Rating: 
Summary: Where's Monk?
Review: Although it is an abiding joy to have the legendary "Sound of Jazz" broadcast of December 8, 1957 on DVD, we are disheartened to report that, for now anyway, you are better off getting it on VHS. For some inexplicable reason, Thelonious Monk's distinctive rendition of his own "Blue Monk" is nowhere to be found.
Rating:
Summary: Where's Monk?
Review: Although it is an abiding joy to have the legendary "Sound of Jazz" broadcast of December 8, 1957 on DVD, we are disheartened to report that, for now anyway, you are better off getting it on VHS. For some inexplicable reason, Thelonious Monk's distinctive rendition of his own "Blue Monk" is nowhere to be found.
Rating: 
Summary: Even without Monk, this is a masterpiece
Review: Even forty-six years can't dim these performances by some of the greatest mainstream jazz performers. Presented in a televison studio arranged for the best possbile sound, raher than "looks," the musicians were comfortable, and played beautifully. John Crosby's introductions are brief, and we're treated to almost an hour of music.As another review noted, Monk's "Blue Monk" performance is missing, and instead we have three "Bonus Tracks" of audio. One is worthwhile- Coleman Hawkins' extended solo improvisation "Dali," similar to the "Picasso" he recorded for Norman Granz. There's also a Red Allen-Hawkins collaboration in a dixie vein as well as what purports to be "Sarah Vaughn singing East of the Sun," and turns out to be George Shearing playing Jumpin' for Symphony Sid." (!) Kind of a sloppy production for Jerry Valburn who has produced some great record reissues. Neverthless, if you're interested in seeing the best jazz show ever presented on televison, you need this DVD. And the price is right.
Rating: 
Summary: What Happened in the Transfer?
Review: Having lived with the VHS version for many years and having used it as an adjunct to my regular jazz teaching routine. I excitedly looked forward to (what I expected to be its great) update into the digital format. Upon receiving the DVD, I sat down to hear it - in what I hoped would be its ultimate form), hit the start button & reeled backed horror. The picture quality was totally degraded, the sound - dreadful - and all I can say is that the manufacturers have done an unspeakable dis-service to one of the great historic and visual masterpieces of jazz history. Avoid the DVD -stick with the VHS until the current producers get their act together.
Rating:
Summary: All-time greatest music video, all-time worst version
Review: I have the VHS version from several years ago, and it is a masterpiece despite the poor-quality video and sound; the performances (for the most part) completely make up for any technical shortcomings and then some, to say the least. But cutting Monk is a criminal act, and if the sound/video is as bad as those who own the DVD say it is, this version is inexcusable. I'm glad to see this back in print, but jeez . . .
Rating:
Summary: an ugly transfer!
Review: I wonder why this disc is so horrible: the video is unwatchable, the sound is poor... And every time I saw some excerpts of this historical event, at some TV shows, the quality was very good. Do not purchase this item.
Rating:
Summary: Magical!
Review: In my opinion this is the greatest jazz ever captured by a camera...
The only letdown is that the track by THE THELONIOUS MONK TRIO (they played 'BLUE MONK' on the original broadcast) is missing.
I don't know why? The editing out of the track is very cleverly done, though - it should have been placed right after the first commercial breakdown...
Two years ago I purchased the SONY reissue on CD of the soundtrack from the show (also highly recommended - and vastly superior sound quality to this DVD edition!)- also there the MONK-track is missing. Mysterious...
The standout track is the one with Billie Holiday in her own composition FINE AND MELLOW - one of her last performances. This was also the last time she performed together with her lifelong friend/soulmate/lover Lester Young. When he solos, it's almost as you can see his notes touching her...
Rating:
Summary: Who's Jerry Valburn?
Review: My rating relates to the production of this DVD and not the musical content, which is wonderful and transcends the technical shortcomings. Let's start with the sleeve. Lee Jeske, N.Y.Post writes "Stunning...beautifully presented." Was this a review of the original airing? It surely can't refer to this issue. We have a picture of Charlie Parker on the back. Why? Also Billy Strayhorn's "Take The A Train" is credited. What we don't have is a track listing or any personnel details. The DVD could have had adverts for other programmes edited out - I don't really want to know who's on the Ed Sullivan Show at the expense of Thelonious Monk's "Blue Monk". One of the three audio bonus tracks should be Sarah Vaughan singing "East Of The Sun". Instead we get, I think, George Shearing playing "Jumping With Symphony Sid". This really poor effort should be withdrawn and reissued with the care that jazz of this stature deserves - and next time find a producer who knows something about jazz! If you've got this on VHS, stick with it.
Rating:
Summary: Who's Jerry Valburn?
Review: My rating relates to the production of this DVD and not the musical content, which is wonderful and transcends the technical shortcomings. Let's start with the sleeve. Lee Jeske, N.Y.Post writes "Stunning...beautifully presented." Was this a review of the original airing? It surely can't refer to this issue. We have a picture of Charlie Parker on the back. Why? Also Billy Strayhorn's "Take The A Train" is credited. What we don't have is a track listing or any personnel details. The DVD could have had adverts for other programmes edited out - I don't really want to know who's on the Ed Sullivan Show at the expense of Thelonious Monk's "Blue Monk". One of the three audio bonus tracks should be Sarah Vaughan singing "East Of The Sun". Instead we get, I think, George Shearing playing "Jumping With Symphony Sid". This really poor effort should be withdrawn and reissued with the care that jazz of this stature deserves - and next time find a producer who knows something about jazz! If you've got this on VHS, stick with it.
Rating:
Summary: The Finest Jazz Program Ever (missing some material)
Review: Quality wise, this is a vast improvement over the VHS version of the Sound of Jazz -- which looked like it was recorded underwater. As the above reviewer states, there is no performance by Thelonious Monk -- though he did appear in this program and his group is listed in the end credits. The packaging has no notes inside of any kind and, inexplicably, has a photo of Charlie Parker on the back -- who never appeared in this program. So, a mixed bag, but --until someone issues a better version -- it is worth having.
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