Ella Fitzgerald - Something to Live For

Rating:
Summary: Lots of music, too little information
Review: The glory of this documentary is that most of it is Ella Fitzgerald herself, singing and entertaining. Though it is reverent, it avoids gushing, relying instead on Ella's singing (spectacular, of course) to make the point. There are bits of interviews with some of Ella's intimates, which shed some light on the person behind the scat singing.

But there are enormous gaps, and I found myself wanting a bit more rigorous history: what, for example, was Ella up to during World War II? The documentary skips over this, going from 1937 to 1947 in a single bound. What was Ella's last public appearance? The documentary doesn't tell us, and for a baffling moment we're left to wonder how a double amputation could possibly be kept a secret.

That said, the technical quality of the film is superb: both sound and image are wonderful. And when all is said and done, a 90-minute retrospective of the greatest singer of the 20th century, with not too much talk and lots of music, is a fine thing.

Rating:
Summary: Lots of music, too little information
Review: The glory of this documentary is that most of it is Ella Fitzgerald herself, singing and entertaining. Though it is reverent, it avoids gushing, relying instead on Ella's singing (spectacular, of course) to make the point. There are bits of interviews with some of Ella's intimates, which shed some light on the person behind the scat singing.

But there are enormous gaps, and I found myself wanting a bit more rigorous history: what, for example, was Ella up to during World War II? The documentary skips over this, going from 1937 to 1947 in a single bound. What was Ella's last public appearance? The documentary doesn't tell us, and for a baffling moment we're left to wonder how a double amputation could possibly be kept a secret.

That said, the technical quality of the film is superb: both sound and image are wonderful. And when all is said and done, a 90-minute retrospective of the greatest singer of the 20th century, with not too much talk and lots of music, is a fine thing.

Rating:
Summary: Ella! This video is a MUST!
Review: The name alone ... Ella ... represents class. Her magic voice was often breath-taking in quality. As several of her peers have said: "She was the best!" This video tribute to the great lady-of-song is, as it should be, a moving experience. Miss Fitzgerald's personal life was another story which included some tremendous sadness. That is also presented in a very informative manner. Always the expert, Tony Bennett's guiding commentary makes this video an outstanding work of art which all followers of the great lady will fully appreciate and truly enjoy.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: This is how a documentary should be made. DVD is extraordinary with wonderful live performances, interviews, and autobiographical information that is interesting and engaging. Great for any jazz history classroom.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: This is how a documentary should be made. DVD is extraordinary with wonderful live performances, interviews, and autobiographical information that is interesting and engaging. Great for any jazz history classroom.