New on DVD: Jackie Mason, John Lennon
"John Lennon & The Plastic Ono Band Live in Toronto '69"
Right before the release of the Beatles album "Abbey Road," John Lennon got a call from a promoter in Toronto telling him about a musical event in Canada featuring a host of 1950s rock 'n' roll legends. He invited John and Yoko Ono to attend and possibly perform a song or two.
Lennon was intrigued, and he wanted to see some of the artists that he idolized. John brought guitarist Eric Clapton, bass player Klaus Voorman and drummer Alan White with him to jam on some rock classics. The group had not even practiced together but took the stage with nervousness and excitement. The performance was captured by award-winning filmmaker D.A. Pennebaker whose previous work included "Monterey Pop" and "Don't Look Back." John Lennon had not performed live in three years, and this raw concert included "Blue Suede Shoes," "Money," "Dizzy Miss Lizzy," "Yer Blues," "Cold Turkey" and "Give Peace A Chance." The show also includes "Lucille" with Little Richard, "Hound Dog" with Jerry Lee Lewis and "Bo Diddley" with Bo Diddley.
"Jackie Mason: Live on Broadway"
Jackie Mason has been performing live for more than 50 years. This two-disc set is from his eighth and final one-man show. Mason is an equal-opportunity offender, going from Gentile to Jew and finding quirks about both. He has a rapid-fire approach with one-liners at times, and long stories mixed in. He has always included politics in his routines, and this one touches on Elliot Spitzer, Bill Clinton and even Barack Obama. If you are a fan of Jackie Mason, you will enjoy this performance. When he talks about rap music, and the violence that follows, one of his funniest lines is "Do you think Tony Bennett ever tried to kill Bing Crosby?" He is a nonstop comedian that will keep you laughing throughout.
"The Hunger: The Complete First Season"
Two of Hollywood's finest directors, Tony Scott and Ridley Scott, have put together a dark and compelling series that was a hit on the Showtime Network. The first season ran from 1997-98 and was hosted in a macabre way by Terence Stamp. Each episode is well put together, and includes demons, vampires and fantasy. It is a series for adults, and has been called a cross between "The Twilight Zone" and "Tales from the Crypt." The four-disc set features all 22 episodes complete and uncut. The extras include a 30-minute behind-the-scenes featurette with David Bowie, who became the host of the series in season two.
"Billie Holiday: The Life And Artistry Of Lady Day"
Billy Holiday was an international star who has been called the best female vocalist in the history of jazz music. This program just scratches the surface of her talent, seen through film clips and rare TV appearances. We get an overview of her life, and what it meant to her music. But to love Billie Holiday was to love her music. We see her singing "Strange Fruit," "God Bless The Child," "Lover Man" and more. You will enjoy Holiday opposite Louis Armstrong from the film "New Orleans," where she sings "Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans," "Farewell to Storyville" and "The Blues Are Brewin."
Available Next Week
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"Beatles International"
"British Cinema: Crimes & Noir"
"Education of Charlie Banks"
"Entourage: Season Five"
"Greatest Moments in Chicago White Sox History"
"Jonas Brothers: The Concert Experience"
"Two Lovers"