Customer Reviews

Opry Video Classics

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This 8-DVD box set, compiled by Time-Life Books and the folks at the Grand Ole Opry, collects 120 video performances by many of the greatest country musicians of the 1950s, '60s and '70s. Each disc includes fifteen live performances (and no lip-syncing, as far as I can tell...) along with bonus features such as interviews with various Opry veterans. The material is drawn from old Opry TV broadcasts and other venues such as "The Bobby Lord Show" and other, long-forgotten shows that were the country equivalents of "Soul Train" and "American Bandstand." The video quality is very good and the sound quality is excellent -- it's a chance to see stars such as Bill Anderson, Patsy Cline, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Barbara Mandrell, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Webb Pierce, Ray Price, Porter Wagoner, Tammy Wynette and many, many others playing at the peak of their powers. In many cases they were also at the start of their careers, and just starting to learn the ropes. The set also includes a surprisingly strong representation of lesser-known artists, folks like Bill Phillips, Jeannie Seely, Jeannie Pruett and others, great singers who were hitmakers many years ago, but are remembered only by a few fans today. This is a marvelous collection that truly honors the history of country music (and of the Nashville music business) without cutting corners or playing it safe. The discs also are offered individually, organized by themes that are actually quite useful. Some of the most rewarding volumes are the "Pioneers" set, "Queens Of Country" and the "Duets" disc, which features many gems, among them a bluesy performance from Patsy Cline, who sang with other artists live, but never actually recorded any duets on record.

If you want a fun, high-class collection that shows many of the biggest stars in Nashville playing real, honest country music, this collection is a true gift. Highly recommended! (DJ Joe Sixpack / Slipcue music reviews)

This 8 dvd boxed set to me, has the cream of Country music. Coming from Sydney, Australia & being a Rock & Roll fan of the late 50's & early 60's the main US Country artists that I knew were the crossover artists, Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins, Faron Young etc, I had heard of the Grand Ole Opry but never really knew much about it.
All the dvds are extremely good quality & the later performances are in colour.
This box set gave me a chance to see performances from artists that I had only heard singing their hits.
The Browns, Ernest Ashworth, Don Gibson, Henson Cargill, Billy Carlisle,
George Morgan, Jack Blanchard & Misty Morgan, Freddie Hart, Hank Locklin & David Houston.
I was looking though the dvds individually & could not decide which ones to buy as they all had 15 live performances, & there were lots tracks on each of them that i wanted. It was easier to buy the complete set.
I thought some of the clips would be out of "Second Fiddle To A Steel Guitar","Country Music On Broadway" & "The Leroy Van Dyke" TV series. I was pleased that they were all different performances.
I am hoping that Time Life will hurry up & bring out more dvds of this quality, well worth the money.

Fantastic! Every country music fan aged over 60 should have it. So, my ageing fellows, hurry up before your time runs out.

Fantastic collection of old country stars performing live (you know, back when country was really *country*, and not the garbage that passes for "country" nowadays). The interviews on each DVD are priceless as well. I bought one for me and one for my parents. I highly recommend buying this DVD collection.

Was great watching these classic videos from the Grand Ole Opry with all of the country stars from the best period in country music. Favourites include Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton & Tammy Wynette who are all in fine voice and the sound & colour is fantastic. Thoroughly enjoyable !!!!!

I purchased this video set as a surprise Christmas present for my husband, who is an avid classic country fan. The set came just as described (brand new, factory sealed). The only problem was that the box it came in was labeled with its contents; and of all the times to check the mail, my husband checked it that day. He says he didnt read the box, but I know he did. So, the surprise is ruined :(

A great collection of classic performances of the Grand Ole Opry. A good one stop shop to capture some of the legends of country music.

I bought the dvds for my grandparents and they just loved them. They borrowed them back to me so I could watch them and they were great! it was so fun to see some of the people Ive heard so many times on the radio actualy perform the songs. I really cant wait to get the second set for them next year.

I purchased this for a gift for my parents who were always complaining you could not find any video of the old country music stars. They love it. It is well worth the purchase price and the quality is fantastic!

This DVD contains video clips from several venues, and of numerous great players. I purchased this video set by mistake, thinking it was the Larry Black produced series. I will say, that this set is period correct, in that the stars were filmed singing their hits, at the time the hits were big.

I personally miss the camaraderie that is more evident on the Countrys Family Reunion set, but do not take it wrong~this is a true representation of the hitmakers of the day, and their most famous songs, performed by the hitmakers themselves.

But, as I stated, the CFR is just more preferable and entertaining in my opinion.