Elvis Sinatra: (Mostly) Live!

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A slanted, one-dimensional view on a complex subject
Long and often interesting but finally a disappointment
There is more to Jazz than just on Bourbon Street
Shockingly Revisionist and Doctrinaire View of Jazz History
Great Study on Black History

Jazz - A Film By Ken Burns
Starring: Wynton Marsalis , Duke Ellington , Keith David , Branford Marsalis , and Gary Giddins
Director: Ken Burns
Manufacturer: Pbs Paramount
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Ken Burns's Jazz: The Story of American Music
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Jazz: A History of America's Music
Thelonious Monk - Straight No Chaser
Baseball - A Film by Ken Burns

ASIN: B000BITUEI
Release Date: 2004-09-28

Amazon.com essential video

Accompanied by a menagerie of products, Ken Burns's expansive 10-episode paean, Jazz, completes his trilogy on American culture, following The Civil War and Baseball. Spanning more than 19 hours, Jazz is, of course, about a lot more than what many have called America's classical music--especially in episodes 1 through 7. It's here that Burns unearths precious visual images of jazz musicians and hangs historical narratives around the music with convincing authority. Time can stand still as images float past to the sound of grainy vintage jazz, and the drama of a phonograph needle being placed on Louis Armstrong's celestial "West End Blues" is nearly sublime.

The film is also potent in arguing that the history of race in the 20th-century U.S. is at jazz's heart. But a few problems arise. First is Burns's reliance on Wynton Marsalis as his chief musical commentator. Marsalis might be charming and musically expert, but he's no historian. For the film to devote three of its episodes to the 1930s, one expects a bit more historical substance. Also, Jazz condenses the period of 1961 to the present into one episode, glossing over some of the music's giant steps. Burns has said repeatedly that he didn't know much about jazz when he began this project. So perhaps Jazz, for all its glory, would better be called Jazz: What I've Learned Since I Started Listening (And I Haven't Gotten Much Past 1961). For those who are already passionate about jazz, the film will stoke debate (and some derision, together with some reluctant praise). But for everyone else, it will amaze and entertain and kindle a flame for some of the greatest music ever dreamed. --Andrew Bartlett

Customer Reviews:

A slanted, one-dimensional view on a complex subject.......2007-05-31

The Ken Burns Jazz series attempts to compile the entire history of jazz and the world surrounding it into ten two-hour films. You have to give them credit for trying, but the series has some serious flaws and presents a view on jazz history that many, including myself, would consider inadequate or just plain wrong. Biased views are presented as fact (such as the comment that Miles Davis' electric period was not innovative and that he was "playing tennis without a net"). Also, much time is wasted on commentators who seem to have nothing interesting to say, and who present their opinions on the music and their musings on the musicians, most of which are entirely speculative and out of place. PLUS they try to cram everything after '61 into one film, while any jazz fan knows that a whole lot was happening to the music during and after that time. They spent three films on swing; couldn't they have given some of that time to the 60's and 70's?
All that being said, these films are informative in some parts and contain some AMAZING footage. Worth seeing, but be wary: this is just one way to look at jazz, and not a great one in my opinion.

Long and often interesting but finally a disappointment.......2007-05-03

Jazz is music. This documentary only occasionally notices the music. It focuses on people who were important to it, on racism, on the hardships of being a musician, on the historical progression of jazz musicians, but it seems like the music gets lost. It is as if one were to write a biography of Lincoln by studying the clothes he wore or the food he ate. The substance is just not there. There is also a sense that Burns is using the musicians to tell the story he wants to tell so that someone watching this will know that Stan Getz used drugs and little else about him, that Bill Evans was booed for being a white man in Miles Davis' group but not anything about his piano style or how it connects with other styles or how these styles evolve or vanished or blossomed into something entirely new. That is frankly because this is not a documentary about jazz. I am not sure really what it is about. Even as a history of the musicians, I doubt few could say that anyone watching this film in its entirety would be conversant on the subject. It is a really sad misfire. There is plenty of good stuff buried in here but I think it would take someone less focused on having social consequence and more focused on the enigma of music to make a film like this work. If jazz is the question, this film has not found the answer.

There is more to Jazz than just on Bourbon Street.......2007-02-25

After 7 years of stalling, with the help of a coupon, I finally completed the Burns' boys cycle by buying this set for myself for my birthday. I had only watched it in spurts previously, but after watching 1/2 of Episode 1 uninterrupted last night, I had to ask myself, "Pregosin, What the hell took you so long?" In that half hour alone I learned more about the New Orleans atmosphere of the late 19th early 20th century that I never knew before. And now with Louisiana still in recovery from the scars of hurricanes in 2005, it's important to know about that city's history as well as the music that was born there. This epic of our man Ken tells both stories at once and well worth the view for anyone (but especially those who like his work in general). Gerald Early was right back in Episode 1 of Baseball when he said that in 2000 years when the American civilization is studied in detail 3 things will standout; The Constitution, Baseball and Jazz. Although I think Kenny might have grinned if instead of the Constitution, Jerry would have said The Civil War. I'm glad I finally bought it, and am looking forward to buying his new work coming this fall on World War II (even if it hits the shelves before the telecast).:-)

Shockingly Revisionist and Doctrinaire View of Jazz History.......2006-11-20

Throughly dismisses all Jazz after 1960, including Fusion, Free Jazz, and everything thereafter. Marsalis actually calls Cecil Taylor's music "self-indulgent bullsh**" Apparently Taylor was not allowed to rebut this during the film. How was that allowed to air on the supposedly intellectual (but more likely agenda-driven) on PBS, I will never understand. If you think Swing is the only valid form of Jazz, you will love this series. If you think Coltrane is a God, you get five minutes' summary. So lets see here: 15 hours on Louis Armstrong and Duke, 5 minutes on Coletrane, and a total didmissal of everything after Duke's death. Reminds me of the Republisuck's "Fair and Balanced" nonsense. PBS, this is your wake-up call. Stop trying to rewrite history - Jazz ain't in a museum. Just ask the artists (most of whom are alive) whom Burns left out. Metheny, you out there?

Great Study on Black History.......2006-09-27

The best thing I like about this documentary is that it is a great study on black History. But it needed to deliver more on what it was supposed to be Jazz Music. I can't believe he left out the great jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery. Left out Roland Kirk and Keith Jarrett. very little on dave Brubeck. Should have talked about classic Jazz Albums like Kind of blue, Time out (with the song Take Five) A Love Supreme, My favourite things, bitches Brew etc. Also nothing on Milt Jackson and the great Modern Jazz Quartet. Ken burns must realize there's is more to jazz than just the big band swing era. But still a great study on black history which makes it worthwhile just for that alone. and nothing on jazz hip hop. songs like doo bop song(miles Davis) and Jazz thing (gang Starr)

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"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
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Frank Sinatra - A Man and His Music

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 . . .

Average customer rating:

Speedway
Starring: Elvis Presley , Nancy Sinatra , Bill Bixby , Gale Gordon , and William Schallert
Director: Norman Taurog
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Spinout
It Happened at the World's Fair
Harum Scarum
Jailhouse Rock (Deluxe Edition)
Double Trouble

ASIN: B000R3PDIO
Release Date: 2007-08-07

Description

Stock car racer with generous impulses and a wastrel manager finds himself owing the Internal Revenue Service $145,000 in back taxes.

Average customer rating:

Sinatra and Elvis
The series finale of TV Variety Shows Specials
Attention Elvis/Sinatra fan's
The complete Frank Sinatra Show: Welcome Home Elvis
Film - not tape

Frank Sinatra Show: Welcome Home Elvis
Starring: Frank Sinatra
Manufacturer: Quantum Leap
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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The Frank Sinatra Show - High Hopes - With Dean Martin & Bing Crosby
The Frank Sinatra Show with Ella Fitzgerald
Sinatra - The Classic Duets
Judy, Frank & Dean - Once in a Lifetime
Frank Sinatra - They Were Very Good Years

ASIN: B000127ZA0
Release Date: 2004-02-10

Product Description

FRANK SINATRA SHOW: WELCOME HOME ELVIS (SINATRA,FRANK)

Customer Reviews:

Sinatra and Elvis.......2006-02-25

While I only rated this DVD a 3 out of 5 stars please recognize that this is only because of the relatively poor video quality. For any true fan of Sinatra, the Rat Pack or Elvis ownership of this DVD is a must. The commercials alone are worth the price of admission. It really is a hoot to watch Elvis flub his lines when singing the Sinatra hit "Witchcraft".

The series finale of TV Variety Shows Specials .......2005-09-23

On May 12, 1960, Elvis Presley appeared in this special, that was hosted by Frank Sinatra, who must have only agreed to do this to promote himself. The show is an 1 hour long, but the disappointed, that even Elvis Presley was the guest star, he is in and out of this show for a good period of time, in which you might have forgotten that he was apart of this, he is in the beginning, and then is gone, and reappears again, when it is almost over. The songs/chapers are:

It's very nice pefromed by Frank Sintra
Frank's Time Machine Frank Sintra and Joey Bishop
Witchcraft pefromed by Frank Sintra
Timex Promotional Segement
Come on Bess pefromed by Sammy Davis Junior
Oriental Wedding Celebration
Leona Irwin & the Tommy Hansen Dancers
Gone with the wind pefromed by Frank Sintra
Chipmunk mania tribute the Tonny Hasen Dancers
Sammy Recalls the oscars Sammy Davis Junior
Shall we dance Sammy Davis Junior and Peter Lawford
Timex Promotional Segement
Fame and Fortune pefromed by Elvis Presley
Stuck on you pefromed by Elvis Presley
Love me tender and Witchcraft medley pefromed by Frank Sintra and Elvis Presley
Timex Promotinal Segement
Love makes you feel so young pefromed by Frank and Nancy Sintra
Let's Dance Nancy Sintra
Goobye Frank Sintra

See what I am eam Elvis Presley fans, you have to go through all these commericals, songs and segements, before you get to see your hero in this special. The Love Me Tender and Wifcraft medly is where Elvis Presley sings Witchcarft, and Frank Sintra, and they both have to do a deut together sugguest by somebody in this show. And this is coming then 2 months after Elvis Presley was discoraged by the army, maybe this special could have been perfect if we would have seen more Elvis and less Frank Sintra, but has to get 4 stars from me, but I am telling you what to expect.

Attention Elvis/Sinatra fan's.......2005-03-06

There are two DVD's of this show. One was from the JAT production and this one that you are reading about is from Quantum Leap. So don't waste your money on JAT's version. This DVD from Quantum Leap gives you the complete show of "Welcome Home Elvis".
Plus an old Documentary of "The Story Of Elvis Presley". Back in 1991 my fist video that I ever own on Elvis was this documentary that you'll get as a bonus on the DVD. I believe that I bought it from Phar-more of Walmart. But anyway, I never new anything about this man until I bought this video. Now, we can now own it along with the Sinatra Show. It's not a great quality documentary but it gives me memories of how I started to be a collector of Elvis Presley. So Fan's get this DVD because it's a Classic moment with Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley.

The complete Frank Sinatra Show: Welcome Home Elvis.......2004-07-04

The quality of this DVD is very good considering it's age from 1960 !

The all show is about 1 hour+ but you'll see Elvis for only 10-15 minutes , it's must have for the serious Elvis collectors

Film - not tape.......2004-05-29

Note that the DVD's notes and Amazon's description are wrong. The TIMEX SHOW is from a kinoscope (film) not video tape. This means that the picture and sound quality are poor. While the entire progam is there the start of the show is clipped a couple seconds. If you think you would like the show because of Sinatra and Presley you will very much.

Average customer rating:

I love Elvis Preseley
A cool movie!
Ok guys, This is a groovy, cool and sexy movie
Your Groovy Self
A little classic

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ASIN: B00027JY8U
Release Date: 2004-08-03

Amazon.com

Elvis looks sleek and cool in Speedway, a decided improvement over the pasty indifference he displayed in his middle-era range of pictures. The movie itself is standard Presley formula, with the King again playing a race-car driver, this time in trouble with an IRS agent (Nancy Sinatra) over his taxes. (There's even a production number about taxes. Argggh.) On the plus side, a bunch of scenes are set in the Hangout, a Pulp Fiction-esque diner with booths shaped like cars and lots of dancers doing the frug. Nancy sings a cool-weird Lee Hazlewood tune, "Your Groovy Self," which should have been picked up by the Austin Powers folks. The plot reflects Elvis's real-life penchant for giving money and cars away, although it's mostly predatory manager Bill Bixby who causes the financial problems. As ho-hum as this outing is, you'll probably want one of Elvis's racing-stripe windbreakers after you see it. --Robert Horton

Customer Reviews:

I love Elvis Preseley.......2006-08-09

Thank you for such fast service . I am very pleased with my purchase.

A cool movie!.......2004-07-18

ENTERTAINING film with a GREAT looking cover! LETTER-BOXED and restored! I love reading all of the negative reviews here on AMAZON...shows it takes all kinds of people to make a world. These films were made for ELVIS fans and to be ENTERTAINING...I have no idea how someone could even compare ELVIS and NANCY SINATRA to BEN and JENNIFER LOPEZ?

Ok guys, This is a groovy, cool and sexy movie.......2004-07-15

If Austin powers were really in the groovy 60's. he'd be in this movie. with that said, yeah Elvis was embarrassed here and there but you can't get over how incredibly cool Elvis is in nearly every scene. Sinatra is a bit miscast cus Elvis blows her out of the water. but she adds a little somethin sweet here and there but Elvis is still the victor.

Bill Bixby you guys!! he is great in this movie as Elvis's manager and he is funny from start to finish and his chemistry with Elvis is the best i've seen from an Elvis movie (Ever) not overestimating.
"Your time hasen't come yet baby" is great and "let yourself go" is very cool and Elvis is enjoying himself as if he knows he's making cool look good again since pappa sinatra.
this is one of if not the best Elvis movie during the last 3 years of his films next to a dramatic and very surreal Change of Habbit.

Your Groovy Self.......2004-07-12

OK, people, we are talking 1968 here. Granted, this movie isn't War and Peace, but was never intended to be. Elvis, by the time this movie was filmed, knew there was no chance of being considered a serious actor, although that was his dream.

The chemistry between Elvis and Nancy Sinatra is very evident...on and off the screne. Great friends and they had a blast making this movie. I recall Nancy saying they would ride around the MGM lot on a bicycle built for two when tour buses would come around and the heads would turn. That sounds like an enjoyable experience to me. The film is enjoyable, funny, and for its time, the racing scenes are action packed.

It doesn't get any better than Nancy singing "Your Groovy Self" with the blonde hair, [lightened around her face more for the movie] and those smokey, almond eyes. WOW!

BTW, Nancy was the only performer to have a solo song included on a Presley album. Impressive and enjoyable.

SPEEDWAY, is a fast paced, fun loving, Elvis flick that just happens to "tickle me". Sorry, couldn't resist.

A little classic.......2004-07-08

What makes these movies memorable is the innocence for there day, and the music that is still enjoyed worldwide today, Elvis always looked great in these films, although he never took himself seriously in this sort of flick, still managed to create some memorable momments for us as we where all growing up, Nancy sinatra isn't the most memorable of his co'stars but still adds a little sparkle to the formular, and this movie has been nicely remastered on to dvd with good sound, so if your an Elvis fan or just an admirer of his, if you can overlook some of the corny seens, it's still worth a view, and if your a collecter then you should have this in your dvd collection. regards Deke Rivers (...)

Average customer rating:

Lost soul in Hollywood, so what else is new?
He's so boring
Rodney, Rodney..
Would one would do to be in this man's place!!!!!!
Music fans should check this out!

Mayor of the Sunset Strip
Starring: Rodney Bingenheimer , Sonny Bono , David Bowie , Christopher Paul Carter , and Elvis Costello
Manufacturer: First Look Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Mayor of the Sunset Strip
X (The Band) - The Unheard Music

ASIN: B00026L93Y
Release Date: 2004-08-17

Customer Reviews:

Lost soul in Hollywood, so what else is new?.......2007-02-16

It was interesting that this movie depicted a vicious argument between its own producer and the subject of the film (Rodney Bingenheimerheimenschmitt). Are these guys mired in a pit of self-referentialism and petty comeuppance as they both try to claw their way out of the quicksand of nothingness and not-getting-noticed-ness? Pathetic. Actually, if the movie is true to its subject, I felt sorry for Rodney, but not because he failed to become famous or extraordinarily rich by his grab for fame (his music club did make a dollar here and there on the more talented). I was saddened to see that he was so self-deluded in the more personal aspects of his life, such as his unrequited love for a lowly woman who was a pathetic nobody and had another boyfriend, his detachment from his estranged family, and his longing for acceptance by a fame-obsessed, autograph-seeking mother. A great analysis of a lost soul, and an important message for today's youth.

He's so boring.......2006-08-25

me and my best friend ashley watched this over a year ago and we were bored to tears. Its not that the film is made bad its just that the subject Mr. B is soooooooo boring. I could not imagine what all these rock stars loved about him and why they wanted to hang with him other than getting their songs on the radio.

Rodney, Rodney.........2006-06-07

Wonderful feel to this accurate Bio-Documentary. Rare accurate look into LA music scene.
Most Uber-Hipsters knew Rodney who still lives in a world of a 16 year old fan.
Warholian Rodney can still get away with wearing skin tight pants at (cough) years old where others can't.
He's the real deal. To anyone who makes fun of him I say this: Rodney had all the girls and you didn't. heh
Very gracious of Bowie to talk about RB being his intro to LA and responsible for all early airplay of his demo tapes.

Would one would do to be in this man's place!!!!!!.......2006-03-28

How many rock personalities can say they hung out with all four beatles,was the double for Davey Jones,was present at David Bowie's first L.A. gig,got Elvis to come to his club,gave Robert Plant competition with women,and introduced such acts as Blondie,The Sex pistols and even Coldplay to fm radio? The answer,only one....Rodney Bingenheimer! This documentary traces the life of the famous Los Angeles DJ from his childhood years to the early days in the music scene to the glam rock days when he once owned one of L.A.'s most hottest club in the 1970's to his present days as one of KROQ (Los Angeles) radio's most loved Discjockeys. With footage,music,and interviews of artists from the 1960's to the present,this DVD is recommended to all rock n roll lovers and historians. Rock on!!!!!!

Music fans should check this out!.......2005-08-16

Good film on one of the icons that broke a number of bands of yesterday and today. The story of a good person that wanted nothing in return for the love of music!

If you are a music fan you want to watch this! The extras are worth the purchase alone with great interviews that are candid and up front!

Average customer rating:

A slanted, one-dimensional view on a complex subject
Long and often interesting but finally a disappointment
There is more to Jazz than just on Bourbon Street
Shockingly Revisionist and Doctrinaire View of Jazz History
Great Study on Black History

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

Documentary | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

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Similar Items:

Ken Burns's Jazz: The Story of American Music
Martin Scorsese Presents The Blues - A Musical Journey
Jazz: A History of America's Music
Thelonious Monk - Straight No Chaser
Baseball - A Film by Ken Burns

ASIN: B0002KPI2I
Release Date: 2004-09-28

Amazon.com essential video

Customer Reviews:

A slanted, one-dimensional view on a complex subject.......2007-05-31

Long and often interesting but finally a disappointment.......2007-05-03

There is more to Jazz than just on Bourbon Street.......2007-02-25

Shockingly Revisionist and Doctrinaire View of Jazz History.......2006-11-20

Great Study on Black History.......2006-09-27

Average customer rating:

A slanted, one-dimensional view on a complex subject
Long and often interesting but finally a disappointment
There is more to Jazz than just on Bourbon Street
Shockingly Revisionist and Doctrinaire View of Jazz History
Great Study on Black History

Jazz - A Film by Ken Burns
Starring: Wynton Marsalis , Duke Ellington , Keith David , Branford Marsalis , and Gary Giddins
Director: Ken Burns
Manufacturer: Pbs Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

African American Heritage | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

Documentary | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

General | African American Cinema | Genres | DVD | Video

Documentary | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

Music Video & Concerts | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

( J ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

All | PBS | Specialty Stores | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Ken Burns's Jazz: The Story of American Music
Martin Scorsese Presents The Blues - A Musical Journey
Jazz: A History of America's Music
Thelonious Monk - Straight No Chaser
Baseball - A Film by Ken Burns

ASIN: B00004XQOU
Release Date: 2001-01-02

Amazon.com essential video

Description

The story, sound, and soul of a nation come together in the most American of art forms: Jazz. Ken Burns, who riveted the nation with The Civil War and Baseball, celebrates the music's soaring achievements, from its origins in blues and ragtime through swing, bebop, and fusion. Six years in the making, this "soundbreaking" series blends 75 interviews, more than 500 pieces of music, 2,400 still photographs, and over 2,000 rare and archival film clips. The 10-part musical journey spotlights many of America's most original, creative--and tragic--figures, including Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Billie Holiday, Charlie Parker, and Miles Davis. Special features of the PBS DVD Gold include bonus performances and The Making of Jazz documentary.

Customer Reviews:

A slanted, one-dimensional view on a complex subject.......2007-05-31

Long and often interesting but finally a disappointment.......2007-05-03

There is more to Jazz than just on Bourbon Street.......2007-02-25

Shockingly Revisionist and Doctrinaire View of Jazz History.......2006-11-20

Great Study on Black History.......2006-09-27

Average customer rating:

Jazz [Region 2]
Starring: Wynton Marsalis , Duke Ellington , Keith David , Branford Marsalis , and Gary Giddins
Director: Ken Burns
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( J ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B00005M6QI

Frank Sinatra's Welcome Home Party for Elvis Presley

Average customer rating:

Frank Sinatra's Welcome Home Party for Elvis Presley
Starring: Frank Sinatra , Elvis Presley , Nancy Sinatra , Joey Bishop , and Sammy Davis Jr.
Director: Richard Dunlap
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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

( F ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00009WW0X

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