Shop Ireland

The Jazz Singer [VHS] [1981] starring: Laurence Olivier, Neil Diamond, Lucie Arnaz, Catlin Adams, Franklyn Ajaye

Publisher: Warner Home Video
Release date: 11th June, 1996
Media: VHS Tape

Format

• Dolby
• PAL
• Surround Sound

Similar Products

• The Jazz Singer: Original Soundtrack
• Yentl [DVD] [1983]
• The Jazz Singer 25th Anniversary Edition (Region 2 Compatible DVD , Full English Language Cover)
• A Star Is Born (1976) Barbra Streisand [Region 2 compatible]
• Jolson Story, The / Jolson Sings Again [DVD] [1946]
• See more...

Editorial Review

Back in 1927, The Jazz Singer entered the history books as the first true, sound-on-film talking picture, with Al Jolson uttering the immortal words, "You ain't heard nothing yet!" But even then it was a creakingly sentimental old yarn. By the time this second remake showed up in 1980 (there was a previous one in 1953) it looked as ludicrously dated as a chaperone in a strip club. Our young hero, played by pop singer Neil Diamond in a doomed bid for movie stardom, is the latest in a long line of Jewish cantors, but secretly moonlights with a Harlem soul group. When his strictly Orthodox father (Laurence Olivier, complete with painfully hammy "oya-veh" accent) finds out, the expected ructions follow. Though the lad makes it big in showbiz, it all means nothing while he's cut off from family and roots. But in the end--well, you can guess, can't you? Diamond comes across as likeable enough in a bland way, but unencumbered by acting talent, and the music business has never looked so squeaky clean--nary a trace of drugs, and precious little sex or rock'n'roll. As for anything sounding remotely like jazz, forget it. This is one story that should have been left to slumber in the archives. --Philip Kemp

Click here to add a review!

Average rating - (more reviews)

Rating: - jazz singer

I am very disappointed that I cannot play this DVD as I did not realise that it will not play on UK machines. It is useless to me!It was not clear when I ordered it rthat it was only for the USA
Can you help?
Morag Findlay

Rating: - Gift

It was a gift for someone but they enjoyed it, as they are Neil Diamond Fans

Rating: - jazz singer

I love this film altough it was in english some of my friends were unable to play this DVD on their DVD player because of the language set up

Rating: - amazon service

The quick and prompt service to getting this DVD was quick and well received,just one small problem with DVD can only play on old DVD player and not my new DVD recorder.Thanks for the excellent service.

Rating: - Amazing

Anyone who likes Neil Diamond this is a must, great story line, the music is amazing:)

Review Pages: 1 2 3 4 Next »

Browse Categories

• - Drama
• - Classic
• - Film Musicals
• - VHS
• - PG
• - Standard Edition
• - 1980 - 1989
• - English
• - Olivier, Laurence
• - General
• - Musicals
• - Condition (condition-type)