Customer Reviews

The Jazz Singer (25th Anniversary Edition)

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Although it wasn't intentionally released as a comedy (I think?) you can't help but laugh when you see Neil Diamond in black face (Al Jolsen is rolling in his grave). The dialogue is pure cheese smothered in matza ball soup. Watch it for a good chuckle then pass it off as a gag gift to some unsuspecting friend.

The Jazz SInger DVD came quickly by mail and the product was exactly as described. I will purchase from amazon again, and this seller. It was a great experience

i recently ordered The Jazz Singer DVD, but when opened the case there was no dvd inside, and upon letting amazon know, I had absolutely no problem, I was simply told to return the item and another one would be shipped out. Great feedback and service

Ugh. Poor plot development and cardboard characters. For example, he loves his wife sooooo much and discards her sooooo easily? Not likely. Lucie Arnaz, a wonderful personality and normally "good" actress is a cartoon character. Who could fall in love with Neil Diamond with all his angst and schmaltzy whining? Not I, that's for sure.

This is not a great adaptation of the Jazz singer,the acting is mediocre,the progress of the plot is unrealistic,but Neil Diamond`s great music makes it worth watching.I used to have the soundtrack to this movie,i enjoyed it a great deal.

I can't understand why this movie was so poorly accepted. It was a well acted, well directed film.

I saw this movie for the first time when I was 8 years old and I loved it and I just saw it again today at age 31 and I still love it...It was written great, and its a great movie! Neal Diamond is an excellent singer! Too the people who dont like it...you just dont get it and never will! One of the best movies of the 80's!!!!!

Neil Diamond is, well, Neil Diamond after all, in this good story about a Cantor's son/musician trying to break ranks with his Jewish heritage and family tradition. Neil's acting is okay and of course, Sir Lawrence Olivier is great, Luci Arnez does a respectible job in the film as well. What speaks to us music lovers is THE MUSIC, some wonderful tunes and a not-so-bad love story. Now that brings us to the question of "Why is this DVD SO DARN EXPENSIVE?!" It's worth about [money amount], if that and I won't buy it, I still have the VHS version and will store it in a nice cool place and bring it out once or twice a year to watch it with pleasure. Don't get suckered into some auction and pay more than you should for a used version, maybe if we're patient with Amazon, they will bring their price down, hmmm?

I own it, I see it often, and I share it with friends. What else can you say??? This is basically is an updated version of original Al Jolson story brought to present times.

Working with Sir Lawrence Oliver must have given Neil many sleepless nights, how could it not be. Having said that, Neil's performance was outstanding in all areas. Neil Diamond's ability as a song writer and concert showman came through in this movie and this allowed his fans to see another demention to his personality.

As I see it, he did an excellent job, and the movie is very enjoyable. Though he has not made another movie, his singing is still the best. I beleive this picture will eventually become a classic. I also believe that this movie sends a good message to all that although we can respect our parents, that holding out for our own dreams is the way to go.

This review refers to the VHS(1989 paramount) edition of this film....
At the 1927-1928 (First) Academy Awards Presentation "The Jazz Singer" starring Al Jolsen picked up a special award for pioneering the "Talkies". Obviously sound has come alooooong way since then and this 1980 modern day remake makes good use of it.
Jess Robinovitch(Neil Diamond)is a 5th generation Jewish cantor,tied to his role in the temple in the lower east side of New York. . His voice is phenominal(of course),he writes his own music, ballads mostly and has a chance to strike out on his own in Los Angeles.
He leaves for L.A. against the wishes of father, the 4th generation cantor(Laurence Olivier), and his wife, who likes things just the way they are.
It will take a while to achieve super stardom(at least a month!), but with the help of his new manager Molly(Lucie Arnaz),it is accomplished!The problem is his family is unhappy with the situation, his wife liked life when it was just them, his father is torn up about his son going against tradtion.Jess is having trouble coming to terms with the downfall of his relationship with his father. Molly feels responsible for the rift. Get your Kleenex ready as they work this out.
Diamond's soundtrack is wonderful. It includes "Love on the Rocks" and "Hello Again".Sir Olivier has not lost his touch, He is still the master. The British legend plays the Jewish cantor steeped in tradtion like he was born to the part, his performance alone is worth the watch.
The VHS is in hi-fi stereo, Dolby Surround, which enhances this musical.
Need a nice cry? This is the one!.......Laurie