Tony Bennett - MTV Unplugged: The Video

Amazon.com

This blue-toned, straightforward visit with a mellow Tony Bennett is a grown-up rock video complement to the CD, with a small, cabaret-style intimacy that gives the illusion that Tony's in the living room, singing only to us. The casual, languid Bennett style is omnipresent as Bennett croons and skats his way through some of the greats, including "Body and Soul," "A Foggy Day," and of course that old standby, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco." Old and new styles collide in the second half when Bennett introduces his guest k.d. lang, whom he adds to his list of personal bests Billie Holliday, Edith Piaf, and Andy Williams. They duet on an undistinguished version of "Moonglow" that makes us wonder if Tony might not be mistaking lang for someone else. Fortunately Elvis Costello arrives to kick things into a higher gear and as the lights dim red, Costello and Bennett heat up the track with a nice, spirited rendering of "They Can't Take That Away from Me." Bennett then encores with "Autumn Leaves/Indian Summer" and dedicates the whole ball of wax to Duke Ellington. It's a smooth, practiced affair that has little sense of spontaneity, though Bennett tries hard to imbue it with his trademark throwaway ease. Of course, it helps immeasurably if you watch this entertaining DVD in full surround stereo. --Paula Nechak

Customer Reviews:

Mostly Incredible.......2004-03-30

This was one of the most electrifying DVD's I have ever seen...which I bought after playing the CD countless times. Tony's voice is sweet, his phrasing impeccable, the musicians perfectly matching the incredible warmth and range that his voice has gotten as it sweetened and matured like a perfect wine.

The only poor spot on the both the DVD and the CD is the inclusion of Elvis Costello; I cannot for the life of me envision a less talented, pathetic drag of a performer. He genuinely marred the succulence of this encapsulation of years of talent. I cannot imagine what pathetic act of utter desperation created the opportunity for this talentless clown to perform with the scion of musical talent. Tony needs dreck like this like I need a hole in the head.

On the other hand, k.d. lang added zest and joy to the mix. As her other performance with Tony proved, she is the perfect and wonderful balance to the voal gifts that have been so generously shared with us for years.

One of the Coolest Artists Ever!.......2003-03-13

I can never say enough about Tony Bennett the Artist's.He truly has a Voice that is timeless to me.on this Unplugged Showcase Tony brings it&His Voice just brings a strong warmth&Presentation.a Must have.

What a pleasure!.......2002-03-25

My husband and I are Tony Bennett fans and really enjoy his music. But after reading a review here on Amazon I was apprehensive about buying a copy of this DVD. Boy, am I glad I listened to my instincts and bought it anyway. What a pleasure it was to watch and listen to Mr. Bennett do his thing! He is a true professional. Yes, his voice has changed over the years but all true fans are quite aware of that. But to have seen and heard him perform was unbelievable. To think, after all these years, Mr. Bennet is as smooth as ever, maybe even more so. And man, can he crank it!

What a pleasure!.......2002-03-25

My husband and I are Tony Bennett fans and really enjoy his music. ... What a pleasure it was to watch and listen to Mr. Bennett do his thing! He is a true professional. Yes, his voice has changed over the years but all true fans are quite aware of that. But to have seen and heard him perform was unbelievable. To think, after all these years, Mr. Bennet is as smooth as ever, maybe even more so. And man, can he crank it!

Tony Bennett - Voice Not what it use to be.......2000-07-21

You can easily see that this man is struggling to hit the notes. With respect to this great singer , the DVD does not do him justice.

The picture quality is poor and the bass at times just jumps up to an annoying sound. The once smooth Bennett is struggling and this is even more evident when singing with KD Lang and Elvis Costello.

I'm a Tony Bennett fan , but I was disappointed with many aspects of this DVD. Even after several adjustments of Sub Woofer, Bass, speaker decibels, the sound reproduction of some of the intruments dominant the sound.

Amazon.com

Since it's doubtful that Bryan Adams is going to appear in your living room, guitar in hand, to serenade you with "I'm Ready," check out MTV Unplugged: Ballads. Featuring eight heart-hurts-to-listen love songs, this compilation features artists for whom being unplugged just underlines their songwriting talent. "Let Her Cry" by Hootie and the Blowfish becomes a plaintive plea for a lost love. Paul Simon's distinctive voice is aided by a jazzy piano-drum combo in "Still Crazy After All These Years." Known for their harmonies, Boyz II Men soar with "Please Don't Go," and Tony Bennett, who has never needed to be plugged in, shows how it's done with "It Had to Be You." Accompanying herself on the accordion, Sheryl Crow sings a heartbreaking version of "Strong Enough" followed by Chris Isaak crooning a smooth "Somebody's Crying" before Eric Clapton ends the show with a slow, smoldering "Old Love." Included on the DVD are profiles and discographies of all the artists, producers' notes, and interviews with five of the bands, and an option for Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. --Dana Van Nest

Customer Reviews:

GREAT MIXTURE OF MUSIC.......2000-08-16

this is a great dvd to pop in and kick back and relax to after work before bed. Basically its just fun to watch and remember mtv unplugged, (one of my favirote mtv shows!) anyways its a great addition to you libary, every needs music dvds to add to your collection.

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