Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Mitzi Gaynor in Razzle Dazzle, The Special Years (2008)

Obscurity factor (3)

This special, which came out a few years ago, is a comprehensive overview of the 8 television specials Mitzi made between 1968 and 1978. She and her team really knew how to make good variety television. the numbers showcased in this special are spectacular in their execution and concept, and just delightful in their production values, which seem so far removed from today's style. The special was produced for public television and includes interviews with Mitzi and many of the members of her team, including the legendary costume designer, Bob Mackie. Additionally, the bonus features include 8 full length numbers from the specials and a long conversation with Mackie, showcasing the glamorous costumes he designed for her.
 
Though this was released recently on DVD, it's now out of print. Copies can be found fairly easily on Amazon and elsewhere, though they are a bit pricey. The trailer is above, uploaded to YouTube by scamardo. You can find a few of the original specials on DVD at iOffer.com.

Obscurity factor: 3 (recently released, available on DVD, somewhat hard to find)

2 comments:

  1. I'm sure glad I have my copy.

    Her all-dancing, super-swinging version of the bossa nova classic "Let Go" ("Canto de Ossanha") is worth the price of the entire DVD. It's proof that when TV specials aired in the 1960s and 1970s, they really were special.

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  2. It's such a worth while program - proof that public television is worth saving.

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