Customer Reviews

The Complete Ritchie Valens

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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! .....Rizzo

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.

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!

This was a real help to me about a legend that really was a Rocker and not a Teen Idol. I know that if he never died in that plane crash he would have been the voice and sound of Rock 'N' Roll for the gap of time that was between 1959-1964 when Rock 'N' Roll looked like it was dead until The Beatles came in. Heres a story I would like to share about me. I saw La bamba back in the theaters in 1987. I thought it was great and thought that Lou Diamond was Ritchie Valens and that was his sound. 3 months later I was watching TV and saw them advertising Ritchie Valens tapes. And he looked and sounded much differant from what I saw in La Bamba. It scared me and had me scared of Ritchie Valens. I was only 13 years old and grew up a little but this fear followed me for some reason. It was like a monster not leaving a 4 year old alone. Since getting this DVD I have learned about what La Bamba tried to say about him and what he really was. He was a heart warming trooper that lived up to his promise and got his family out of poverty life and gave them money and a real home. If any one can be shown for there passion and heart out of any famous person. You could only be talking about Ritchie who was in all a wonderful kid that gave up his life to support his family as a latin kid getting his family a peace of the american dream that people only dream of.
Thank You for a great story about Ritchie Valens.

Someone needs to explain to Marshall Fine, whoever that is, that Richie Valens was not 21 years old when he died - he was 17! Welcome to the planet Marshall.
George Wood

I just finished watching this DVD on February 3,2001, the 42nd anniversary of Ricardo's death in that plane. Even though he died before I was born, I really felt connected to Ricardo, because his music was from his heart and soul and you can feel it through his singing and playing his guitar. This DVD also had interviews with his family and Bob Keane; also musicians and people who had known him during his short life. I was so interested to hear how he really grew up (NOT like the movie "La Bamba") and to hear from the people who he loved and who loved him. His was a God-given talent; and that's why his music lives on and will continue to do so until the end of this world. This DVD is a MUST HAVE for any fan of Ricardo's. I know that others who listen to and view this DVD will soon become a fan of Ricardo. Many, many THANKS to all who contributed to this DVD, for sharing Ricardo with us, his loving fans...Mary

This is a very good and interesting dvd since it not only humanizes the real Ritchie Valens but also offers a bit about how the music industry operated back in the 50s. Having the family and his friends speak firsthand about the Chicano who dreamed big and make it in the music industry is very intimate since we hear from people who knew him firsthand and not some biographer who compiled information from others and slap the info into a book format.

Personally, although I found the whole dvd very warm and inviting, as a history buff of sorts, it was wonderful hearing Bob Keane speak about how the business operated back then. As a child born in the 70s, I never realized how powerful DJs were in their day. For instance, if a certain DJ liked a certain music producer or distributor or musician, he would play that person's record on the air. It was almost as if the DJs gave your career a big break or not. This is one interesting example.
Ritchie Valens' family's honesty and openness truly leads you through their emotions from the day he was born to his death. One particularly moving piece was when one of his sisters spoke about when Ritchie died and her mother was so overcome with grief that she didn;t have the strength to ask well-wishers to stop taking souveniers from Ritchie's room. So this particular little sister had to intervene on her mother's behalf and made these souvenir hunters put the stuff back.
All in all, this DVD is highly recommended for any Ritchie fans or lovers of 50s music. It will not disappoint! :-)

As i was ordering this I was reading that it might not show up until late Nov latest Jan 09. I ordered it on Nov 9th and it came today Nov 12th/ 08. This dvd is every thing and more you wanna here and see about Ritchie Valens. if i could id give this 20 stars.

I found this documentary to be one of the best,that I have seen-as far as family input is concerned.You did not get this in the Labamba movie.I'm grateful family members were able to give their story.What can I say bout the music.Growing up in this era.Listening to Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valenzuela are some of my guilty pleasures,in an age of music with little soul in it.Thank You.