Nobody can match her....
Tim | 03/30/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In 1963-64 Judy Garland was still remarkably at the peak of her powers as a singer, actress, and "Miss Showbusiness." Her voice had reached its zenith two years earlier at Carnegie Hall and because of that astounding comeback she won roles in four feature films, one of which earned her an academy award nomination, had a record-breaking concert tour, a T.V. special which was the highest rated program in CBS history, and the Carnegie Hall recording which won grammys for Album of the Year and Best Female Vocalist and was #1 on the billboard charts for 13 weeks, spending 95 weeks on the bestseller charts in all. There was also a T.V. series that resulted from an episode on The Jack Paar Show in 1962, which showcased her newly trim figure as well as her hilarious humor and wit. Her series fell victim to a deathbed timeslot as well as severe network interference, but Judy's talent rarely faltered. In this DVD Just Judy, the most brilliant aspect of her show is showcased (Judy's solos) and most of them that were selected have her in peak or near-peak form. Her Old Man River will give anyone chills. Her Cottage For Sale shows her remarkable ability to wear her heart on her sleeve, and then change moods instantly with a bubbly, energetic Hey Look Me Over. She also sings many songs from her Carnegie Hall album, and ones like Come Rain or Come Shine, The Man That Got Away, and Stormy Weather come extremely close to matching her earlier renditions. What else can I say except buy this DVD (and if you don't have her Carnegie Hall recording, get that also!) You will see and hear Judy Garland at her absolute zenith."
When You're Smiling...
C. Tolley | hampton, tn United States | 09/02/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have been a fan of Judy Garland for much of my young life. I always admired her amazing breadth of talent, from acting to dancing, and most importantly, singing. Seeing this DVD from start to finish is breath-taking. Here we see all her myriad talents come together. She doesn't just sing. She LIVES these songs. The sheer power of her presence, the energy of her delivery, and the power of the voice, combine to be so incredibly moving. Each and every song is a show-stopper, so it's hard to pick out the very best. "Cottage For Sale" is astounding. "The Man That Got Away", one of her all-time classics, is equally jaw-dropping. "Stormy Weather", better known as being done by Lena Horne, is sung perfectly here by Judy, who really makes it her own. "The Battle Hymn of the Republic", an undeniably patriotic number, was personaly chosen by Judy to honor Jonh F. Kennedy, just recently assasinated. The raw emotion here is staggering. Of course, "Over the Rainbow" is here, performed in a Christmas episode with her children with her as she performs the song. I guess my own personal favorite performance here is "Old Man River". I got chills all over the first time I watched this. She didn't just perform it, she LIVED it, she could very well be singing about herself and her troubles in life. This injection of personal trials and troubles and overcoming impossible odds is what truly made Judy Garland unique. One felt you knew her, or could really identify with what she went through. That incredible voice, which is as strong as ever on this DVD, is bouyed by emotion; stark, real, and vivid. She connected to her audience through her songs, and they to her. This DVD is just a sample of the amazing talent this truly gifted lady was blessed with. That she shared it with us is a sign of her generosity. That we still love her is a sign of her greatness."
Judy Garland LIVES in videotapes of her TV Show
Patrick M. Shea | Wisconsin | 10/09/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Fantastic collection of songs with Judy in fine voice. Her voice had 'a mind of its own.' Sometimes when she was thin her voice sounded thin and uneven. We fans can really appreciate the timbre, the enunciation, and her timing when she was in good voice - and she is in marvelous voice here. It was often hard for Judy to BOTH look excellent and sing excellent. She sang better when she was slightly overweight. One only has to listen to her Carnegie Hall CD to hear her at her best.
She comes very close at times on this DVD. Her signature songs - "The Man That Got Away", "Stormy Weather" here are equal to the best ever made before the TV Series. Her rendition of "Ol' Man River" is astonishing. And the overall picture quality (video instead of film) has an edge that even on the Old Fashioned Black & White that was CBS's standard at the time cannot mar. It is possible to forget she is dead because she LIVES on this DVD."
Legendary Voice, Legendary Songs
Low-Budget Fan | Montana | 09/19/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Judy Garland is one of the greatest singers of the 20th century and you can clearly see and hear why in this amazing DVD. It's pure Judy, pure song, pure excellence. And it's taken from when TV shows had class, grace, and charm. If you ever wondered where the place referred to as "over the rainbow" was, this must be the place. You've found it. And it's pure heaven. Ladies and Gentlemen, Miss Judy Garland..."