Customer Reviews

Roy Orbison - Black & White Night (DVD & DVD Audio)

5 star:		(106)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I just bought a DVD-Audio capable DVD player.. The included dvd-a disk sparkles with reality. You have the best seat in the house when you hear this on a capable player. Wow!

The video concert disc is amazing. When you see Bonnie Raitt, Jennifer Warnes and KD Lang, each a star in their own right, singing doo-wops, and loving every moment of it, you know you are witnessing a rare and golden session. James Burton and Springsteen on guitars and Elvis Costello playing everything he can lay his hands on, rock. The audience and stage is so loaded with stars that it seems surreal.. How did all these people know to be there on that day, to share and witness the greatness of Roy Orbison. One and all, they are definitely paying homage to perhaps the greatest singer that ever lived. T-bone Burnett produces and once again shows why he is revered in the music industry. The video is a masterpiece.

This 2 disc set (one of the live concert, one audio) should cost a hundred dollars and here it is on sale for less than $20. Don't delay.. get it - Own this valuable piece of history.

Roy Orbison's 'Black and White Night' has certainly got to be one of the best DVD rock and roll concerts ever. Orbison himself is in fine form. His operatic voice resonates magnificently, and his guitar playing, which isn't heralded much to my knowledge, is marvelous as well. He has able support. At his forefront are Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, Bonnie Raitt, and Jackson Browne to name all but a few. The black and white film gives us the vintage experience, and the ambiance of a nightclub (rather than an arena) provides the intimacy as few concerts are presented.

Every song is a classic. "Oh Pretty Woman," "Blue Bayou," "Only the Lonely," et al, are given the red carpet treatment. Even the lesser songs are familiar and are welcome additions from his repertoire of passionate love songs. Each celebrity player is in awe of Orbison, and each contribution is done with the same devotion. The extended versions of the songs don't make them tedious like many concert performances do. They are, rather, playful and engaging. We don't want them to ever stop. The interplay from these worshipping guest stars also is entertaining. It is hard to criticize this DVD. The shots of the audience (including ones of Kris Kristoferson at one of the tables in the gathering) are lively and fun. The editing of the enthusiasm of the band gives us glimpses of the brilliance all around. Occasionally, a guest walks past the camera, but this only makes the affair more informal and intimate. If you love vintage rock and roll, this is a must-have video.

I was introduced by this classic (made in 1987, shortly before Orbison's death) on PBS, and since then I've had to have it. The DVD audio extra disc does not work for me, but the first disc clocks in at just over an hour and a half. This DVD is going to have many repeat viewings!

I first saw this on PBS and loved it. It's even better when not interrupted by fund-raising appeals.

This "concert" is recorded raw and blemished giving you the feeling of being there; people walk in front of the camera and stage hands are busy in plain view. It is produced in black and white, which enhances the smoke-filled-room atmosphere. The music and the experience is extraordinary.

I haven't yet found out how to listen the the Audio DVD that comes with this package -- it doesn't play on anything I own. But this show needs to be witnessed to be best enjoyed, so the Video DVD is worth the price.

Mine is truly a five star recommendation.

There are few concert DVD's that I feel are essential purchases. Roy Orbison Black & White Night is just such a concert DVD! The picture and sound are just the beginning of what's great about this DVD set and show. I'm so glad they did this before Orbison passed away. I never realized what a talented song writer and performer Mr. Orbison was! The concert is filmed in glorious black and white and that is fine by me! There is an intimacy on this stage that is rarely captured and the big name performers playing with Orbison, show their obvious admiration and respect for this talented man. A great DVD set and there are several versions with DVD and Super Audio or DVD audio. Treat yourself and buy this set! You won't be disappointed!

I confess to having the CD soundtrack to this most special of performances and it laid around for more than a few years, like a stored piece of jewelery-which it is.The LEGENDARY Roy Orbison - live at the Cocoanut Grove in 1987 with big name music stars supposedly helping the man who didn't need any.When one views the DVD you are mesmerized by Roy's voice and ease of performance.The full on string section and six person vocalist backups( all music stars)add such splendor to this wonderful salute to Roy's life and music career.Springsteen et al seem to be admiring the MASTER rather than contributing to an already perfect base nucleus of Orbison sound.Only The Lonely, Crying, Blue Bayou, Oh Pretty Woman and the deliriously rich rendition of DOWN THE LINE just draw out such emotion from one's soul that evoke pure bittersweet memories of life and love.Roy Orbison spoke very little in this concert- but his aura was at full volume.He still is THE BEST...

This is one of te best DVDs I have ever seen or owned. If you are a Roy Orbison fan, you also, will want to make this part of your collection.It has most of Roy's greatest hits with an all-star group of superstar musicians and singers appearing with him in one of the best "jam secessions" ever assembled, including Bruce Springsteen, K.D. Lang, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, Elvis Costello and many more. I first viewed it on a PBS station and they had it on sale for a donation of $[...], which I knew I could not afford.
I checked with [...] and found it for only a small fraction of the original cost.I was amazed and now, I'm the proud owner of an amazing piece of history. I love it!

Having a severe case of the post-Christmas blues, this video was the plus-perfect antidote. If it can get a 50 year old WASP dancing in the living room than you know it is good. You don't even have to be an Orbison fan to love it. The concert was a small cabaret type setting and ideal for soemthing that seemed like a very well-rehearsed jam session with Bonnie Raitt and KD Laing singing and dancing backup, Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, Jackson Browne and many others. (I thought I saw Kristofferson in the audience.) Done in B&W and I think color would have not been nearly as effective. A must buy.

The first great concert DVD I ever bought was this one. I use the word "great" for several reasons: 1 - the surround sound was (and may still be) the best I had ever heard on disc; 2 - the songs are all outstanding; 3 - the singers and musicians are fantastic; and, 4 - the beautiful black-and-white photography brings a nice touch.

This concert was a "10," however, even on the VHS, which I stumbled on shortly after this was released and was grateful to have discovered. If you like old-fashioned rock 'n roll with updated instrumentals, this is about as good as it gets with (along with "Carl Perkins' and Friends: Blue Suede Shoes" DVD).

This is a fun, nostalgic feel--good disc, which always pleases and is outstanding, as mentioned to both see and hear. Why can't all music DVDs sound this good?

Orbison does all his hit songs, and sings them well, with excellent backup from talented and famous musicians and singers. The black-and-white photography also is nicely done. The contrasts and shades are magnificent.

Orbison's classic songs are embellished by Bruce Springsteen, T-Bone Burnett, Elvis Costello, Mike Utley, Tom Waits plus other lesser-known but very talented artists. Also, you get all- star male and female backup trios. The female backups are Bonnie Raitt, Jennifer Warnes and k.d. Lang - not bad, eh? Jackson Browne leads the male trio.

Most of the times I get more pumped listening to the fast songs, although the slow ones are very good, too. The fast songs are fantastic, and the 5.1 sound is highlighted more on them as you hear different instruments come out of all five speakers - and they are distinct. On "Pretty Wonan," you hear the three guitar players on three different speakers. It's amazing.

Everyone on stage is having a super time. Just the look on Springsteen's face tells it all. These artists revered Orbison and it shows. You can just see how thrilled they were to be on stage with the legend. What a fantastic concert and DVD. Rating this five stars doesn't seem to be enough!

This set is a treasure. I sent copies to our daughter and granddaughter who both play bass guitar and sing. Roy Orbison is exquisite in voice and the backups on this set are also the greatest.

Roy Orbison had perhaps the widest vocal range of any of the rock 'n' rollers - certainly one of the most pleasing voices. His prolific output of hits is well represented in this nightclub concert, filmed in black and white. Guest appearances by Bruce Springsteen, who is obviously thrilled to be included; Tom Waits, who seems outmatched or at least unrehearsed; Elvis Costello, K.D. Lang, Bonnie Raitt and others fill the stage with stars who obviously dig the music. A small string section is on hand (wearing Orbison-like shades) to flesh out the original sound. Roy Orbison is note-perfect as usual, giving an inspired performance.
This particular package includes a music only disc, as well as the DVD.