Cole Porter - An All-Star Tribute (Bell Telephone Hour January 28, 1964)

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Duet from Two Legends!
Review: Loved seeing Merman at the top of her game. And to see Gretchen Wyler after discovering her in the film "Broadway: The Golden Age" was wonderful.

The bonus features are fun, too. There is a completely different full show of Merman on there. Although she doesn't say much, it is intereting to see when they have retakes.

Keep these great shows coming!

Rating:
Summary: Historic Merman once again from the folks at VAI Thank You!
Review: Please run -- don't walk --- to your nearest video store to get this DVD. You will be thrilled beyond belief. To have another vintage and rare television program with the Merm is one great thing -- and to have it in vivid color and great sound is another -- and to have bonus tracks from still another great tv show featuring the Merm, well if you have read this far without ordering this title -- go do it now!

This is a fine television show, also featuring John Raitt and Martha Wright in superb voice. Other excellent contributions are from Peter Nero, Gretchen Wyler and Jillana. The production values are fine, with typical 60s colors and costuming throughout. It is nothing short of a miracle that this program exists in such beautiful color, as so much classic tv was only preserved in black and white.

The Merm looks terrific on this 1964 television program -- very relaxed and happy -- no doubt as she was still joyfully anticipating her marriage to Ernest Borgnine. Her two Medleys of Cole Porter songs are incredible and emotional. Her voice is captured in full cry and speaks right to the heart.

The bonus tracks, which include alternate takes, are also fascinating. They gives us a glimpse of what Merman looked and sounded like in "Gypsy" as this show was recorded during the original broadway run in 1960. Merman looks and sounds great and sings some Ragtime songs that are not often associated with her (Way Down Yonder in New Orleans, and After You've Gone) for example).

The out-takes are fascinating and they are a sterling tribute to the Merm's incredible dedication and professionalism as she jumps right into the next take with all the verve and gusto she could muster.

If I haven't yet mentioned that this DVD is a must have for any theatre buff and fan of classic popular vocalism -- please let me do it now! Cole Porter's music never sounded better. Happy viewing and listening.

Rating:
Summary: A De-Lovely Evening
Review: This is an absolutely wonderful program, flawed only by the poor picture quality of the DVD. We have an opportunity to see Ethel Merman in all her glory. That's enough for me!!

Rating:
Summary: READ THIS BEFORE BUYING
Review: While it's indeed difficult to fault any production of a Cole Porter tribute, there are two aspects of this DVD that deserve being brought to the attention of any prospective buyer.

First, and foremost, is the very poor quality of the video transfer. The great Ethel Merman and company certainly deserved better. This was my first and last purchase of any VAI DVD production.

Secondly, Cole Porter remains one of the worlds greatest composers of popular music. His beautiful Night and Day, as well as his lyrical I Get a Kick Out of You are only two of hundreds of showstoppers. The main reason is the simplicity of their melodies. Just hearing a few bars of any of his songs will immediately pop the name of the song into your mind...that is, unless Peter Nero is performing them. Even Ethel Merman had to forewarn the audience they must listen carefully before determining the name of the song. Cole Porter deserved better than Peter Nero's keyboard excursions highlighting his finger skills, rather than Cole's great melody.

With those two glaring flaws in mind, coupled with the inflated price of the DVD, I feel this only warrants only 2 Stars.