Occasionally a DVD set is released that leaves me awestruck, not just in the movie itself, but in a studio's meticulous care in restoring it and making sure that consumers get more than their money's worth in special features. And the features aren't just filler, but really emphasize the film's strengths and possible importance in the history of film. If you are a true film lover, just imagine having the opportunity to see a pristine print of one of the earliest precursors to the world of talking pictures. But then imagine looking at a DVD set for this film and finding it has 3 discs full of historical film footage, documentaries about the introduction of the Vitaphone, and commentaries from true experts on the subject. But don't stop there. Imagine opening up the case and rifling through behind the scenes photo cards, a Vitaphone program, a souvenir program, a theater herald, and a book with vintage document reproductions. You'd think you died and went to film heaven.

Well, this is exactly what you get with Warner Brother's recent release of the 80-Anniversary Edition of "The Jazz Singer."

I'm going to taka a stab at imagining here for a moment and pretend I'm writing to people who have never heard of "The Jazz Singer." Or have only heard of the 1980 pseudo-remake starring Neil Diamond. I'm here to tell you about the 1927 adaptation of the Broadway play, "The Jazz Singer" starred Al Jolson and told the story of a Jewish cantor's son who decides to break the family tradition of singing only for the church and runs away to become a nightclub performer. It is a classic story of the prodigal son, and one that was used to show audiences of the day that sound in movies could actually add to the entertainment.

There are those who refer to the film as the first 'talking picture', but that is not entirely true. Most of the movie is actually silent, but whenever Jolson breaks into song the sound kicks in. But this isn't the movie's only claim to fame. Over the years, writers wanting to make a name for themselves have touted how horrible the movie was in its stereotypical depiction of the Jewish culture, but in that it celebrated Jolson's use of blackface in his act. The use of blackface was supposedly very racist, and I suppose in a way it was, but I agree with those who point out that it was a product of the time.

This is a defense that is also often shot down, but usually by those with a little too much time on their hands. Being that I am completely unable to be offended, I can’t ever understand why anything offends anybody. I'm often told that if I was African-American, Hispanic-American or Gay-American I'd understand. But I'm Italian-American and have never once been offended by "The Godfather", "The Sopranos" or Dominos Pizza. Stereotypes are stereotypes and they exist.

But getting back to the subject at hand, Warner's release of "The Jazz Singer" is a shoo-in for my list of the 'Best DVDs of 2007.' Admittedly, it may well be in the number one slot. The movie looks absolutely amazing, and the amount of special features is staggering. The commentary Ron Hutchison (Founder of the Vitaphone Projects) and Nighthawks Bandleader Vince Giordano offers a fascinating amount of information. There are tons of 'shorts' featuring Jolson, as well as most of the top acts from the period. You'll get to see original performances by the likes of Eubie Blake, Eddie Cantor, Abbie Mitchell, and Ethel Waters. The documentary on the introduction of sound to films is a must see. And the physical books and pictures that accompany the set are phenomenal.

I could go on for days about this release, but I know I would start repeating myself and using up too many synonyms for awesome. Just get out there and buy it, enjoy it and experience it.

Directed by: Alan Crosland
Starring: Al Jolson

Disc Extras: Commentary by Ron Hutchison (Founder of the Vitaphone Projects) and Nighthawks Bandleader Vince Giordano, Vintage Al Jolson Shorts, Radio Show Adaptation and Movie Trailer Gallery, Classic Homage Cartoon 'I Love to Singa," The Dawn of Sound - How Movies Learned to Talk, Surviving Sound Excerpts from 1929's Gold Diggers of Broadway, Studio Shorts from or Celebrating the Early Sound Era, Over 3 ½ Hours worth of Rare and Historic Vitaphone Comedy and Music Shorts from the Greats of Vaudeville

Set Extras: 10 Behind the Scenes Photo Cards, 12 Page Vitaphone Program, 20 Page Souvenir Program, 4 Page Theater Herald, 16 Page Book with Vintage Document Reproductions and DVD Features Guide, Post Premiere Telegram from Al Jolson to Jack Warner

Specifications: English Mono, B&W
Studio: Warner Brothers
Release Date: 10/16/2007
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give The Jazz Singer: 80th Anniversary Edtion an A+.