Customer Reviews

Amazing Time Capsule from the 1960's Review by Vince

Music
Attitude
Fun

This DVD is a revelation! I purchased it for the Bobby Darin special; that alone would have been worth the price. I was not aware of the Coke Time special, but it totally blew me away! First off, the Darin special shows the singer in his absolute prime. You get a lot of the hits, plus fantastic, not-seen-in-years segments with Duane Eddy and Clyde McPhatter. Darin shows off his versatility, singing all types of music, and also accompanying McPhatter on piano! If you like Darin, you need to own this DVD.

The Coke Time special absolutely blind-sided me! If you're a fan of late '50s/early '60s music, this DVD is essential. The lineup of Pat Boone, Bobby Darin, Frankie Avalon, and Paul Anka represent the best of the so-called teen-idol period (only Elvis and Ricky Nelson are missing!) The real surprise is how talented they all were! After years of reading how the teen-idols were untalented and manufactured, this DVD provides absolute evidence to the contrary.

Keep in mind that some of the special is hokey in a way that only the 1950s could be (especially the parts with Bob Denver and Edd "Kookie" Byrnes,) but here are a few facts; Bobby Darin could do absolutely anything, and do it extremely well! Pat Boone had a fantastic voice in the style of Perry Como and Andy Williams; he clearly would have been a star in any era! Paul Anka, though very talented, comes off far more brash and obnoxious than Bobby Darin ever did (Anka looks about 14 years-old in this special, yet he already appears to be striving to be a lounge singer!)

The revelation here is Frankie Avalon, who, especially in contrast to Anka, is absolutely smooth as silk. His voice, though not terribly strong, has a unique rhythmic drive, and he makes everything look effortless. Additionally, his trumpet solo of an old Harry James number is fantastic! The highlight, by far, is when Boone, Darin, Avalon and Anka team up for a tribute to the music that they grew up with. They croon, rock, and swing with absolute authority. This DVD is an absolute treasure! (Posted on 8/17/11)