At Folsom Prison Legacy Edition (2CD/1 DVD)

Johnny Cash (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 14, 2008)
• Original Release Date: October 14, 2008
• Number of Discs: 3
• Label: Sony Legacy
• ASIN: B001DDCVCI
• Also Available in: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #16,403 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
This two CD set deluxe edition of At Folsom Prison includes the DVD Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison, the first documentary film to consider Cash's finest day. Produced by award-winning director Bestor Cram and Cash biographer Michael Streissguth, the documentary follows the country star through the gates of the dark prison to reveal a moment flush with ramifications. Featuring exclusive interviews with those who accompanied Cash at Folsom Prison, friends and family, and inmates who witnessed the show, the documentary examines Cash through the lens of January 13, 1968. New footage filmed inside Folsom Prison.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

56 of 63 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For those that dont know what the second disc is, October 15, 2008

By	S. Dixon (houston, texas United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

There were two Folsom shows performed and recorded that day: The first show, the bulk of which comprised the classic, familiar 16-song album; and a longer second show, the bulk of whose 26 tracks (except for two songs) were put on the shelf.
The entire unvarnished 65-minute first show on disc one - expletives intact for the first time, and with seven previously unissued tracks; and the entire 75-minute second show on disc two, with 24 previously unissued tracks (out of 26).

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A collector item for Fans, March 20, 2009

By	Dr.Lee (Malaysia) - See all my reviews

The main reason I bought this set is to watch the performances of Johnny Cash in Folsom Prison on DVD. I remember watching "Johnny Cash in Folsom Prison" on TV when I was in Australia, in 1969 and enjoyed the TV special very much. It was a long special with him performing and showing the prisoners and the clanking of the jail house gates. I bought the Legacy package hoping that the DVD will contain that concert video or at least part of it but was very disappointed that it hardly has any visual of Johnny Cash performing in Folsom at all. However, I do enjoy the extra tracks in the CDs although I already have most of the songs. I guess this is a collector's item.

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential Listening, July 9, 2009

By	Greg Kinne "Criticaljoe" (midwest) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Celebrating the 40th anniversary of Johnny Cash's iconic recording at Folsom Prison, Sony Legacy has presented the entire concert from start to finish similar to the San Quentin box set. This package has it all including a documentary that focused on Cash on that momentous day. Is this extended edition necessary for your collection? Sony Legacy reissued the complete `At Folsom Prison' nine years ago, or so we thought. The purpose of this review is to examine what the extras bring to the table in terms of merit and what they add to an already outstanding live recording.

The answer to the above question is a resounding yes; this collection is indeed very necessary. This edition of `At Folsom Prison' contains both concerts that were recorded that day in 1968. I was unaware that there was a concert at 9:40 am and 12:40 pm, and that the original `At Folsom Prison' recording was a compilation of the two recordings. The producer, Bob Johnson weeded out what he perceived to be the weaker material or lesser performances and had to edit out some of the stage banter because of album length constraints.

In the first concert, Johnny Cash seemed to be on fire and was hitting all the right notes, and the majority of performances from the original album come from this recording. In the afternoon, Cash appeared to be struggling to recapture the dynamic from the earlier performance. He fumbles lyrics at times and hits sour notes on "Orange Blossom Special" during the second concert but he remains dedicated to his cause. Highlights from the second concert are "Long-Legged Guitar Pickin' Man" with June Carter, "Busted" and "Greystone Chapel."

The remastering on this edition has made the performances sharper. Everything sounds clearer, from the reverb drenched guitars to the crispness of the bass. Notes seem punchier, vibrant, and more direct. The unreleased material also showcases the performances of Carl Perkins and The Statler Brothers. Both Carl Perkins' performances are lively and excellent. His renditions of "Blue Suede Shoes," "The Old Spinning Wheel" and "Matchbox" have been lying dormant for far too long. These recordings sound vital as if they were recorded yesterday.

It's also nice to see The Statler Brothers acknowledged for their role in this momentous recording. The Statler Brothers contribute "This Ole House," "Flowers On The Wall," a stirring rendition of "How Great Thou Art" and the novelty tune, "You Can't Have Your Kate and Edith Too." Interestingly included in this edition is the opening announcement from radio deejay Hugh Cherry. Cherry introduces both Johnny Cash shows and tells the prisoners how to present themselves to Johnny Cash. Cherry indicates how they should respond to Johnny Cash on stage, which might seem to take some of the magic away from the time that Johnny Cash does arrive on stage. It does not appear that the prisoners needed much prodding though, as most of them are in awe of the man in black.

The DVD `Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison' is included in this box set as well. The documentary features archival footage and photographs of the day that Cash played Folsom. It includes interviews with members of Johnny Cash's family and recollections from former prisoners.

So how essential is this package? Completely.