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Judy Garland Show 3

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Many people regard the episodes produced for "The Judy Garland Show" to be the entertainer's best work. Originally broadcast on CBS from 1963-1964, Judy Garland's much talked about series never stood a chance in the Nielsen ratings being opposite NBC's powerful "Bonanaza" series that was the #1 rated show in the nation. This beautiful set features two additional episodes from this beloved show. First up is episode four that was broadcast on October 13th, 1963 and featured the wonderful Lena Horn. Next is episode five that later aired on December 15th, 1963. That show is one of the most well-known "Judy" episodes as it featured Tony Bennett. These episodes have been digitally restored from the original studio master tapes and come with 5.1 surround that has also been restored. Unfortunately, there are no bonus features. This single set DVD drops in stores on March 23rd, 2010. A fantastic addition to anyone's home DVD library.

The incandescant magic and mystique of Judy Garland are on full, vibrant display in these two rather relaxed but immensely entertaining episodes of "The Judy Garland Show" (CBS TV Network: 1963-1964). In the first episode, Judy is joined by Lena Horne and Terry Thomas. In the second episode, her guests are Tony Bennett and Dick Shawn.
Musical fireworks are ignited when Judy and Lena Horne share two duets. Lena also sings highly individualistic renditions of three Broadway standards-- "I Want To Be Happy" from "No, No, Nanette", "He Loves Me" from "She Loves Me", and "Where Is Love?" from "Oliver" (which Judy's son Joe Luft would also sing five months later on the Christmas episode). Terry Thomas offers some very dry, British humor and chats with Judy. In this segment, Judy relates how a British journalist praised her to her face and insulted her in print. In her newspaper column, the journalist called Judy "fat." Judy corrects the situation by remarking, with charming self-deprecation, "I was obese." Judy also tells this hilarious story, in a slighty different manner, on the historic "Judy At Carnegie Hall" album. From that same album, Judy sings "A Foggy Day In London Town" especially for Terry. Judy, Lena, and Terry join together for a uniquely staged rendition of Noel Coward's "Mad Dogs And Englishmen." Judy closes the show by (hilariously) recalling how she did not win the Academy Award she deserved for her performance in 1954's "A Star Is Born." It has been said that Judy had a divine sense of the absurd. In this segment, she demonstrates her uncanny ability to turn her personal disappointments into an epic joke. After this monologue, she sings an explosive version of "The Man That Got Away", her signature song from "A Star Is Born." This particular performance is often cited as one of the many reasons why Judy still sets the standard for live entertainment. Just watch this, and you will realize that no entertainer alive today ever comes close to Judy.
In the award-winning documentary "Judy Garland: The Concert Years", Tony Bennett praises Judy as "one of the greatest entertainers of the 20th Century." The mutual admiration between Tony and Judy is instantly apparent in the second episode. One only wishes Tony and Judy had performed together again. Judy proves equally at ease when singing the duet "My Buddy" with comedian Dick Shawn. Tony Bennett's solos include "True Blue Lou," "I Left My Heart In San Francisco" and "Keep Smiling At Trouble." Judy opens this episode with "If Love Were All" from Noel Coward's " Bitter Sweet." Judy concludes this episode with another hilarious story. She recalls when she was performing in concert at an oudoor theatre and a moth flew in her mouth as she sang. Moving effortlessly from humor to heartbreak, Judy sings "Stormy Weather", one of several show-stopping ballads from the "Judy At Carnegie Hall" album.