Product Details

• Actors: Ritchie Valens
• Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English (Dolby Digital 5.1)
• Subtitles: Spanish
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Whirlwind Media
• DVD Release Date: November 21, 2000
• Run Time: 161 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00004Z4WO
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #52,912 in Movies & TV (See Bestsellers in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Ritchie Valens was only 17 when he died in the January 1959 plane crash that also killed Buddy Holly and the Big Bopper, after a concert in Mason City, Iowa. This DVD (which includes Spanish subtitles) offers a 90-minute documentary about his life, featuring interviews with his brother and other family members, as well as with the man who signed him to a recording contract, a former member of Holly's band, the Crickets, and a couple of disc jockeys who figured in his rise. Still, the one element truly missing from this look at Valens's short, meteoric career is Valens himself. There isn't a single performance clip, only a scrapbook of photographs and some soundless home movies of him playing guitar. For Valens's music, the DVD also includes an audio program, which features every song Valens ever recorded. But to get a sense of Valens himself, you're probably better off with Lou Diamond Phillips's interpretation in the feature film La Bamba. --Marshall Fine

From the Back Cover
Whirlwind Media is proud to present a unique DVD package, The Complete Ritchie Valens. Included in the video chapter is a never-before-seen documentary, Viva Ritchie: The Ritchie Valens Story. Culled from interviews with family members, fellow musicians, and industry colleagues, this 95-minute presentation also includes rare home movie footage, rehearsal recordings, family pictures and memorabilia, and publicity stills from the archives of Del-Fi Records. The audio chapter includes every studio master take performed by Ritchie, digitally remastered from the original master tapes. An interactive chapter allows the viewer to browse through dozens of photos, letters, and mementos from Ritchie's short life.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WONDERFUL DOCUMENTARY!, December 30, 2000

By A Customer

I thought this was a superior and very accurate documentary about the Real Ritchie Valens. He and his family had a HARD life: His father died at the age of 10, leaving the mother to have to work 2 jobs. He worked like HELL to get the small taste of the American Dream that was so unfairly, untimely taken away from him and his family. This documentary will make you want to appreciate the desire to improve your life if you are financially unfortunate.

Ritchie was so poor that he had to almost train himself on playing the guitar. His family and friends were always right behind him throughout his life. Hearing about Bob Keane's mishaps in the record business before working hard to create the company that discovered Valens was motivational and you still get a sense that the movie/music industry being crooked isn't a new concept. But the difference is that many artists back then didn't get professional advice when trying to get their hard earned $$.

The scene where the family recalls the hell that they went throug with the grief they have held all these years. I lost my brother 3 years ago as violently as Ritchie's death and the video all brought back memories to me. Just be prepared that if you have lost a friend or loved one, especially to a violent death then you might want to take it easy when it gets to the track talking about the aftermath. I had some tears forming by my eyes when I was listening to Ritchie's older brother Bob talking about his reactions when he heard the news Ritchie had been killed.

But do watch this DVD, and if you are in the mood check out the book "Ritchie Valens:The First Latino Rocker" by Beverly Mendheim.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A clear message: the young man was special!, April 19, 2006

By	Rizzo (Denver, CO) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

To have a Mexican song, La Bamba, cross over to rock and roll in the 50's was a phenomenon and the same goes for a Mexican-American singer. Valenzuela, whose named was changed to Ritchie Valens, exploded onto the music scene, and died tragically following a very short career.

Those interviewed were two sisters who were very young at the time of his fame, sister-in-law Rosie who was married to the brother, who so memorably was played by Esai Morales for the "La Bamba" movie. Others interviewed included a journalist on the scene, a member of Buddy Holly's band, the Crickets, Bob Keane from Delfi Records who discovered him, and a few local DJs.

You learn that Ritchie was very dedicated to making music. According to the family, he displayed a love of music very early. He was generous, kind and happy. When fame hit, he was said to be full of energy and had a great attitude.

You will see some footage and snapshots of family, performances, and the crash site. A color pamphlet is also included.

The treat on this DVD is the Audio Program that plays his entire discography, 28 songs. Throughout the country, probably only a handful are still played.

Although produced as low budget, this 2000 DVD documentary was enlightening. The interviews were done amateurishly and that also includes the settings. Splicing of tape for the interviews is obvious with minimal distraction. We can feel the anguish his brother has today, as he shares some regret. And not to diminish the pain the family carries today, but at times the brother is inaudible. .....This DVD is informative! .....MzRizz

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Complete RV is COMPLETE!, January 18, 2001

By A Customer

This really is the ultimate package for Ritchie Valens fans. It features interviews with all of his family, artists who performed with him, DJs, Bob Keane of Del-Fi Records, extensive crash info. Not only do you get the 161 minute DVD documentary, but 28 of his songs as an audio feature. Full color booklet inside is great bonus...what more can I say - it is fantastic! Limited Edition probably means you should get it while you can.

The only negative thing I can say about it is that the music buries the interviews in most points, otherwise - perfecto!