Search - Barry Manilow - Ultimate Manilow! (Live from the Kodak Theatre) on DVD

K. K. (GAMER)
Reviewed on 12/14/2022...

Really well-done televised concert! Great video and song with lots of Barry Manilow hits! An absolute must watch!

Worth the buy!

02/18/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Even if you saw or taped the television show, this DVD is worth buying. I got a copy of it a couple of months ago from the fan club, so I've already viewed it numerous times.With this DVD, you get two versions of the show: what was aired on CBS and what was taped. The taped version is full of funny outakes, redos (his "frog" at the end of Mandy), interesting talk and even an extra song (Somewhere Down the Road). Also Barry's peronal dialogue is on that version.An entertaining show, an uptempo audience and Manilow's irresistable melodies in top form. Don't miss it!"

Buy It, Of Course, But...

Ralph Brown | Suffern, New York | 04/23/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I've been a Manilow fan since the mid-70s, and it's nice to see him get "re-appreciated" (though his support has always been there and I haven't gone to a show that wasn't sold out). His performance is terrific, as usual. The show is "greatest hits" set, but with so many hits over the years, there's so much uncovered and this release will only leave a fan wanting more. This is an interesting release, presenting both the TV version and un-cut "portions" of the show (presented in its original full screen aspect ratio and with an option for 5.1 sound that mostly just brings in surrounding crowd noise). It's fascinating to see all the in-between instructions and chatter (turn up your volume high to hear Barry given an inspirational "break a leg" [not in those exact words] and Barry's response right before the show begins). I only find it odd that the supplied Concert List on the DVD indicates that even more songs were performed that night. Was it already decided not to tape those songs? If they were taped, then this un-cut version isn't really complete. It's also nice hearing Barry talk on the commentary, but for a 2-disc set, I expected more, though the price is very good. I recommend this, and what Manilow fan will hesitate to buy, but I just hope someone really puts together a retrospective DVD set of the performer (TV special bits, promotional videos, concert clips, documentary footage). He deserves it, and since this is the third or fourth Manilow DVD release, there's obviously a buying audience out there. One last note: In the copy I bought, the content of the discs were incorrected switched (extended version on disc labeled TV version and vice versa)."

The TV special on CBS

Jerry McDaniel | 05/09/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"i saw this TV special on CBS when it came out. a star-studded crowd is on hand, most notably Dennis Franz from 'NYPD Blue'. they sing and dance the night away in this wonderful concert. the setting is a bit more intimate and therefore the atmosphere feels a little "cramped" for the typical high energy Manilow show...nonetheless, it still allows for Barry to sing his lungs off. there's 2 DVDs here. one of them shows the CBS show as it aired and the second DVD shows the rehearsal and the behind the scenes people instructing the audience how to behave since the show was being taped for TV. the Disc that says: "Extended Uncut Version as Taped" is actually the disc that contains the CBS show that aired. And so, the first disc that says "Broadcast Version as Aired" is the one that's for tape and not broadcast! at least that's how they were in the DVD i got! now that i've confused you i'll add that the songs are all great. "They Dance!" and "Turn The Radio Up" have become new 'classics'. "Can't Smile Without You" is done straight through, he doesn't invite anyone up on stage this time around like on the current 2 Nights Live CD. the features on this DVD contain a very detailed Album Discography. They list imports from Japan, Russia, England in addition to his American released CDs. they also list a bulk of his awards down through the years. they also list his two BMI Million Airs Awards. "Copacabana", for example, reached a million airplays by 1979...a year after it hit the charts in 1978!! there is also a biography on screen too and a photo gallery of stills from the concert! there is also a complete list of all of his tour names: like "Big Fun Tour de Force"; "Paradise Café Tour"; "Manilow Live Tour"; "Live on Broadway" tour...etc. all in all, this is a great Manilow show from 2002."