Motown: The Early Years
by T.J. Lubinsky
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Bobby Rogers, Joe Billingslea's Contours, Levi Stubbs, Mary Wilson, The Temptations ReviewDirector: T.J. Lubinsky
Brand: SONY GROUP
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Compilation, DVD-Video, Live, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 40 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2007-01-30
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Shout Factory
Movie Reviews of Motown: The Early Years
Movie Review: Not all of the Motown Magic has been captured here
Summary: 3 Stars
Despite the title, this IS NOT a collection of archival clips of Motown's classic groups. This was a PBS television concert special featuring performances by some of Motown's surviving early artists from 2005.
I purchased this DVD with the high hopes that I was seeing the original television broadcast with the promotional bits cut out. What I soon realized though, was that alot more had been cut than that! Only about 36 minutes of the special remains here, of the original 96 or so minutes. Many of the performances, artists, and hosts of the evening have been cut. Besides the acts listed on the cover (Martha Reeves, The Velvelettes, Joe Billingslea's Contours, The Four Tops, and Dennis Edwards' Temptations Review), the original broadcast also showcased performances by Kim Weston, Gladys Horton of The Marvelettes, Brenda Holloway, and probably more! Also, the original broadcast featured archival footage of people who could not make it that evening (Mary Wells, The Supremes, etc.) Here, the only saved archival footage, is a few bits and pieces here and there in introduction for Martha Reeves and The Four Tops.
I could go on for hours here about what this disc is missing, so I'll just cut to the chase. This is not a really good DVD. For all of those who saw the special on t.v. and are considering buying this DVD, you are probably going to be very disappointed. However, for all those who want to see what Martha looks like, and are curious about The Velvelettes, and/or just wanna see someone singin' those hits, this might be the disc for you. I really only gave this DVD three stars because it gave me a chance to see Martha and The Velvelettes, and I really like that Four Tops song "Bernadette," even though it WAS NOT Levi Stubbs leading the group. (He's been too ill to perform for a very long time now. But he is sitting in the audience.)
Summary of Motown: The Early Years
Are You Ready For A Brand-New Beat?The gritty urban environment, the burgeoning pride and drive of black Americans, and blues, soul and gospel influences combined to form the music coming out of Detroit in the early 1960s. The sounds of early Motown were hopeful and soulful and, above all, made you want to dance.
Motown: The Early Years -- a unique combination of vintage clips of the original legends and Featuring live performances of the current touring groups -- brings memories to life and will have you belting out the songs and dancing along. This music lives forever.
Performances:
Dancing In The Street - Martha Reeves
(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave - Martha Reeves
Jimmy Mack - Martha Reeves
Nowhere To Run - Martha Reeves
Needle In A Hay Stack - The Velvelettes
Do You Love Me - Joe Billingslea's Contours
Just A Little Misunderstanding - Joe Billingslea's Contours
Get Ready - The Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards
Ain't Too Proud To Beg - The Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards
The Way You Do The Things You Do - The Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards
My Girl - The Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards
Baby I Need Your Loving - Four Tops
Bernadette - Four Tops
It's The Same Old Song - Four Tops
I Can't Help Myself - Four Tops
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