Barry Manilow - Ultimate Manilow! (Live from the Kodak Theatre)

Customer Reviews:

beautiful show . a must for manilow collection........2007-09-14

beautiful show with all the song he made famous through the years. really enjoyable.
relax and enjoy.

The best of Barry Manilow.......2007-02-09

He takes me into another world, a world of light and beauty. He brings out the best in Manilow. He makes you feel as though you are in his world and not yours. At the end of his concert, you will gently feel a transposition of gentle beauty to your everyday humdrum life.

"Ultimate Manilow = Ultimate Showman".......2007-01-21

This is a CBS Special 2 DVD package, filmed at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood (this place is HUGE!). I believe it was done in 2002. I actually bought this DVD in Manhattan right before I went to a Manilow concert.

DVD # 1 is the Special, as aired on CBS. It starts with a medley of songs, "Ready to Take a Chance Again, Daybreak, Somewhere in the Night, and This One's for You". Barry is in great form on this special and is very animated and expressive. Lots of close-up shots. He does the greats, such as "Even Now, Weekend in New England, Copa, Mandy, I Write the Songs, Looks Like We Made It", and "Can't Smile Without You". Also included is "Turn the Radio Up," which is not on many of his CDs and DVDs and the uptempo "They Dance," which you hear now and then. Great sound and visual quality on the DVDs. Barry did this show so perfectly. I don't think it could have been done any better. It's obvious he LOVES what he's doing. Looks like DVD#1 is 46 ½ minutes. Great job and the audience LOVED him! He definitely gave 120% or better! He never lip-synchs, either. Unlike many entertainers, all his songs are done fresh.

There are also tons of features on the DVD: Barry's Biography, Discography (prior albums and listing of songs on them), Facts, Photo Gallery (26), Air Rundown (songs put on the air), Credits, Song Lyrics, and Web Links.

DVD #2 is the extended uncut version, as taped, and is about 1 ½ hours long. It begins with general pre-taping instructions to the audience and continues with the show. There's plenty of extra chit chat between Barry and the audience in between some songs and groups of songs. Barry is witty and charming, warm and unassuming. He seems anxious to keep the audience laughing and entertained between "takes". I sense that Barry is one of the few entertainers who is sincerely concerned about making sure the audience feels truly appreciated. He has so much class! It's neat watching all the added stuff in between takes as they start and stop. As always, he introduces the supporting musicians and acknowledges their good work. Again, classy guy that he is, he also thanks the audience many times. They LOVE him and give him a zillion standing ovations. "Somewhere Down the Road" is also on DVD#2. As he kibitzes with the audience in between takes, he also sings a wee bit of "Who Needs to Dream." Extras on the 2nd DVD include the option to listen with Barry's audio commentary about what was going on during filming, what he was thinking, "why" this and that, etc.

Fantastic job, Barry! Again!

A Lot of Fun.......2006-05-23

First, I have to kind of laugh at the review (and reviewer) giving the video one star. I was at the taping of the show, and it was tremendous fun watching them tape. Perhaps Ms. One Star has not been to the taping of a musical special before-the producer and director frequently give the audience direction, because they know the sequence of things and what they want in the shot. I don't think any audience watching Barry has EVER had to be encouraged to clap and cheer. Perhaps some people reviewing here haven't been to one of his live shows, either.

In regard to Barry's voice, I came away thinking how strong he sounded after all these years. Actually the male voice really doesn't really degrade and deepen as it gets older-the male voice doesn't fully mature until we're in our 50's, which is, oh, by the way, Barry's age group, lol.

Even though I was there in person, I bought the video, that's how much I enjoyed the show. There is some cool extra material, including commentary from Barry, which is often very revealing and insightful. The Band kicked ass, and the choice of songs was great-his standards mixed with some of his more recent work, something for everyone.

I highly recommend this video, and have watched it multiple times because the music is so strong and Barry did a fantastic job on stage. Anyone who picks at this video doesn't like much of anything, lol.

Still "fan"tastic after all these years!!!!!!!!!!.......2006-03-01

I have been a fan of Barry Manilow forever and his new album with the hits of the 50"s definitely did NOT disappoint. I anxiously await his "Hits of the 60's", "Hits of the 70's, the 80's..........................!!!!!

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