Celtic Woman - The Greatest Journey: Essential Collection [DVD]

Writing this review is a bit complicated because I need to target it toward two audiences--Loyal fans of Celtic Woman, and those who are fairly new.First of all let me say that the Greatest Journey DVD is a collection of tracks from both of their award winning shows and therefore, nothing new. That said, for those NEW to the Celtic Woman experience, the DVD is a good introduction to the beauty and talents of these remarkable Irish women and will give you an incite into what you can expect to find in both of their previous DVDs. A nice addition is the footage of Ireland interspersed between the various tracks. It gives it a nice transition. But for those of us devoted Celtic Woman fans, it is simply a repeat of what we already have in our collections making it unnecessary to buy the CD, unless of course, you happen to like this particular mix of tracks.For loyal fans of Celtic Woman there is a 55 minute documentary presentation on the history of Celtic Woman which I enjoyed thoroughly. Now you have to ask yourself the question, "Is it worth the current retail cost?" Personally I enjoyed the presentation even if it did contain some repeated material from New Journey's special features. Watching what goes on behind the scenes and the amount of work associated with show I found very interesting.Now to the downside, for "Orinoco Flow" the video bounces back and forth between the song as presented in the Original Show and New Journey, making watching it annoying when seeing the girls suddenly appearing is different dresses. Switching shots wouldn't be so bad if it where just the orchestra and choir shots, but for the girls it causes a problem. They should have stuck the just one show or the other. The same applies to the closing Reprise track. It is shot awkwardly. Finally, in "Mo Ghile Mear", the drum solos are cut short before Mairead's entrance, but that edit is done well. Other than that, this time there are no major edit glitches like those occurring in New Journey and Christmas Celebration.Well that is my opinion. Please feel free the comment below or to email me personally.

The Best Of The Best!! I could probably be considered a tad biased here. I (personally) can't get enough of CELTIC WOMAN. I listen to their CDs every day and watch at least parts of their DVDs every evening. (Who needs TV)! (I've seen CW in concert 12 times already, with 6 more concerts scheduled, during the upcoming Spring 2009 "Isle Of Hope" Tour). You could say I'm a bit of a fan, I guess. Well, let's be honest ... I LOVE THEM TO PIECES!! Of all the concerts I've attended over the years, CW STILL remains the BEST OF THE BEST!!This new CW release, both the CD and the DVD, are a kind of "Greatest Hits" type of release. There are a couple of new numbers, we have not heard from CW before, included plus, lots of stunningly beautiful shots of the Emerald Isle herself, between the songs on the DVD.To me, of course, both the CD and the DVD are worth every penny. If you are the hardcore CW fan that I am, you will more than likely agree. If you are merely a casual CW fan and not quite as 'committed' to them as I am, you may find too many of the same songs from prior releases, not enough to justify buying either the CD or the DVD. But, before you completely dismiss these new releases as merely "Greatest Hits", let it be known that, on the CD, you have two numbers ... "The Call" (incredible and could possibly, possibly, become the new CW 'Anthem' as "The Sky And The Dawn And The Sun" was during the "A New Journey" Tours and related CD/DVD releases) and ... "Pie Jesu" which features the absolutely stunning, stunning voices of LYNN HILARY and CHLOE AGNEW. Their voices, in this number, both solo and together (in harmony) ... are positively angelic!!And on the DVD, besides the incredible views of the beautiful Irish Landscape, the Documentary portion of this release is, in and of itself, well worth the price. This is something many, many people, even some diehard fans of CW, probably have never seen. This alone will leave you yearning for more.So, all that said and considering that I am one of the most dead serious, hardcore, diehard, most rabid CELTIC WOMAN fans on the face of the earth, and would recommend ANYTHING they do, I do still recommend both the newest CD and DVD releases, even to more 'casual' fans of CW. There is some new material here, on both the CD and the DVD, which you have not seen or heard. (CW Ltd is not releasing any new material, other than what is contained on this CD and DVD here, prior to the launch of the all-new "Isle Of Hope" Tour in February 2009).No matter how you slice it, CW just keeps getting better.Bill in CT

Yes, it is basically just clips from the other Celtic Woman DVDs, BUT the documentary ALONE is worth buying.If you are a big Celtic Woman fan you will really want this. The hour long "The Story So Far" Documentary is fantastic, and a great behind-the-scenes look at how Celtic Woman all came about, and the girls' thoughts about it so far. Great interviews with all of the girls, and a great view of how they interact with each other. I really loved this documentary, and to me, it is what makes this DVD worth the cost. Plus, this is a great DVD if you are looking to share the magic of Celtic Woman with someone else who is not familiar with them. It really goes through all the great hits and well-loved songs. They've added in some beautiful shots of Ireland in between the songs and they do compliment the music so well!As for new stuff, CW will be filming a new DVD this summer, so be on the look out for that.Long live Celtic Woman, and bring on the Spring 2009 tour!!!!!

I am a Celtic Woman Fan and received my copy of the "Greatest Journey, Essential Collection" DVD and CD yesterday. I watched the DVD last night and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was wonderful seeing Meave in the group again and my eyes literally teared when I saw Hayley in the group again. I thoroughly enjoyed the DVD. It seemed like the sound and picture had been considerably enhanced over previous releases and many of the camera shots were from a different angle. It looks and sounds great and I'd recommend it to anyone whether as a personal aquisition or as a gift whether or not you are a Celtic Woman fan. This is just a great DVD with excellent technical qualities, bright and vivid colors; clear and sharp sound, etc. There were super landscape shots from many of Ireland's beautiful and historic places. They were woven into the songs.

Celtic Woman is an Irish group which is not easy to slot into a catregory. Some of their songs are very 'folk', others are not. Some of the songs are old, but there's always a smattering of newer songs. But, whatever they're singing, they're always brilliant. Four women, carefully chosen for the clarity of their singing and the bell like clearness of their voices, singing, sometimes solo, sometimes as duo's or as a quartet. Brilliant!

Loved the location where this DVD was filmed along with lovely music and dancing by the Celtic Woman very entertaining and so atmospheric a real pleasure to watch.

Brilliant,Those girls sure do have great lungs dancing and singing in those long dresses,And that fiddler,she is like a tiny fairy,playing and running and jumping about,How do they do such a great performance and still stay pretty like dolls....

Excellent music. Highly recommended if you like to hear women with great voices singing a variety of ballads. Very good harmonies. The Celtic Woman DVDs can be used on any system including UK systems.

Discovered Celtic Woman only recently by catching the last few moments of a Concert on Sky Arts. Blown away by what sounded like such beautiful music by beautiful ladies with angelic voices. I absolutely had to have a recording & subsequently purchased the DVD entitled The Greatest Journey Essential Collection. Pure magic from first to last. Superb voices spectacularly assisted by Mairead on the violin who flits around and between the singers whilst simultaneously playing her violin rather like a beautiful blonde wood nymph. Unforgettable!!