Customer Reviews

The Jazz Singer [VHS]

5 star:		(91)
4 star:		(27)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

Hopefully I am the first to rate the 25th Anniversary DVD of this movie.
First of all, if you have the original copy that was released a few years back, get rid of it! The sound quality of this version is WAY better! (No more turning the volume way up for the dialogue, then way down for the music.) This is also done in widescreen, so you can see EVERYTHING! Also, unlike the original, there are actual REAL extras on this version: the original theatrical trailer, a TV spot, commentary by the producer, still shots, mini-bios of Neil, Lucie, Lawrence, and Richard Fleischer, AND you can select the sound as well! This is worth the money! I only wish my mother was here to see this version, as she was a Neil Diamond freak and loved this movie! This would've been one of her Christmas gifts this year.

This review refers to the VHS(1989 paramount) edition of this film....
At the 1927-1928 (First) Academy Awards Presentation "The Jazz Singer" starring Al Jolsen picked up a special award for pioneering the "Talkies". Obviously sound has come alooooong way since then and this 1980 modern day remake makes good use of it.
Jess Robinovitch(Neil Diamond)is a 5th generation Jewish cantor,tied to his role in the temple in the lower east side of New York. . His voice is phenominal(of course),he writes his own music, ballads mostly and has a chance to strike out on his own in Los Angeles.
He leaves for L.A. against the wishes of father, the 4th generation cantor(Laurence Olivier), and his wife, who likes things just the way they are.
It will take a while to achieve super stardom(at least a month!), but with the help of his new manager Molly(Lucie Arnaz),it is accomplished!The problem is his family is unhappy with the situation, his wife liked life when it was just them, his father is torn up about his son going against tradtion.Jess is having trouble coming to terms with the downfall of his relationship with his father. Molly feels responsible for the rift. Get your Kleenex ready as they work this out.
Diamond's soundtrack is wonderful. It includes "Love on the Rocks" and "Hello Again".Sir Olivier has not lost his touch, He is still the master. The British legend plays the Jewish cantor steeped in tradtion like he was born to the part, his performance alone is worth the watch.
The VHS is in hi-fi stereo, Dolby Surround, which enhances this musical.And for more music from the movies by the fabulous Neil Diamond I would recommend:As Time Goes By: The Movie Album

Need a good cry? This is the one!.......Laurie

also recommended;
Stars Fell on Henrietta
Empire Falls (Every Small Town Has a Big Story) Vol. 1
and Empire Falls (Every Small Town Has a Big Story) Vol. 1

I don't understand how some have said that this is not a good film. Lucie Arnaz is wonderful in her role as Neil Diamond's supporter and wife. The soundtrack sold over 7 MILLION copies and I remember the feeling the songs gave me years later. The songs are not "soapy" but are full of meaning for people of all ages. Neil Diamond is not a great actor but does a good job all the way through and a great job when dealing with his Jewish father. I saw the movie today for the first time in 12 years and it still brought tears to my eyes. The party scene after they move to LA and get fired is short but so much genuine fun to watch. I thought Lucie Arnaz was the best part of the movie.

Fabulous movie, father and son relationship is so touching, it makes you cry if you are the sensitive type. As for the editorial written by Keough, he must be jealous. Critics have always been too quick to insult and degrade Mr. Diamond. Shame on them for their jealousy. Mr Diamond at 64 years old is still a heart throb to many many fans. Back to the movie, if you have never seen this movie, it is worth it for many reasons. Mr. Diamond's acting skills are as good as any acting I have ever seen. Mr. Olivier performance when he becomes re-united with his son (Neil Diamond) makes you just cry. Love it, love it. Glad they re-released it, many family members of mine look forward to receiving it. They have had to borrow my copy.

OK, so it's not a "real life" picture of the music business in California, or of how relationships begin and end. But it's a sweet story of a young jewish cantor who respects his roots, but has a deeper yearning to experience life outside the small community of his synagogue. Neil Diamond and Lucy Arnez each give a tender performance. The movie is sad enough to make you cry, but happy enough to make you feel satisfied at the end. To me, the song "Hello Again" is one of the most beautiful ever written. If you like Neil Diamond's music, you'll probably enjoy this movie. And yes, DO bring the kleenex.

Perhaps because of my Music Teacher background, this movie rings so many chords...it is not for the teenage boys, who only enjoy motorcycle mania or special effects. This is a movie for folks who enjoy seeing and hearing art being created, the struggles involved and sacrifices given, the labor in bringing it forth.

Mr. Diamond does very well in his only acting venture, helped by the greatest actor who every lived, Sir Lawrence Olivier (Heathcliff, Henry 5, Hamlet etc. etc.) Who wouldn't be intimidated just being in the same room with the man, never mind having to share lines with him. Mr. Diamond's performance showed a great reverance for both the story line taken from the original "Jazz Singer" by Al Jolson, and the new update with wonderful music, plus the feeling of being honored to share a stage with Sir Olivier. It is a film for Teachers and Lovers of musicals, a genre which has been lost in Hollywood and in the Music industry.

No wonder there is no music left, only two-note noise. Buy this movie and be surrounded by singable tunes.

Even if you're not a big fan of Diamond's music, the plot of this movie will still strike a touching chord. Many people will be able to identify with the father/son conflict. This movie not only gives insight into how the music industry (especially the search for new talent) works, but is also inspiring to those who dream of becoming successful musicians themselves. Although released in 1980, the story is universal and still applies today (even the romance in the sub-plot is well done). Fans of Neil Diamond will love the many songs in this movie, but the songs also work as an integral part of the plot (this is not a mere venue for Diamond to show off his musical talents). Although he's not a professional actor, Diamond was perfect for this role. In fact, all of the actors in this movie were brilliant. This is my favorite movie, and my only complaint is that it's hard to find (practically non-existent in video stores).

Don't listen to the critics about The Jazz Singer. I just saw the movie again after about 15 years, and it's still wonderful. I thought everyone did a great. I've always been a Neil Diamond and Lucie Arnez fan, and they are both terrific. I'm now anxious to listen to my Jazz Singer soundtrack again. Wonderful songs and great acting by everyone. Some critics stated with was a BOMB, but don't listen to them. The movie is 116 minutes and the time just flew by for me. I feel watching it now it's gotten better and better. The extras are pretty good with long detailed information about the main actors. I wish Neil or Lucie would have done commentary, but still a winner in my book

So everyone's a critic. :o) I first saw this film when I was in High School with friends from Choir and the Drama department. I have loved it ever since! What do I expect out of a film or play? To be entertained. I am always entertained when I watch The Jazz Singer. (A must for the video library of any N.D. fan) Did I expect an Academy Award winning performance by Neil Diamond or any others? No. However, I thought Neil did extremely well for not being an "actor". I was impressed. Laurence Olivier did a wonderful job, as usual. Yes, I am a Neil Diamond fan! How can anyone hear his voice alone, and not be moved, let alone with his music and lyrics? Neil Diamond's voice pierces my soul! My two favorite songs from the film are "Love On The Rocks" and "Hello Again". I highly recommend this film to music lovers, anyone who wants to be entertained, and to "thirty somethings" like me. I watched it two days ago and still have goose bumps! Andrea

I watched this movie when it first came out and thought it was good and loved the music. After seeing Neil in concert this year I decided to purchas this video and am more impressed now than ever it is ashame that the critics could not see how talented this man really is. This is a must for those who love real music and Neil Diamond