Rating: 
Summary: The Star That Got Away From CBS!
Review: For THE ultimate Garland collection: 1. "The Judy GarlandShow" DVD series (If only they had included ALL episodes andouttakes!). 2. "Judy", by 32 Records (Perfection). 3. "Rainbow's End", for reading about the wonderful Garland TV series. 4. "Was", an interesting glimpse at what may have happened to Dorothy and also includes tie-ins with Ms. Garland's life and death, by Geoff Ryman. 5. Any CD, DVD or video upon which you can get your hands to purchase of any Garland performance.The most unforgettable moment on the DVD collection has got to be Ms. Garland's rendition of "A Cottage for Sale." For sheer artistry and emotional impact, you have to watch her perform this particular number and look at her face at the end of the number, while the orchestra is introducting "Hey, Look Me Over." There is literally a visible emotional transformation that she undergoes between numbers. Just incredible! It wasn't until today that I accidentally discovered the commentary by Mr. George Schlatter, the show's original producer. The ONLY drawback to the series is that it was shot in B&W, instead of color. I wonder why? Anyway, this collection is truly worth every penny asked. Buy and ENJOY!
Rating:
Summary: JUDY, JUDY, JUDY ... AND MORE JUDY!
Review: Forget your troubles, c''on get happy! This four DVD set contains 14 episodes from Garland's historic (but ill-fated) 1963-64 CBS TV series -- that's more than half of the 26 programs that were taped. Remastered and restored to pristine brilliance, this is Judy at her very best, singing tunes she made famous and sharing the spotlight with such famous folk as Lena Horne, Ethel Merman, Tony Bennett, Peggy Lee, Ray Bolger, Steve Lawrence, Count Basie, Mickey Rooney and her daughter, Liza. The bonuses are terrific: more than 15 never-broadcast outtakes from all the shows; a paperback edition of "Rainbow's End: The Judy Garland Show;" photo gallery and press shots never before seen and audio commentary with people involved in the original broadcast of the series.
Rating:
Summary: This is IT!
Review: Great collection...indispensable. Buy it, you won't be disappointed. Can't wait for them to release the stuff that wasn't included in this set. You have to wonder why they included some of the weaker shows in the first set...such as the June Allyson episode, where the poor woman is clearly not up to par. Still, all of this material is fascinating, and in her best moments -- such as singing "Foggy Day" to Terry-Thomas, you will be dazzled by Garland.
Rating:
Summary: raw nerve
Review: i am honored that this collection has been released and is now available to the masses! judy's body of work is glorious and must be seen in order to fully appreciate her art! she is genius, and thru these glimpses of her at work has been very inspirational,to say the least! dont't even think, you must make this magic available to yourself in your home! there are no words to describe judy, she must be seen to be experienced!
Rating:
Summary: Judy is to be experienced!
Review: I bought my DVD player only to play these shows. It takes me back to those early days of 1963 when I was there for the taping. My memory must be foggy - I don't remember being so excited and moved. I was overwhelmed- but then I always was when in Judy's presence - but, now looking back some 36 years I am completely speechless. This is the Judy I remember, the Judy with crooked teeth, the sly smile, the fantastic sense of humor, the beautiful legs - and oh, that voice! This set captures it all. She truly is Miss Show Business. This set will serve the purpose to introduce Judy to all those who scratch their heads and 'just don't get the Garland magic.' There is no longer any excuse. Watch, witness, and be transformed. This is what theatre and talent is all about. I wish all had treasured her more when she was with us. Thank you Pioneer for providing us (and me) with our history.
Rating:
Summary: Simply the BEST!
Review: I can't really add anything to what's already been said about this set... You really must see it to believe it. If you are a Garland fan, or a fan of great TV in general, this collection is a MUST! To clear up the confusion, the superb audio commentary by George Schlatter can be found on disc #3, side 1. Select menu and then the audio options. Definately worth repeated listens.
Rating:
Summary: Simply Amazing
Review: I had always heard that Judy Garland had had a T.V. show in the 60's, but having no been born then, I never saw it. I have always been a Judy Garland fan, and this box set is the best composition of work in her late life I have ever seen offered. It is sometimes sad, sometime laugh-out-loud comedy, but all wonderful. This set includes almost all of the episodes in the various one disk releases with the exceptions of Volumes 4 and 5. This set also includes the "Just Judy" disk, which is full of her solo performances, which are simply wonderful! Her randition of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" is simply heart wrenching, and will bring water to your eyes! When Judy sings, you feel many times, she is singing to YOU and that is what is soooo wonderful! When you watch her, you feel she is standing before you and standing right there singing to you.
I don't know if it's the clearity of the image and sound or Judy, but these disks are simply magical! I think it's both!
I don't know how else to say it, but this MUST be the best work she ever did. Judy never sings from her voice, bu rather with he heart and her soul! That is what makes her so wounderful. When you see a person like Judy, even if it is only a recording, or a video and then only in black and white, you know she's a little gift from God, as many great people are! Buy this DVD if you love great music! Buy this DVD if you love great comedy! Most of all.... Buy this DVD collection if you love Judy.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Amazing
Review: I have been a long-time fan of Judy Garland. My favorite movie is The Wizard of Oz, and I also love Meet Me In St. Louis, The Harvey Girls, Love Finds Andy Hardy, and on and on. However, until I got this boxed set, I had never seen Judy's television series. I was simply blown away by the shear talent of the woman. She didn't sing songs; she interpreted them. She laid out her emotions raw for all to see with every note. Even when she wasn't in her "best voice", she could still sell a song better than anyone before or since, and yes, I do include Barbra! The problem with the show was that the network had absolutely no idea what to do with Judy. At first she was teamed with Jerry Van Dyke, who was supposed to provide comedy relief between songs. Unfortunately, the two had no chemistry, and the writing was decidedly unfunny. Blaming Van Dyke, CBS fired him. Sad, yes, but the show improved. Then a new format where Judy would trade banter and stories over tea with her guest stars was launched; sometimes it was brilliant, sometimes not. Always brilliant, however, was Judy Garland, whether bringing down the house with her amazing voice, talking about Old Hollywood while digging through her trunk, or just manipulating what would normally be a mundane story into something hilarious and magical. This Judy is not the tragic Judy you read about or see portrayed on TV by Judy Davis or Andrea McArdle--this was one funny, talented lady. What a shame the show only lasted one season, but the one season is chock-a-block with "rewatchability". Judy's guest stars included Tony Bennett, Vic Damone, Count Basie, Lena Horne, Jack Jones, Ethel Merman, and, of course, Liza Minnelli. The show was video taped in black and white with the latest state-of-the-art cameras of the time, giving the show a sleek, sophisticated look. The DVD transfer makes the most of this and is absolutely stunning. You also have the option to listen to the original mono soundtrack or a new 5.1 version. The set also comes with the book Rainbow's End by Coyne Steven Sanders, which details the history of the show, and is extremely informative. The set contains fourteen complete episodes, including some outtakes and alternate takes. Some of the other shows in the series have been released seperately, but I am hoping for a second boxed set to complete my collection. Unfortunately, my favorite episode, The Christmas Show, is not included here, but can be purchased separately.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Amazing
Review: I have been a long-time fan of Judy Garland. My favorite movie is The Wizard of Oz, and I also love Meet Me In St. Louis, The Harvey Girls, Love Finds Andy Hardy, and on and on. However, until I got this boxed set, I had never seen Judy's television series. I was simply blown away by the shear talent of the woman. She didn't sing songs; she interpreted them. She laid out her emotions raw for all to see with every note. Even when she wasn't in her "best voice", she could still sell a song better than anyone before or since, and yes, I do include Barbra! The problem with the show was that the network had absolutely no idea what to do with Judy. At first she was teamed with Jerry Van Dyke, who was supposed to provide comedy relief between songs. Unfortunately, the two had no chemistry, and the writing was decidedly unfunny. Blaming Van Dyke, CBS fired him. Sad, yes, but the show improved. Then a new format where Judy would trade banter and stories over tea with her guest stars was launched; sometimes it was brilliant, sometimes not. Always brilliant, however, was Judy Garland, whether bringing down the house with her amazing voice, talking about Old Hollywood while digging through her trunk, or just manipulating what would normally be a mundane story into something hilarious and magical. This Judy is not the tragic Judy you read about or see portrayed on TV by Judy Davis or Andrea McArdle--this was one funny, talented lady. What a shame the show only lasted one season, but the one season is chock-a-block with "rewatchability". Judy's guest stars included Tony Bennett, Vic Damone, Count Basie, Lena Horne, Jack Jones, Ethel Merman, and, of course, Liza Minnelli. The show was video taped in black and white with the latest state-of-the-art cameras of the time, giving the show a sleek, sophisticated look. The DVD transfer makes the most of this and is absolutely stunning. You also have the option to listen to the original mono soundtrack or a new 5.1 version. The set also comes with the book Rainbow's End by Coyne Steven Sanders, which details the history of the show, and is extremely informative. The set contains fourteen complete episodes, including some outtakes and alternate takes. Some of the other shows in the series have been released seperately, but I am hoping for a second boxed set to complete my collection. Unfortunately, my favorite episode, The Christmas Show, is not included here, but can be purchased separately.
Rating:
Summary: Disc details
Review: I have this collection, as well as Vols. 3-5 and "Legends" (aka Vol. 6). I was confused during my research regarding the content and possible overlaps between the various discs that are out there. Now that I've had a chance to review my own copy of the collection (love it), here is some information that might be helpful to others: There are 4 DVDs in the box:
1. Just Judy compilation & Shows #21 & #22 (The Just Judy portion was recently released individually without #21 & #22)
2. Shows #1, #2, #3, #4 (recently released individually and split into two discs as Vol. 1: Shows #1 & #3, and Vol. 2: Shows #2 & #4)
3. Shows #5, #6, #10, #12
4. Shows #13, #16, #17, #18 Also released individually:
Vol. 3 - Show #15
Vol. 4 - Shows #8, #19, #24, #25
Vol. 5 - Shows #7, #9
Vol. 6 - "Legends" is a compilation So, if you buy the Collection and Vols. 3-6, you will have 21 of the 26 shows. The Collection comes in a case shaped like a trunk. Inside the trunk, you'll find a piece of foam, a Collection insert, and a paperback book in addition to the 4 DVDs. If you remove the foam and the book, you'll be able to fit Vols. 3-6 inside as well...but then what to do with the book? Anyway... The DVD insert provides an index to the guests and provides the Show # on which they appear. It also indexes each song performed and provides the Show # or #s. The DVD insert indices only reference the discs included in the Collection. The feature mentioned in the product description for the Collection regarding an index to *all 26 shows* is actually found in the paperback book, "Rainbow's End," which is included inside the Collection box. Another issue is that the spines of the DVDs in the Collection are labeled Disc 1, Disc 2, etc while the supplemental discs are labeled Vol 3, Vol 4, etc. If you have the Collection, and Vols. 3-6, the "missing" episodes are:
Show #11 - Steve Allen, Mel Torme, Jayne Meadows
Show #14 - Bobby Darin, Bob Newhart
Show #20 - Judy Garland in Concert
Show #23 - Judy Garland in Concert: Music from Movies
Show #26 - Judy Garland in Concert Shows #11 and #14 will be released on 2/18/2003 in Vol. 7! Enjoy!
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