One Night With Blue Note: The Historic All-Star Reunion Concert
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DVD Cover Information
Artist: VariousBrand: EMD
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language)
Format: Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
DVD Release Date: 2003-11-04
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Blue Note Records
Movie Reviews of One Night With Blue Note: The Historic All-Star Reunion Concert
Movie Review: Still the best jazz film ever made
Summary: 5 Stars
As has been noted by nearly every reviewer of the recently reissued DVD version of "One Night With Blue Note", the changes to the original film (made in 1985 and released on VHS and laserdisc) are controversial and questionable. No one can say the enhanced image and sound quality aren't improvements, and the additional music is certainly welcome, but this was a movie made by a filmmaker with a very clear intent - to show the intimate interplay between jazz musicians. This was accomplished through extended close-ups and very observant musical intercutting. Director John Jopson and Cinematographer Ernest Dickerson did a masterful job in capturing the personalities of the musicians and it seems a shame to randomly throw in audience shots from some other event - and in video format at that. (I wonder what those people think watching this DVD, seeing themselves enjoying a show they never attended.)
To film more than forty of the greatest jazz musicians in the world for over 3 hours is a daunting task. This movie was shot on film, not video, so there had to be film magazine changes every ten minutes on each of the multiple cameras. To do this without missing important moments is incredibly difficult and requires planning, a good ear, and spontaneity. On the original version there was a great interplay during one set where we see Freddie Hubbard's amazed reaction to Herbie Hancock's piano solo. This shot really said something - how these musicians can blow each other away. Throughout the film the Director doesn't hesitate to cut away to what the other musicians are doing, even during a solo. To be fair much of this artful editing is still intact, but it's a disservice to the filmmaker and the viewer to go back in and change the intent.
Most importantly, thanks to Bruce Lundvall and Michael Cuscuna the greatest night in jazz history has been well documented, and at least we know the original footage is still in the Blue Note vaults in case some future aficionado wants to restore the film to its original form for the next generation. Or how about releasing a Director's Cut? I'll bet everyone who owns the DVD would buy yet another version: We know from the CDs and the tracks that were removed from the original version (ie the Charles Lloyd and Stanley Jordan tunes) that there must be a lot of footage yet to be released.
Nevertheless the DVD version is still an incredible film and well worth the investment. If you're a jazz lover buy the DVD and look for the vhs or laserdisc on eBay. "One Night With Blue Note" is simply the best jazz movie ever made.
Summary of One Night With Blue Note: The Historic All-Star Reunion Concert
When Bruce Lundvall and Michael Cuscuna revived the Blue Note label in 1985, a reunion concert was held at New York?s Town Hall. The concert brought together some of the most well-known names in jazz, as well as a handful of artists newly signed to the label, on one stage. For well over three hours on the night of February 22, 1985, one jazz legend after another took the stage playing classic tunes from the Blue Note catalog. Many regard this event as the greatest single jazz evening ever!Similar DVD Movies
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