Product Details

• Actors: n, a
• Format: Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: All Regions
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: IDEM HOME VIDEO
• DVD Release Date: May 25, 2004
• Run Time: 77 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B0001WTW7E
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #262,754 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unique Classics, January 6, 2007

By 

Shimon "shimondi" (Goldens Bridge, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Swing Era - Duke Ellington (DVD)

Considering the technical limitations of the period during which these jazz treats were made, you may be surprised at how good they sound. They aren't as good as you would find on a vinyl LP but when they're matched with the visuals, they are probably the best you can get for the time, which seems to be about the 1940s and 1950s.

Lovers of earlier big band will revel in some of the unique features of many of these numbers. Solos on bass clarinet and valve trombone, a song/dance rendition of the classic "Bli-Blip" which you may never get tired of, and Lionel Hampton's piano magic on "TV Special". You can be forgiven for not knowing that "The Hamp" played piano too. The second half of this DVD demonstrates what a sensational bandleader and entertainer he was.

And finally, if Ray Nance's broad grin at the end of his violin solo doesn't lift your spirits, you may need professional help.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Memories revisited, August 29, 2010

By 

Christian Hille "Old Swing Fan" (Oslo, Norway) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Swing Era - Duke Ellington (DVD)

Two greats bands performing well known favourites. The Snader telescriptions contain a wealth of music - some of it has already appeared in various edition e.g. the Storyville label. The Ellington band includes most of the well known personnel with Willie Smith replacing Johnny Hodges and Louie Bellson replacing Sonny Greer. Performance is generally great, but one would have expected a few more smiles from the participants. Particlulary Willie Smith is very sombre. The Hampton band performs with more enthusiasm and as expected Hampton himself is showcasing his various abilities on vibes, drums and piano. Good fun!!!