Product Details

• Actors: Harry Nilsson
• Directors: John Scheinfeld
• Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Lorber Films
• DVD Release Date: October 26, 2010
• Run Time: 116 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (54 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B003VZNAUS
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #27,131 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Who is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin' About Him)? is a wildly entertaining, star-studded documentary that tells the story of one of the most talented and versatile singer-songwriters in pop music history and the man The Beatles dubbed their favorite American musician. The Grammy® Award-winners Everybody s Talkin and Without You ... the quirky Coconut ( Put de lime in de coconut... )... the whimsical Me And My Arrow, and the poignant One ( ...is the loneliest number )... these recordings are all the work of Harry Nilsson. The documentary, which Ain t It Cool News said, is everything a great documentary needs to be, reveals his spirited relationship with John Lennon and close bond with Ringo Starr, as well as Harry the legendary bad boy party animal who was at the same time a devoted husband and father. Director John Scheinfeld brings added emotion and intimacy to the story with over 50 Nilsson recordings, rare or never-before-seen film clips, home movies and personal photos. To this are added compelling interviews with top music and movie personalities who knew Harry well. They include Micky Dolenz, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Al Kooper, Randy Newman, Yoko Ono, Van Dyke Parks, The Smothers Brothers, Jimmy Webb, Paul Williams, Robin Williams, Brian Wilson and many others. As film critic Leonard Maltin noted, Who Is Harry Nilsson? is a vivid portrait of a gifted man...what a great reminder of his talent. The DVD also contains 93 minutes of Bonus Material Deleted Scenes, Extended Sequences, an Alternate Ending and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

120 of 123 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Definitive and Moving Portrait of a Complex Man, August 15, 2010

By 

Elizabeth Calderon "phoenixbeth" (Illinois) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Who is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin' About Him)? (DVD)

I have seen the final version of this film, having been to a screening at the Chicago Fest for Beatles Fans.

I am simply blown away by this documentary. I'd been waiting to see it for four years, and I was convinced that because I had such high expectations, that it would disappoint. I am thrilled to say that the film not only met my expectations, but actually exceeded them.

This film is a brutally honest look at the man, Harry Nilsson. It shows how beautifully talented he was, and how everyone around him truly loved him, but it did not shy away from the wild antics that were ultimately Harry's downfall. One interviewee made the statement, "Harry was like a big bunny rabbit with really sharp teeth." I think that the film shows just how appropriate that statement is.

There were times that I laughed out loud and times that I came close to openly sobbing. I have a feeling that if I had not been at a public viewing, I would have been openly sobbing.

The director mentioned that this final version has a different ending than what he originally screened several years ago. I have not seen that first ending, but I can say that if Harry was able to comment on the version I saw, that he would approve. It was funny, sad, and poignant, all rolled into one. I don't think Harry would have wanted it any other way.

This is a vivid portrait of a very complex man. There was the raw talent and potential, the self-destructive behavior, the loving father and husband, the alcoholic, the activist. All of these were Harry Nilsson. Even someone who didn't know of Harry before this film would be moved.

NOTE ADDED ON 10/17/10: I want to try to write quality reviews that are helpful to people. If you find my review to be unhelpful, please leave a comment and let me know how I could improve! Or, even better, if you did find my review helpful, I'd love to hear from you! Thanks.

NOTE ADDED ON 11/17/10:

It was suggested that I add a note about the special features, so here you go:

There is a great extended scene concerning Without You, and another extra that features Remember. There are many more extras that are incredible, and they're pretty much all extended scenes. I'll list their titles for you:

Trailer
Loneliness - This is a music video that Harry did with Yoko Ono. I believe this is Yoko's song.
Washington Hotel
Singer
Soungwriter
Nilsson Schmilsson
Without You
A Little Touch
Try
Adventures
Human Fly
Monty Python
Fools
Generosity
Family
Annie
Harry
Remember (which is the original ending. The final cut is far superior, I believe, to this original ending).

37 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally Coming To DVD!!!, July 21, 2010

By 

R. Greene (Winnetka, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Who is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin' About Him)? (DVD)

I saw this superb documentary that brings Harry Nilsson to vivid life in a theatre in Santa Monica several years ago and am delighted that it is finally coming to DVD. You really get a sense of the manic, wild ride that was the life of Nilsson in this film told by the people who loved him. I can't wait to see it again and it sounds like there is some great bonus material as well. The story of his close friendship with Ringo is quite touching. Even the stories of his funeral, taking place during the roaring aftershocks of the Northridge earthquake, are heartfelt and hilarious.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Film!, October 18, 2010

By 

A. Reader (Tallahassee) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Who is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin' About Him)? (DVD)

I can't say enough good things about this movie. It's reverent without being obsequious; moving without being melodramatic; insightful, thorough, funny- they really did such a wonderful job.

As for the subject himself- what a truly compelling character! Even if you are only nominally familiar with Nilsson and his music, this movie is pretty much guaranteed to make you a fan.