Search - That Old Black Magic on DVD

Get this DVD while you can!

MTS | KY USA | 03/22/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Amazon lists this as 'discontinued' and copies are rare. Kudos to the CBC for creating this excellent compilation and thumbs down to the U.S. distributors who failed to carry it.



An accidental discovery -- cans of film found behind a brick wall -- ultimately led the Canadian Broadcasting Company to the creation of this entertaining and historically significant documentary.



Restored by CBC archivists for the Canadian network's 50th anniversary celebration and shown in Canada, but not screened or aired in the U.S., "THAT OLD BLACK MAGIC" takes us back to 1955 - 1961, featuring performances by ten of the greatest American performers of all time.



By way of introduction, the documentary starts with a narrative - from a Canadian viewpoint - of the circumstances in the U.S. that led African American artists to perform in Canada. This is a unique opportunity see established artists in their prime and others on their way up. B&W Image and audio quality is excellent.



An important distinction (and benefit) is the fact that these artists were showcased in half-hour shows on the CBC, as opposed to occasional "one-song-and-done" cameos on on U.S. television.



Read more about the artists, playlist and restoration process here: http://www.cincyworldcinema.org/x_90222tobm.php"