Duets

Starring:Paltrow, Braugher, Giamatti
Studio: Walt Disney Video
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
Karaoke is a way for average people to get on stage and sing cover songs. In Duets, it's also a money sport. No, really. As with other bar sports (pool, darts), the karaoke-for-money game is rife with hustlers. One such hustler is Ricky Dean (Huey Lewis), who takes time off the karaoke circuit to attend the funeral of his ex-wife, where he meets his estranged daughter (Gwyneth Paltrow) and can't shake her desire to go on the road with him. The other hustler is Suzi Loomis (Maria Bello), a woman who literally prostitutes herself to get from gig to gig, until she meets up with a kind-hearted cabby (Scott Speedman). Then there's Todd Woods (Paul Giamatti), who gets so fed up with his sales job and being ignored at home that he hits the road, moving from karaoke bar to karaoke bar in a voyage of self-discovery. Along the way he picks up Reggie Kane (Andre Braugher), an escaped felon with a voice like an angel. All three couples end up in Omaha for the $5,000 karaoke finals. Chock full of bad writing and bad direction, the movie inspires a perverse fascination. Braugher and Giamatti chew up the scenery at every opportunity, but most interesting is the father-daughter incest subtext (compounded by the fact that the movie is directed by Gwyneth's dad, Bruce Paltrow). Eeeeesh. --Andy Spletzer
Description
Academy Award(R)-winner Gwyneth Paltrow (Best Actress, SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE, THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY) and Scott Speedman (TV's FELICITY) are part of the stellar ensemble cast in a hilariously offbeat comedy! The lives of six stranges become outrageously intertwined when a riotous road trip culminates at the site of the national Karaoke championships. As they compete for the $5,000 grand prize, this unlikely group will eventually learn all about each other ... while discovering answers to the questions about themselves! Also featuring great performances from Maria Bello (COYOTE UGLY), Andre Braugher (FREQUENCY), Paul Giamatti (BIG MOMMA'S HOUSE), and Huey Lewis (SHADOW OF DOUBT) -- you'll agree with audiences everywhere who fell in love with this uncommonly entertaining comedy!

Roy Orbison - Black & White Night (DVD & DVD Audio)
Average customer rating:

Roy Orbison at his best

For those confused about DVD Audio

Great Video, Bad DVD Audio

Orbison's Black & White Night

Black & White Night

Roy Orbison - Black & White Night (DVD & DVD Audio)
Starring: Roy Orbison
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Black & White Night

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Roy Orbison - A Black & White Night (DTS)

The Essential Roy Orbison

Roy Orbison - Black & White Night (DVD & SACD)

ASIN: B0006QAIFA
Release Date: 2005-03-08

Product Description

A special one-time event documenting one of rock and roll's greatest and most unique performances. Recorded live at the Cocoanut Grove in Los Angeles, Roy Orbison is joined by an eclectic ensemble of rock and roll superstars. Highlighting this all-star line-up are Jackson Browne, Elvis Costello, T-Bone Burnett, J.D. Souther, Jennifer Warnes, k.d. lang, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen and Tom Waits. Orbison and fellow performers spend a scintillating hour performing many of his greatest hits. Songs: Only the Lonely, Dream Baby, The Comedians, Ooby Dooby, Leah, Running Scared, In Dreams, Crying, Candyman, Go Go Go, Mean Woman Blues, It's Over, Oh Pretty Woman, Dream You, Blue Bayou, Claudette.

System Requirements:
Product Features:
Audio Format: 5.1 DTS, 5.1 Dolby Digital
Screen Format: Full Frame
16x9: No
Color: B&W
Region Code: No Region Code
Original Languages: English
English Dubbed: No
Other Languages: None
Subtitles: None

Running Time 64 Min

Format: DVD VIDEO

Customer Reviews:

Roy Orbison at his best.......2007-06-27

If I could only own one Roy Orbison DVD this would be it. Incredibly, the sound of this old live recording in a night club is outstanding and the video captures a magic moment in his performing history. Bruce Springsteen mooching up to the mike, K.D. Lang and Bonnie Rait doing their best backup moves prior to becoming "somebody" and Elvis Costello working hard on the side. What more could you want?

For those confused about DVD Audio.......2007-06-22

There seems to be a number of people confused about the DVD Audio disk. DVD Audio is a high resolution audio format. It has been competing with SACD or Super Audio Compact Disc for the past 7 years. Of course Sony is involved in this format war, just like their Betamax vs. VHS, Minidisk vs. DCC and Blu-Ray vs. HD-DVD.

The DVD Audio isn't worthless. If you enjoy Music get a player or a universal player that plays both SACD and DVD Audio discs. These discs sound wonderful! Neil Young has been a big supporter of DVD Audio by pushing to get his catalog released on DVD Audio and stating that the DVD Audio versions of his recordings are the closest he has ever heard anything to the original studio masters.

Great Video, Bad DVD Audio.......2007-06-11

Great DVD Video but "throw away" DVD Audio. Unless you have a machine to play the DVD Audio, this is a worthless, added expense.

Orbison's Black & White Night.......2007-05-26

This is an absolute classic. Great renditions of great songs. Unfortunately, the DVD Audio would not play on my DVD equipment. I don't know what its purpose is. The DVD Audio is dated 2004; the original DVD is 1999.

Black & White Night.......2007-05-13

Received a great concert at a good price in short order. My only concern is that the box contains 2 CDs/DVDs. One DVD is the concert; however, I cannot get the other disc to run on either my DVD player or my computer... Any help would be appreciated.

Roy Orbison - A Black & White Night (DTS)

Average customer rating:

A DVD For Everyone
Key performance
One of a kind
Out of Orbit
Classic

Roy Orbison - A Black & White Night (DTS)
Starring: Roy Orbison , Bruce Springsteen , Elvis Costello , Jackson Browne , and Bonnie Raitt
Director: Tony Mitchell (II)
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Black & White Night
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Black & White Night
The All-Time Greatest Hits of Roy Orbison
The Eagles - Farewell 1 Tour - Live From Melbourne

ASIN: B0000203YR
Release Date: 1999-11-09

Product Description

1. Only The Lonely
2. Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream)
3. Blue Bayou
4. The Comedians
5. Ooby Dooby
6. Leah
7. Running Scared
8. Uptown
9. In Dreams
10. Crying
11. Candyman
12. Go, Go, Go (Down The Line)
13. Mean Woman Blues
14. (All I Can Do Is) Dream You
15. Claudette
16. It's Over
17. Oh, Pretty Woman

Format: DVD VIDEO

Amazon.com essential video

Few early rockers were more gifted or less honored in their prime than the late Roy Orbison, whose vaulting tenor and vulnerable love songs conjured heartbreak and desire with operatic intensity. This 1987 concert special, originally broadcast on Showtime, came two decades after Orbison had retreated from pop's front lines, yet neither Orbison nor his music coasts on mere nostalgia: in every respect, A Black and White Night survives as a triumphant performance and a superb video production, as well as a first-rate retrospective of Orbison's hits.

Filmed in black and white against the streamlined art deco stage of the since-demolished Coconut Grove in downtown Los Angeles, the concert is buoyed by a remarkable cast of A-list Orbison fans who signed on as his accompanists. Under the direction of producer T-Bone Burnett, the stage band thus includes Jackson Browne, Burnett, Elvis Costello, k.d. lang, Bonnie Raitt, J.D. Souther, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits, and Jennifer Warnes, along with the rhythm section from Elvis Presley's fabled late '60s and early '70s touring band. That astonishing lineup is all the more noteworthy for the restraint with which they collaborate--it's evident that those superstars came to honor Orbison, not upstage him, resulting in a gratifying cohesion to the performances.

Orbison himself sounds as powerful as ever, his soaring falsetto cresting as dramatically as it did on the studio versions of the hits that inevitably dominate. Those songs meanwhile confirm that his blue chip admiration society came as much for the caliber of his writing as for his ravishing voice: if he remains best known for the jaunty come-on of "Pretty Woman," Orbison was first and foremost a rock balladeer, capable of bringing lumps to our throats with such classics as "Crying" and "Only the Lonely," or conjuring romantic trances through such gentle charmers as "Dream Baby." On this night, he handled all of them with fervor and finesse. --Sam Sutherland

Customer Reviews:

A DVD For Everyone.......2007-06-28

This DVD with Roy Orbison is for all music lovers, not just for his fans. It's interesting to learn how he has contributed to the music world, and how his songs have been used and reproduced by many of our leading musical artists. He influenced all genres of modern music, including Elvis Presley, the Beatles, and many others. When you watch this DVD, you will understand why.

Key performance.......2007-05-30

Filmed all in black and white, this is a non-commented recording of the performance only. Roy plays the usual songs and is backed-up by a star-studded cast of Roy's fans. Too bad that Bruce Springsteen keeps trying to take the limelight. Wikipedia has an excellent write-up.

One of a kind.......2007-05-24

It's a one of a kind show. Great performers, impromtu performance by great musicians & Roy is the best.

Out of Orbit.......2007-05-13

All I know is I just love this DVD. Packed with all Orbison's great hits with the dynamics of the rest of the Black & White night "gang". Five stars for me...

Classic.......2007-03-28

You don't have to be in love with Roy to enjoy this concert. One of the best I've ever seen

Average customer rating:

Great production, great choreography, great performances!
Living Legend!
Great Buy
cancel the CHEEZY dancers -you don't need em + won't miss em
Excelente Concierto de Tony Bennett

Tony Bennett - American Classic
Starring: Tony Bennett , Christina Aguilera , Billy Crystal , k.d. lang , and Chris Botti
Director: Rob Marshall
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Duets: An American Classic
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Tony Bennett: Duets - The Making of An American Classic

ASIN: B000J6I0PC
Release Date: 2006-11-21

Amazon.com

High concept and high class, An American Classic is a worthy visual complement to Tony Bennett's 2006 duets CD of the same name. The notion of pairing veteran artists with a variety of singing partners is nothing new, of course (cf. B.B. King and Frank Sinatra, among many others), but this one goes a step further; under the direction of Rob Marshall (Chicago, Memoirs of a Geisha) and his team, Bennett appears in what's described as a "docu-musical," faithfully re-creating a variety of performance settings much like the ones in which the 80-year-old singer has appeared in the course of his long, fruitful career. Thus we find him on a concert stage with Barbra Streisand ("Smile"), in a nightclub with John Legend (a swinging, uptempo "Sing, You Sinners"), in the studio with k.d. lang and trumpeter Chris Botti ("Because of You"), on a '60s-style TV variety show with Diana Krall (a classy "The Best is Yet to Come"), in Vegas with Elton John ("Rags To Riches") and then Michael Buble (an amusing "Just in Time"), and so forth, on up to Bennett's triumphant shot on MTV Unplugged with Christina Aguilera (no jazz singer, but she keeps most of her excesses in check on "Steppin' Out") and the inevitable "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" (Bennett with piano accompaniment only). It's all very respectful, well staged, and entertainingly choreographed, but if this 45-minute cavalcade has a significant shortcoming, it's that it mostly lacks fire and spontaneity; the only time Bennett cuts loose is during an audio-only "I Got Rhythm" heard under the various DVD menus. Viewers may also be disappointed that Sting, Bono, Paul McCartney, James Taylor, the Dixie Chicks, and several others on the CD do not appear here, and it's a notable drag that not a single one of the composers or arrangers of the material is identified. Bonus features include a "making of" documentary and other featurettes. --Sam Graham

Description

Tracks:
1."Smile" Barbra Streisand
2."Sing You Sinners" John Legend
3."Because Of You" k.d. lang and Chris Botti
4."The Best Is Yet To Come" Diana Krall
5."The Shadow Of Your Smile" Juanes
6."Rags To Riches" Elton John
7."Just In Time" Michael Bublé
8."For Once In My Life" Stevie Wonder
9."Steppin' Out With My Baby" Christina Aguilera
10."I Left My Heart In San Francisco" Tony Bennett

Product Description:
TONY BENNETT: AN AMERICAN CLASSIC is a ground-breaking television event that takes us on a musical journey of this legendary entertainer's life. Re-creating the venues of Tony's career, from the downtown Greenwich Village club where Tony was discovered, to the Columbia recording studios of the early 60's, from rat pack Las Vegas to Carnegie Hall, Tony will be joined for each show-stopping number by the myriad of superstars that appear with him on his Duets album. In a bold re-invention of the form, each set piece was filmed as a small movie by an Academy Award-winning team, lead by director Rob Marshall (Memoirs Of A Geisha, Chicago.) Seamlessly woven throughout the program will be introductions and narrative insights. This event invites us to celebrate the life of who Frank Sinatra called "the greatest singer ever." As the special ends, Tony Bennett will take the empty stage, this time alone, and deliver his signature classic, "I Left My Heart In San Francisco."

Customer Reviews:

Great production, great choreography, great performances!.......2007-05-12

Before I purchased this item, I thought I would only enjoy a few tracks by my favorite artists. But, it kept me enthralled all through the playing time. Personally, I bought this one because I like Barbra Streisand. But, wow, all the duet performances are so great. I've watched it twice now (in only 2 weeks). And I think I'll still enjoy it some more times. I think this DVD can be played at your home parties for the enjoyment of your valued guests.

Living Legend!.......2007-03-27

First, I give this four starts and not five only for the brevity of the program. But 40-odd minutes still offer many opportunities to appreciate what this 80 year-old can do! The creative program was directed by Rob Marshall and includes choreography (Tony even dances a bit) and visuals that live up to his Chicago accomplishments. Being something of a purist, I have to say I was initially skeptical of the "guest list." Each musician rises to the challenge, and the songs alternate between touching and flashy. Tony shines in each tune, an effect heightened by a full orchestra and elaborate sets. The film quality is excellent and vivid as is the sound recording. I found myself watching and re-watching sections over and over again -- you will, too. The extra features (including the "making of" documentary) are very interesting, too. This project was clearly a work of love for all involved. What a fine way to celebrate Tony's career.

Great Buy.......2007-03-26

I had caught the tail end of this concert when it was on tv. I enjoyed what I saw and heard, and It was definately what I had expected. Very good singing by Toney B's guest and the incomperable Toney B was excellent as always!!!!!!!! He still has his pipes at 80!!!!! Totally blew me away!!!! The concert is more of a mock tv show. Though I did like this format, it lacked the enthusiasm of those old dean martin tv shows. The director should have had more interaction with Tony and his guest singers. It would have been fun to see him talking about jazz music, with the modern day crooner, Michael Buble , for instance. All in all this is a great dvd definately worth buying, with the performances with Christina Agulara and Michael Buble standing out!!!!

cancel the CHEEZY dancers -you don't need em + won't miss em.......2007-03-20

I am giving four stars because I dont waste my time writing negative reviews- so a four star review means I have to diss something. My stomach was turning watching the cheezy and totally gross dance scenes- feathered fans and top hats and canes- PUHLEEZE !! None of these vocals are enhanced in any way buy these gyrating midriffs with the same old sorry meaningless cliched moves and the horrific non flattering outfits- they look like pole dancers in an atlantic city off the beaten path porn palace. Have I made my case?
Other than that the songs chosen were interesting, everyone does a masterful job singing - but I couldn't watch this tape again. These 2006 scenes just makes one all the more nostalgic for the neon lights of the old time dimly lit smoky jazz clubs when musical craft was king- I bet tony wishes that this style was still reigning as well

Excelente Concierto de Tony Bennett.......2007-02-08

Una vez mas podemos ver la grandeza del inmenso Tonny Bennett, quien junto a estelares de la cancion traen un concierto sin desperdicios.
Quien lo obtenga, tendra un DvD excelente para su coleccion.

Average customer rating:

Better Than American Idol!
Duets is FANTASTIC
Duets
Great Music
For the most part... sour talent & plot

Duets
Starring: Andre Braugher , Angie Dickinson , Paul Giamatti , Gwyneth Paltrow , and Marian Seldes
Director: Bruce Paltrow
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00003CXNJ
Release Date: 2001-05-08

Amazon.com

Karaoke is a way for average people to get on stage and sing cover songs. In Duets, it's also a money sport. No, really. As with other bar sports (pool, darts), the karaoke-for-money game is rife with hustlers. One such hustler is Ricky Dean (Huey Lewis), who takes time off the karaoke circuit to attend the funeral of his ex-wife, where he meets his estranged daughter (Gwyneth Paltrow) and can't shake her desire to go on the road with him. The other hustler is Suzi Loomis (Maria Bello), a woman who literally prostitutes herself to get from gig to gig, until she meets up with a kind-hearted cabby (Scott Speedman). Then there's Todd Woods (Paul Giamatti), who gets so fed up with his sales job and being ignored at home that he hits the road, moving from karaoke bar to karaoke bar in a voyage of self-discovery. Along the way he picks up Reggie Kane (Andre Braugher), an escaped felon with a voice like an angel. All three couples end up in Omaha for the $5,000 karaoke finals. Chock full of bad writing and bad direction, the movie inspires a perverse fascination. Braugher and Giamatti chew up the scenery at every opportunity, but most interesting is the father-daughter incest subtext (compounded by the fact that the movie is directed by Gwyneth's dad, Bruce Paltrow). Eeeeesh. --Andy Spletzer

Description

Academy Award(R)-winner Gwyneth Paltrow (Best Actress, SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE, THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY) and Scott Speedman (TV's FELICITY) are part of the stellar ensemble cast in a hilariously offbeat comedy! The lives of six stranges become outrageously intertwined when a riotous road trip culminates at the site of the national Karaoke championships. As they compete for the $5,000 grand prize, this unlikely group will eventually learn all about each other ... while discovering answers to the questions about themselves! Also featuring great performances from Maria Bello (COYOTE UGLY), Andre Braugher (FREQUENCY), Paul Giamatti (BIG MOMMA'S HOUSE), and Huey Lewis (SHADOW OF DOUBT) -- you'll agree with audiences everywhere who fell in love with this uncommonly entertaining comedy!

Customer Reviews:

Better Than American Idol!.......2007-03-20

Winning at karaoke might not seem like a promising theme for a movie. It might initially strike you as providing as flimsy a foundation for drama as Sylvester Stallone's movie about arm-wrestling. But this movie works. And unless you are a devotee of karaoke, it will probably also surprise you. It will make you aware that there's a whole subculture out there that, like the world of pool players, is filled with hustlers, fans, newbies who become addicts, and a host of other colorful characters.

"Duets" isn't perfect though. It generally adopts an up-beat tone as it follows the stories of a variety of people who all converge for the finale at a high-stakes karaoke contest. The individual stories tend to be as life-affirming as the interweaving stories in movies such as "Grand Canyon." However, some jarring elements seep through. And in fact, the bonus commentary reveals that this movie was adapted from a novel consisting of violent, surreal episodes. Some scenes with that slant were indeed shot, but the director wisely chose to relegate them to the "Deleted Scenes" pile. If they had been included, the whole movie would have been derailed into some nihilistic view of a world ruled by random acts of brutality. As it is, this original conception of the material is only hinted at in the mysterious truncation of certain scenes and in a few leaps in narrative logic.

However, these minor flaws are more than compensated for by what became the overall arc of this movie. Most particularly, the chemistry between the players here is wonderful and universally redeeming. Gwyneth Paltrow and Huey Lewis as daughter and father have a real spark between them. Paul Giamatti as the escapee from suburbia and Andre Braugher as the hitchhiker he picks up similarly develop an unlikely, but very real rapport.

Most of all though, this movie is about the music. Almost all the actors here did their own singing. Paul Giamatti reportedly protested that he couldn't sing at all and wanted to be dubbed. But when the cameras started to roll, he blossomed into a song-stylist par excellence. All sorts of unsuspected talent is revealed, making this movie a better trip than a whole season of American Idol!

Duets is FANTASTIC.......2007-02-02

For me, you don't get much better then stars who are known primarily for their acting ability making an attempt to try their hand in singing/dancing (with the exception of straight guys dressing up as girls). Duets is non-stop entertainment. I can't take my eyes off the screen when it is on. My only critique would be more singing, less dialogue.

Duets.......2007-01-09

I like this movie because it is pure entertainment & moves along quickly. It's one of those "feel good" movies.

Great Music.......2006-11-19

This was one of my favorite movies. Unlike one other reviewer, I'd say this is one to watch more than once ..... like listening to a good album many times. I thought the story was decent, but the music is what really made the movie. Much like the music made Dirty Dancing (another of my all time favs). I also thought Mario Bello did a great rendition of "I Can't Make You Love Me". This is well worth buying.

For the most part... sour talent & plot.......2006-10-23

This is one of those movies you will want to watch only once. There was so much potential for the story line and comedy, but it appears somewhere along the line everyone just got lazy. The only worthy converse is between the father and daughter. Huey Lewis, Gwyneth Paltrow and Arnold McCuller's acting and talent were great, but everyone else really lacked. Especially Maria Bello's, which I was really surprised that she was cast to sing since she has no talent and her voice just made you want to turn off the volume. There is a ton of holes in the story line and talent with this one. Save this for a rainy, bored day or skip it all together....

Tony Bennett - An American Classic [Blu-ray]

Average customer rating:

Tony Bennett Blu-Ray Review
Bennett
Tony B Blu-ray

Tony Bennett - An American Classic [Blu-ray]
Starring: Tony Bennett
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: Blu-ray

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music

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Chicago [Blu-ray]

ASIN: B000K7UG16
Release Date: 2006-12-12

Description

Following it's successful broadcast on NBC this past Thanksgiving, the critically-acclaimed Tony Bennett: "An American Classic" was released on Blu-ray December 12, 2006. Created and directed by acclaimed director Rob Marshall (Chicago and Memoirs of a Geisha), An American Classic is a ground breaking show staged as a contemporary reinvention of the variety special. In this "Docu-Musical", Marshall and his entire Academy-Award winning creative team take us on an emotional musical journey of this legendary entertainer's life by re-creating the seminal venues of Tony's career: from the 52nd street swing club to the early Columbia recording studio; from the classic TV studios of the '60's to the "rat pack" Las Vegas stage; from Carnegie Hall to his triumphant performance on "MTV Unplugged". Throughout, Tony performs his greatest hits while joined by many of the superstars that appear with him on his recently released, platinum-selling Duets album. This show invites us to celebrate the life of who Frank Sinatra called "the greatest singer ever." As the special ends, Tony Bennett takes the empty stage, this time alone, to deliver a definitive version of his signature classic "I Left My Heart In San Francisco".

Blu-ray Disc Track Listing:
1. Smile" - Barbara Streisand
2. Sing You Sinners" - John Legend
3. Because Of You" - k.d lang and Chris Botti
4. The Best Is Yet To Come" - Diana Krall
5. The Shadow Of Your Smile" - Juanes
6. Rags To Riches - Elton John
7. Just In Time" - Michael Buble
8. For Once In Your Life" - Stevie Wonder
9. Steppin' Out With My Baby" - Christina Aguilera
10. I Left With Heart In San Francisco" - Tony Bennett

Special Features: Featurettes:

The Making Of

Shooting of Black & White Film

Walking the Stars Through Their Paces

Production Design From Page to Stage The Trailer The Tony Bennett Dancer's Rehearsals

Video/Audio:
Mastered in High Definition
PCM Stereo
PCM 5.1 Surround Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound

Customer Reviews:

Tony Bennett Blu-Ray Review.......2007-05-12

I liked Tony Bennett before, but now I love him. Very nice DVD, even the black and white portion is so clear. Highly recommended.

Bennett.......2007-04-10

Uncompressed PCM stereo is superb. Picture is excellent, if you like contempary style music, this is a must.

Tony B Blu-ray.......2007-02-22

Outstanding duets. Tony Bennett again multi-generational. That's why he's still winning awards. LOVE the blu-ray format.

Tony Bennett: Duets - The Making of An American Classic

Average customer rating:

Tony Bennett: Duets - The Making of An American Classic
Starring: Tony Bennett
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music

Tony Bennett - American Classic
Duets: An American Classic
Duets
A Little Night Music
Can-Can

ASIN: B000OHZKIG
Release Date: 2007-05-01

Roy Orbison - Black & White Night (DVD & SACD)

Average customer rating:

Great concert
Good Value
The best live music video.
GREAT!!!
Incomparable

Roy Orbison - Black & White Night (DVD & SACD)
Starring: Roy Orbison , Bruce Springsteen , Elvis Costello , Jackson Browne , and Bonnie Raitt
Director: Tony Mitchell (II)
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Rockabilly | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

( R ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

In Dreams
Brothers in Arms
Mystery Girl
Telarc SACD Sampler: Sound and Vision
Roy Orbison - Black & White Night (DVD & DVD Audio)

ASIN: B0006QAIF0
Release Date: 2005-02-08

Product Description

A special one-time event documenting one of rock and roll's greatest and most unique performances. Recorded live at the Cocoanut Grove in Los Angeles, Roy Orbison is joined by an eclectic ensemble of rock and roll superstars. Highlighting this all-star line-up are Jackson Browne, Elvis Costello, T-Bone Burnett, J.D. Souther, Jennifer Warnes, k.d. lang, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen and Tom Waits. Orbison and fellow performers spend a scintillating hour performing many of his greatest hits. Songs: Only the Lonely, Dream Baby, The Comedians, Ooby Dooby, Leah, Running Scared, In Dreams, Crying, Candyman, Go Go Go, Mean Woman Blues, It's Over, Oh Pretty Woman, Dream You, Blue Bayou, Claudette.

Product Features:
Audio Format: 5.1 DTS, 5.1 Dolby Digital
Screen Format: Full Frame
16x9: No
Color: B&W
Region Code: No Region Code
Original Languages: English
English Dubbed: No
Other Languages: None
Subtitles: None
Running Time 64 Min

Format: DVD VIDEO

Customer Reviews:

Great concert.......2007-05-13

The sound quality is outstanding. My only complaint is that the DVD version that I bought is not widescreen. I had seen this concert on a hi-def channel and it was mesmerizing. It was a widescreen version as well, and I guess I was expecting the same experience. Don't get me wrong, if you have a standard 4:3 screen, this will do you well. However if you own a 16:9 widescreen display, then you will have the black bars along the sides. I'll probably keep my fingers crossed that a high definition version will one day be released and I'll pick that up.

Good Value.......2007-02-22

The dvd and added cd arrived in a timely fashion, the products were in excellent condition. I would definitely buy from this seller again.

The best live music video........2007-02-12

Those of us who grew up listening to Roy Orbison (and those who didn't) will enjoy this vintage Orbison music. The black and white production adds to the impact of the superbly mixed tunes. Orbison nevered sounded so good, and he's backed by an all-star cast. Unquestionably, the best live performance I've seen captured on video.

GREAT!!!.......2007-01-09

Black & White Night is one of best dvd's I have ever heard. If you like good music, You will LOVE this one. Orbison & friends give it all they got.

Incomparable.......2006-11-12

This is one of the most moving performances of any kind I have ever seen. The opening, with "Only the Lonely", sends chills down my spine. "In Dreams" is one of the most romantic songs ever written. There are good old-fashioned rockers, with nice interplay among the various members of the ensemble, and of course the inimitable ballads, culminating with "Pretty Woman". If you didn't already realize how amazing Roy Orbison was, the love and respect shown him by this cast of superstars is statement enough. It is hard to think of many other artists who would inspire such a tribute. I sometimes start the DVD to watch and hear a particular song, and end up playing the whole thing.

One wonders if anyone had a premonition that Orbison would die less than a year after this concert; it is fortunate for us that this tribute took place and was captured forever.

Willie Nelson and Friends - Live & Kickin'

Average customer rating:

WILLIE & FRIENDS WINGING IT
More than expected
Wonderful !!!
Willie Nelson and Friends-Live and Kickin'
Great entertainers, fantastic music!

Willie Nelson and Friends - Live & Kickin'
Starring: Willie Nelson & Friends
Manufacturer: Lost Highway
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Country | Styles | Music

Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( W ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000AA4H1S
Release Date: 2005-08-23

Description

What if Willie Nelson threw himself a 70th birthday party and EVERYONE came?

That's exactly what happened at New York City's famed Beacon Theatre on April 9, 2003 when Willie was joined on stage by some of the biggest names in rock, pop and country music.

Track Listing:
1. I Didn't Come Here (And I Ain't Leavin')
2. Night Life w/Eric Clapton
3. Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain w/Shania Twain
4. Homeward Bound w/Paul Simon
5. Me And Bobby McGee - Sheryl Crow and Kris Kristofferson
6. Beer For My Horses w/Toby Keith
7. Crazy w/Diana Krall and Elvis Costello
8. To All The Girls I've Love Before w/Wyclef Jean
9. Wurlitzer Prize (I Don't Want To Get Over You) w/Norah Jones
10. San Antonio Girl w/Lyle Lovett and Ray Price
11. She Loves My Automobile w/ZZ Top
12. Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground w/Shelby Lynne
13. A Song For You w/Leon Russell and Ray Charles
14. I Couldn't Believe It Was True w/John Mellencamp
15. Run That By Me One More Time w/Ray Price
16. I'll Never Smoke Weed With Willie Again w/Toby Keith and Scotty Emerick
17. Last Thing I Needed First Thing This Morning w/Kenny Chesney
18. One Time Too Many w/Steven Tyler
19. Happy Birthday (All)
20. One The Road Again (All)

DVD Bonus Cuts
1. Whiskey River (Willie and Family)
2. Dreams Come True w/Norah Jones
3. Do Right Woman w/Sheryl Crow
4. Help Me Make It Through The Night w/Kris Kristofferson
5. Jumpin' Jack Flash w/Leon Russell

Customer Reviews:

WILLIE & FRIENDS WINGING IT.......2007-03-23

Let me start by saying, buy this DVD, if for no other reason than to have Leon Russell, Willie Nelson and Ray Charles' version of Leon's "A Song
For You"....it is a classic song, performed by three brilliant artists. Willie has tears in his eyes as Ray Charles sings the very moving lyrics..."and when my life is over, remember when we were together and I was singing this song for you". Ray died not too long after this performance and Willie seems to realize that this might be the last time Ray will be singing a song for him....powerful, powerful stuff.
Almost as good is "Crazy" by Diana Krall, Elvis Costello and Willie. Diana Krall gives it a bluesy feel that is very moving.
The performers universally seem to love Willie and enjoy the opportunity to perform with/ for him.
My only criticism of the DVD, is that it appears that most of the duets were not adequately rehearsed, because Willie and the other musicians often are looking at each other, as if to say "Do you want to sing this verse? or "Do you want to play lead here?" and as a result of the confusion, some lyrics are lost and the poor lighting director has a hard time following the action.
Bottomline it could have been better, but it is still a great compilation of Willie's songs, performed by Willie and many talented and varied artists.

More than expected.......2007-01-16

When I purchased his video I didn't know what to expect but after watching with friends we really enjoyed what we say. Can't wait to purchase more music video after this positive experience.

Wonderful !!!.......2006-07-13

It's a collection CD that every fan of Willie must have.
What a birthday party for him and for us to see all these stars together. WOW!

Tank you for the easy and fast shipping!

Willie Nelson and Friends-Live and Kickin'.......2006-03-25

A must for true fans of Willie! Recorded to celebrate his 70th birthday, it features a host of stars guesting with Willie, incl. Paul Simon,Kris Kristofferson,Kenny Chesney and too many others to mention here. My personal favourite is a tongue in cheek number with Toby Keith and Scotty Emerick called "I'll never smoke weed with Willie again, which Willie himself was obviously hearing for the first time.It's very funny! Also the bonus features are certainly worth mentioning especiall Willie's duet with Kris,Help me make it through the night. Wonderful, I'd recommend it

Great entertainers, fantastic music! .......2005-10-18

If there is one country legend who knows and performs with EVERYBODY, it's Willie Nelson. For his 70th birthday, his friends came out. It's true that because he has performed with everybody from rock, soul, blues, jazz, oldies, it doesn't mean he sings great with them. Clearly, there are times when Willie knows to remain silent.

I always love "Blue Eyes Cryin' in the Rain", no matter who does it and it was beautiful by Shania Twain.

Sheryl Crow and Kris Kristofferson performed a duet on his popular "Me and Bobby McGree". Kristofferson should have only played along guitar; he was outsung by Crow, who did great.

Willie sang along with Paul Simon for "Homeward Bound" and this song was good for a duet. And Nelson doesn't do with with a strong voice of Steven Tyler, who did fantastic when he switched "One Time Too Many" from a ballad to a hard rockin' number!

This was a fabulous concert event! Great musical entertainers, fantastic music, and special birthday to their friend...Willie Nelson.......MzRizz

Judy Garland - Duets / Mel Torme, Bobby Darin, Barbra Streisand, Peggy Lee, Tony Bennett

Average customer rating:

Judy Garland - duets
west side story fans
Judy Garland Duets
Great for Bobby Darin fans

Judy Garland - Duets / Mel Torme, Bobby Darin, Barbra Streisand, Peggy Lee, Tony Bennett
Starring: Judy Garland
Manufacturer: Kultur Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B000BP86QY
Release Date: 2005-11-22

Description

A once-in-a-lifetime showbiz event and spectacular entertainment, Judy Garland Duets is a never before released collection of the world's greatest entertainers on stage with the greatest music talent of the 20th century, a superstar lineup appealing to virtually all demographics and tastes worldwide. Songlist: with Count Basie: I Hear Music / The Sweetest Sounds / Strike Up The Band; with Mel Torme: The Trolley Song; with Lena Horne: Day In, Day Out; with Bobby Darin: Goin' Home Medley; with Barbra Streisand: Hooray for Love Medley, Get Happy / Happy Days Are Here Again; with Ethel Merman: Friendship Medley; with Tony Bennett: I Left My Heart in San Francisco; with Jack Jones: Nelson Eddy / Jeanette McDonald Medley; with Frank Sinatra & Dean Martin: Let There Be Love /You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You; with Mickey Rooney: You're So Right For Me; with Peggy Lee: I Like Men Medley; with Vic Damone: West Side Story Medley; with Liza Minnelli: Together / We Could Make Such Beautiful Music Together / The Best Is Yet To Come.

Customer Reviews:

Judy Garland - duets.......2007-06-26

Gave this CD as a gift to my husband. He loved it. As a Judy Garland fan he enjoyed reliving the past performances.

west side story fans.......2007-03-31

toward the end of this show there is a West Side Story medley with Vic Damone. I didn't even know it existed. You haven't heard "Somewhere" or "Tonight" until you've heard them sung by Judy Garland. At the end she goes for a couple of high notes (very unusual for her) and nails them, but it's such a stretch that she ducks behind him.

mind-boggling.

Judy Garland Duets.......2006-03-16

I loved this DVD. I was very young when this was on TV and I am grateful for the oppertunity to see it again. I especially enjoyed the Barbra Sriesand clips and the Bobby Darin clip. The sound is very good and the picture excellent. I would recommend this DVD for any Judy Garland fan.

Great for Bobby Darin fans.......2006-01-06

Darin is in total command, coming off as the veteran of the two in spite of his young age. His poise and talent and charisma just hit you right between the eyes.

To put this is historical perspective the duet was taped days after President Kennedy was assasinated, making it a challenge for both stars to concentrate (and in fact Garland was so distraught she missed all the rehearsals prior to taping).

If you can find the DVD with the entire episode it's better; it shows the outake of the duet in addition to two powerful Darin gospel numbers, presumably chosen because of the tragic events of the week.

Average customer rating:

"If My Lips Should Meet...With Frank Sinatra"
one of the best
Sinatra Synchonicity
Timeless, old school cool ...
It doesn't get any better

Sinatra - The Classic Duets
Starring: Bing Crosby , Frank Sinatra , Louis Armstrong , Lena Horne , and Nancy Sinatra
Director: David Leaf , and John Scheinfeld
Manufacturer: Arts Alliance Amer
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

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( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B00008XRZV
Release Date: 2003-06-10

Description

Frank Sinatra "Classic Duets" features an incredible roster of many of the greatest and most influential jazz and pop singers of all time. Compiled from Sinatra TV specials that originally aired between 1957-1960, this highly collectable program includes complete musical performances and special interviews and commentary from the Sinatra family, Tina, Nancy and Frank Sinatra Jr. Highlights include Frank Sinatra performing with Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Louis Armstrong, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Lena Horne, Nancy Sinatra, Elvis Presley and more.

Customer Reviews:

"If My Lips Should Meet...With Frank Sinatra".......2007-03-26

For those who've enjoyed listening to Frank's two duet cds in '93 and '94, I must say, for sheer all-time star power and for the sense of fun invoked, SINATRA: THE CLASSIC DUETS is an even better compilation. At just a little over an hour in feature length, this dvd offering has almost no fat on it and I actually zipped thru it twice on the same night. All the duets are gleaned from Frank Sinatra's television shows between 1957 and 1960 and either paired Frank with bonafide big names in the biz or are landmark moments (or both). In 17 musical duets on this dvd, Frank's love of music and his respect, deference (of Ella Fitzgerald, in particular) and admiration for his friends and colleagues shine clear through. Every time he's onscreen with his guests, he seems to be revelling in the moment and having a grand time.

In this disc, you can check out the momentous meeting between past and present singing heartthrobs as Frank sings with Elvis Presley ("Love Me Tender" & "Witchcraft"), as well as a delightful sequence with Frank and a mob of kids as they have fun with "High Hopes," a number wherein you can see just how fond Ol' Blue Eyes is of the rugrats. Speaking of kids, he's here on stage with his daughter Nancy, who, at that time, was engaged to Tommy Sands. Ergo, Frank's rewording of the song "You Make Me Feel So Young" to "You Make Me Feel So Old."

Frank Sinatra is universally celebrated for his phrasing, for the singular way he interprets and personalizes a song. Here, he partners with several artists who are also well known for their phrasing. Frank rhapsodizes with jazz greats Ella Fitzgerald ("Moonlight in Vermont" & the fun "Can't We Be Friends"), Louis Armstrong ("The Birth of theBlues"), and Lena Horne (medley). He gets with Bing Crosby for two songs ("Together Wherever We Go," along with Dino, & "September Song"). My favorite number, though, is Frank and Dinah Shore's breezy rendering of a medley of standards. I get a kick out of how, as they both bob and sway to the tunes, Frank kept cracking Dinah up with wiseacre comments while she was in mid-song ("It's a switchblade!"). There's a fun, vibrant chemistry between these two singers and you can sense the great friendship there. Also highly entertaining is Frank and Dino at the bar as they mess around with another medley while sharing a cigarette stub.

Now the gripes: to be honest, I've never liked Ethel Merman so, not too surprisingly, the "You're the Top" number left me cold. It also sucks that the number with Louis Prima & Keely Smith is so truncated. I love Prima and Keely Smith and the spontaneous and vigorous way they went after a song. Their Vegas stints were legendary for their off the cuff pizzazz, raucousness, and for the cool jet-set audience who made their shows the hot spot to be. So, it's a shame that they didn't get more camera time here. Plus, it would've been great to see more of Frank's hip playfulness unleashed in this wild team-up. Oh, well...

While the commentaries which take place in between the duets by Sinatra's kids do tend to be repetitive, there are still enough funny and interesting behind-the-scenes anecdotes told about their dad. Check out the bonus features which expand on several of these commentaries. The bonus features also have further comments by the Sinatra offsprings. But the best part of the extras showcases several sequences of Frank engaging in playful conversations with his co-stars. Particularly humorous are his introductory moments with Bing, Dino, and the Hi-lo's.

SINATRA: THE CLASSIC DUETS is very much deserving of gracing a music lover's shelf collection. And for fans of Frank Sinatra, this unveils a glimpse of not only a more relaxed Sinatra and the hip swagger and swinging personality he developed in the mid-fifties, but also presents a cast of wondrous co-stars who will always be deemed giants in the universe of music. And, of course, the singing doesn't exactly suck. So this one's a four and a half starrer; I definitely recommend it for anyone's viewing pleasure, with or without a martini in hand.

one of the best.......2007-01-03

ANYTHING SINATRA IS WONDERFUL TO ME. I LOVE ALL OF SINATRA DVDS BUT THIS ONE IS SPECIAL IN THAT YOU SEE THE WONDERFUL RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN HE AND THESE OTHER PEOPLE. MY FAVORITE IS HE AND DINAH. THIS IS THE CUTEST NUMBER ON HERE I BELEIVE, HOWEVER, THEY ARE ALL GREAT! HE AND DINAH REALLY HAD IT GOING TOGETHER, ALL THE HUMOR IS GREAT. SINATRA AND NANCY, ELVIS, SAMMY WERE WONDERFUL. BUT WHEN HE AND BING OR DEAN GOT TOGETHER ITS PURE MAGIC. YOU GET TO KNOW HIS CHILDREN AND WHAT THEY THOUGHT ABOUT ALOT OF THINGS AND PEOPLE FRANK WORKED WITH. THIS DVD ABSOLUTELY A MUST HAVE!! THERE ARE SO MANY STARS IN THIS. I LOVED IT AND LISTEN AND WATCH IT OFTEN. THE ONLY THING ITS SAD AT THE END WHEN FRANK WALKS AWAY OUT INTO THE NIGHT. DEFINETLY EMOTIONAL. THANKS, ANGELA

Sinatra Synchonicity.......2005-07-30

Life is full of coincidences. I recently received an email from another Amazon reviewer who was kind enough to drop me a line complimenting on some on my reviews on this site. This only rarely occurs, so it seemed particularly striking that the gentleman in question also mentioned being a big Sinatra fan. I have only posted a few reviews relating to Sinatra projects, and none of them were among those that my correspondent was referring to, so the mention seemed to be apropos of nothing I had written.

But by sheerest coincidence, I had just been on a bit of a Sinatra kick myself and had justwatched his CLASSIC DUETS the night before. It turned out to be familiar territory. (I believe I had seen it broadcast on PBS previously.) No matter. It was fun to take in again. Sinatra may have been a great solo artist, but well before the somewhat contrived projects of the 90s, he had proven himself to be a masterful duet singer.

His secret, I think, was that he was sincere in his admiration of other artists. He seems absolutely delighted to share the stage with masterful singers such as Ella Fitzgerald and Peggy Lee. There are two spots featuring Ella in this package, and the two singers play off each other beautifully. The Peggy Lee duet on "Nice Work Is You Can Get It" is, as you might expect, more subdued, but seductive (which probably goes without saying).

Working with other singers tended to bring out Sinatra's playful side, and it's likely that some viewers will find the relative lack of introspection in this collection a bit irritating. If you like your Sinatra straight, you may find the many jokey asides and glib improvisatiions a little much. If, on the other hand, you accept the premise that a bit of clowning was part and parcel of the camaraderie, it becomes easier to overlook all that.

As a one-shot viewing, this collection of duets culled from Sinatra's 50s TV series is a lot of fun. On repeated viewing, the commentary from Frank Jr., Tina and Nancy gets a little old. Their love and respect for their dad is touching, but they don't have a lot to say that's new or particularly insightful. The clip of 18 year old Nancy duetting with Dad on "You Make Me Feel So Young" (which he alters to "feel so old", natch, since, hey, she was 18 AND engaged to Tommy Sands) is charming though. At least first time out.

And that segues to the famous Elvis clip (who Nancy was totally in love with, she maintains, no doubt to T. Sands chagrin). What hasn't been said about that historic moment in TV and music history. Ironically, it's not really the MUSICAL highlight of this DVD. As Nancy notes in her commentary, both were a little nervous (and Elvis seems actually more than just a LITTLE). But it is a significant moment in pop culture history. And as they both note, their harmonizing as they close out "Love Me Tender" sure is pretty.

Timeless, old school cool ..........2005-04-12

Frank Sinatra was undisputably a one man show unto himself, but when he performed with others, there was a fantastic synergy -- a more than the sum-of-its-parts type of excitement -- as evidenced by most of the clips on this DVD (a must-own for any Sinatra fan.)

Sinatra may or may not have had a big ego, but clearly he was willing to share the spotlight with others whose talent he admired. His duets here with Lena Horne and Peggy Lee are filled with the frisson of subtle sensuality; two attractive and mutually admiring stars soaking up the spotlight and putting on a performance not only for the audience and the cameras but also for one another.

The playful, comedic and fun-loving rascal Sinatra is evident in his duets with daughter Nancy ("You Make Me Feel So Young") and Ethel Merman ("You're The Top"). Frank's duet with Ella Fitzgerald highlights the mutual admiration -- and musical simpatico -- they shared, which makes it a "must have" in this collection. His shining her on and her frolicking reprimands make this duet a particularly memorable one.

Sinatra's performance with Dean Martin and Bing Crosby can't be beat for showcasing the boys' club bond -- these guys are like three frisky puppies gamboling across the stage ... in tuxedos, of course, and singing their beautiful hearts out. Extreme fun, that piece.

The only two performances here I take issue with (and really, it's a very small issue!) are his duet with the young Shirley Jones ("If I Loved You") -- it's rather an awkward pairing, though perhaps it's the fault of the song choice -- and Sinatra's duet with a young and stunning Elvis Presley. (Yes, ladies -- Elvis in a tux -- prepare to swoon!) It's a great performance and they have loads of fun with it, but Elvis really steals the stage. Not a bad thing, if you are an Elvis fan (as I am), and it IS a singular delight to watch them gently duke it out with one another, while Sinatra steps aside just enough to give the new guy on the block his day in the sun. But the screams from the audience were obviously all for Elvis, and Frank -- the seasoned performer -- took it in gracious stride. I'm glad this performance was included, though be prepared to see our beloved Frank hand over the torch, if only briefly, to Mssr. Pelvis ;-).

This DVD is one of the favorites in my collection -- I watch it whenever I need a lift out of the doldrums; watching Frank alone is enough to do that, but seeing him having the time of his life with other performers of his time is an extra special treat. As the DQ ads used to say, it's "scrumpdillyicious".

The only other note of dissatisfaction I have with this is the commentary from his children that's inserted between performances. While somewhat intriguing the first go-round (though they were, to a greater or lesser extent, biased and perhaps even blinded by their Dad's legacy), they turn boring and skip-able afterwards. Use your player's disc menu feature to play just the performances without these awkward bits of commentary that break up this stellar set of clips.

It doesn't get any better.......2004-08-22

I wish I was as eloquent as the real reviewers, but I'm just a guy who likes good music; Frank made good music. If for nothing else, buy this for the clip of Frank and Peggy Lee - it's oooozing with sensuality. After that, if only for Frank and Dinah Shore, Louis Armstrong and the closing medley with Deano - the rest of the clips are gravy baby. This one is worth every penny . . .

DVD:

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