Customer Reviews

The Judy Garland Show, Vol. 05 (Shows 7 & 9)

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In 1963, Judy Garland was at the height of her powers as a singer, entertainer and actress with a career spanning more than 3 decades in which she had captured the world's collective heart on stage, film, radio and records. The only medium she had yet to conquer was television. To this point, she had made only sporadic TV appearances although her two tv specials in 1962 and 1963 respectively were ratings and critical smashes. At this point in her career, one of the few things Judy hadn't attempted was a weekly variety series. In 1963 this became a reality on the CBS network with "The Judy Garland Show". And, Vol 5 of the DVD releases from this legendary series contains the first two episodes to be aired.

These two shows are fascinating as they present Judy in two quite different settings from an artistic and musical standpoint. The premiere episode features Judy's longtime friend Donald O'Connor and features the pair remembering their days in vaudeville as children. The second show, with a young Barbra Streisand is porbably the most famous of the series and sees Garland rising to the challenge of performing with her "newest and nicest friend", at that time the most exciting new female singer to come along seen at the very outset of her career. Both shows present a calm, totally in control Garland enjoying the company of her guests and performing at the peak of her powers.

Highlights from the O'Connor guest appearance include the Garland solo "Fly Me To The Moon", a song new to Judy but one she performs beautifully in a performance that set the standard and style for her subsequent solo song performances on the show. The show's memorable "Tea For Two" segment in which Garland could enjoy a relaxed, ad lib conversation with one of her guests has her sharing childhood memmories with old friend O'Connor. Their chat about their vaudeville days is delightful. Also fun is an elaborate production number, "The World Is Your Balloon" which has Garland, O'Connor and the series regular comic Jerry Van Dyke in clown costumes. In all, the series premiere is delightful and was in it's original airing in September 1963 a critical and ratings smash.

The second show to air was the episode featuring a young and rising Barbra Streisand just prior to her "Funny Girl" Broadway success and riding high on the success of her first two highly acclaimed albums. What is fascinating in this episode, which is probably the most famous from the series due to the teaming of these two divas, is to compare the Garland style with that of Streisand and to see how well the two work together. Both are obviously in awe of the others considerable talents and while Garland is open, warm and vulnerable, Streisand is assured, controlled and unafraid at this early stage in her career. Despite these differences, the two woman work perfectly together. In fact, no other female performer that Streisand has worked with since can come close to achieving the level of warmth and affinity with her that Garland does. It is a truly wonderful teaming. It is also unique for although Streisand longed for a repeat teaming with Garland it was not to be. However, this one off appearance is more than enough and has deservedly achieved a legendary status among the greatest moments in TV history.

The highlight of this show is undoubtedly the two medelys that Garland and Streisand perform. The first, the unforgettable pairing of Streisand's "Happy Day's Are Here Again" with a ballad version of Garland's "Get Happy" was actually the idea of Garland herself and remains a defining moment in both performers careers. In fact, a portion of this number was included by Streisand in her recent "Timeless" concerts. Later in the show, the two team up for the lengthier "Hooray For Love" medley that allows each singer to play off each other in some of their signature tunes and some new to both singer. The highlight here is Garland's spontaneous laughter during Streisand's "Lover Come Back". Again, an unforgettable moment from an unforgettable show.

Other highlights from this episode include a "surprise" guest appearance from Ethel Merman who interrupts "Tea For Two" with Garland and Streisand. The legendary Merm' is in fine form and literally takes charge of the spot which culminates in the three divas joining in for an "inpromptu" rendition of "There's No Business Like Show Business". What is interesting to watch in this segment is Streisand's discomfort when she stands between Merman and Garland and how she quickly repositions herself so that Merman take centre spot in the group. Also featured on this show are The Smother's Brothers and series regular Jerry Van Dyke.

As with all the previous DVD releases from "The Judy Garland Show" by Pioneer Entertainment, these two episodes have been remastered to ensure superior audio and visual quality. Also included are previously unseen out takes and audio commentary.

My recommendation: for fans of the one and only Judy Garland, this DVD is an absolute must. The same goes for fans of Streisand. For anyone who wants to find out what it means to be a true entertainer, buy this disc and find out while enjoying Judy Garland at her best. You won't be disappointed.

When Barbra Streisand is introduced by Judy Garland with a cute, sung verse, she has "a small request." "Anything you wanna do," replies Judy. "Anything?" "Anything." To which Streisand coyly asks "Can I replace you?"

The excitement of pairing these two legendary performers is palpable. Of course, back then Streisand was a star on the rise. She had not yet starred in FUNNY GIRL on Broadway (it is announced to Judy and Ethel Merman that she is currently working on the "Fanny Brice" story.) Judy, of course, was already a legend and starring in her own CBS show.

When Judy introduces us to one of her "newest and nicest friends" ...the lights dim and Streisand appears in her sailor dress singing a haunting version of "Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered..." then swings into a thrilling "Down With Love." This is pre-Funny Girl Barbra and she is simply "thrilling" as Judy herself says. Then they settle down for a "Happy Days/Get Happy" duet which is exciting and sad all at once --one star on her ascension, and one on her decline. Ethel Merman drops by for some diva-chat. Barbra is noticeably shy when confronted by these two powerhouses -- and why shouldn't she be ? Ethel strides toward her with her arm outstretched and calls Streisand "the new belter!" She, Judy & Barbra ham it up on "No Business Like Show Business", then Judy & Barbra return for a 5-minute duet of famous songs.

It's fascinating to watch this mixture of old and new talent. The episode is a classic pairing of Garland and Streisand. It is welcomed to the DVD format!

I've seen the Garland / Streisand episode many times on TV and was'nt expecting much of the quality - I even saw a clip of it on a huge screen over Streisand's head at her farewell performance at Madison Square Garden in New York - I was absolutley BLOWN AWAY at the quality of this DVD - The picture is so crisp and sharp it has to be seen to be believed! The sound is also amazing. I don't think this show has ever been seen like this before and believe me, I'm very picky when it comes to DVD quality. Oh yeah, the show is good too:)

Judy Garland never really appealed to me. I heard all the fanfare and as a child sat dutifully through The Wizard Of Oz but the mystique that is called "Judy" was always lost on me, until I saw this DVD.

An avid Streisand fan, I have seen bits and clips of her duet with Garland (audio: For The Record; video: Timeless). But it wasn't until I watched the entire show that I realized what a multi-talented professional both women are.

First let's get technical. The DVD has been remastered with superior sound and fantastic picture. It's in black and white but it oddly seems appropriate.

Now the performers. Judy comes across as a down to earth gal who just happens to be able to sing. It isn't until she almost shocks you by reaching for the highest of notes (and holding it) that you realize just how well deserved all the accolades about her are.

And Barbra? Raw, eager and anxious and she matches Judy note for note. Whether she's singing "Down With Love", bantering a bit nervously with Ethel Merman (who makes a surprise appearance here) or singing the duets of all time with Judy, she is a marvel. Historical Note: Barbra was new to show business and television was still in its infancy. Her appearance on The Judy Garland Show gained her an Emmy nomination in a category that was created just to cite how good she was).

So, get this DVD. You'll see not one but two legends who truly deserve that title.

Where, in today's world of American Idol wannabe's, will we ever again get to witness the likes of the legendary Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand singing together in a one-hour television show? Judy Garland, in 1963, had just spent the last 2 years re-conquering every medium in show business and was, hands-down, considered to be the greatest female singer in entertainment. Then comes along Barbra Streisand....raw, eager, and incredibly exciting in this very early stage in her career. Just a year from this show Babs would be the Queen of Broadway while Judy would be on severe decline due to her health problems....so this show can almost be viewed as a "passing of the torch" ordeal between "Miss Show Business" and "The Greatest Star." Judy is still in top-form here though, as she proves in her wonderful show-stopping solos of Comes Once in a Lifetime, Just in Time, and The Trolley Song. Her duets with Barbra, particularly the Get Happy/Happy Days one, made musical history and are, to this day, among the most thrilling musical achievements ever in entertainment. Barbra, in turn, rivals Judy's status as the world's greatest female singer with her flawless and stunning renditions of Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered and Down With Love. This show is a must-see for any fans of truly great vocalists combining together for a magical hour which became entertainment folklore!

The reason to purchase ANY of these DVD's is because of the video clarity. Many have commented on seeing clips of Judy's television shows from PBS broadcasts, TV tributes, and the like. What may not be entirely understood is that all those prior broadcasts were generally taken from kinescopes (a picture of a picture made with a 16-mm film camera aimed at a TV monitor). Viewed this way, absolutely nothing is clear; you're getting the pixel rendition from the TV monitor!! This means the actual, crystal, video tapes have never been seen since their 1963 broadcasts- until now. These are direct transfers of the 2-inch show tapes, which is why they look as good as they do. Only the b/w gives away their age. But to watch Judy- the mature, seasoned, belter, and Barbra- the young, up-and-coming belter- jelled in one glorious opus is to watch something that never happened again on musical television. Just watch and listen to the haunting counterpoint duet of "Happy Days" and "Get Happy." I promise goosebumps. This is a true vintage TV time capsule.

i actually in all honesty got this DVD because i'm huge streisand fan but after watching it i made up my mind that i had to buy the rest of the The Judy Garland Show. i thought she was soo incredibly good, i then realized why she was the greatest talent of the 20th century, i didn't know just how good she was. i realized that barbra was in such good company and i found it amazing that Judy was so multitalented as an artist i basically thought she was hilarious but the barbra and judy duets (there's two of them) are just great i watched it over and over again i practically have all of her shows now and i realized that even though i am no where near from that time that this woman was a truly dynamic performer and ohh i would've seen her in person in a minute i felt soo bad that i wasn'r around in the sixties or bfor to witness this woman and her voice she's fantasticc this DVD won me over making me a bona fide garland fan

The entire series is wonderful and this is the highlight. The Garland/Streisand duet of Happy Days and Get Happy is simply the BEST DUET EVER RECORDED. Actually probably not a duet, mostly each singing one of the songs at the same time (I forget what that is called). It is musical heaven. Hate to bruise the diva's ego, but Streisand's voice was never better than the very early stuff. She is still one of the greats, but her voice did not age well. If you ever wondered why the fuss over Babs, one listen to this and you will understand. Her "Down With Love" is brillant, and the section with the two trading thier biggest hits is like seeing two of the great wonders of the world at the same time. Even if your not usually into this type of thing, this is must for any music lover.

I wanted to buy the Judy Garland show in order of release but instead I chose to start with the show I desired most, the classic episode starring Barbra Streisand and Ethel Merman. The dvd issue is incredible. I've seen the Judy show on PBS and the broadcast never did these shows justice. There's a lot to be said about digital remastering. The taped programs are so crisp they look like thev'e just been shot, and the mono audio is rechanneled for 5.1 surround. The outtakes remind us that Judy was indeed human, the original commericials are a riot and the Smother Brothers humor withstood the test of time. Barbra's "living room" interview with Judy exposes the interesting fact that when Barbra started show business, she couldn't read music. You would never know that given her timing with the performances here, both with Judy and on her own. These days she can not only read music, she composes and scores film. My, how we've grown. The one scene that really humors me is when Judy, Barbra, and Ethel sing "There's No Business Like Show Business" and both Barbra and Judy back off because Ethel out belts them both. What a ham.

A wonderful DVD worth the purchase! The quality is incredible! I am a true Judy Garland fan, but surprizingly may become a Streisand fan...what a performance from Barbra! A fantastic duo performance! I was a little dissappointed in the outtakes, but the menus, quality and commentary by Mort Lindsey definitely make up for it!