Product Description

Keali'I's classic Kukahi Concert Series beautifully shot in high definition under the direction of Dennis Mahaffay. It features a powerful ancient hula segment, as well as a variety of modern hula stylings, with guest artist Ben Vegas, guest dancer Keali'I Ceballos, and of course, the musical talents of Keali'I Reichel and company. All is augmented with multimedia and additional features. An ideal way to enjoy the chant, dance, classic faves, and new music of Keali'i. Available in both standard and high definition with 5.1 Dolby Sound.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #93127 in DVD
• Released on: 2007-11-06
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 2.40:1
• Formats: Dolby, Live
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 120 minutes

Customer Reviews

Kukahi Keali`i Reichel Live In Concert a must-have
Punahele Productions has released performances from Keali'i Reichel's "Kukahi" concert series on both standard as well as HD DVD formats. "Kukahi" has clearly set the standard for Hawai'i concert DVDs in every way.

Keali'i Reichel and Punahele Productions have brought together performances from 2005 at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center and from 2006 at the Blaisdell Arena to create two "Kukahi" DVD offerings - one in standard DVD format and the second in HD DVD. Each contains an astounding 26 musical performances, many accompanied by his Halau Ke'alaokamaile and kumu hula Keali'i Ceballos from California. I received a copy of the standard DVD, and even in this format the video quality and cinematography are spectacular. The video frequently cuts away to both scenic and underwater footage that fit the mood and theme of the mele being performed. The quality of the audio recording and mixing is equally outstanding.

The DVD opens with a series of oli (chants) some featuring Keali'i's voice alone and others which are accompanied by hula. It then launches into hmeni (western-influenced songs) accompanied by his band and dancers. They include a pleasant mix of his own compositions, Puakea Nogelmeier's masterful "Melelana", Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett's "Ka 'Eha Ke Aloha", as well as many traditional favorites. Ben Vegas performs his composition "Pua Nani" while being accompanied by Keali'i and his background vocalists. Keali'i's marvelous sense of humor and dedication to the Hawaiian language and culture are on display throughout the video, particular his explanation of mele ma'i (procreation chants/songs).

Bonus features included a long and well-deserved tribute to kumu hula George Holokai, who passed away one year ago this past week, as well as a video retrospective of Keali'i's career, his appearances and victories at the Na Hku Hanohano Awards.

"Kukahi" has clearly set the standard for Hawai'i concert DVDs in every way. I'll be buying a couple to give as gifts this holiday season - perhaps you should to.

FABULOUS! EXCEEDS ALL EXPECTATIONS!!! GREAT GIFT IDEA!
Kukahi is a fabulous vision of lovliness. You do not know what Hawaiian music is unless and until you have feasted your eyes on this concert DVD. Keali'i Reichel has, in just a dozen years of his singing career, mastered the art. He is true to his Hawaiian roots. He is passionate about teaching us real Hawaiian history and culture. This DVD exceeds all expectations, for it is not only absolutely beautifully shot, you are there, in the theatre, experiencing his show. The song selection is outstanding, and he shows us some of the ancient chant, as well. Everything he does, even if in the Hawaiian language, he explains in English, for his mission is to teach and have us understand. His voice is soothing and in perfect pitch. Although he has ventured into a professional singing career only for these past twelve years, he has been a Kuma Hula (Hula Master,) for over twenty, and this shows. His numerous dancers shine with every step, and are always perfectly synchronized. Their costumes are lovely and numerous. You will find no fake huge smiles plastered on their faces, but expressions from their hearts as they perform perfectly throughout the over two hour show. Although he had three concerts that weekend, cameras were allowed only into one, which itself shows Keali'i's courage of conviction and confidence. Buy this one and be amazed.

BEWARE: This is not a simple DVD - this is Blu-Ray HD only!
Amazon shipped me a Blu-ray HD disc, not a simple DVD as propounded throughout the various listings for this DVD. The format is *not* simple DVD. The format is HD-DVD with Blu-ray Disc Player *required,* that is why this supposedly excellent DVD doesn't play in most peoples DVD players thus far. N.B. Amazon will *not* do a simple exchange and/or replacement. Amazon will only do a refund (maybe) and you must order a supposedly acceptable replacement separately. (Just a very bad listing on the part of Amazon, uncorrected as of 7/5/08).