Complete Ritchie Valens

Starring:Ritchie Valens
Studio: Whirlwind Media
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Ritchie Valens was only 17 when he died in the January 1959 plane crash that also killed Buddy Holly and the Big Bopper, after a concert in Mason City, Iowa. This DVD (which includes Spanish subtitles) offers a 90-minute documentary about his life, featuring interviews with his brother and other family members, as well as with the man who signed him to a recording contract, a former member of Holly's band, the Crickets, and a couple of disc jockeys who figured in his rise. Still, the one element truly missing from this look at Valens's short, meteoric career is Valens himself. There isn't a single performance clip, only a scrapbook of photographs and some soundless home movies of him playing guitar. For Valens's music, the DVD also includes an audio program, which features every song Valens ever recorded. But to get a sense of Valens himself, you're probably better off with Lou Diamond Phillips's interpretation in the feature film La Bamba. --Marshall Fine

Customer Reviews:

A clear message: the young man was special!.......2006-04-19

To have a Mexican song, La Bamba, cross over to rock and roll in the 50's was a phenomenon and the same goes for a Mexican-American singer. Valenzuela, whose named was changed to Ritchie Valens, exploded onto the music scene, and died tragically following a very short career.

Those interviewed were two sisters who were very young at the time of his fame, sister-in-law Rosie who was married to the brother, who so memorably was played by Esai Morales for the "La Bamba" movie. Others interviewed included a journalist on the scene, a member of Buddy Holly's band, the Crickets, Bob Keane from Delfi Records who discovered him, and a few local DJs.

You learn that Ritchie was very dedicated to making music. According to the family, he displayed a love of music very early. He was generous, kind and happy. When fame hit, he was said to be full of energy and had a great attitude.

You will see some footage and snapshots of family, performances, and the crash site. A color pamphlet is also included.

The treat on this DVD is the Audio Program that plays his entire discography, 28 songs. Throughout the country, probably only a handful are still played.

Although produced as low budget, this 2000 DVD documentary was enlightening. The interviews were done amateurishly and that also includes the settings. Splicing of tape for the interviews is obvious with minimal distraction. We can feel the anguish his brother has today, as he shares some regret. And not to diminish the pain the family carries today, but at times the brother is inaudible. .....This DVD is informative! .....MzRizz

To get to know the real Ritchie Valens.......2005-10-19

This was a real help to me about a legend that really was a Rocker and not a Teen Idol. I know that if he never died in that plane crash he would have been the voice and sound of Rock 'N' Roll for the gap of time that was between 1959-1964 when Rock 'N' Roll looked like it was dead until The Beatles came in. Heres a story I would like to share about me. I saw La bamba back in the theaters in 1987. I thought it was great and thought that Lou Diamond was Ritchie Valens and that was his sound. 3 months later I was watching TV and saw them advertising Ritchie Valens tapes. And he looked and sounded much differant from what I saw in La Bamba. It scared me and had me scared of Ritchie Valens. I was only 13 years old and grew up a little but this fear followed me for some reason. It was like a monster not leaving a 4 year old alone. Since getting this DVD I have learned about what La Bamba tried to say about him and what he really was. He was a heart warming trooper that lived up to his promise and got his family out of poverty life and gave them money and a real home. If any one can be shown for there passion and heart out of any famous person. You could only be talking about Ritchie who was in all a wonderful kid that gave up his life to support his family as a latin kid getting his family a peace of the american dream that people only dream of.
Thank You for a great story about Ritchie Valens.

Who is Marshall Fine, Larry Fine's brother?.......2002-07-21

Someone needs to explain to Marshall Fine, whoever that is, that Richie Valens was not 21 years old when he died - he was 17! Welcome to the planet Marshall.
George Wood

Ricardo's Music Will Never Die.......2001-02-04

I just finished watching this DVD on February 3,2001, the 42nd anniversary of Ricardo's death in that plane. Even though he died before I was born, I really felt connected to Ricardo, because his music was from his heart and soul and you can feel it through his singing and playing his guitar. This DVD also had interviews with his family and Bob Keane; also musicians and people who had known him during his short life. I was so interested to hear how he really grew up (NOT like the movie "La Bamba") and to hear from the people who he loved and who loved him. His was a God-given talent; and that's why his music lives on and will continue to do so until the end of this world. This DVD is a MUST HAVE for any fan of Ricardo's. I know that others who listen to and view this DVD will soon become a fan of Ricardo. Many, many THANKS to all who contributed to this DVD, for sharing Ricardo with us, his loving fans...Mary

The Complete RV is COMPLETE!.......2001-01-19

This really is the ultimate package for Ritchie Valens fans. It features interviews with all of his family, artists who performed with him, DJs, Bob Keane of Del-Fi Records, extensive crash info. Not only do you get the 161 minute DVD documentary, but 28 of his songs as an audio feature. Full color booklet inside is great bonus...what more can I say - it is fantastic! Limited Edition probably means you should get it while you can.

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