Product Details

• Actors: The Mamas & The Papas
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, 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
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Hip-O Records
• DVD Release Date: March 29, 2005
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B0007QCGX6
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #23,608 in Movies & TV (See Bestsellers in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
California Dreamin' reminds us that '60s pop paragons The Mamas & The Papas had an appealing new sound, made some terrific records, and left behind a legacy that lives on more than 35 years after they called it quits. This hour-long documentary, originally aired on PBS, has all the standard elements of the genre: interviews (including some from 2004 and '05 with surviving members Michelle Phillips and Denny Doherty, as well as 1986 recollections by John Phillips, who died in '01, and a few brief words from Cass Elliot, who passed away in '74), photos, home movies, and a generous helping of music clips. The latter come from both television (Shindig!, Hollywood Palace, The Ed Sullivan Show) and concerts (Monterey Pop); some are totally lip-synced, some find the group singing to a pre-recorded track, and some are completely live. Almost all of the clips manage to convey the magic of a quartet that had a unique charm, both visually (the beautiful blonde Michelle, the corpulent Mama Cass) and musically (Doherty had perhaps the best singing voice, while John Phillips' songs and vocal arrangements were nearly the equal of, say, Brian Wilson's); and all highlight their remarkable vocal blend, described by Lou Adler, their producer and label owner, as the sound of the Four Freshmen or the Hi-Lo's updated with a rock beat. The hits keep on coming, not only the familiar "California Dreamin'" and "Monday, Monday" but also "Creeque Alley," "Words of Love," their covers of the Beatles' "I Call Your Name" and the Shirelles' "Dedicated to the One I Love," and at least a dozen more, including three bonus tunes not part of the original broadcast. All in all, this has to be the definitive Mamas & Papas video collection. --Sam Graham

Product Description
TRACK LISTING:
I Call Your Name
Dancing In The Street
Do You Believe In Magic
Somebody Groovy
Words Of Love
Creeque Alley
Twelve Thirty
I Saw Her Again
Dancing Bear
Once Was A Time I Thought
Dedicated To The One I Love
Monday, Monday
Straight Shooter
My Heart Stood Still
Dream A Little Dream Of Me
California Dreamin'

Sing For Your Supper
Here In My Arms
Make Your Own Kind Of Music
Lou Adler

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Wonderful, July 1, 2005

By	C. W. Emblom "Bill Emblom" (Ishpeming, Michigan USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This DVD rates a strong five stars with me. The hit songs are all here, the voices are superb, and comments throughout the one hour program about each individual are provided between songs. Although I remember when these songs first became popular I realize there are other reviewers who may be more knowledgable about The Mamas & The Papas in analyzing this program than I am. However, at least for me, the songs that we all remember and enjoy are here with comments regarding the songs and each of the singers. This was a one hour program that I sat through with my eyes riveted to the screen thoroughly enjoying every minute. I'm thankful for this DVD and so should anyone else who remembers this wonderful singing group.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Mamas and Papas Sing For Their Supper on DVD, March 29, 2005

By	Papa J - See all my reviews

This is a very good DVD, although it varies a bit from the PBS program. No, unfortunately it does not have their performance of "Nowhere Man" from Hullabaloo. I also noticed that in a few performances like "California Dreamin'" and "Monday, Monday" the sound is out of sync with their facial expressions and movements. There also is a part of "California Dreamin" where the Papas' vocals are missing and all you hear are the Mamas. On "Monday, Monday", the vocals are extremely upfront and the musical or instrumental track seems to be drowned out or missing, although part of the song there is an emphasis on strings. There are also vocal parts that appear to be different from the studio versions and from the PBS program. I have to watch my videotape of the PBS show to be sure, but it seems the vocal "I used to live in New York City" from "Twelve-Thirty" is different, and there are slight changes in "I Saw Her Again" and "My Heart Stood Still." However, this DVD truly has a wealth of classic and rare performances that makes it worthwhile. I really enjoyed the early black and white performances, especially "Somebody Groovy" and "Do You Believe In Magic," where the group outshone Barry McGuire's lead vocal. The bonus material of "Sing For Your Supper," "Here in My Arms" and "Make Your Own Kind of Music" features complete performances and brief interviews from Michelle, Denny and Owen Elliot (Cass's daughter). The only other criticism I would make is that not all of the performances are complete - some are edited like "Words of Love" or have band members or other interviewees talking over parts. Most are full-length performances though. This is a must for Mamas and Papas fans - now, if they would only release a live concert DVD from one of their Hollywood Bowl performances! P.S. When you first put the DVD in and you get the main menu, you hear part of "California Dreamin'." If you listen very carefully, you can hear Barry McGuire, who originally recorded the song for his second album. The Mamas & Papas provided backing vocals for Barry and later, when it was decided they were going to record it and release it as a single, Barry's vocal track was erased and Denny's lead vocal inserted.

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable, but far from perfect, June 9, 2005

By	Emilio Dreyer Pacheco (Porto Alegre, Brazil) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

First, let me make it clear that this DVD is mandatory for any fan of The Mamas and The Papas for the musical footage it contains. As a documentary, though, it is disappointing. It tells the group's story rather superficially and looks more like a tribute to Mama Cass. It is only one hour long and ends after Cass's death. The previously released "Straight Shooter" faced some criticism for including too much interview footage and not enough music, but at least it was thorough, in-depth look at the roller coaster ride that was John Phillips' life and career. This new documentary focuses on the music, but still features voiceovers and edited clips, so why didn't they release a collection of videos, instead? "Straight Shooter" seems to be out of print, so maybe they should reissue the unedited version of it and update it in the extras, including a tribute to John Phillips. That would do the group's legacy justice. But don't get me wrong, this new DVD is highly enjoyable, a fitting celebration to the bright side of The Mamas and The Papas and a touching homage to Cass Elliot. And it does feature some footage that is not on "Straight Shooter", including some comments by Cass's daughter Owen.