New on DVD: Concerts, classics and more
“Deanna Durbin Collection”
Deanna Durbin was a major movie star in the late 1930s and '40s. She had a beautiful voice, she could act and, at one time, Durbin was the highest paid female star in the world. She appeared in her first film at the age of 14, but retired at 27.
There are three films that you can now order from Amazon. Each retails for $19.98. They are “Three Smart Girls Grow Up,” “Mad About Music” and “Because of Him.”
“Les Miserables: The 25th Anniversary Concert”Appearing on PBS a couple of weeks ago, this terrific concert was filmed live in front of a sold-out audience in London. Not only was the cast outstanding, the orchestra, choir, lighting and production were stellar as well. This cast included Alfie Boe as Jean Valjean, Lea Salonga as Fantine, Norman Lewis as Javert, Katie Hall as Cosette, Samantha Banks as Eponine and Nick Jonas as Marius.
The original cast of the show performs for an encore, along with four Jean Valjeans. If you are a fan of musical theater, add this one to your collection.
#8220;Celtic Thunder: Heritage#8221;
The Celtic Thunder shows have played to capacity crowds all over the world. Their shows on PBS have been highly rated, and this new one about the musical culture of Ireland will be on PBS in March. You can enjoy it for yourself now with the 16 songs of this performance.
#8220;Jeff Beck Rock Roll Party: Honoring Les Paul#8221;
The great Les Paul played live at the Iridium Club in New York City for 14 years before his death. Jeff Beck along with Gibson Guitar organized a tribute to Les Paul at the club in June of last year. Beck #8212; as well as guest stars #8212; performed some of Paul's songs and rock'n'roll standards. It would have been Paul's 95th birthday, and it was a great present and tribute to him. PBS will be playing the special, and you will hear and see #8220;How High the Moon,#8221; #8220;Vaya Con Dios,#8221; #8220;Mockin' 'n Bird Hill,#8221; #8220;Twenty Flight Rock,#8221; #8220;Walking in the Sand#8221; and others. Beck will be at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago on April 1 with this show.
Available Next Week
#8220;127 Hours#8221;
#8220;Burlesque#8221;
#8220;Genius Within: The Inner Life of Glen Gould#8221;
#8220;Grow Younger, Live Longer: Deepak Chopra#8221;
#8220;Harry Connick Jr: In Concert on Broadway#8221;
#8220;Love and Other Drugs#8221;
#8220;Pioneers of Television: Season Two#8221;
#8220;Rise of the Troubadours: Carole King James Taylor#8221;