A special one-time event documenting one of rock and roll's greatest and most unique performances. Recorded live at the Cocoanut Grove in Los Angeles, Roy Orbison is joined by an eclectic ensemble of rock and roll supersta... more »rs. Highlighting this all-star line-up are Jackson Browne, Elvis Costello, T-Bone Burnett, J.D. Souther, Jennifer Warnes, k.d. lang, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen and Tom Waits. Orbison and fellow performers spend a scintillating hour performing many of his greatest hits. Songs: Only the Lonely, Dream Baby, The Comedians, Ooby Dooby, Leah, Running Scared, In Dreams, Crying, Candyman, Go Go Go, Mean Woman Blues, It's Over, Oh Pretty Woman, Dream You, Blue Bayou, Claudette.« less
"I just bought a DVD-Audio capable DVD player.. The included dvd-a disk sparkles with reality. You have the best seat in the house when you hear this on a capable player. Wow!
The video concert disc is amazing. When you see Bonnie Raitt, Jennifer Warnes and KD Lang, each a star in their own right, singing doo-wops, and loving every moment of it, you know you are witnessing a rare and golden session. James Burton and Springsteen on guitars and Elvis Costello playing everything he can lay his hands on, rock. The audience and stage is so loaded with stars that it seems surreal.. How did all these people know to be there on that day, to share and witness the greatness of Roy Orbison. One and all, they are definitely paying homage to perhaps the greatest singer that ever lived. T-bone Burnett produces and once again shows why he is revered in the music industry. The video is a masterpiece.
This 2 disc set (one of the live concert, one audio) should cost a hundred dollars and here it is on sale for less than $20. Don't delay.. get it - Own this valuable piece of history."
Best Vintage Rock and Roll Classic
Rocky Raccoon | Boise, ID | 08/27/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Roy Orbison's 'Black and White Night' has certainly got to be one of the best DVD rock and roll concerts ever. Orbison himself is in fine form. His operatic voice resonates magnificently, and his guitar playing, which isn't heralded much to my knowledge, is marvelous as well. He has able support. At his forefront are Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, Bonnie Raitt, and Jackson Browne to name all but a few. The black and white film gives us the vintage experience, and the ambiance of a nightclub (rather than an arena) provides the intimacy as few concerts are presented.
Every song is a classic. "Oh Pretty Woman," "Blue Bayou," "Only the Lonely," et al, are given the red carpet treatment. Even the lesser songs are familiar and are welcome additions from his repertoire of passionate love songs. Each celebrity player is in awe of Orbison, and each contribution is done with the same devotion. The extended versions of the songs don't make them tedious like many concert performances do. They are, rather, playful and engaging. We don't want them to ever stop. The interplay from these worshipping guest stars also is entertaining. It is hard to criticize this DVD. The shots of the audience (including ones of Kris Kristoferson at one of the tables in the gathering) are lively and fun. The editing of the enthusiasm of the band gives us glimpses of the brilliance all around. Occasionally, a guest walks past the camera, but this only makes the affair more informal and intimate. If you love vintage rock and roll, this is a must-have video.
I was introduced by this classic (made in 1987, shortly before Orbison's death) on PBS, and since then I've had to have it. The DVD audio extra disc does not work for me, but the first disc clocks in at just over an hour and a half. This DVD is going to have many repeat viewings!"
A delight for eyes and ears
Henry S. Hess | Lake George NY | 01/20/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first saw this on PBS and loved it. It's even better when not interrupted by fund-raising appeals.
This "concert" is recorded raw and blemished giving you the feeling of being there; people walk in front of the camera and stage hands are busy in plain view. It is produced in black and white, which enhances the smoke-filled-room atmosphere. The music and the experience is extraordinary.
I haven't yet found out how to listen the the Audio DVD that comes with this package -- it doesn't play on anything I own. But this show needs to be witnessed to be best enjoyed, so the Video DVD is worth the price.
Mine is truly a five star recommendation.
"
ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! ROY & COMPANY SMOKE THIS SET!
! MR. KNOW IT ALL ;-b | TRI STATE AREA | 08/16/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There are few concert DVD's that I feel are essential purchases. Roy Orbison Black & White Night is just such a concert DVD! The picture and sound are just the beginning of what's great about this DVD set and show. I'm so glad they did this before Orbison passed away. I never realized what a talented song writer and performer Mr. Orbison was! The concert is filmed in glorious black and white and that is fine by me! There is an intimacy on this stage that is rarely captured and the big name performers playing with Orbison, show their obvious admiration and respect for this talented man. A great DVD set and there are several versions with DVD and Super Audio or DVD audio. Treat yourself and buy this set! You won't be disappointed!"
The Master Writer,Performer, and Vocalist
Steve H. Bosang | Durango CO | 02/06/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I confess to having the CD soundtrack to this most special of performances and it laid around for more than a few years, like a stored piece of jewelery-which it is.The LEGENDARY Roy Orbison - live at the Cocoanut Grove in 1987 with big name music stars supposedly helping the man who didn't need any.When one views the DVD you are mesmerized by Roy's voice and ease of performance.The full on string section and six person vocalist backups( all music stars)add such splendor to this wonderful salute to Roy's life and music career.Springsteen et al seem to be admiring the MASTER rather than contributing to an already perfect base nucleus of Orbison sound.Only The Lonely, Crying, Blue Bayou, Oh Pretty Woman and the deliriously rich rendition of DOWN THE LINE just draw out such emotion from one's soul that evoke pure bittersweet memories of life and love.Roy Orbison spoke very little in this concert- but his aura was at full volume.He still is THE BEST..."