The Buddy Holly Story

Starring:Gary Busey, Don Stroud, Charles Martin Smith, Conrad Janis, William Jordan, Maria Richwine, Amy Johnston, Dick O'Neill, Fred Travalena, Neva Patterson, John F. Goff, Gloria Irizarry, Jody Berry, Richard Kennedy (IV), Jim Beach (II), Gailard Sartain, Albert Popwell, Paul Mooney, Freeman King, Matthew 'Stymie' Beard
Director: Steve Rash
Studio: Sony Pictures
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
Rock historians and hard-core Buddy Holly fans can and do take issue with director Steve Rash's 1978 biopic of the Lubbock, Texas, rocker's life: the script liberally juggles details from Holly's brief but blazing career, replacing producer Norman Petty and Holly's original bassist and drummer with fictionalized composite characters. Yet the core of the film, and the reason it's definitely worth a look and listen, is Gary Busey's lusty performance in the title role, triumphing against what might have seemed miscasting.

The burly, lantern-jawed Busey steps into the lankier, narrow-faced Holly's blue suede shoes and dances off with the movie. At a time when live rock albums thought little of overdubbing mistakes in the studio, director Rash honored Busey's nervy gamble in performing these songs live, singing in his own raw voice and rumbling through his own approximations of Holly's guitar work. What's lost in precise verisimilitude is more than compensated by Busey's conviction and a palpable, almost ecstatic terror as he charges through Holly's wonderful songs before indifferent roller-rink audiences.

Amazon.com

Rock historians and hard-core Buddy Holly fans can and do take issue with director Steve Rash's 1978 biopic of the Lubbock, Texas, rocker's life: the script liberally juggles details from Holly's brief but blazing career, replacing producer Norman Petty and Holly's original bassist and drummer with fictionalized composite characters. Yet the core of the film, and the reason it's definitely worth a look and listen, is Gary Busey's lusty performance in the title role, triumphing against what might have seemed miscasting.

Customer Reviews:

The Buddy Holly Story.......2007-07-05

Steve Rash's film takes liberties with some details of Holly's short life, but more than compensates in showcasing the courageous performance of a most unlikely actor for the lead: Gary Busey, known for tough guy roles rather than musicals. The husky, rugged actor somehow turns himself into the lanky, bespectacled Texas singer and, more impressive still, performs all the songs himself. This was a triumph of characterization for which Busey was Oscar-nominated. The movie also succeeds in profiling an exciting if tragic early chapter in rock music.

Rave On.......2007-05-29

Buy this one just to savor the three Buddy Holly numbers played during Apollo Theater concert. Authentic musician Busey gives a memorable and true performance, full of flash and dash, which does honor to the legendary rocker. I was a little embarrassed for Charles Martin Smith when he tried to plunk the stand-up bass like a guitar in the scene, but that's what he does best, right? You gotta love the guy. The drummer comes off a jerk, but that's Hollywood.

Buddy Holly Story.......2007-05-07

Grew up listening to his music, and love it. The movie explained how he got his start and was well done.

those magnificent men in their flying machines, they go up up up up, they go down down down down ..........2007-04-07

a pleasant enuf biopic of early rock & roll icon buddy holly, portrayed here by the bizarre gary busey. ive always suspected that holly was one of those artistes fortunate to have died young before people realized in the none-too-distant future that his talent was limited. the movie is a fine way to spend two hours tho i doubt id ever feel the need to see it again.

A great rock-and-roll film.......2007-03-10

I grew up listening to Buddy Holly in his prime, and I played some of his records as a DJ on my local radio station on Saturday nights when I was in high school. He has always been an important icon of R&R in my mind. I don't know how I missed this movie when it came out, but I was totally enmeshed in building a career and wasn't paying much attention to movies.

So I caught up with this movie at a late date, in 2007, and I am blown away by the quality of the DVD, the acting, the representation of the early R&R scene. Gary Busey impresses me a lot with his acting and singing. As others have noted here, he recorded all the music "live" and that made a huge difference in the feel of the film.

The acting by Don Stroud, Charles Martin Smith and the lovely Maria Richwine are top-notch.

I particularly enjoyed the 'extra' on the DVD, the commentary telling the story behind the story time after time.

Average customer rating:

Lost in shipping
Wonderful biography--not to be missed
FYI Macca Owns the Holly Songbook
Excellent!!!!
the buddy holly story

The Real Buddy Holly Story
Starring: Paul McCartney , Phil Everly , Don Everly , Keith Richards (II) , and Jerry Allison
Manufacturer: White Star
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Rockabilly | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music

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

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

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

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

The Buddy Holly Story
The Buddy Holly Collection
Jerry Lee Lewis - I Am What I Am
Good Rockin' Tonight - The Legacy of Sun Records
Carl Perkins and Friends - Blue Suede Shoes: A Rockabilly Session

ASIN: B0002VGTBQ
Release Date: 2004-10-26

Description

The complete, video biography of rock 'n' roll legend Buddy Holly, produced and hosted by Paul McCartney. This entertaining and enlightening show is the most definitive biography of Buddy Holly ever assembled, featuring interviews with members of The Crickets and many of Buddy Holly's family and friends who knew him best. Includes rare performances and Paul McCartney performs several of Buddy Holly's songs.

Customer Reviews:

Lost in shipping.......2007-03-26

This item never arrived and I had to call for a refund. It has most all of the songs I was able to get on another CD anyway.

Wonderful biography--not to be missed.......2007-03-16

Thank you, Paul McCartney, for giving us Buddy Holly fans a real treat. I used to have this on a VHS tape I made from a (shortened) TV broadcast. Great to have the whole show. Buddy would love it, and you will too.

FYI Macca Owns the Holly Songbook.......2007-01-21

Hadn't seen it mentioned, but Sir Paul owns this music catalog which is a tribute to how highly he regards Buddy's contribution to Rock'n'Roll!

Excellent!!!!.......2007-01-05

This is the most accurate film about Buddy Holly. It is chock full of information, film clips, songs, etc. If you are a Buddy Holly fan, this DVD should be in your collection.

the buddy holly story.......2006-09-13

this is a great dvd for who love buddy holly songs. great true story about a singer who passed away to soon.

Average customer rating:

Rock n'Roll Movie Bio's
For anyone who cares...

The Buddy Holly Story/La Bamba
Starring: Lou Diamond Phillips , Esai Morales , Rosanna DeSoto , Elizabeth Peña , and Danielle von Zerneck
Director: Luis Valdez , and Steve Rash
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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

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

Great Balls of Fire!
The Real Buddy Holly Story
Coal Miner's Daughter - 25th Anniversary Edition
Sweet Dreams
The Day The Music Died: The Last Tour Of Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, And Richie Valens

ASIN: B000A50460
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Description

LA BAMBA: The life of rock & roll legend Richie Valens bursts across the screen in this celebrated, music-filled movie with star-making performances by Lou Diamond Phillips as Richie and Esai Morales as his half-brother, Bob. LA BAMBA depicts the 17-year-old Mexican-American's rocket rise to fame, from field laborer to rock star with a string of hit singles and a date with destiny. Fueled by Valens' hit songs performed by the Grammy®-winning Los Lobos as well as classic '50s tunes, LA BAMBA recreates the thrilling early days of rock and pays homage to the enduring legacy of a remarkable talent whose music crossed all borders. BUDDY HOLLY STORY: Gary Busey gives an electrifying, Oscar® nominated performance (Best Actor-1978) as Buddy Holly, the musical genius from Lubbock, Texas, who changed the tune of rock n' roll history. With a groundbreaking combination of country music and rhythm & blues, Buddy Holly and the Crickets (Don Stroud, Charles Martin Smith) catapulted to national stardom in just three short years with such hits as "That'll Be the Day," "It's So Easy," and "Peggy Sue." By the age of 22, Holly had it all: chart-topping singles, a beautiful wife, and international acclaim until tragedy ended a brilliant career but not his music. In an Academy Award® - winning score adaptation, Busey sings Holly's greatest hits in this dynamic tribute to one of the most influential rock n' rollers of all time and the legacy he left behind.

Customer Reviews:

Rock n'Roll Movie Bio's.......2007-03-09

This collection of 2 of the best movies ever made on rock n' roll, showcases the lives of 2 of the most memorable stars of the late 50's, Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens. Gary Bussey was nominated for his role as Buddy Holly and Lou Diamond Phillips shines as Ritchie Valens. These are 2 very nostalgic movies that will move everyone.

For anyone who cares..........2006-08-16

I love La Bamba and the Buddy Holly Story is okay. This is a less expensive way to get them both. Both titles are listed as Widescreen on Amazon, as well as on the box and the slipcases for each DVD. The Buddy Holly Story, however, is a fullscreen DVD. La Bamba IS widescreen. I'm not sure if The Buddy Holly Story that is sold individually is labeled incorrectly or if it is just the one in this set.

Average customer rating:

Definitive Story
Starring: Buddy Holly
Manufacturer: Umvd Import
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

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Buddy Holly: Rave On
The Real Buddy Holly Story
Jerry Lee Lewis - I Am What I Am
Definitive Story [Region 2]
Rave On: The Biography of Buddy Holly

ASIN: B000803PGI
Release Date: 2007-01-22

Average customer rating:

A Must-Have
How to play the DVD on your computer
Won't play on Region 1 DVD players (United States)

Definitive Story [Region 2]
Starring: Buddy Holly
Manufacturer: Umvd Import
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Rockabilly | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music

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

( D ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

The Real Buddy Holly Story
Buddy Holly: Rave On
Definitive Story
The Buddy Holly Story
Good Rockin' Tonight - The Legacy of Sun Records

ASIN: B0009YGW9U
Release Date: 2005-09-20

Customer Reviews:

A Must-Have.......2005-12-21

I had to order this title from Amazon.UK and got it faster than the Amazon here in the states would have gotten it to me. It says that it was region 0 but when i put it into my dvd player, it said it was the wrong region. I emailed the Amazon.UK people and they sent me another copy and it was good to go. They even let me keep the original copy they sent me. The program was good and the content was fresh being that I never had heard the point of view from most of the people in it. The same 3 perfomance clips that most Holly fans are familiar with are included. I am totally satisfied with this product.

How to play the DVD on your computer.......2005-12-08

For those of you who bought the DVD believing it would play in the States, but found it won't. All may not be lost, IF you have a computer running the Windows XP OS AND it can play DVDs.

You need to reset the region from the default American and Canadian to the one for the UK, if your DVD is from the UK (or wherever it was manufactured.)

It's worth the effort, if your computer has the capability. Some DVD players will allow you to use PAL settings, but some will lock up horribly, so do use care.

Won't play on Region 1 DVD players (United States).......2005-12-06

Even though this DVD is supposedly coded for Region 0 (All) it doesn't work in my Sony DVP-NS315 coded for Region 1 (the United States) or on the DVD player in my computer. The DVD was manufactured in Argentina (I was execting it to be from the UK).

I was originally waiting for the U.S. version but it was never released on the date published (October '05) and now is simply listed as unavailable. Nice way for the American music industry to treat one of the true founding fathers of rock-n-roll.

Too bad...Buddy is awesome and the content would be great if I could view it!!!

Average customer rating:

The Buddy Holly Story
Rave On
Buddy Holly Story
those magnificent men in their flying machines, they go up up up up, they go down down down down ...
A great rock-and-roll film

The Buddy Holly Story
Starring: Gary Busey , Don Stroud , Charles Martin Smith , Conrad Janis , and William Jordan
Director: Steve Rash
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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

The Real Buddy Holly Story
Great Balls of Fire!
La Bamba
Sweet Dreams
Coal Miner's Daughter - 25th Anniversary Edition

ASIN: B00008N71S

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

The Buddy Holly Story.......2007-07-05

Rave On.......2007-05-29

Buddy Holly Story.......2007-05-07

Grew up listening to his music, and love it. The movie explained how he got his start and was well done.

those magnificent men in their flying machines, they go up up up up, they go down down down down ..........2007-04-07

A great rock-and-roll film.......2007-03-10

[2 DVD Set] Caddyshack 2 (1988) / Slap Shot 2 (2002)

Average customer rating:

[2 DVD Set] Caddyshack 2 (1988) / Slap Shot 2 (2002)

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

{5 DVD ACTION SET} HOSTILE INTENT (ROB LOWE) / STEEL SHARKS (GARY BUSEY) / COLD VENGEANCE (CHRISTINA COX) / THE CODE CONSPIRACY (JIM FITZPATICK) DAYLIGHT "COLLECTOR'S EDITION" (SYLVESTER STALLONE)

Average customer rating:

{5 DVD ACTION SET} HOSTILE INTENT (ROB LOWE) / STEEL SHARKS (GARY BUSEY) / COLD VENGEANCE (CHRISTINA COX) / THE CODE CONSPIRACY (JIM FITZPATICK) DAYLIGHT "COLLECTOR'S EDITION" (SYLVESTER STALLONE)

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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