The Judy Garland Show, Vol. 05 (Shows 7 & 9)

The Judy Garland Show, Vol. 05 (Shows 7 & 9)

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DVD Reviews of The Judy Garland Show, Vol. 05 (Shows 7 & 9)

DVD Review: A legendary TV show on DVD for the first time!
Summary: 5 Stars

These two shows are fascinating as they present Judy in two quite different settings from an artistic and musical standpoint. The premiere episode features Judy's longtime friend Donald O'Connor and features the pair remembering their days in vaudeville as children. The second show, with a young Barbra Streisand is porbably the most famous of the series and sees Garland rising to the challenge of performing with her "newest and nicest friend", at that time the most exciting new female singer to come along seen at the very outset of her career. Both shows present a calm, totally in control Garland enjoying the company of her guests and performing at the peak of her powers.

Highlights from the O'Connor guest appearance include the Garland solo "Fly Me To The Moon", a song new to Judy but one she performs beautifully in a performance that set the standard and style for her subsequent solo song performances on the show. The show's memorable "Tea For Two" segment in which Garland could enjoy a relaxed, ad lib conversation with one of her guests has her sharing childhood memmories with old friend O'Connor. Their chat about their vaudeville days is delightful. Also fun is an elaborate production number, "The World Is Your Balloon" which has Garland, O'Connor and the series regular comic Jerry Van Dyke in clown costumes. In all, the series premiere is delightful and was in it's original airing in September 1963 a critical and ratings smash.

The second show to air was the episode featuring a young and rising Barbra Streisand just prior to her "Funny Girl" Broadway success and riding high on the success of her first two highly acclaimed albums. What is fascinating in this episode, which is probably the most famous from the series due to the teaming of these two divas, is to compare the Garland style with that of Streisand and to see how well the two work together. Both are obviously in awe of the others considerable talents and while Garland is open, warm and vulnerable, Streisand is assured, controlled and unafraid at this early stage in her career. Despite these differences, the two woman work perfectly together. In fact, no other female performer that Streisand has worked with since can come close to achieving the level of warmth and affinity with her that Garland does. It is a truly wonderful teaming. It is also unique for although Streisand longed for a repeat teaming with Garland it was not to be. However, this one off appearance is more than enough and has deservedly achieved a legendary status among the greatest moments in TV history.

The highlight of this show is undoubtedly the two medelys that Garland and Streisand perform. The first, the unforgettable pairing of Streisand's "Happy Day's Are Here Again" with a ballad version of Garland's "Get Happy" was actually the idea of Garland herself and remains a defining moment in both performers careers. In fact, a portion of this number was included by Streisand in her recent "Timeless" concerts. Later in the show, the two team up for the lengthier "Hooray For Love" medley that allows each singer to play off each other in some of their signature tunes and some new to both singer. The highlight here is Garland's spontaneous laughter during Streisand's "Lover Come Back". Again, an unforgettable moment from an unforgettable show.

Other highlights from this episode include a "surprise" guest appearance from Ethel Merman who interrupts "Tea For Two" with Garland and Streisand. The legendary Merm' is in fine form and literally takes charge of the spot which culminates in the three divas joining in for an "inpromptu" rendition of "There's No Business Like Show Business". What is interesting to watch in this segment is Streisand's discomfort when she stands between Merman and Garland and how she quickly repositions herself so that Merman take centre spot in the group. Also featured on this show are The Smother's Brothers and series regular Jerry Van Dyke.

As with all the previous DVD releases from "The Judy Garland Show" by Pioneer Entertainment, these two episodes have been remastered to ensure superior audio and visual quality. Also included are previously unseen out takes and audio commentary.

My recommendation: for fans of the one and only Judy Garland, this DVD is an absolute must. The same goes for fans of Streisand. For anyone who wants to find out what it means to be a true entertainer, buy this disc and find out while enjoying Judy Garland at her best. You won't be disappointed.