Search - A Tribute to Burt Bacharach & Hal David on DVD

Here's the proof: Bacharach songs are indestructible

Bill | Seattle, Washington United States | 11/26/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I guess I could give this DVD five stars, as other reviewers have done, simply because I am a huge Burt Bacharach fan. But that would do you, the possible buyer of this DVD, a disservice. This is a truly odd concert, and part of it has to do with the fact that it features mainly British talent. I think just about the only singers American audiences will be familiar with are Dionne Warwick, Petula Clark, Elvis Costello and Leo Sayer(!). The others are of varying renown, generally solely within Britain (and sometimes for good reason).Some of the younger singers give hope to karaoke singers everywhere. Two, in particular, seem to be doing their best to imitate Christina Aguilera. And some of the male singers display pop singing mannerisms that wouldn't have made the final cut on "American Idol." Britain has to have better singers than this!Yet, there are some very worthwhile moments. Dionne Warwick certainly provides one of them. I love her 1960s recordings -- even of (or especially of) obscure Bacharach and David songs. But when I saw her perform in the mid-1980s, it was a tremendous disappointment. Her voice seemed shot, and she gave the impression she held the audience in disdain. I either caught her on a bad night or she has mellowed over time, because here, about 15 years later, she gives her all. Sure, the voice is a bit raspy at times, but she puts the songs over and stamps them once again with her definitive style.To a lesser degree, Petula Clark does the same. Her voice is more problematic -- some notes sound fine, others most certainly do not. But she succeeds thanks to the confidence and affection, earned over decades, that the audience gives her. Elvis Costello is . . . Elvis Costello. Either you love him or hate him. Some of the other, lesser known singers are worth hearing. Linda Lewis, in particular, has great fun showing off her wide range in "The Look of Love." And Teish O'Day's intense sincerity is very touching in the rarer "I Just Have to Breathe."So, all in all, there's enough here to enjoy -- although it only adds up to about a third of the DVD. Yet, because there's a sense of occasion -- both Bacharach and David are on hand -- and because the DVD is so inexpensive, I'm giving this three stars."

Burt Bacharach and Hal David.....absolutely great

Kyle Tolle | Phoenix, Arizona USA | 09/09/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Growing up in the 1970's, my parents practically raised me on soft pop music such as Burt Bacharach and Engelbert Humperdinck and the likes. It's no surprise that one can get attached to the wonderful music that was created by the team of Bacharach and David for the magic and melody that they've provided for millions over the years. Yes, its that good.This tribute is a fine collection of their hits brought to the viewer in a great location at London's Royal Albert Hall. A befitting location for such a distinguished list of great performers which include but not limited to Dionne Warwick, Petula Clark, Elvis Costello, and Leo sayer.There are 25 songs listed as being performed during this concert but actually, there are 30 total as some of the songs are sung but also performed instrumentally and it is just plain outstanding all the way around. As an owner of a home theater system, I was very pleased with the terrific sound of this music in Dolby 5.1 surround. No complaints anywhere. To be accurate in my review here, I also viewed the program in Dolby 2.0 for those who don't have a surround system and it sounds just great in that regard also.If you're a fan of this genre of music and you enjoy long lived classics created by Burt Bacharach and Hal David and memorialized by the artisits here, you are in for a treat and won't be disappointed. The DVD price is right, the sound and video qualities are amazing, and the enjoyment potential is very high. It is indeed recommended to one and all."

A must for any Bacharach-David fan

supermoviefan | Toronto | 04/27/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Here is a concert filmed in beautiful Royal Albert Hall, with a superb orchestra and top-of-the-line sound system, featuring every major (and even a few lesser-known) Bacharach-David song. That being said, many of the performances are sub-standard, sung by little-known performers (outside the UK). Even the big-name stars such as Petula Clark and Dionne Warwicke, are quite frankly well past their primes, and their voices (particularly Petula's) are shamefully wobbly, tired and painful to listen to. This concert would have been a first-class event with an A-list roster of performers. Still, the setting, orchestrations and choice of songs makes it a must for any serious Bacharach-David fan."

What the World Needs Now Is Love and Music.........

francisco cruzado coca | Lima, Peru | 08/13/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My Mom & Dad were always playing his music and singing his songs. The musical arrangements are wonderful and I am truly glad Mr. Bacharach is receiving the recognition he deserves. As a little kid I enjoyed his music and now again as an adult. This DVD is the most satisfying music collection from a great song-writer."