Customer Reviews

Motown: The Early Years

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

 

 

I was disapointed when I discovered that this was not footage from original performances. As I continued to watch I was really enjoying listening to the music it brought back many memories and the performances were well done. If you like Motown this is worth viewing.

Even though it's described as "The Early Years", these are all recent performances. A rip off.

This DVD shows a pretty sad state of affairs. The performers look (and sound) terrible and are way past their prime trying to party like its 1969 (Martha Reeves trying to squeeze in a 60s style dress is particularly pathetic). Imagine a senior citizens home giving a performance at the Apollo Theater and you get the idea.

I first saw this when it came on constantly on my local public broadcasting station and I really enjoyed it, but I wanted to be able to watch it without having to listen to someone try to beg me to donate money, especially since they would cut off several performances. So when it finally was available to buy in stores I was excited.
Boy was this a let down. First of all its only 40 minutes long, second a large chunk of the performances include archival footage of some of the original concerts were completely cutout. I was livid. Luckily I had rented this instead of buying it out right. So I'll just send the movie back, but this has definitely taught me a lesson, sometimes it is better to rent first even if you "saw" the program before that way you won't get ripped off.

For those complaining that calling this "The Early Years" is misleading, reading the packaging or product descriptions should have clued you in that these are performances from the current acts. You should have been clued in when the bands have names like "Joe Billingslea's Contours" and "The Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards."

The performances are decent for what they are...I was kind of confused by the audio on Martha Reeves' performances, which sounded very much like pre-recorded tracks as opposed to the other performers, who sound live. The Temptations Review actually sounds better than the current Temptations, and The Four Tops, even with a younger lead singer, still sound great.

If you can get this for less than $10, definitely pick it up. If not, only buy if you're a HUGE fan of all the songs.

As Barbra Streisand once sang "THe Way We Were", this early day's of Motown brought back the thrill of a new sound that is close to anyone's heart over the age of 50. Oldies, Oldies and more Oldies. I can relate to the feeling of the heart and soul of the 60's. Thanks to Berry Gordy!!!

This DVD release of early Motown music features up beat Soul music performed by survivors of several groups. For a baby boomer this is my kind of music. For me, I'm glad this is not a release from the archives; they might be too poor in quality for my taste. Once again kudos to TJ Lubinsky and Shout Factory. The Disk does not have the DTS option however the 2.0 stereo choice gives me better sound than the 5.1 selection. My stereo setup has 7 speakers for a 7.1 setup. However because there are almost no disks released in 7.1 I'm using the 2 back surround speakers as parallel front speakers. This reproduces the front sound in the back. And then there are the 2 side surround speakers and the center, plus the subwoofer. Thus choosing 2 channel stereo on tne DVD player and then ProLogic 2 music on the Sony amplifier is just as good as DTS in this case. I love it. The one short coming of the DVD is that it's only 38.5 minutes long (not even 50 mins).

Despite the title, this IS NOT a collection of archival clips of Motown's classic groups. This was a PBS television concert special featuring performances by some of Motown's surviving early artists from 2005.

I purchased this DVD with the high hopes that I was seeing the original television broadcast with the promotional bits cut out. What I soon realized though, was that alot more had been cut than that! Only about 36 minutes of the special remains here, of the original 96 or so minutes. Many of the performances, artists, and hosts of the evening have been cut. Besides the acts listed on the cover (Martha Reeves, The Velvelettes, Joe Billingslea's Contours, The Four Tops, and Dennis Edwards' Temptations Review), the original broadcast also showcased performances by Kim Weston, Gladys Horton of The Marvelettes, Brenda Holloway, and probably more! Also, the original broadcast featured archival footage of people who could not make it that evening (Mary Wells, The Supremes, etc.) Here, the only saved archival footage, is a few bits and pieces here and there in introduction for Martha Reeves and The Four Tops.

I could go on for hours here about what this disc is missing, so I'll just cut to the chase. This is not a really good DVD. For all of those who saw the special on t.v. and are considering buying this DVD, you are probably going to be very disappointed. However, for all those who want to see what Martha looks like, and are curious about The Velvelettes, and/or just wanna see someone singin' those hits, this might be the disc for you. I really only gave this DVD three stars because it gave me a chance to see Martha and The Velvelettes, and I really like that Four Tops song "Bernadette," even though it WAS NOT Levi Stubbs leading the group. (He's been too ill to perform for a very long time now. But he is sitting in the audience.)

This DVD is one of the best products I have seen relating to the MoTown story.. It is entertaining and informative. I loved it!!!!!!!