Doo Wop 50, Volumes One & Two

Had to return unfortunately because the DVD was defected. It’s unfortunate because the concert is awesome.

The product was good

Though I'm too young to have gone to school and dated during the doo-wop period, these songs were still definitely on the radio when I grew up in the sixties. The vocal harmonies and musical 'innocence' appealed to me then, as now.I first saw some excerpts of this concert on PBS during a fund drive, and was delighted to find it available on DVD now. I was unprepared for the fantastic sound and visual quality of the DVD compared to what I'd seen on PBS. It truly leaps out of your stereo speakers! Whatever these well-seasoned performers may have lost in vocal youth over the years is well-compensated by the improved sound quality over those old scratchy 45's!Unlike your typical rock concerts of today, this is a concert where the performers are accessible and immediate. And, of course, most of the audience was around for these songs when they were issued, so they are well-mannered and allow us to hear the performers.There is an overwhelming feeling of love and good vibrations coming from the audience and performers alike. This is not the wild orgasmic devotion of kids at a modern rock concert, but a mellow and enthusiastic appreciation. The audience often joins the performers when prompted in clapping, singing, etc.Jerry Butler is an excellent MC for the performers, all of who gave their best for these performances. Naturally, with the passage of so many years, some of the original singers aren't here. I found it most noticeable with the Platters, where Herb Reed did an excellent job, but he ain't Tony Williams. Gene Chandler's 'Duke of Earl' performance is awesome. So many moments were touching here, but my favorite Harvey Fuqua's performance with the Moonglows of the 'Ten Commandments of Love'. Mr. Fuqua's voice belies the fact that he's in his seventies, and his weather-worn face and strong voice combined with the beautiful backup of the Moonglows takes this performance into the sublime. It was obvious the audience felt the same.So many young people have no idea of this fairly brief period in the fifties and early sixties. I showed this DVD to my thirteen year old niece and she was wiped out by the music. It's good-time music in a way that doesn't exist any more, maybe never will again.So, ignore the expanded waistlines and gray hair, and be transported back to a time that seems so recent, yet so far, far away from today's music. This DVD is a keeper, and a great demo for the medium.

Dvd arrived in a timely fashion and in good shape. I haven’t had a chance to view it yet

Brings back loved tunes. The video is grainy, the staging is not up to today's standards, but this is how it was done back then, seems like you are back in the era. Other reviewers picked this apart, belching about poor musical and vocal backup, aging groups, vacant stares. What do they expect? Yeah, it was low budget, but this added to the experience. And the performers, Criminy, they are in the 70 to 80 year old range, and still performing!!! I loved this set. Loved it when it was on VHS and originally on PBS. Loved the performers and the slice of history.

Awesome music allowing me to remember days gone by. With the situation of the world today; it’s a great stress reliever.

There is nothing like settling in front of your TV and being brought back to a simpler more honest time of American music history. The show itself was an early production but a great one because of the passion and intensity of the artists and live audience. Pittsburgh has always been an exceptional place for music and here we see why. Both audience and artists came alive in this unique performance.

The direction and camera work is atrocious. I did not care for the first pan across the Cadillac seat and after the fourth or fifth pan, it was very tiresome. Also, panning the old cars that sat behind the set did absolutely nothing to improve the music or the experience. Panning the crowd and the entertainers was not done very well. Many other amateur directorial gaffes. After the first 8 songs (out of total 38 songs), there are no more Billboard Hot 40 hits, just B-side tunes that still do not warrant purchasing today. Also, most of the groups were not all original members, but members reconstituted from other doo wop groups. After the first song, or two, Jerry Butler seemed to detract from the experience, instead of enhancing it. I have heard Doo Wop 51 on PBS and I was expecting this one to be equally as good. I was greatly disappointed. I will stick with my doo wop mp3s. I have a free Doo Wop 50 DVD if anyone wants it.

great value just as advertised thank you

Für Doo-Wop Fans ein absolutes "must have". Hervorragende Audio- und Video-Qualitäi!!! Was diese Künstler (teilweisenoch mit den original Gruppenmitgliedern aus den 1950's- bzw. frühen 1960's Jahren) Live auf der Bühne zeigen ist schonsehr bemerkenswert. Highlights: "Harvey & the Moonglows" (TEN COMMANDMENTS OF LOVE), "Jerry Butler & Pure Gold" (FOR YOUR PRECIOUS LOVE), "Jimmy Beaumont & the Skyliners" (SINCE I DON'T HAVE YOU), "The Chantels mitArlene Smith!" (LOOK IN MY EYES und MAYBE) oder auch "The Harptones" (LIVE IS BUT A DREAM)!

excellent