· Actor: Chris Botti · Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 · Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated) · Binding: Blu-ray · Brand: Sony · Director: Jim Gable · EAN: 0886974594895 · Format: Color | Live | NTSC · Label: Sony · Manufacturer: Sony · MPN: 745948 · Number Of Items: 1 · Product Group: DVD · Publisher: Sony · Region Code: 1 · Release Date: 2009-03-31 · Running Time (Units: minutes): 160 · Studio: Sony · Theatrical Release Date: 2009-03-31 · UPC: 886974594895
» Chart-topping jazz trumpeter Chris Botti and special guests performed two star-studded concerts at the historic Boston Symphony Hall with Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops on September 18 and 19, 2008. Special guests include Josh Groban, Yo-Yo Me, John Mayer, Katharine McPhee, Lucia Micarelli, Sting and Steven Tyler.

Blu-ray Disc Tracklisting:
Ave Maria
When I Fall in Love
Caruso
Seven Days featuring Sting
Broken Vow featuring Josh Groban
Flamenco Sketches
Hallelujah
I've Got You Under My Skin featuring Katharine McPhee
Cinema Paradiso featuring Yo-Yo Ma
The Look of Love featuring Sy Smith
Emmanuel featuring Lucia Micarelli
Glad to Be Unhappy featuring John Mayer
Cryin' featuring Steven Tyler
Smile featuring Steven Tyler
Indian Summer
Shape of My Heart featuring Sting & Josh Groban
If I Ever Lose My Faith in You featuring Sting
Time to Say Goodbye
Bonus Feature: "Behind the Scenes - Chris Botti in Boston" (40 min.)

Audio/ Video:
Running Time Approx. 160 minutes
Full 1080/24p High Definition Picture
Dolby TrueHD 7.1/5.1 Surround (96 kHz/24 bit)
Includes Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround (640 kbps)
PCM (uncompressed) Stereo (48 kHz/24 bit)

Visual and Musical Masterpiece
2009-10-29
My wife purchased this for me as a gift after reading rave reviews about the sound quality (96 kHz/24 bit) of this Blu-Ray on an audio forum we belong to. The moment she gave me the disc and I was very excited to tear into it! I honestly couldn't wait to see what it could do to rock my system (B&W speakers connected to McIntosh components) and it was playing within 2.5 minutes of being opened. I guess I'm still a kid at heart.
From the moment it started playing I was in awe. This is like listening to a high quality LP combined with superb HD video. Chris Botti has proven that he can easily stay away from the "smooth jazz" stereotype and on this recording he delivered something for everyone to enjoy from rock to Bach. To emphasize that point, my wife generally does not enjoy jazz and will usually leave the room when I am listening to that genre. In this case, she sat down with me and watched the entire video with me, commenting how great many of the performers were. She had favorites like Sting and Steven Tyler but she actually enjoyed other like Yo-Yo Ma and Lucia Micarelli. She got a few tears from Steven Tyler's dedication of Smile to his father and was very moved. My father who is now 90 years old and has a great love of music watched the disc on a recent visit to our home and said Ave Maria was one of the best renditions of that song he had heard. I would bet anyone among your family and friends that is between 16 and 100 years old will truly enjoy this recording.
In closing my review I would like to point out that our family now usually rent instead of owning DVDs and Blu-Rays due to the uncertain future of where technology will take us and the fear of a load of obsolete media but this is one of those that you can play over and over. It is worth owning and worth every penny. After the initial viewing it makes for great background music when working around the house and is nice to put on when guests are visiting.

On a footnote I STRONGLY encourage you to watch some of the bonus material! There is a man who had a medical emergency in the audience during the performance and you will hear about it and how the Chris Botti and Sting got the audience back on track, it is delightful.
Great Blu-ray!
2009-10-16
Excellent video and audio throughout the whole concert just like you're actually there! A must to have.

· Actor: Sarah Brightman | Kenny G. | Chris Botti | Heather Headley | Laura Pausini · Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 · Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated) · Binding: Blu-ray · Brand: Andrea · EAN: 0602517772731 · Format: Classical | Color · Label: Sugar · Manufacturer: Sugar · MPN: MCMBRB0012944 · Number Of Items: 1 · Product Group: DVD · Publisher: Sugar · Release Date: 2009-06-02 · Running Time (Units: minutes): 137 · Studio: Sugar · Theatrical Release Date: 2008 · UPC: 602517772731
» In July of 2008, on the slopes of Andrea Bocelli's home town, Lajatico, a rural village in Tuscany, a special theater was constructed for a one-night-only concert of his greatest popular hits along with new songs performed to honor the occasion. Some famous musical friends dropped by and the magical result is Andrea Bocelli--Vivere--Live in Tuscany. Bocelli Vivere Live In Tuscany is the first US blue-ray release for Andrea Bocelli.Fast and easy purchase. Saved a lot of money.
2009-10-22
I purchased a CD named Vivere with Andrea Bocelli and other stars. It was in perfect condition and it was delivered in 24 hours. What a nice surprise. Thank you!wonderful
2009-10-11
wonderful, this time excelled andrea bocelli, I have no words to describe, exciting, a program for all ages.

· Actor: Andrea Bocelli | Sarah Brightman | David Foster | Chris Botti | Heather Headley · Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated) · Binding: DVD · Brand: UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP · EAN: 0602517602694 · Feature: CAPTURING BOCELLI S FIRST EVER CONCERT PERFORMANCE OF HIS MOST POPULAR SONGS FEATURING GUESTS CHRIS BOTTI, KENNY G., LANG LANG, SARAH BRIGHTMAN, HEATHER HEADLEY and more. Last July, on the slopes of Andrea Boceli s home town, Lajatico, a rural village in Tuscany, a special theater was constructed for a one-night-only concert of his greatest popular hits along with new songs performed to honor t · Format: Widescreen | NTSC | Digital Sound · Label: Decca · Manufacturer: Decca · MPN: B0010669-50 · Number Of Discs: 1 · Number Of Items: 2 · Product Group: DVD · Publisher: Decca · Region Code: 1 · Release Date: 2008-01-29 · Running Time (Units: minutes): 137 · Studio: Decca · Theatrical Release Date: 2007 · UPC: 602517602694
» Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli grew up in Lajatico, a rural village in Tuscany, where his family still farms nearby. Last July, on the slopes of his ancient hill town, a special theater was constructed for a one-night-only concert of his greatest popular hits along with new songs performed to honor the occasion. Some famous musical friends dropped by and the magical result is Andrea Bocelli - Vivere - Live in Tuscany, premiering this December on PBS.

Joining Andrea for the new songs are "grandissimo sassofonista" Kenny G, trumpeter Chris Botti, piano virtuoso Lang Lang, Italian pop star Eliza, and legendary musician, songwriter and producer David Foster. Helping with the hits: favorite divas Sarah Brightman, Heather Headley and Laura Pausini.

Surveying the breathtaking landscape that provides the backdrop for the festivities, Bocelli introduces the telecast with the passion of a true Toscano. "It's my land," he says, "a land that loves silence as much as I do. If I break this silence with my voice, it's because I want to pay tribute. Music penetrates this land; it flows across it and flies off far away. It's a message of love."

Musical highlights include the song that launched Bocelli's career, "Il Mare Calmo Della Sera"; the one that brought him international stardom, "Time to Say Goodbye," in duet with Sarah Brightman; Laura Pausini joining him for "Dare to Live" ("Vivere"); Bocelli and Heather Headley reprising the popular "Vivo Per Lei," plus several new selections from the just-released The Best of Andrea Bocelli - Vivere album (Sugar Music/Decca). Also featured is a meltingly romantic medley of songs from his 2006 collection, Amore: "Bésame Mucho," "Somos Novios" ("It's Impossible") and "I Can't Help Falling in Love with You."

Disc: 1 (Live CD)
1. ITALIA (Featuring Chris Botti on trumpet)
2. LA VOCE DEL SILENZIO (Duet with Elisa)
3. MEDLEY: Besame Mucho, Somos Novios (It's impossible), Can't Help Falling in Love
4. CANTO DELLA TERRA (Duet with Sarah Brightman)
5. MILLE LUNE MILLE ONDE
6. ROMANZA
7. SE LA GENTE USASSE IL CUORE (Studio Version)
8. DOMANI (Studio Version)

Disc: 2 (Live Concert DVD)
1. MELODRAMMA
2. ROMANZA
3. A TE (Featuring Kenny G on soprano saxophone)
4. VIVO PER LEI (Duet with Heather Headley)
5. IO CI SARÒ (Featuring Lang Lang on piano)
6. HUNGARIAN RHAPSODY no. 2 in C sharp minor (Performed by Lang Lang)
7. LA VOCE DEL SILENZIO (Duet with Elisa)
8. DANCING (Performed by Elisa)
9. CANTO DELLA TERRA (Duet with Sarah Brightman)
10. BELLISSIME STELLE
11. MEDLEY: Besame Mucho/Somos Novios (It's impossible)/ Can't Help Falling in Love
12. BECAUSE WE BELIEVE
13. THE PRAYER (Duet with Heather Headley)
14. ITALIA (Featuring Chris Botti on trumpet)
15. DARE TO LIVE (Vivere) (Duet with Laura Pausini)
16. SOGNO
17. IL MARE CALMO DELLA SERA
18. TIME TO SAY GOODBYE (Con te partirò) (Duet with Sarah Brightman)
DVD Bonus Material Includes: Photo gallery and behind the scenes interviews and more
Bocelli Vivere Live In Tuscany will be available in both digipak and amaray versions—-each with DVD and CD components.Andrea Bocelli in Tuscany
2009-10-21
Excellent production. This may be the last chance to see Andrea in a pop concert. Highly recommended.Bravo
2009-10-20
An absolute must for your musical collection. The venue, cinematography and artists and their performances combine to make this an unforgettably enjoyable CD/DVD.

· Actor: Chris Botti · Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 · Audience Rating: G (General Audience) · Binding: Blu-ray · Brand: Sony · Director: Jim Gable · EAN: 0886970814799 · Format: Color | Enhanced | Live | Widescreen · Label: Sony BMG · Manufacturer: Sony BMG · MPN: SMVBR708147 · Number Of Discs: 1 · Number Of Items: 1 · Product Group: DVD · Publisher: Sony BMG · Region Code: 1 · Release Date: 2007-05-29 · Running Time (Units: minutes): 108 · Studio: Sony BMG · Theatrical Release Date: 2006 · UPC: 886970814799
» December 2005. Los Angeles, California. Trumpeter Chris Botti, on the heels of his break-through gold certified album "When I Fall In Love", and the record-breaking follow up "To Love Again", plays two triumphant shows at the Wilshire Theatre backed by a full orchestra and his virtuosic band. Playing repertoire mostly culled from these two hit albums, Chris is joined onstage by some of the world's most accomplished singers and musicians (in order of appearance) Sting, Jill Scott, Paula Cole, Burt Bacharach, Renee Olstead, Paul Buchanan and Gladys Knight. Filmed for the PBS Special "Chris Botti Live With Orchestra and Special Guests" and now available on Blu-ray Disc.

Blu-ray Disc Track Listing:
1. Someone To Watch Over Me
2. When I Fall In Love
3. A Thousand Kisses Deep
4. What Are You Doing For The Rest Of Your Life featuring Sting
5. Good Morning Heartache featuring Jill Scott
6. My One and Only Love featuring Paula Cole & Burt Bacharach
7. The Look Of Love featuring Paula Cole & Burt Bacharach
8. Cinema Paradiso
9. Pennies From Heaven featuring Renee Olstead
10. Are You Lonesome Tonight? Featuring Paul Buchanan
11. Lover Man featuring Gladys Knight
12. My Funny Valentine featuring Sting
13. Why Not
14. One For My Baby
15. Bows (Credits)

Special Features:
"Behind the Scenes: Chris Botti Live"- Never Before Seen Exclusive Footage of the concert event takes the viewer behind the scenes
"The Musicians"- A profile of Chris Botti's extra ordinary band: Bill Childs (Piano), Billy Kilson (Drums), James Genus (Bass) and Mark Whitfield (Guitar)
"One For My Baby"- This song was not part of the original PBS Broadcast
"Interview With Chris"- An extensive interview with Chris, giving his personal account of the events that led up to these fantastic concerts.
"Message in a Bottle" - Sting fronts Chris band for a stunning version of the Police Classic not on the PBS Broadcast

Video/Audio:
Mastered in High Definition
PCM 5.1 Surround Sound (96 khz/24 bit)
Dolby Digital Stereo (640kbps)
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound (640kbps)

Easy listening taken as Jazz
2009-08-02
I'm stepping on the Blu-Ray field for the first time by reviewing this `Chris Botti Live', a typical program for those who don't have anything better to be served with considering a new and astonishing technology that seems to have become popular in recent years.

It is quite similar to the DVD launching decades ago but with a big difference: old programs, mainly Jazz programs, were relatively fast and successfully remastered into DVD format so that we could take advantage of watching the Jazz greats in high quality sound and image standards. It's also important to notice that many of our Jazz greats were still well and alive there to offer new products, new shows at that time.

It seems that Blu-Ray is somewhat more complicated to have old material to be converted into.

There seems to be also a problem with the material: what industry currently calls `Jazz' is a surprise I take as not agreeable. Where are the real Jazz greats? Maybe their programs could not guarantee a fat return to the producers ...

In this scenario, I was presented to Chris Botti and Mr Botti is introduced by our Editor as a Jazz chart-topping trumpeter. It's hard to swallow comfortably.

The show final results are spectacular as far as we get drunk by the notoriously splendid image and sound quality gathered with the extraordinary American industry's expertise to put things together in this kind of production. Theater is extraordinarily beautiful.

The audience is clearly a plethora of invited people among friends and fans, so enthusiastic was their reaction even in tender situations. Passed to me the idea that the audience'a aplause was orchestrated at some 'presset' times.

The trouble with me refers to the material. Please no Jazz is offered even with the great Gil Goldstein before a great orchestra and a rhythm section trio leaded by the great Billy Childs and by guitarrist Mark Whitfield.

The program is a beautiful collection of standards, just a few 6 songs having Mr. Botti as a lead soloist. This makes us suppose a long list of invited artists, featuring Sting and Gladys Knight.

Ok to Sting and his extraordinarily cool approach to standards. How could a rock singer inject so creativeness in approaching Michel Legrand's `What Are You Doing The Rest of Your Life'. Sorry that `My Funny Valentine' was reduced to a gag between Botti and Sting. Also sorry for the classical mistake in the lyrics, when Sting sings `don't change your for me' instead of the correct `don't change a hair for me'. It is too serious to play irresponsibly with `My Funny Valentine', a contextualized song from a Broadway with memorable lyrics by Lorenz Hart.

Jill Scott is a powered-voiced singer who is proper to cover some Aretha Franklin hits but not to sing Billie Holiday with that screaming voice. Beautiful woman, beautiful costumes, beautiful make-up, beautiful voice but no sense using her voice and no respect to the lyrics. You can't sing `Goodmorning Heartache' as you sing `Happy Birthday To You'.

Gladys Knight was discreet and brilliant and her final scat duet with the musicians was practically the only Jazz iceberg end in the show. Also brilliant is Ms. Renee Olstead in her near teenage and funny rendition of `Pennies from Heaven'.

Unfortunately, Mr. Botti is not a Jazz musician and no Jazz may be expected for beyond brilliant Billy Childs'solos here and there.

A long making-of extras in the program helps Blu-Ray fans and specially Botti's fans to hopefully say this is great!
Best jazz performances on dvd
2009-07-14
this guy has the great talent, the discipline, the musical friends, the dignity, the beauty and grace. nothing not to like

· Actor: Sting | Dominic Miller | Kipper | Chris Botti | Manu Katché · Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 · Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated) · Binding: DVD · Brand: Universal Studios · Creator (Role: Cinematographer): David Rudd | (Role: Editor): Jeffrey Doe | (Role: Editor): Scott C. Wilson | (Role: Producer): Ann Kim | (Role: Producer): Caroline Pham | (Role: Producer): Emilio Nunez | (Role: Producer): Kathryn Schenker | (Role: Producer): Martin Kierszenbaum | (Role: Producer): Rich Frankel | (Role: Producer): Richard Frankel · Director: Jim Gable · EAN: 0606949316990 · Format: Anamorphic | Best of | Color | DVD | Full Screen | Widescreen | NTSC · Label: A&M · Manufacturer: A&M · MPN: MCMD93166D · Number Of Discs: 1 · Number Of Items: 1 · Product Group: DVD · Publisher: A&M · Region Code: 1 · Release Date: 2001-12-04 · Studio: A&M · Theatrical Release Date: 2001-12-04 · UPC: 606949316990
» Studio: Uni Dist Corp (music) Release Date: 12/06/2001STING - ALL THIS TIME (DVD)
2009-08-18
******** /// EXCELLENT \\\ ********
Absolutely AMAZING - Loved the CD for years, and always wished I could have experienced it LIVE.... Well, this will have to do for now. A MUST HAVE FOR ALL 'STING' FANS -

STING - INSIDE (DVD) - ALSO A MUST HAVE - Sting All This Time
2009-03-21
This is a wonderful DVD on many levels. It has a great view of the musicians and their creative process as well as some entertaining musical moments. The fact that it is filmed surrounding 911 and the terrorist attacks is "powerful". I teach music and use this video to show the connection of music and emotion.

· Actor: Chris Botti · Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 · Audience Rating: G (General Audience) · Binding: DVD · Brand: Sony · Director: Jim Gable · EAN: 0828767774091 · Format: Closed-captioned | Color | DVD | Enhanced | Live | NTSC · Label: Sony · Manufacturer: Sony · MPN: SMVD677740D · Number Of Items: 1 · Product Group: DVD · Publisher: Sony · Region Code: 1 · Release Date: 2006-08-01 · Running Time (Units: minutes): 146 · Studio: Sony · Theatrical Release Date: 2006-03 · UPC: 828767774091
» "A passionate evening of instrumental storytelling…it was apparent from the first notes Chris Botti played at the Wilshire Theatre on Friday, that the sold-out house was in for a special evening." -Don Heckman, Los Angeles Times

December 2005. Los Angeles, California. Trumpeter Chris Botti, on the heels of his break-through gold certified album"When I Fall In Love," and the record-breaking follow-up, "To Love Again," plays two triumphant shows at the Wilshire Theatre backed by a full orchestra and his virtuosic band. Playing repertoire mostly culled from these two hit albums, Chris is joined onstage by some of the world’s most accomplished singers and musicians (in order of appearance): Sting, Jill Scott, Paula Cole, Burt Bacharach, Renee Olstead, Paul Buchanan, and Gladys Knight. The show is filmed for the PBS special, "Chris Botti Live with orchestra & special guests…and this DVD.

DVD PROGRAM
1) Someone To Watch Over Me
2) When I Fall In Love
3) A Thousand Kisses Deep
4) What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life?- featuring Sting
5) Good Morning Heartache- featuring Jill Scott
6) My One and Only Love- featuring Paula Cole
7) The Look Of Love- featuring Paula Cole and Burt Bacharach
8) Cinema Paradiso
9) Pennies From Heaven- featuring Renee Olstead
10) Are You Lonesome Tonight?- featuring Paul Buchanan
11) Lover Man- featuring Gladys Knight
12) My Funny Valentine- featuring Sting
13) Why Not
14) One For My Baby— BONUS not on original PBS broadcast

Easy listening taken as Jazz
2009-08-02
I'm stepping on the Blu-Ray field for the first time by reviewing this `Chris Botti Live', a typical program for those who don't have anything better to be served with considering a new and astonishing technology that seems to have become popular in recent years.

It is quite similar to the DVD launching decades ago but with a big difference: old programs, mainly Jazz programs, were relatively fast and successfully remastered into DVD format so that we could take advantage of watching the Jazz greats in high quality sound and image standards. It's also important to notice that many of our Jazz greats were still well and alive there to offer new products, new shows at that time.

It seems that Blu-Ray is somewhat more complicated to have old material to be converted into.

There seems to be also a problem with the material: what industry currently calls `Jazz' is a surprise I take as not agreeable. Where are the real Jazz greats? Maybe their programs could not guarantee a fat return to the producers ...

In this scenario, I was presented to Chris Botti and Mr Botti is introduced by our Editor as a Jazz chart-topping trumpeter. It's hard to swallow comfortably.

The show final results are spectacular as far as we get drunk by the notoriously splendid image and sound quality gathered with the extraordinary American industry's expertise to put things together in this kind of production. Theater is extraordinarily beautiful.

The audience is clearly a plethora of invited people among friends and fans, so enthusiastic was their reaction even in tender situations. Passed to me the idea that the audience'a aplause was orchestrated at some 'presset' times.

The trouble with me refers to the material. Please no Jazz is offered even with the great Gil Goldstein before a great orchestra and a rhythm section trio leaded by the great Billy Childs and by guitarrist Mark Whitfield.

The program is a beautiful collection of standards, just a few 6 songs having Mr. Botti as a lead soloist. This makes us suppose a long list of invited artists, featuring Sting and Gladys Knight.

Ok to Sting and his extraordinarily cool approach to standards. How could a rock singer inject so creativeness in approaching Michel Legrand's `What Are You Doing The Rest of Your Life'. Sorry that `My Funny Valentine' was reduced to a gag between Botti and Sting. Also sorry for the classical mistake in the lyrics, when Sting sings `don't change your for me' instead of the correct `don't change a hair for me'. It is too serious to play irresponsibly with `My Funny Valentine', a contextualized song from a Broadway with memorable lyrics by Lorenz Hart.

Jill Scott is a powered-voiced singer who is proper to cover some Aretha Franklin hits but not to sing Billie Holiday with that screaming voice. Beautiful woman, beautiful costumes, beautiful make-up, beautiful voice but no sense using her voice and no respect to the lyrics. You can't sing `Goodmorning Heartache' as you sing `Happy Birthday To You'.

Gladys Knight was discreet and brilliant and her final scat duet with the musicians was practically the only Jazz iceberg end in the show. Also brilliant is Ms. Renee Olstead in her near teenage and funny rendition of `Pennies from Heaven'.

Unfortunately, Mr. Botti is not a Jazz musician and no Jazz may be expected for beyond brilliant Billy Childs'solos here and there.

A long making-of extras in the program helps Blu-Ray fans and specially Botti's fans to hopefully say this is great!
Best jazz performances on dvd
2009-07-14
this guy has the great talent, the discipline, the musical friends, the dignity, the beauty and grace. nothing not to like

· Actor: Tony Bennett | Christina Aguilera | Billy Crystal | k.d. lang | Chris Botti · Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated) · Binding: Blu-ray · Brand: SONY GROUP · Creator (Role: Producer): Alison Sandler | (Role: Producer): Allen Kelman | (Role: Producer): Danny Bennett | (Role: Producer): Jodi Hurwitz | (Role: Producer): John DeLuca | (Role: Producer): Philip W. Hack | (Role: Writer): Doug Wright · Director: Rob Marshall · EAN: 0886970283298 · Feature: This television program examines the life and career of Tony Bennett. Revisiting all the hotspots where Bennet established himself and built a reputation, AN AMERICAN CLASSIC makes stops in Greenwich Village, the Columbia recording studios, Las Vegas, and Carnegie Hall. The film consists of re-recreations of key moments in the singer's life, with special appearances by artists including Stevie · Label: Sony · Manufacturer: Sony · MPN: 88697028329 · Number Of Discs: 1 · Number Of Items: 1 · Product Group: DVD · Publisher: Sony · Region Code: 1 · Release Date: 2006-12-12 · Running Time (Units: minutes): 42 · Studio: Sony · Theatrical Release Date: 2006-11-21 · UPC: 886970283298
» Following it's successful broadcast on NBC this past Thanksgiving, the Emmy and Grammy-award winning "Tony Bennett: An American Classic" was released on Blu-ray December 12, 2006. Created and directed by acclaimed director Rob Marshall (Chicago and Memoirs of a Geisha), An American Classic is a ground breaking show staged as a contemporary reinvention of the variety special. In this "Docu-Musical", Marshall and his entire Academy-Award winning creative team take us on an emotional musical journey of this legendary entertainer's life by re-creating the seminal venues of Tony's career: from the 52nd street swing club to the early Columbia recording studio; from the classic TV studios of the '60's to the "rat pack" Las Vegas stage; from Carnegie Hall to his triumphant performance on "MTV Unplugged". Throughout, Tony performs his greatest hits while joined by many of the superstars that appear with him on his recently released, platinum-selling Duets album. This show invites us to celebrate the life of who Frank Sinatra called "the greatest singer ever." As the special ends, Tony Bennett takes the empty stage, this time alone, to deliver a definitive version of his signature classic "I Left My Heart In San Francisco".

Blu-ray Disc Track Listing:
1. Smile - Barbara Streisand
2. Sing You Sinners - John Legend
3. Because Of You - K.D. lang and Chris Botti
4. The Best Is Yet To Come - Diana Krall
5. The Shadow Of Your Smile - Juanes
6. Rags To Riches - Elton John
7. Just In Time - Michael Buble
8. For Once In Your Life - Stevie Wonder
9. Steppin' Out With My Baby - Christina Aguilera
10. I Left With Heart In San Francisco - Tony Bennett

Special Features:
The Making Of
Shooting of Black & White Film
Walking the Stars Through Their Paces
Production Design From Page to Stage
The Trailer
The Tony Bennett Dancer's Rehearsals

Video/Audio:
Mastered in High Definition
PCM Stereo (uncompressed) and PCM 5.1 Surround Sound (48 kHZ/24bit)
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound (640 kbps)

TV musical showcase, au courant.
2009-10-28
Cannot fault Tony Bennett, the performer, the talent. At age eighty in 2006, took up the idea from son Danny, Academy winner director/choreographer Rob Marshall ('Chicago') and others to perform in a television spectacle that will become an enduring musical event. Bennett teamed up with Christina Aguilera, Michael Bublé, Chris Botti, Elton John, Juanes, Diana Krall, k.d. lang, John Legend, Barbra Streisand, Stevie Wonder (and other musical artists, regrettably not all of whom are included in this curiously brief blue-ray recording).

Presentations from celebrities such as Billy Crystal, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Bruce Willis, John Travolta and Robert De Niro might constitute an attraction but it is the musical production, arrangements and recorded sound most particularly, that stands out here. There are the considerable contributions of Bob Marshall with those of regular collaborators and others, such as from John Myhre (Production Design); Thomas Voth (Art Direction); Barbara Cassel (Set Decoration); Dion Beebe (Cinematography); Wyatt Smith (Film Editing); Colleen Atwood (Costume Design), with Bill Charlap (solo piano on 'I Left My Heart in San Francisco'), Phil Ramone (music producer of original songs) and also Brian Mather and Tim Pingel (guitar), both uncredited.

Favorite musical numbers come from k.d. lang ('Because of You', w. Chris Botti) and Stevie Wonder ('For Once in My Life'), while vocals stand out for most of the rest ('Sing You Sinners' w. John Legend'; with Diana Krall on Steve Allen's 'The Best is Yet to Come'; Michael Bublé; etc.). The Streisand, Aguilera and Elton John numbers seem to lack vocal spontaneiety (perhaps attributable to insufficient rehearsal time), but the visuals and choreography are a constant in entertainment value, if not extremely original. Which brings us to the dance numbers, on stage under Marshall and, I believe, collaborators Scott Hislop and Michelle Johnston. The nine attractive dancers are: Eboni 'Chrystal' Adams (as Eboni Adams), Nancy Anderson, Aliane Baquerot, Staci B. Flood (as Staci Flood), Scott Fowler, Lonnie Henderson, Brandon Henschel, Kevin Alexander Stea (as Kevin Stea), Yvette Tucker, all uniformely excellent, with Ms. Tucker a particular standout.

Executive producers: Rob Marshall, Danny Bennett and John DeLuca.
Tony Bennett--truly an American Classic
2009-10-07
I've seen this fabulous birthday tribute to Tony Bennett, twice, once on my HDTV and again as a rental in Blu-ray--and it's fabulous. If you're never able to see Tony live which I painfully regret to admit, this Blu-ray release will really put you there in all its high definition. The only reason I knocked off a star is because of the shortness of the program but director Rob Marshall (Chicago, Memoirs of a Geisha) has done a superb job of bringing off this tribute to Bennett in grand fashion. Bennett once said to Ray Charles that he didn't have a really great voice but the late Charles said, "But baby, you sing with so much feeling" And that's where it counts!!

· Actor: Tony Bennett | Christina Aguilera | Billy Crystal | k.d. lang | Chris Botti · Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated) · Binding: DVD · Brand: Sony · Director: Rob Marshall · EAN: 0886970283496 · Format: DVD | NTSC · Label: Sony · Manufacturer: Sony · MPN: D702834D · Number Of Items: 1 · Product Group: DVD · Publisher: Sony · Release Date: 2006-11-21 · Running Time (Units: minutes): 86 · Studio: Sony · Theatrical Release Date: 2006-11-22 · UPC: 886970283496
» Tracks:
1."Smile" Barbra Streisand
2."Sing You Sinners" John Legend
3."Because Of You" k.d. lang and Chris Botti
4."The Best Is Yet To Come" Diana Krall
5."The Shadow Of Your Smile" Juanes
6."Rags To Riches" Elton John
7."Just In Time" Michael Bublé
8."For Once In My Life" Stevie Wonder
9."Steppin' Out With My Baby" Christina Aguilera
10."I Left My Heart In San Francisco" Tony Bennett

Product Description:
TONY BENNETT: AN AMERICAN CLASSIC is a ground-breaking television event that takes us on a musical journey of this legendary entertainer's life. Re-creating the venues of Tony's career, from the downtown Greenwich Village club where Tony was discovered, to the Columbia recording studios of the early 60's, from rat pack Las Vegas to Carnegie Hall, Tony will be joined for each show-stopping number by the myriad of superstars that appear with him on his Duets album. In a bold re-invention of the form, each set piece was filmed as a small movie by an Academy Award-winning team, lead by director Rob Marshall (Memoirs Of A Geisha, Chicago.) Seamlessly woven throughout the program will be introductions and narrative insights. This event invites us to celebrate the life of who Frank Sinatra called "the greatest singer ever." As the special ends, Tony Bennett will take the empty stage, this time alone, and deliver his signature classic, "I Left My Heart In San Francisco."

TV musical showcase, au courant.
2009-10-28
Cannot fault Tony Bennett, the performer, the talent. At age eighty in 2006, took up the idea from son Danny, Academy winner director/choreographer Rob Marshall ('Chicago') and others to perform in a television spectacle that will become an enduring musical event. Bennett teamed up with Christina Aguilera, Michael Bublé, Chris Botti, Elton John, Juanes, Diana Krall, k.d. lang, John Legend, Barbra Streisand, Stevie Wonder (and other musical artists, regrettably not all of whom are included in this curiously brief blue-ray recording).

Presentations from celebrities such as Billy Crystal, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Bruce Willis, John Travolta and Robert De Niro might constitute an attraction but it is the musical production, arrangements and recorded sound most particularly, that stands out here. There are the considerable contributions of Bob Marshall with those of regular collaborators and others, such as from John Myhre (Production Design); Thomas Voth (Art Direction); Barbara Cassel (Set Decoration); Dion Beebe (Cinematography); Wyatt Smith (Film Editing); Colleen Atwood (Costume Design), with Bill Charlap (solo piano on 'I Left My Heart in San Francisco'), Phil Ramone (music producer of original songs) and also Brian Mather and Tim Pingel (guitar), both uncredited.

Favorite musical numbers come from k.d. lang ('Because of You', w. Chris Botti) and Stevie Wonder ('For Once in My Life'), while vocals stand out for most of the rest ('Sing You Sinners' w. John Legend'; with Diana Krall on Steve Allen's 'The Best is Yet to Come'; Michael Bublé; etc.). The Streisand, Aguilera and Elton John numbers seem to lack vocal spontaneiety (perhaps attributable to insufficient rehearsal time), but the visuals and choreography are a constant in entertainment value, if not extremely original. Which brings us to the dance numbers, on stage under Marshall and, I believe, collaborators Scott Hislop and Michelle Johnston. The nine attractive dancers are: Eboni 'Chrystal' Adams (as Eboni Adams), Nancy Anderson, Aliane Baquerot, Staci B. Flood (as Staci Flood), Scott Fowler, Lonnie Henderson, Brandon Henschel, Kevin Alexander Stea (as Kevin Stea), Yvette Tucker, all uniformely excellent, with Ms. Tucker a particular standout.

Executive producers: Rob Marshall, Danny Bennett and John DeLuca.
Tony Bennett--truly an American Classic
2009-10-07
I've seen this fabulous birthday tribute to Tony Bennett, twice, once on my HDTV and again as a rental in Blu-ray--and it's fabulous. If you're never able to see Tony live which I painfully regret to admit, this Blu-ray release will really put you there in all its high definition. The only reason I knocked off a star is because of the shortness of the program but director Rob Marshall (Chicago, Memoirs of a Geisha) has done a superb job of bringing off this tribute to Bennett in grand fashion. Bennett once said to Ray Charles that he didn't have a really great voice but the late Charles said, "But baby, you sing with so much feeling" And that's where it counts!!

· Actor: Chris Botti · Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 · Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated) · Binding: DVD · Brand: Sony · Director: Michael Drumm · EAN: 0074645429991 · Format: Color | Dolby | DVD | Live | NTSC · Label: Sony · Manufacturer: Sony · MPN: SMVD54299D · Number Of Items: 1 · Product Group: DVD · Publisher: Sony · Region Code: 1 · Release Date: 2002-08-06 · Running Time (Units: minutes): 85 · Studio: Sony · Theatrical Release Date: 2002-08-06 · UPC: 074645429991
» On december 3 2001 acclaimed trumpeter chris botti & his band took the stage at the histori el rey theatre in los angeles for an evening of evocative & sensual music. Studio: Sony Music Release Date: 08/06/2002 Run time: 80 minutesBotti
2009-10-29
I didn't enjoy this as much as other Botti albums. There was an unpolished "just hangin out" quality to it that I believe was intentional. It just didn't work for me. I would still recommend this to any Botti fans. It's still kind of cool, just not up to his more energized performances.Chris Botti Is Wonderful
2009-06-13
Chris Botti is a wonderful performer. All his CD/DVDs' are well worth having. Smooth, intimate and relaxing are some of the many feelings he brings to you as you watch and/or listen to his music.

· Actor: Clint Eastwood | Billy Crystal | Merv Griffin | Chris Botti | Dave Frishberg · Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated) · Binding: DVD · Creator (Role: Primary Contributor): Jack Sheldon | (Role: Producer): Penny Peyser & Doug McIntyre · Director: Doug McIntyre & Penny Peyser · EAN: 0898681001306 · Format: NTSC | Color · Product Group: DVD · Running Time (Units: minutes): 89 · Theatrical Release Date: 2008 · UPC: 898681001306
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Who is Jack Sheldon?

You may remember him as Merv Griffin' trumpet-wielding sidekick! Or as the indelible voice on SCHOOL HOUSE ROCK! Musicians know him as a jazz giant. Features historic footage with Benny Goodman, Stan Kenton and many others. "COMPELLING AND HIGHLY ENTERTAINING" Leonard Maltin, ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHTEven if you don't know who Jack Sheldon is you'll love this film!
2009-10-14
A very well done film about a great musician who's flown under the radar. Even if you are a music aficionado you will learn something and be thoroughly entertained by Jack Sheldon's story. After watching the film I went out and bought a bunch of his music. made me want to buy every jack sheldon album I could find
2009-01-17
At first it isn't clear where all of the deep-felt soul in this guy's playing comes from, but over the course of the film, slowly but surely, new facts slip into place, facts about the pain and the failures and the losses that Sheldon has lived through, so that when he finally breaks into his stunning solo on "It Had To Be You," it all comes together--magnificently. It made me want to rush out and buy every Jack Sheldon album I could get my hands on.