Search - Dusty Springfield: Live at the BBC on DVD

Dusty At The Absolute Peak of Her Powers - TEN STARS

David S. Jenkins | On the Road | 03/29/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow... how to put this into words...

When this arrived I threw it on just to quickly check the image quality, intending to watch it when I had some free time. Almost two hours later, unable to turn it off at any point, I'm compelled to sit at the keys for a quick review...

I've never bought into the label of Greatest British Female Vocalist as applied to Dusty. To me, quite clearly and beyond argument, she was and remains the Greatest Female Vocalist of All Time, period, and this superbly crafted DVD I think frames that conclusion in gold and hangs it so high on the wall that it can't be reached.

This is Dusty naked - no interviews interrupting old clips, no guest stars, no bogus sets, and every note is sung and played live. Just Dusty, three backup singers and a great orchestra offstage, and crazy, very receptive audiences.

Dusty is in great spirits, she's funny, clever, very playful, chatty and Dear God could this woman sing. From that breathy intimate voice that sounds like it's coming from the pillow next to you... to that rockin', belting, jazz drenched powerhouse voice that knocks every ball out of the park be it Motown or supper club standards... this girl could seemingly do anything.

Only the extras are in color - the central body of the disc is in glorious, crystal clear and razor sharp black and white, and she's never looked better. That hair, those eyes, that smile... she's simply stunning. Still photos never did her justice - Dusty was a beautiful woman.

Great camerawork thoughout, with tons of lingering closeups and a genuine understanding of what the slower songs are all about.

This leaves all the other Dusty DVD's far behind. It's the one you've been waiting for, it really is. If you're a serious Dusty fan, imagine what you'd want in a live disc... well, this is better. You'll laugh, a few songs may put a tear in your eye, but you'll mostly be reminded of what a gigantic talent this woman was. Sit in the dark and watch her sing "If You Go Away"... and you may find the earth stops turning for a couple of minutes.



"

Rare Dusty GEMS at the height of her vocal prowess!

M. Wiley | OHIO, USA | 11/10/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I put the DVD on and was immediately transfixed by Dusty singing an amazing variety of songs at the height of her vocal prowess. I was a preteen when I discovered Dusty & her music with the release of "Dusty in Memphis". To have access to these earlier recordings is truly miraculous especially since they were supposed to have been destroyed! What a rare talent. The sheer beauty, range, and power of her voice is something so rare. The quality of this product is outstanding from the packaging to the sound. Thanks to Universal and the BBC for this DVD."

The True Dusty

Ellie B | CT | 01/17/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is Dusty at her best! Look beyond the wigs and black eyeliner etc. and just WATCH her! This video shows what a gifted musician she really was. Her timing, pitch, feeling were perfect. Thank goodness this footage was salvaged - you have to see this woman to really appreciate her remarkable talent."

Goddess Dusty

S. J. Herbert | L.A., CA United States | 05/19/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A must for Dusty fans. Rare footage of Dusty at her best -- and an extended interview of her at her most vulnerable.

Worth it all for the clip of her singing, "I Am Woman" with the ludicrously corporate amended lyric about how much she loves men."