Search - Louis Prima - The Wildest on DVD

Good insight into the man and his music.

David Kenner | Fort Worth, Texas United States | 09/10/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a nice bio of one of the legends of Las Vegas and beyond. Louis' life is explored from his family's immigration on through to his death in the late 70s. There are many insightful moments represented here thanks to interviews with music historian Will Friedwald, Prima's bandmates Sam Butera, Keely Smith, Gia Maione and others as well as members of Prima's family. Overall it's a nice production but I wish there could have been more concert footage where instead a song like "Just a Gigolo" is played over stock footage of the Vegas strip and people gambling in casinos. What concert footage there is though, is priceless with Louis, Keely and Sam hamming it up for "Just a Gigolo" and "That Old Black Magic" as well as a duet with Gia Maione on "I Want You" that is one of this video's highlights. The main problem with the video is that it leaves you wanting more. Much more."

A fitting tribute to one wild cat

David B. Spalding | Chromejob-dot-com | 09/30/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Great review of this jazz master's career, from New Orleans, to New York (where he penned the immortal "Sing, Sing, Sing") and on to his later triumph as a Vegas showman. His gift, and his gab, are clearly on display here through archive footage and kinetoscopes of early TV appearances with Keely Smith. Loaded with interviews, photos, recordings and rare films. If you think you knew about Louis Prima, this documentary will open your eyes. Among some of the funniest moments are some footage of Louis recording the Disney tune "I wanna be just like you" for THE JUNGLE BOOK. A great film about one of the 20th Century's great jazz artists."

Thoroughly entertaining, hilarious documentary

David B. Spalding | 05/14/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This documentary is a real treat. Louis Prima was such a tremendous showman, with so much energy. The places he lived - New Orleans, Las Vegas - are also fun to watch. But it is the performances, particularly with his wife Keely Smith, that are a blast to watch. I'd recommend this to any music fan, but particular those who like the Rat Pack, rhythm and blues or New Orleans music. But Louis is so fun, I think just about anybody would have a great time watching it."

Primo Prima

D. Boone | Gilbert, AZ USA | 08/13/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My family has enjoyed Louis Prima for a couple of years. But until we saw this video, we didn't know what kind of over-the-top performer he was. He is the Wildest. The clips featuring the high energy wailings of Sam Butera are the best."