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BMG Music presents

Christina Aguilera: Genie Gets Her Wish (1999)

"I've always wanted to be, like, recognized"- Christina Aguilera

Stars: Christina Aguilera
Director: Clare Davies

MPAA Rating: Not RatedRun Time: 01h:14m:00s
Release Date: 2000-02-08
Genre: pop

Style
Grade
Substance
Grade
Image Transfer
Grade
Audio Transfer
Grade
Extras
Grade
C+ B+CB C

 

DVD Review

Christina Aguilera is a feast for the (male) eyes and (everyone's) ear. The petite diva-in-training has an octave range that is reminiscent of Mariah Carey's when she first hit the scene 10 years ago. Her vocal stylings are the forefront of Genie Gets Her Wish.

The DVD itself is basically your standard pop fare. You see Christina at various stops in her tour performing on stage. You'll get a peek at her rehearsing with her dancers and in the studio recording her hit What a Girl Wants. In a particularly touching sequence, you see Christina, who is adored and lusted after by millions, at a get together, not letting go of the hand of her "Mommy." This brings you back to the reality that she's still a couple years away from legal drinking age.

The most outstanding performance on this disc is recorded at a party, where her entourage is assembled to hear Christina belt out an incredible rendition of Etta James At Last. Accompanied only by a piano, Christina takes this song and makes it her own. This has always been one of my favorite songs and I glad that she introduced it to a new generation of listeners (even though most of the kiddies will think she wrote it).

A good portion of the interview takes place in the back of a limo, as Christina relates her tales of growing up and wanting to be famous. The Mickey Mouse Club is mentioned as where got her first break at 12, along with Britney Spears, and Justin Timberlake and J C Chavez of 'N Sync. Disney recognized the talent in her and had her sing on the soundtrack of the animated featureMulan.

Song List:

Genie in a Bottle
So Emotional
Come on Over (All I want is You)
What a Girl Wants
I Turn to You
At Last
When You Put Your Hands on Me
The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)

Rating for Style: C+
Rating for Substance: B+

 

Image Transfer

 One
Aspect Ratio1.33:1 - Full Frame
Original Aspect Rationo
Anamorphicno


Image Transfer Review: The image transfer is good but could have been better. Contrast was generally good, and there was little in the way of nicks and scars. A couple times I noticed that there was some color bleeding, but nothing that overwhelming.

Image Transfer Grade: C
 

Audio Transfer

 LanguageRemote Access
DS 2.0Englishyes


Audio Transfer Review: The audio on this disc is good. It has good balance and projects a very clean sound. The surround activity is limited, and there isn't much in the way of directional activity. No hisses or pops; generally a nice mix.

Audio Transfer Grade:

Disc Extras

Full Motion menu with music
Scene Access with 12 cues and remote access
Packaging: Amaray
0 Discs
1-Sided disc(s)
Layers: single

Extra Extras:
  1. Photo Gallery
  2. Music Videos—" What a Girl Wants and Genie in a Bottle
  3. Chapter Selections
  4. Weblinks to Official Websites: RCA's Christina siteand The Official Christina Aguilera
Extras Review: The extras included in this disc contain a photomontage of Christina with her song from the Mulan soundtrack playing in the background. Great for a real fan. The chapter selection and 2 music videos are pretty basic additions. With a DVD-ROM on your computer, you can instantly link to Christina's websites: RCA's Christina siteand The Official Christina Aguilera

Extras Grade: C
 

Final Comments

Whether you like her or not, you can't deny her talents. She is ready and willing to wear the diva crown when it's passed to her. On second thought, she'll probably just take it.

Maggi Cameron 2000-05-31