Salute To Vienna (Best
Of) – 10th Anniversary 1995 – 2005
Picture: C
Sound: B- Extras: D Concert: C+
Though this was actually taped in 1999, partly given away
by the fact that Gregory Peck hosted, this 95-minutes-long program (mistakenly
noted as 70 on the box) shows what is now an annual New Years tradition in the
United States (for those watching).
This Best Of Salute To Vienna show focuses on the music of Johann
Strauss and George Gershwin. This was
recorded for public television, the only place that would be likely to
broadcast such a program.
There is singing, choirs, polka, orchestras, ballet and
The Boys Choir Of Harlem even participate.
It is just fine for the traditional music program it is, something
obviously not in great proliferation on DVD, but this is as good a basic DVD in
that vein as you are likely to find.
The performances are as follows:
1) Vom
Donaustrande
2) Entrance
Song From “Wiener Blut”
3) Emperor
Waltz
4) Entrance
Song From “The Gypsy Baron”
5) French
Polka
6) Voices
Of Spring
7) Chit
Chat Polka
8) “Dein Is
Main Ganzes Herz”
9) Thunder
& Lightning Polka
10) Wine, Woman & Song Polka
11) “Drinking Song” Annen-Polka
12) Eljen a Magyar
13) The Watch Duet From “Die Fledermaus”
14) Chit Chat Polka with vocal
15) Duet From “Wiener Blut”
16) On The Beautiful Blue Danube Waltz
17) Finale II from “Die Fledermaus”
18) On The Beautiful Blue Danube Waltz (Reprise)
19) Radetzky March
The full frame image is off of what looks like a PAL or
even SECAM source, despite some U.S. backing, but it is not as clear as it
should or could be. The Dolby Digital
2.0 Stereo on the other hand, offers some Pro Logic surrounds and is much more
in keeping with the age of the production.
There are no extras. Some of
this seems a touch pretentious, and that is where it becomes unintentionally
funny, but those who are interested in the subject will not be totally
disappointed.
- Nicholas Sheffo
