Frank Sinatra - Sinatra

Rating:
Summary: Not the best of the Television specials.....
Review: Sinatra (1969) is the latest edition in my quest to obtain all of the specials on DVD. After seeing the first special from 65 and the one with Ella and Jobim, or even the playful special with the 5th Dimension, this one paled in comparison. Sinatra isn't as emotionally involved in this one as he had been in the past, and it is clear to see. While on some songs Sinatra sounds powerful, on most he sounds tired and appears to be pushing a little too hard. There are a few times when he blatantly coughs into the microphone and appears raspy. However, Forget to Remember rises above all, and is an emotionally moving masterpiece. Perhaps most disappointing is the DVD's audio track. Unlike the other Sinatra specials I have, this one has alot of hiss, and a few points when the sound appears to drop out a little. Whether or not this is the fault of poor transferring or if the original tapes are damaged, it is nontheless distracting. All in all, there are enough worthwhile moments on this DVD to justify purchasing it, however, I wouldn't start with this particular one.

Rating:
Summary: The finale is worth the price alone
Review: Sinatra in black tie, center stage, knocking off "Fly Me To The Moon", "Street Of Dreams", "My Kind Of Town', with fresh re-worked arrangements courtesy of Don Costa, is worth the price alone.

This performance has been criticized in the past and, according to one book, Frank showed up at the taping with laryngitis, sitting on a stool and chastising himself, muttering, "drink, drink drink, smoke, smoke, smoke, shmuck, shmuck, shmuck."

Could've fooled me. He's strong on the openers, "For Once In My Life" and "Please Be Kind". In fine voice, tan, limber, working the stage like a prize-fighter.

In my opinion, this video is superior to one done a year later at Royal Albert Hall. His vocal powers were not as consistently powerful after '69.

I rate this 4 stars for repetoire, new arrangements, humorous monologue.

Rating:
Summary: The finale is worth the price alone
Review: Sinatra in black tie, center stage, knocking off "Fly Me To The Moon", "Street Of Dreams", "My Kind Of Town', with fresh re-worked arrangements courtesy of Don Costa, is worth the price alone.

This performance has been criticized in the past and, according to one book, Frank showed up at the taping with laryngitis, sitting on a stool and chastising himself, muttering, "drink, drink drink, smoke, smoke, smoke, shmuck, shmuck, shmuck."

Could've fooled me. He's strong on the openers, "For Once In My Life" and "Please Be Kind". In fine voice, tan, limber, working the stage like a prize-fighter.

In my opinion, this video is superior to one done a year later at Royal Albert Hall. His vocal powers were not as consistently powerful after '69.

I rate this 4 stars for repetoire, new arrangements, humorous monologue.

Rating:
Summary: Simply Sinatra
Review: This DVD is a copy of the 1969 "Sinatra, with guest star Frank Sinatra." I must say that I was not aware of many of the songs from this special, but I enjoyed many of them. His voice is stronger than from my favorite Sinatra special (Royal Festival Hall). He sings "My Way" almost flawless, making one think he might be lip-synching like modern singers do in their Tv-specials. Of course, then Sinatra simply proves me wrong by going off key at "(each and every) highway."

There are a few cool features in this special that include Sinatra making (scripted) jokes about his movie career (that are funny) and doing an entire list of sad love songs (aka Songs for losers, as called in the Royal Festival Hall special). The sad love songs can sometimes be too much to handle, depending on your tastes, but Sinatra's jokes make up for it.

I've read many reviews that explain Sinatra's voice wasn't in great shape during the recordings of this special, but he could have fooled me. The only song (minus the Songs for Losers) that I could really hear Sinatra crack-up on was "My Way" for a brief moment, as I said before.

For first time Sinatra listeners, this or "Royal Festival Hall" should be your pick.

Rating:
Summary: Simply Sinatra
Review: This DVD is a copy of the 1969 "Sinatra, with guest star Frank Sinatra." I must say that I was not aware of many of the songs from this special, but I enjoyed many of them. His voice is stronger than from my favorite Sinatra special (Royal Festival Hall). He sings "My Way" almost flawless, making one think he might be lip-synching like modern singers do in their Tv-specials. Of course, then Sinatra simply proves me wrong by going off key at "(each and every) highway."

There are a few cool features in this special that include Sinatra making (scripted) jokes about his movie career (that are funny) and doing an entire list of sad love songs (aka Songs for losers, as called in the Royal Festival Hall special). The sad love songs can sometimes be too much to handle, depending on your tastes, but Sinatra's jokes make up for it.

I've read many reviews that explain Sinatra's voice wasn't in great shape during the recordings of this special, but he could have fooled me. The only song (minus the Songs for Losers) that I could really hear Sinatra crack-up on was "My Way" for a brief moment, as I said before.

For first time Sinatra listeners, this or "Royal Festival Hall" should be your pick.