Search - Smokey Robinson: The Definitive Performances 1963-1987 on DVD

Wonderful collection!

S. Castellano | Scranton, PA United States | 11/22/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This collection exceeded my expectations and curiosity. As always with Reelin' In the Years and UMe, they have put together a great DVD complete with great liner notes by Rob Bowman, never before seen photos, and an impressive track listing which includes clips from popular shows such as Murray the K, The Mike Douglas Show, and Dinah!



There are nine Smokey and the Miracles tracks showing them performing their biggest hits like SHOP AROUND, MICKEY'S MONKEY & GOING TO A GO-GO. Also, 2 performances with Smokey's replacement, Billy Griffin (in shocking pink suits :-)) on the Dinah! Show singing DO IT BABY and LOVE MACHINE are awesome as well as 3 solo performances from Smokey (CRUSIN', BEING WITH YOU, & JUST TO SEE HER).



The only thing is during the clip for GOING TO A GO-GO, please don't be alarmed: probably during the actual taping on Swingin' Time in 1965, someone was probably trying to adjust the camera during Smokey's close-up and it's a little distorted for about 3 seconds. But, this is before television pre-emption. When you were on LIVE, you were on LIVE! :-)



A touching moment in the beginning of the credits: Smokey, Bobby, and Pete share warm embraces probably at the start of their interviews. And during their interviews, they laugh and joke as if they were still youngin's, reminiscing about their days at Motown. Also, we see rare footage at Hitsville and photos of Smokey and the Miracles while the credits roll.



We also see during the bonus features part of the DVD an extended interview section and we watch them view their 1963 performance at the Apollo for the first time since they taped that performance. And as always, 8 crystal-clear acapella performances of their biggest hits!



Another addition and a must have for music fans!"

Motown Miracles

crispnz | Walnut Ca USA | 02/14/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For MOTOWN FANS this is a must. Just the interview portions by themselves are worth the price. As much as I loved the TEMPTATIONS DVD, I love this one. Be sure to use the ACAPPELLA OPTION, to hear SMOKEY'S voice on these songs, it gives you a whole new appreciation for his POETRY."

Extremely entertaining, chock full of great performances and

Music Fan Jeff | San Francisco, CA United States | 01/22/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Universal has been issuing some really good music dvds for various Motown acts within the past year or so, and this is one of the best of them. Not only does this contain about 10 performances by Smokey and the Miracles (some with live audio from the TV shows back in the '60s, some with newly synched stereo audio for improved sound quality), a couple of '70s hits from the Miracles after Smokey left, and then a few solo Smokey hits; but before each track there are reminiscences by some of the Miracles about the creation of these wonderful songs. Also included are some a cappella mixes of the songs. If you have the similarly wonderful Marvin Gaye dvd that came out about a year ago, then you'll have a reference point as to how good this is. The recently released Supremes dvd may surpass this in terms of number of music performances, but it pales when compared based on additional features (perhaps because it would be impossible to have the surviving Supremes sit down together and have a pleasant interview)."

The real Smokey Robinson

T. Simmons | New Hope, PA/Bristol, UK | 02/24/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Most people think of Smokey Robinson as a great pop singer, which, of course, he is. However, I remember Smokey as a legit soul man as well. This collection proves he was/is both. His performance on "You Really Got A Hold On Me" places him right there with the best soul singers. The Miracles were a great group. This set is a must have if you like the Tamla/Motown sound."