Rating: 
Summary: A Loving Homage to the Art of Invention
Review: "Theremin" is a captivating, eighty-two minute portrait, of the late Russian musical inventor Leonard Theremin. The film describes the life of Professor Theremin's social circle, which was located in New York City during the 1920's and 30's. The instrument that bears his name, along with a range of other exotic musical instruments and inventions, were born during this unique period.A special attribute of the film is that Director Steve Martin has sought out, and then interviewed, a range of talented musicians, dancers and composers. These artists have made direct contributions toward bringing the sound of Professor Theremin's instrument, from the inventor's basement laboratory, into the consciousness of the American public. Robert Moog, whose modular synthesizers revolutionized musical production, spent his teenage years building Theremin's from the plans of a hobbyist magazine. Moog claims that Leon Theremin's work is the cornerstone of the use of electronics in musical instrument design. The film shows that concerts performed by Clara Rockmore to the accompaniment of major symphony orchestras, went a long way towards gaining the acceptance of the Theremin as a serious musical instrument. The Theremin was also popularized by Hollywood, with its use in films such as "The Day the Earth Stood Still". An interesting subplot of the film describes Professor Theremin's abduction from his 57th Street New York apartment, with his subsequent rediscovery, in Russia, some fifty years later. "Theremin, An Electronic Odyssey" is a documentary film that both informs and surprises. It is highly recommended viewing for all fans of electronic music.
Rating:
Summary: A Loving Homage to the Art of Invention
Review: "Theremin" is a captivating, eighty-two minute portrait, of the late Russian musical inventor Leonard Theremin. The film describes the life of Professor Theremin's social circle, which was located in New York City during the 1920's and 30's. The instrument that bears his name, along with a range of other exotic musical instruments and inventions, were born during this unique period. A special attribute of the film is that Director Steve Martin has sought out, and then interviewed, a range of talented musicians, dancers and composers. These artists have made direct contributions toward bringing the sound of Professor Theremin's instrument, from the inventor's basement laboratory, into the consciousness of the American public. Robert Moog, whose modular synthesizers revolutionized musical production, spent his teenage years building Theremin's from the plans of a hobbyist magazine. Moog claims that Leon Theremin's work is the cornerstone of the use of electronics in musical instrument design. The film shows that concerts performed by Clara Rockmore to the accompaniment of major symphony orchestras, went a long way towards gaining the acceptance of the Theremin as a serious musical instrument. The Theremin was also popularized by Hollywood, with its use in films such as "The Day the Earth Stood Still". An interesting subplot of the film describes Professor Theremin's abduction from his 57th Street New York apartment, with his subsequent rediscovery, in Russia, some fifty years later. "Theremin, An Electronic Odyssey" is a documentary film that both informs and surprises. It is highly recommended viewing for all fans of electronic music.
Rating: 
Summary: Only skims the surface.
Review: A documentary on my favourite musical instrument, the theremin ! It has all the "big players" for theremin enthusiasts : Leon Theremin, inventor of the theremin, Clara Rockmore, the most well-known theremin player, and Robert Moog, maker of theremins and a big figure in electronic music. Léon Théremin was the prototypical mad scientist, except for real. Emigrated from Russia, he pioneered the realm of electronic music by inventing the theremin, an electronic cello, and other wonderful things. The Russian government did what statist governments do best, ruin Prof. Theremin's career by kidnapping him and trying to get his secrets. Consequently the theremin and other electronic instruments of its type became mere curiosities and B-movie instruments. It is difficult not to shed a tear at the dramatic Theremin pieces being played by Rockmore and others. Also, an incredible piece for ten theremins, which was directed by Theremin himself, is played for a short moment. Why not play more of that piece ? We also see Theremin himself play, and discuss the theremin. The documentary itself only skims the surface, only hitting the obvious payoffs.
Rating:
Summary: Only skims the surface.
Review: A documentary on my favourite musical instrument, the theremin ! It has all the "big players" for theremin enthusiasts : Leon Theremin, inventor of the theremin, Clara Rockmore, the most well-known theremin player, and Robert Moog, maker of theremins and a big figure in electronic music. Léon Théremin was the prototypical mad scientist, except for real. Emigrated from Russia, he pioneered the realm of electronic music by inventing the theremin, an electronic cello, and other wonderful things. The Russian government did what statist governments do best, ruin Prof. Theremin's career by kidnapping him and trying to get his secrets. Consequently the theremin and other electronic instruments of its type became mere curiosities and B-movie instruments. It is difficult not to shed a tear at the dramatic Theremin pieces being played by Rockmore and others. Also, an incredible piece for ten theremins, which was directed by Theremin himself, is played for a short moment. Why not play more of that piece ? We also see Theremin himself play, and discuss the theremin. The documentary itself only skims the surface, only hitting the obvious payoffs.
Rating:
Summary: Interesting
Review: I found the history of the Theremin and a look at the lives of the people involved with the Theremin to be very interesting.
This video sparked my curiosity enough to see all the movies with Theremin music that I can find, and buy some CDs of Theremin music.
I was fascinated with Clara Rockmore. She was able to pry excellent, creative music from a very hard to play, musical instrument.
The life of Leon Theremin is also very interesting.
This video also caused me to explore the music of Bernard Herrmann, and I have listened to everything composed by him that I can get my hands on. His use of the Theremin duet in "The Day the Earth Stood Still" shows his superb creativity and understanding of music that creates mood and feelings.
I found this video to be very entertaining and informative, and anyone that loves history, biographies, and Theremin music, should love it also.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful FIlm On A Very Obscure Topic
Review: I rented this movie from my local video store, never having heard of the instrument or the inventor before. It just sounded like an interesting movie to me. I wasn't disappointed. After watching for a while, I was impressed by how famous the instrument and inventor actually are. The Theremin is a musical instrument you've probably heard countless of times before but never knew the name of. It was played in many sci-fi and horror films of the 40's and 50's when an eery, other-worldly sound was called for. Anyone who has seen one of these films will immediately recognize the sound. Now, through this film, the sound has been given a name and a face - that of the inventor. This is the primary significance of this film. Whatever its flaws (and many of them have already been mentioned in the other reviews), the film does succeed in helping to implant in the viewer's consciousness the fact that this instrument did not just simply materialize out of nowhere. It was invented by a man who while he might have been bizarre was certainly no more bizarre than many another genius of his kind. Inventive geniuses and tinkerers always seem odd to "normal" people. This film does a good job pointing out that Theremin, the inventor, was actually an ordinary man, thrust into the spotlight in America in the 20's and, just as suddenly, thrust into obscurity by his own government, seemingly as punishment for having attained such success in America. Taken exactly for what it is, no more and no less, the story is moving. When dealing with such an obscure historical topic, it is no wonder the level of detail given seems to be wanting. There probably just is not that much information available. All that we are left with is memories, both of the contemporaries of Theremin and of the films in which his impact was most felt. I think that this is the point this film tries to make.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful FIlm On A Very Obscure Topic
Review: I rented this movie from my local video store, never having heard of the instrument or the inventor before. It just sounded like an interesting movie to me. I wasn't disappointed. After watching for a while, I was impressed by how famous the instrument and inventor actually are. The Theremin is a musical instrument you've probably heard countless of times before but never knew the name of. It was played in many sci-fi and horror films of the 40's and 50's when an eery, other-worldly sound was called for. Anyone who has seen one of these films will immediately recognize the sound. Now, through this film, the sound has been given a name and a face - that of the inventor. This is the primary significance of this film. Whatever its flaws (and many of them have already been mentioned in the other reviews), the film does succeed in helping to implant in the viewer's consciousness the fact that this instrument did not just simply materialize out of nowhere. It was invented by a man who while he might have been bizarre was certainly no more bizarre than many another genius of his kind. Inventive geniuses and tinkerers always seem odd to "normal" people. This film does a good job pointing out that Theremin, the inventor, was actually an ordinary man, thrust into the spotlight in America in the 20's and, just as suddenly, thrust into obscurity by his own government, seemingly as punishment for having attained such success in America. Taken exactly for what it is, no more and no less, the story is moving. When dealing with such an obscure historical topic, it is no wonder the level of detail given seems to be wanting. There probably just is not that much information available. All that we are left with is memories, both of the contemporaries of Theremin and of the films in which his impact was most felt. I think that this is the point this film tries to make.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent documentary about fascinating material.
Review: I was channel surfing one fine evening when I stumbled across this remarkable film, by luck right from the beginning. Quick synopsis: The Theremin is the original electronic musical instrument, invented by an engineer from early communist Russia. It's a highly unusual instrument, played by waving your hands in the air nearby without touching it. (Yes, really.) As an example of his genius, he created a color television camera and screen in his home in the mid 1930's, some years before black and white television was ever broadcast in the United States. He toured the world with his instrument and landed in New York where for several years he ran a studio experimenting in new musical instruments and techniques and gave concerts at Carnegie Hall, before the day when he was suddenly kidnapped at gunpoint from his studio and vanished without a trace for over 30 years... but his instrument didn't... The documentary is both about Dr. Theremin and his invention, but is told in the context of his life, as viewed from the western world. I was so captivated by the film that I immediately found out when it would be on again and set up to tape it. Once I had it on tape I watched it several more times over the next few weeks, and finally gave into temptation and bought one of the instruments. (Warning: They cost [a lot] plus the cost of an amp and stand, they're hard to find on short notice, and you may be overly-tempted to own one right away after seeing the film.) It's at least as hard to play as everyone says it is, and far harder than it looks. Only one person has ever mastered it, and she is featured promimently in the film. I bought the DVD as soon as I found out about it, I believe as soon as it became available. The DVD is somewhat of a disappointment for two reasons: the film is cropped to fit a TV screen instead of presented in letterbox, and there is no English subtitle track, only French or Spanish. Of the two, the subtitles are the worse disappointment because the film features many people who don't speak English clearly because it's not their native language. Particularly difficult is Dr.Theremin himself, shown in the film in his 90's, then barely able to speak at all. It is also annoying, however, that the film was cropped to fit the screen, because any on-screen titles telling who we're seeing seem to have been cropped away. It's because of the cropped picture and lack of subtitles that I rate this DVD a 4 instead of a 5 - like other reviewers have said, I think the original film is a 5, it's just that this isn't the best presentation of it on video. In all other respects the image is clear and crisp and the sound is fine, and I have no other complaints. If you're interested in the topic, it's a great movie, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Just be prepared to lust to buy the instrument immediately afterward.
Rating:
Summary: Worth every penny
Review: If you have ever had any interest in the theremin, you need to get this film. There is extensive footage of Clara Rockmore playing the instrument, and her technique is amazing. She has developed a way to play scales by moving her fingers. You have to see it to believe it. I play the theremin and this film helped me out tremendously. If you never heard of a theremin, the film is worth watching anyway, because you don't see too many documentary films with this much intrigue and depth. Plus, you get to see Brian Wilson's whacked out explanation of the 60s. Really funny. Leon Theremin had every reason in the world to give up and die, and instead, he kept living. He is a true giant among human beings. The last 10 minutes of the film are sublime. This is not an action movie. It's a documentary. But it's one of the best documentary films I've ever seen. Good ending. Buy it.
Rating:
Summary: The full-screen format is correct
Review: In response to (comments) about this DVD not being letterboxed: I haven't seen the DVD yet, but I did see the film in a theater when it was first released, and I'm pretty sure it was in the 4:3 ratio - in other words, it SHOULD be full screen, not letterbox, on video. It makes sense that the film would NOT have been made in a widescreen format, as it mainly consists of two things: the normal-for-documentaries talking heads shots, which don't need widescreen, and old black-and-white footage from the 1920s and 30s that would be in the 4:3 ratio anyway. This excerpt from Douglas Pratt's review of the old laserdisc release may explain it: "The back of the disc jacket contains two conflicting statements about the presentation, the normal 'formatted to fit your television' disclaimer and a statement that the show is presented as the filmmakers originally intended, with a 1.33:1 aspect ratio. We tend to believe the latter." Apparently the DVD released carried over this incorrect "formatted to fit your screen" notation. (Those) who are complaining that on-screen text identifying speakers has been "cropped away" or "missing" seem to be forgetting that when a widescreen movie is shown full-screen on video, it's the sides that get cut away, not the top and bottom. If the film had been widescreen originally, the titles would still be there but with the first part cut off. Bottom line: this is a fascinating documentary, and if you're curious about it, don't be deterred from getting it because of the reviewers who were misled by the erroneous "formatted to fit your screen" notation on the packag
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