD transfer.

DVD Review: hniversal appeal
Summary: 5 Stars

Umm Kulthumm is an Egyptian singer true to her origins but with universal appeal. This DVD is a must see and hear experience.

DVD Review: A great documentary
Summary: 5 Stars

in my young age i did not appreciate umm kulthum nor Arabic music in general, but as i grew older, the songs, words and especially the performance of umm kulthum opened my eyes to great works of art and Arabic music. Umm Kulthum transcended time, goverments, generation and geographical boundries. she captured the hearts and minds of people. she is a great example for all man kind of a women who cared about her family, people and country, and presented the best to them. This documentary captures all that, and presents her life in a well rounded and balanced way. I liked the original footage. Omer Sherif is a great narrator. I highly recommend this documentary for people who not only want to know about Umm Kulthum, but also about a bit of the history of egypt. I can really say i enjoyed it.

Description of Umm Kulthum: A Voice Like Egypt

She had the musicality of Ella Fitzgerald, the public presence of Eleanor Roosevelt, and the audience of Elvis Presley Her name was Umm Kulthum, and she became a powerful symbol, first of the aspirations of her country, Egypt, and then of the entire Arab World. Narrated by Omar Sherif, Umm Kulthum, A Voice Like Egypt is the first documentary to bring the celebrated diva of the Arab world to an American audience. The film puts her life in the context of the epic story of 20th century Egypt as it shook off colonialism and confronted modernity.

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