Description

Based on the best-selling and award-winning Classical Kids CD, Beethoven Lives Upstairs was hailed upon its original release as "a video masterpiece" by the Boston Herald and "the best family film to appear in a long time" by the Ottawa Citizen. The television special has been seen on HBO, PBS, CBC, the Family Channel and YTV and the home video has sold more than 250,000 copies in North America. Based in part on historical fact and featuring more than 25 beautifully-performed excerpts of Beethoven’s best-loved works, Beethoven Lives Upstairs presents the great composer as a hero for today’s children. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Beethoven Lives Upstairs
Excellent video for children. I teach elementary school music and it puts a personal face on a distant genius. Beethoven lived a very troubled life and it puts his genius and suffering into a language that children not only understand but embrace. After watching this video they want to know more about Beethoven and his music.

Amazingly accurate and complete
Our family (girls ages 4 and 6) loved the CD by the same name so much that we bought the video too. We were impressed at the ability of the writers and director to rearrange the story and the music to fit a film version. I realized that I knew nothing of Beethoven and read his biography after viewing the video. Then I was really impressed to find how much accurate information about Beethoven's life was interwoven into the story. Although we prefer the CD version, I think that seeing the period costume and setting helped the girls place the story in an historical context. We are now all Beethoven fans and listen to his music with new appreciation.

Pretty good, but could have been better.
I teach music to K-4 and we watched this in all of my classes. It was entertaining, but I could have done without all the violent outbursts by Beethoven toward the housekeeper. The kids really did seem to enjoy the music and asked if there are other movies we can watch. It's a great way to introduce young kids to classical music. They were very excited when they recognized a song written by Beethoven himself.

No MacIntosh!
The video story is great but the enhanced DVD-ROM features will not work on a MacIntosh computer. That caveat is printed on the DVD case and should be included on your product information page.

great for kids
This video is (as most media works are) based on many multifaceted specuations surrounding Beethoven's life. However, there are many "theories" about the final days of his life, and this particular "theory" is clean, and excellent for children.

I distinctly remember watching it in the fourth grade, and being a classical soprano myself, finding I was absolutley enchanted with the entire idea. It sparked an interest in Beethoven's life, which, years later, lead to the reading of many a biography and viewing of "Immortal Beloved", a movie which immediatly became my favorite. Therefore, I would most definitely recommend this movie, (for children) it is succinct, clean, to the point, and for me, inspiring. Take it from one who viewed it as a child many a time, children will adore "Beethoven Lives Upstairs." ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Wow!
This was a great movie! Amazing! I love it! 5/5 stars, all the way! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The better documentary
At the dawn of the 17th century, everybody takes the explanations of the great thinkers such as Aristotle for granted. The astronomer and the mathematician Galileo Galilei is about to discover the biggest mysteries of the universe. The lack of money, a brother who lives in his depend and a rival can't stop him from continuing its researches. He finds support in his pupil prince Cosimo (who was spoiled by the monarchy at the beginning of the movie). The education of Galileo is going to change the vision of the prince. He's going to help its teacher to invent the telescope. This film (almost a documentary) is striking as for its attention to details. It's easy to understand why they won two Emmy Awards (as being nominated for five). Michael Moriarty (actor from the series "Law and Order") is excellent in the title role. As good as Kenny Vadas who plays the role of his student. It is very cool at the end of the film when an astronaut finally proves Galileo's theory of falling objects speed.

An excellent educational tool !
As a High School Physics Teacher I really recomend this video for the introduction of the scientific method. It details the importance of experimentation before making conclussions. It is also a unique resource to help teachers develop in students etics and moral values in science. I whish I can get a copy of this video in Spanish since that is the language most of my students understand better. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A Great Creation!!
As an Einstein fan, I always try to collect the materpieces of his life, science and humanity. I think this DVD gives a very true insight of these facts. I would recommend any Einstein fan to watch this and discover this great soul.

Einstein: Light to the Power of 2
I was extremely pleased with how my 10 and 12 year old daughters were fascinated with this video. This video teaches about a love for learning. Teaches not only a bit of history mixed with fiction (I think Lannie is fictional), but teaches Math and Science as well. Excellent for ages 9-up. Not a factual account of Einstein's theories, but a delightful insight.

Very disappointing
I was looking for a video that would explain Einstein's theories. This video deals more with race relations. Title is very misleading. ... Read more