Roy Orbison’s career spanned 5 decades of music. Predominantly a 50’s artist, his catchy ballads became standards in the 60’s and 70’s. By the 90’s ELO master Jeff Lynne used his skills to give Orbison a tremendous comeback and a new modern sound. Orbison sadly passed away during the peak of this newfound fame and never saw the release of his last hit album.
Audio
There is a great deal of inconsistency in the audio of this DVD. Many of the clips are taken from 40 years or older source tape…. The producers did do a heck of a job, though. Available in a DTS, Dolby Digital 5.1, or a Dolby Digital Stereo format the tracks are relatively clean. Some are actually quite dynamic like the more modern production of “You Got It”. The DTS track provides a slightly fuller sound but otherwise identical to the 5.1.
Video
These songs are presented in a full frame format, which is exactly how most if not all of these clips were shot. Again the video is not a constant quality. Clips range from 1950’s black and white to later footage obviously dubbed from old video tape. Expect that the best that could have been delivered here was accomplished.
Special Features
You’ll find a couple of “press kits” which are industry ads for two of Orbison’s releases. Music Videos of “Crying” and She’s A Mystery To Me” are also included.An educational piece offers two songs that alternate between the original audio and the new 5.1 mix. Depending on your system you’ll feel as well as hear a dramatic difference.Finally a new re-mix of the 1957 “An Empty Cup” is entertaining as well.
Final Thoughts
For me the best part of the DVD is the clip of Orbison shown before each track. You’ll learn a lot of interesting tidbits about the songs themselves and milestones in Orbison’s career. I was disappointed that his Traveling Wilburys days are not covered here. There is a brief mention in the booklet, but not really any time on the feature. If you’re looking for a good archive of Orbison’s Greatest Hits, “You Got It”.
Special Features List
- Press kits
- Music Videos of “Crying” and She’s A Mystery To Me”
- An Empty Cup (and a Broken Date): original acetate version from 1957 and digitally remastered version
- Crying: Mono to 5.1 audio comparison
