Pioneer resumes its release of complete episodes
of The Judy Garland Show with Volume 7 (due to a
change in numbering, there was no Volume 6). The
combination of episodes not only provides an
overview of the show's brand of variety
entertainment, but demonstrates why it was such a
good showcase for Garland in her post-Hollywood
career. Episode 14 (aired 12/29/63) features Bobby
Darin's singing, some comedy by Bob Newhart
(including a self-deprecating sketch with him and
Garland), and a dance number, but also a number of
songs by Garland. Episode 23 (3/8/64) is all
Garland, as she performs a solid hour of songs
from the movies, and yes, that includes "The Boy
Next Door, "The Atchison, Topeka & the Santa Fe,
and "The Man That Got Away (but not "Over the
Rainbow"). Making the DVD even better are outtakes
(not just funny bloopers, but a story and a three-
song sequence), extensive liner notes, and a very
interesting commentary track by series producer
Gary Smith (he describes the joys and frustrations
of working with Garland and explains that the show
tried a lot of different ideas at the network's
urging in hopes of improving the ratings). A
lovingly produced package all the way around.
Format size: | Fullscreen |
Languages: | English |
Country: | US |
Runtime: | 130 min. |
Number of discs: | 1 |