Product ReviewsTheremin: An Electronic Odyssey (DVD, 2001)

History ot the Theremin, the technology race, musicians

I really love this DVD. I am building a Theremin and needed all the info I could get about the instrument, history and people involved. The vintage footage of Dr.Theremin and Clara Rockmoore along with the design of the very first instrument and the loudspeaker is priceless. Artistic design, advertising, commercials, the whole nostalgic roaring 1920's is captured in the footage. Interviews with Bob Moog and Dr. Theremin's people is very fulfilling. Brian Wilsons profanity in his interview is the only regrettable remark that is in there but his interview about the Beach Boys "Good Vibrations" song is great. I will skip this part when viewing it with my family. I have always been interested in electronics, audio and musical instruments. The history of the vacume tube and the race for dominance in electronic technology between the USA and Russia is and eye opener.The United States OF America is a blessed nation and how fortunate that Dr. Theremin was able to come here (at least for a while) and promote the Theremin and his inventions and this Nation is all the better from that all happening the way it did. The DVD is great in bringing all this out along with the KGB's kidnapping of Dr. Theremin. There is not a lot of video footage about the Theremin so this is a must have DVD. Clara Rockmoore's hand and finger technique showing how to play the instrument is a lesson in it self and has given me a guide on how to practice. The DVD is very well produced and you will watch it over and over again. Thanks to the producers for a great production. Sincerely,TemperedaudioRead full review...

The whole story of the first electronic instrument

Everything you wanted to learn about Leo Therimen, his instrument and strange interrupted inventive life. The instrument itself, looking like a slot machine with antennas, was one I found and played at San Francisco's Exploratorium. It was an original RCA model from the late 20's, I think.It was set up in it's hands-on play area, and sounded great.. I hear they are rare now since they did not sell and RCA cannibalized most of them!
Local used instrument stores all have at least one on hand. Robert Silverman is our local virtuoso on the instrument, and he often is featured at theaters during revivals of FORBIDDEN PLANET. Thant was not theremin, but related tonalities. So theremin is alive and well in new hands.
The documentary is full of great interviews, archival film and new interviews with most of the key players, who luckilly had long lives.
Anyone into human interest stories and oddball music will love this DVD.
I bought it since I missed it when playing in theaters and felt it to be a movie I wanted to own, anyway. I am into the theremin music from ONE STEP BEYOND. DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL, SPELLBOAUND and THE LOST WEEKEND, so naturally I would enjoy this. The only missing player not covered is Dr. Samuel Hoffman, who played on DAY and the SAFE AS MILK debut album of Cap'n Beefheart.Read full review...

A must for historians, musicians, and scientists.

The item arrived well-packaged and in mint condition. Theramin was an outstanding scientist. His contributions to science and to music have made an impact on the world. In films, his musical instrument (named after him) contributed to novel soundtracks that had never been heard before. After WWII, he simply disappeared and it was later learned that he had been abducted by the Soviets and put to work developing listening devices for the Intelligence agencies. The biography is full of previously unknown details about Theramin’s personal life, and especially his life in Soviet Russia. It is an outstanding story. Read full review...

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its OK, I'm glad it was done

in the end I'm glad this film was made, many of the supposed "facts" regarding Leon Theremin's dissapearence were unsubstantiated but it showed clara rockmore performing which was nice, the film I saw was without subtitles which was frustrating because my russian is not so good. Also there are no placards showing who are these people talking so whatever I'm glad I can say I have seen it but over all this documentary gets the big three S's

Solipsystic
Sophmoric
Self-indulgent
(courtesy of woody allen)Read full review...

Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey (DVD, 2001)

IF YOU'RE A THEREMIN LOVER LIKE I AM AND YOU ARE SEEKING FOR MORE INFORMATION, HISTORICAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL FACTS, LOT'S OF GREAT SCENES OF THE CREATOR HIMSELF AND OF ALL THE GREAT ARTISTS THAT HAVE PLAYED THE THEREMIN, THEN YOU MUST GET THIS ONE!. PICTURE AND SOUND QUALITY IS EXCELLENT ESPECIALLY ON THOSE EARLIER MOVIE SCENES. FOR THE PRICE, THIS IS A MUST GET!.Read full review...

An excellent doc on the Theremin!

An excellent doc on the Theremin, including interviews with it's creator and accomplished masters of the instrument. Robert Moog is an integral part of this film. Unfortunately, they are all gone, but this documentary will live forever. Get a Theremin! I'm saving up for a Moog version, and I can't wait to try it out myself!Read full review...