Customer Reviews

Smokey Robinson: The Definitive Performances 1963-1987

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This collection exceeded my expectations and curiosity. As always with Reelin' In the Years and UMe, they have put together a great DVD complete with great liner notes by Rob Bowman, never before seen photos, and an impressive track listing which includes clips from popular shows such as Murray the K, The Mike Douglas Show, and Dinah!

There are nine Smokey and the Miracles tracks showing them performing their biggest hits like SHOP AROUND, MICKEY'S MONKEY & GOING TO A GO-GO. Also, 2 performances with Smokey's replacement, Billy Griffin (in shocking pink suits :-)) on the Dinah! Show singing DO IT BABY and LOVE MACHINE are awesome as well as 3 solo performances from Smokey (CRUSIN', BEING WITH YOU, & JUST TO SEE HER).

The only thing is during the clip for GOING TO A GO-GO, please don't be alarmed: probably during the actual taping on Swingin' Time in 1965, someone was probably trying to adjust the camera during Smokey's close-up and it's a little distorted for about 3 seconds. But, this is before television pre-emption. When you were on LIVE, you were on LIVE! :-)

A touching moment in the beginning of the credits: Smokey, Bobby, and Pete share warm embraces probably at the start of their interviews. And during their interviews, they laugh and joke as if they were still youngin's, reminiscing about their days at Motown. Also, we see rare footage at Hitsville and photos of Smokey and the Miracles while the credits roll.

We also see during the bonus features part of the DVD an extended interview section and we watch them view their 1963 performance at the Apollo for the first time since they taped that performance. And as always, 8 crystal-clear acapella performances of their biggest hits!

Another addition and a must have for music fans!

For MOTOWN FANS this is a must. Just the interview portions by themselves are worth the price. As much as I loved the TEMPTATIONS DVD, I love this one. Be sure to use the ACAPPELLA OPTION, to hear SMOKEY'S voice on these songs, it gives you a whole new appreciation for his POETRY.

This DVD was bought as a gift for my husband. We loved the performances and it was especially nice to see the evolution of not only "Smokey" but also the other members of the "Miracles." The reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 were two things I found kind of disappointing with the DVD. One was the fact that Mrs. Claudette Robinson was not included in the commentaries that are interspersed throughout the DVD. And, I also was not thrilled with the way Mr. Robinson keep trying the steal the limelight during the interviews, although my daughter did comment later that it was a good thing that he did most of the talking because the other guys weren't as well spoken. Other than those two little annoyances it was a great DVD to add to my husband's collection. I loved each and every one of the selections included as have other people my husband has let watch his DVD. Please add this one to your collection of one of the best of the golden. It is well worth the price and a bargain at that. Loved it.

Universal has been issuing some really good music dvds for various Motown acts within the past year or so, and this is one of the best of them. Not only does this contain about 10 performances by Smokey and the Miracles (some with live audio from the TV shows back in the '60s, some with newly synched stereo audio for improved sound quality), a couple of '70s hits from the Miracles after Smokey left, and then a few solo Smokey hits; but before each track there are reminiscences by some of the Miracles about the creation of these wonderful songs. Also included are some a cappella mixes of the songs. If you have the similarly wonderful Marvin Gaye dvd that came out about a year ago, then you'll have a reference point as to how good this is. The recently released Supremes dvd may surpass this in terms of number of music performances, but it pales when compared based on additional features (perhaps because it would be impossible to have the surviving Supremes sit down together and have a pleasant interview).

Most people think of Smokey Robinson as a great pop singer, which, of course, he is. However, I remember Smokey as a legit soul man as well. This collection proves he was/is both. His performance on "You Really Got A Hold On Me" places him right there with the best soul singers. The Miracles were a great group. This set is a must have if you like the Tamla/Motown sound.

this is Long overdue. the Miracles haven't gotten there full due to me. of course Smokey Robinson is a Musical National Treasure. the Man Wrote the Soundtrack to so many lives over the years. a Writers Writer. Genius Mind&always able to express the Purity of Love. the Songs still Sound Incredible&the Performances captures are truly must haves. this is long overdue.

The music combined with interviews from Smokey and the miracles, truly gives you a peak into one of the most exciting times in the African-American experience. How it all started for motown and for Smokey Robinson. They don't make music like this anymore. Highly recommended for any admirers of the motown sound.

This was a great documentary on preserving the historic contribution Motown made to the evolution of American music in the late 1950s through the 1970s. First person accounts by Smokey Robinson and the original Miracles add great value to archival documentation. A must see for all who not only love good music but understand the significant contribution of the Motown sound.

If you are a fan of Smokey Robinson and the Miracles this is a must have!!!To see Smokey with two of the surviving Miracles was heart warming.The music and the stories just took me back to the "good ole days",when Motown was king and Smokey was it's reigning prince.I'm glad I bought it and would encourage any Smokey Robinson and the Miracles' fan to do the same.

This DVD is a must see for all music fans, not just Motown fans. The interviews with the three remaining original Miracles are absolutely fantastic and very informative. The footage is vintage and even though I have a lot of old clips of the group dating back to 1965, there still was a great deal included that I had never seen. Buy this DVD, you won't be disappointed.