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Talk about a
tough life. First the great Judy Garland
was brought down in her prime by a lifetime
of addictions, then her daughter Liza Minnelli
having her ups and downs for many of the
same reasons. Not that I can blame the drugs,
everyone has a choice, but the so called
‘glamour’ of celebrity life
can really take the fight out of even the
strongest of character. Garland and Minnelli
come from a period where talent meant something.
You didn’t have to depend on electronic
sound enhancing to make you sound good.
You had to be able to get on a bare stage
and belt out a song and bring people to
their feet.
Minnelli, who in later years became the
subject of ridicule because of her various
choices, was always and still is a very
strong performer. She has an amazing voice
and a range that allows her to sing nearly
any style of true music. Anyone who has
made fun of some of her movie roles needs
only watch “Cabaret” to know
that she is a terrific musical actress.
Even to my friends who think you need to
be gay to like her music, I tell them to
shove it.
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Minnelli recently took to the stage again in
a new show that features some of the best songs
in her huge repertoire, but also focuses on various
parts of her life… both the good and the
bad. The show earned her a well-deserved Tony
and if you’re a fan at all… you should
really check out the show. Of course, some of
you may be asking, “Well, where CAN I see
her show?” So thanks to the magic of Bluray,
I can answer, “The comfort of your own living
room…” That’s right, MPI Home
Video is releasing “Liza’s at the
Palace” on both Bluray and DVD so you don’t
have to catch a flight… unless you really
want to see her live.
The Bluray offers a terrific transfer, certainly
as good a transfer as you can expect from a show
that was filmed live. You also have two options
for listening, either a 2.0 Stereo or a 7.1 DTS-HD
Master Audio. Well, duh… if have a decent
surround system definitely go for the 7.1. If
you’re watching on your Aunt Gertrude’s
13 inch Zenith… go for the 2.0. As for extras,
there is only one which is an interview conducted
by the show’s director, Ron Lewis.
Say what you will about Liza, but she is a consummate
performer and an amazing singer. If you’ve
never believed that… just watch this concert!!
Directed by: Ron Lewis
Starring: Liza Minnelli
Extras: Conversation with Liza Minnelli &
Director/Choreographer Ron Lewis
Specification: English 5.1 & 2.0
Studio: MPI
Release Date: 2/2/2010
MPAA Rating: NR
http://www.mpihomevideo.com
We'll give Liza's at the Palace (Bluray) a B.
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