Customer Reviews

Dean Martin - That's Amore [VHS]

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I don't want my review to sound prejudice... but this Video and DVD release is one that is close to my heart. Having actually been there during those years at NBC where Dean taped his weekly TV series, I have my own fond memories that may differ from the public's view... but this is where the essence of Dean's charisma and aura captured the nation. I was proud to have been there from the start and equally proud to have had a small part in presenting this special collection of songs.

Basically culled from the first three years of his nine year variety run, these full length, uninterrupted songs were painstakingly transferred from the original two-inch master tapes, many of which have not been played since they first aired many years ago. It was even a treat for me to see these shows again, and it confirms the fact that Dean could make you smile in just two minutes.

Lee Hale, the show's original Musical Director and later producer, was instrumental in bringing this material to light again, choosing the material needed for the new producers, David Leaf (who produced the previous Martin & Lewis series, "Birth of a Team" and "Kings of Comedy") and John Scheinfield assembling a show that also shows their own passion for Dean.

The VHS is about one hour long, with three more added songs to the DVD version (not seen during it's PBS debut)... "Carolina On My Mind", "Pretty Baby" and "I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now" make the DVD about 10 minutes longer. It's music, music, music with two duets nested in between the pop solos and ballads, including Peggy Lee and Petula Clark.

We received thousands and thousands of e-mails,letters and calls from fans all over after this briefly aired on PBS. Everyone went crazy with excitement. The only complaints that we read were people's list of favorites which were not included in the hour... but with the titles we saw, it would take a 200 hour-long show to squeeze it all in. Maybe the success of this one will trigger a reaction for more of the same.

I have witnessed many bad projects and disappointing specials, but I have to give this one five stars plus for being the very best for any and all Dean Martin fans and those that are curious. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

- Neil Daniels admin@deanmartinfancenter.com

I don't want my review to sound prejudice... but this Video and DVD release is one that is close to my heart. Having actually been there during those years at NBC where Dean taped his weekly TV series, I have my own fond memories that may differ from the public's view... but this is where the essence of Dean's charisma and aura captured the nation. I was proud to have been there from the start and equally proud to have had a small part in presenting this special collection of songs.

Basically culled from the first three years of his nine year variety run, these full length, uninterrupted songs were painstakingly transferred from the original two-inch master tapes, many of which have not been played since they first aired many years ago. It was even a treat for me to see these shows again, and it confirms the fact that Dean could make you smile in just two minutes.

Lee Hale, the show's original Musical Director and later producer, was instrumental in bringing this material to light again, choosing the material needed for the new producers, David Leaf (who produced the previous Martin & Lewis series, "Birth of a Team" and "Kings of Comedy") and John Scheinfield assembling a show that also shows their own passion for Dean.

The VHS is about one hour long, with three more added songs to the DVD version (not seen during it's PBS debut)... "Carolina On My Mind", "Pretty Baby" and "I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now" make the DVD about 10 minutes longer. It's music, music, music with two duets nested in between the pop solos and ballads, including Peggy Lee and Petula Clark.

We received thousands and thousands of e-mails,letters and calls from fans all over after this briefly aired on PBS. Everyone went crazy with excitement. The only complaints that we read were people's list of favorites which were not included in the hour... but with the titles we saw, it would take a 200 hour-long show to squeeze it all in. Maybe the success of this one will trigger a reaction for more of the same.

I have witnessed many bad projects and disappointing specials, but I have to give this one five stars plus for being the very best for any and all Dean Martin fans and those that are curious. ....

- Neil Daniels

This is a string of mostly color clips of Dean Martin's singing segments from his popular Dean Martin Show. (The clip of Dean singing the title song "That's Amore" is in black and white.)

Typically, each song begins with Dean bounding down the staircase and walking over to the TV studio set of his "bachelor pad" apartment.

In between the clips of Dean singing, Greg Garrison, the producer/director of the Dean Martin Show gushes about Dean's talent--but doesn't give much real insight into the man or provide many anecdotes.

Personally, I would have preferred to have the option to just watch the string of clips of Dean singing songs without Garrison's commentary in between. Also, it would have been nice to see Dean do more duets-- as the video/dvd is almost exclusively all Dean. A longer DVD would have been nice as well.

There are 3 songs filmed in black and white that are deemed extras on the DVD.

In all, this is by far the best video recording of Dean Martin just straight-on singing that is available to date. It is similar, but superior to the DVD "Memories Are Made of This" which is entirely in black and white and with a narrator that has no personal connection to Dean.

Thank God for well preserved color video tape because: This is it! This is (no pun intended) 100% proof distilled Dean Martin at his very best! No unnecessary comments or re-hashing of all too familiar bio information, just Dean, and some really interesting and insightful comments from his longtime director Greg Garrison. I may be biased, but I fail to see how anyone can NOT like Dean Martin after watching this tape. The man was a true original, and yes: a genius. Qualities rarely seen in this day and age of Show business.

Anyone who thinks Dean "didn't care" should listen to his beautiful rendition of "I'm In The Mood For Love" or the honest "Pennies From Heaven", I love Sinatra too, but he could not have done these any better. It is a delight to watch how effortlessly he breezes through songs like "Somewhere There's a Someone" and "Houston" playing off of the energy generated by the audience and crew offstage, and to hear they way he blends his voice with Peggy Lee and Petula Clark; you'd think that they had been working together for years and years, and not just practiced for one afternoon!!

The tape also contains a few clips of Dean appearing on the Colgate Comedy Hour, singing some of his greatest earlier hits.

So run, don't walk, to your computers and buy this one! And don't buy just one, buy two or three copies; let's get those sales waaay up there, and maybe we'll see more of these fantastic performances (taken mostly from "The Dean Martin show") in the near future.

And if this tape/DVD only wets your appetite, you should check out Lee Hale's great book "Backstage at the Dean Martin Show". Loaded with pictures (color and b/w) and year-by-year anecdotes, it's the perfect companion to this brilliant tape.

This disc is fabulous. It's more than just a collection of performances.. but also includes reflections of Dean Martin by his friend and TV producer.. the late Greg Garrison.
Unfortunately it seems the only way we'll see any more performances from Dean's NBC television show.. is to purchase the Dean Martin Variety DVD's which we see advertised on TV. Both Garrison and Martin's estate own rights to the series.. and have insisted on butchering the shows in 20+ volumes of greatest hits packages.
My plea to them.. PLEASE, release all nine seasons of the DMS in season by season box sets, instead of chopping them up. True, many of the skits acts and performances on the show look dated and hokey by today's standards.. but I, and I'm sure many of Dean's fans would like to see the show, uncut and exactly how it aired on Thursday nights back in the 60's and 70's.. especially since the show has never run in syndication.. in the 30 years I've been around. Maybe include network promos and interviews as extras. I think it would be a fitting tribute to one of the most successful shows in NBC history!, especially considering the 40th anniversary of the series is coming up this September!

Dean Martin was without a doubt one of the greatest entertainers who ever lived and it's great to see him back in action in this DVD. It's a pity there's no performer around today worthy of even shining his shoes. The video quality for the most part is quite good and the audio is fair, but much better if played thru a home theater system. I would have given this set five stars, if not for two drawbacks.At 64 minutes and 46 seconds, it's much too short. Also, the menu is flawed. I only hope that Greg Garrison or whomever is in charge of Dean's legacy, will release more sets of this type. Dino Crocetti, you are sadly missed!!

If you loved Dean Martin's 60s TV series, "That's Amoré" will bring back many fond memories! Culled from musical numbers performed each week (with a few vintage B&W numbers from earlier TV appearances added to the mix), Dino shows the easy grace, unique phrasing, and good-natured humor that made his vocals so special.

The songs are a mix of his personal hits and old standards, which fit his effortless style perfectly. Many are 'opening' numbers from the show, with Dino jogging down a flight of steps, then laughingly punctuating the music by bouncing along with the rhythm. In contrast are his 'featured' songs from the show, which he performs leaning against Ken Lane's piano, or from a couch in his 'music room', often with a cigarette in hand. These achieve an intimacy rarely equalled, even today.

While the bulk of selections are solos, the DVD does feature duets with Petula Clark and Peggy Lee, two of his favorite guests. The chemistry during these tunes is palpable, even if Dino relies heavily on cue cards for the lyrics, and it's easy to see why so many women found him irresistable!

My only quibble, and it is a minor one, is producer Greg Garrison, frequently appearing to 'introduce' numbers, and reminisce. The songs certainly need no introductions...but Garrison's devotion to his star is so sweet and sincere that you can't really complain, much...

All in all, "That's Amoré" is a treat, and will have you itching to see a collection of the ENTIRE programs the songs were 'lifted' from!

Dino would have loved it!

Well, at long last! Dean Martin live and in the flesh as only he could perform. Deans legions will take solace in finally having their main man at his best.

These takes from the first three years of his much acclaimed NBC TV series beginning in 1965 are nicely restored from the original tapes.

Although Deans recording career was quite successful as were his films, he was in essence a performer that had to be seen live to be fully appreciated. This compilation accomplishes that and shows his unique ability to incorporate his own distinct personality into his songs.

He performs a potpourri of standards, both uptempo swingers and the ballads he could sell so convincingly. He has great fun with the swingers as witnessed on Ol'Man River, Houston and others while his "serious" side does ample justice to ballads like You Made Me Love You, Pennies From Heaven and Young at Heart.

Medleys with Petula Clark and Peggy Lee are fun, sexy and ingratiating. Both ladies are great talents themselves and clearly relished performing with Dean. If only they had included his truly wonderful medleys with Kate Smith. Maybe next time!

Long time partner and producer Greg Garrison gives running commentary that give insight into the special charm that made Martin click.

All in all a great start, so much more is in the vaults, Deans fans want MORE!

Thank God for wellpreserved color video tape, bacause: This is it! This is (no pun intended) 100% proof destilled Dean Martin at his very best! No uneccessary comments or re-hashing of all too familiar bio information, just Dean, and some really interesting and insightful comments from his longtime director Greg Garrison. I may be biased, but I fail to see how anyone can NOT like Dean Martin after watching this tape. The man was a true original, and yes: a genius. Qualities rarely seen in this day and age of Showbusiness.

Anyone who thinks Dean "didn't care": listen to his beautiful rendition of "I'm in the mood for love" or the honest "Pennies From Heaven", I love Sinatra too, but he could not have done these any better. It is a delight to watch how effortlessly he breezes through songs like "Somewhere There's a Someone" and "Houston" playing off of the energy generated by the audience and crew offstage, and to hear they way he blends his voice with Peggy Lee and Petula Clark; you'd think that they had been working together for years and years, and not just practiced for one afternoon!!

So run, don't walk, to your computers and buy this one! And don't buy just one, buy two or three copies; let's get those sales waaay up there, so maybe we'll see more of these fantastic performances (taken mostly from "The Dean Martin show") in the near future.

What a man, what a fantastic destinctive voice. No effort, it just rolls out. This is definitely one for everyones DVD collection. I regard Deano as one of the greatest professional singers of all time. This DVD gives a good insight as to how good he was. It is that good I ordered a second copy for my father who is 76yrs of age.
Currently I have 94 music DVD's and this one would have to be in the top 5 of my favourite Dvd's.
Buy this you will NOT be disappointed.

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