Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night (1988 TV Special) User Reviews

An hour of heaven

[sunbeam-4 · 9/10 · 18 January 2004]

As an amateur musician, I truly appreciate great music, and this was one of the best hours of television I've ever seen. Everyone was great, especially Roy, Bruce and the other guitar players and musicians. I especially liked Jennifer Warnes, K.D., and Bonnie as backup singers.

To sum it up- a truly inspiring hour of music and a tribute to Roy, who passed away way too young. There should be more shows of this caliber- TV would be a better place.

beautiful, beautiful concert!

[mariposarosa2 · 10/10 · 5 March 2005]

This is a concert I think everyone should see! Young, old and in between. Roy Orbison is always close to my heart as one of the most prolific, sensitive and talented vocalists that graced us with his presence in the music business and was taken from us far too soon.

BLACK AND WHITE NIGHT has been shown multiple times on PBS and I never get tired of it. Every time I hear Roy, it's like hearing him for the first time. He has a wonderful tone and totally breaks your heart. Of course, the world knows him most famously for "Pretty Woman," but he is so much more than that song! How wonderful it was that musicians like Bruce Springstein, Tom Waits, Jennifer Warren, KD Lang and Bonnie Raitt joined him in this, his final televised concert before he died of a heart condition in 1988. Watch this, everyone!!!!

About As Good As It Gets

[ccthemovieman-1 · 10/10 · 23 January 2007]

The first great concert DVD I ever bought was this one. I use the word "great" for several reasons: 1 - the surround sound was (and may still be) the best I had ever heard on disc; 2 - the songs are all outstanding; 3 - the singers and musicians are fantastic; and, 4 - the beautiful black-and-white photography brings a nice touch.

This concert was a "10," however, even on the VHS, which I stumbled on shortly after this was released and was grateful to have discovered. If you like old-fashioned rock 'n roll with updated instrumentals, this is about as good as it gets with (along with "Carl Perkins' and Friends: Blue Suede Shoes" DVD).

This is a fun, nostalgic feel--good disc, which always pleases and is outstanding, as mentioned to both see and hear. Why can't all music DVDs sound this good?

Orbison does all his hit songs, and sings them well, with excellent backup from talented and famous musicians and singers. The black-and-white photography also is nicely done. The contrasts and shades are magnificent.

Orbison's classic songs are embellished by Bruce Springsteen, T-Bone Burnett, Elvis Costello, Mike Utley, Tom Waits plus other lesser-known but very talented artists. Also, you get all- star male and female backup trios. The female backups are Bonnie Raitt, Jennifer Warnes and k.d. Lang - not bad, eh? Jackson Browne leads the male trio. There are a bunch of celebrities in the audience, too, ranging from Kris Kristofferson to Tiny Tim!

Most of the times I get more pumped listening to the fast songs, although the slow ones are very good, too. The fast songs are fantastic, and the 5.1 sound is highlighted more on them as you hear different instruments come out of all five speakers - and they are distinct. On "Pretty Wonan," you hear the three guitar players on three different speakers. It's amazing.

Everyone on stage is having a super time. Just the look on Springsteen's face tells it all. These artists revered Orbison and it shows. You can just see how thrilled they were to be on stage with the legend. What a fantastic concert and DVD. Rating this 10 stars doesn't seem to be enough!

The expressions on Springsteen's face say it all...

[cj909 · 16 May 2004]

I own this on DVD, but to this day whenever it shows up on PBS (roughly every 24 hours, where I live, lol!), I am compelled to watch it start to finish.

There is a phenomenal array of musicians on stage, all there to play with one of the greatest talents in musical history. It's quite possible that a lot of people think Elvis and Chuck Berry when they think of the start of popular rock and roll music, but Orbison's writing, musicianship (and that voice!) tower over the others of that era. The presence of all the other names doesn't make one think of a 'star studded' VH1/MTV made-for-TV extravaganza, but more a group of able musicians both paying homage and participating in a real musical performance, in concert with each other, not taking star turns even as they step up to play a solo or sing with 'the master'.

All the players are fantastic and are thrilled to be there, but Springsteen in particular looks like a little-league 11-year old getting to play ball with Mantle, Ruth, Robinson and Aaron. His awe and exuberance at being there mirrors what anyone has to feel watching this show.

(and a P.S. - no audio problems on my disk or on the televised version.)

A Concert That Mesmerizes the Audience

[claudio_carvalho · 10/10 · 19 December 2004]

On October 23rd, 1999, I bought an imported VHS of this concert and I was astounded with such a wonder. Later, I replaced my VHS by the DVD, and I have watched this show at least ten times on these medias. The icon Roy Orbison, who had a personal life filled with many tragedies, playing and singing with names like Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, J.D. Souther, Jackson Browne, Jennifer Warner, K.D. Lang, T. Bone Burnett and Tom Waits, is spectacular. The concert was shot with black and white 35mm film, basic condition imposed by Roy Orbison to participate of this party, and the result is amazingly wonderful. This DVD is to be part of any collection of music lovers. Roy Orbison and his friends sing and play the following classic songs:

1) Only the Lonely; 2) Dream Baby; 3) Blue Bayou; 4) The Comedians; 5) Ooby Dooby; 6) Leah; 7) Running Scared; 8) Uptown; 9) In Dreams; 10) Crying; 11) Candyman; 12) Go, Go, Go; 13) Mean Woman Blues; 14) Dream You; 15) Claudette; 16) It's Over; 17) Oh, Pretty Woman.

It is hard to select, but "In Dreams", "Crying" and "Dream You" are my favorite songs. My vote is ten.

Title (Brazil): "Roy Orbison: Black & White Night"

Note: On 21 August 2011, I saw this wonderful concert again.

Truly Spectacular

[Knuckle · 10/10 · 4 October 2003]

As if Roy Orbison performing were not enough, the talent he has with him in this concert is truly awe inspiring. Tom Waits, kd lang, Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello - to name only a few - all lend their musical skills to make this a once in a lifetime event. A must-have for anyone who calls themselves a music lover.

Really wonderful music...

[heydave-3 · 10/10 · 4 January 2000]

I had the honor of touring with Roy Orbison as a roadie way back in 1980. He had just won a Grammy for "That Loving You Feeling Again" and was touring to promote it. After being on the road for 6 weeks with him, I developed a true love of his music. His vocal range was amazing. He would drink iced Grand Marnier out of a silver goblet onstage. He said it helped his voice.

One of the best

[dixie-18 · 10/10 · 5 June 2004]

Local PBS station is showing this one tonight, and well worth seeing. This show was filmed for HBO (not MTV/VH1)in September 1988. They showed it in October, and sadly on December 6, 1988 Roy passed away. Roy was an absolutely incredible singer,who was often forgotten by the time the 1970's rolled around. He started getting noticed again in the 80's. David Lynch included Roy's hit "In Dreams" in his classic film Blue Velvet. People began to remember how great Roy was. In May 1987 he appeared on Saturday Night Live, and was the first singer to sing three songs! Most musical guests only get to sing two on SNL. His career was taking off again by 1988, his joint effort with Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan and George Harrison as the Traveling Wilburys was really heating up when Roy died.

If you like real rock and roll music, do not miss Black & White Nights.

Black & White Night - Excellent show with Many great accompanists

[cdhanks2003 · 9/10 · 19 March 2006]

I couldn't help but comment on "nonconformist's" comments. For a concert video the editing was not that bad. But his slams on "has-beens" is awful. Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raite, KD Lang, Jennifer Warnes, JD Souther are NOT has-beens. They are treasures who are still making great music. His crack about Springsteen's overbite was just plain mean. His comment about the "has-beens almost faking orgasms" is just plain stupid. These folks are obviously enjoying jamming with a legend, Roy Orbison. If you don't enjoy the performance you should keep quiet and not show your ignorance and mean spirit.

As for Brian Greenhalgh's complaint about the sound being out of sync...was this a legitimate purchase or more likely an illegal copy? If so you have no reason to complain. If legitimate you can exchange it.

Electrifying

[trimmerb1234 · 9/10 · 26 March 2009]

In this concert Roy Orbison was surrounded by an aristocracy of stars in their own right from a younger generation. But almost completely self-effacing they were there to pay tribute to the master himself and to be present at the great occasion. And what an occasion it turned out to be. The world is familiar with Orbison's classic songs recorded from 1960 onwards and most remember how he then sang them. The surprise was that at this, what was to be his last, concert he brought enhanced interpretations to his established classics There was more expression, sometimes in places more power and real unexpected drama. The climax at the end of Running Scared was absolutely electrifying. All participants paid verbal tribute in their own ways to Orbison in pieces to camera at the end. k d lang said it best: Orbison didn't sing songs, he sang epics. Of all that younger generation she was perhaps best placed to make that judgement.

A real treat for the ears (and eyes)

[sme_no_densetsu · 8/10 · 23 December 2007]

I first became aware of this gem of a concert film thanks to PBS. Not only is the music excellent but the visual presentation is also first class.

Captured about a year before Orbison's untimely death, this concert showcases one of the truly distinctive voices in rock 'n' roll. Even better, here he's surrounded by several talented friends including Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello & k.d. lang. The backup band is stellar as well, particularly lead guitarist James Burton. Among the songs performed are trademark classics like "Only the Lonely", "Crying" & "Oh, Pretty Woman", all of which are sung with power and precision.

Regarding the visual style, the black and white photography is perfectly suited to Orbison's music. There's a certain aura of 'cool' about the whole visual presentation.

Catch it on TV if you must but for the full effect I recommend tracking down the DVD, which makes good use of surround sound.

Great musical moment!

[mynfmailbox · 9/10 · 1 January 2006]

Not only is the music great but it is a real joy to see all these famous artist just having a great time playing together! No one who has even a mild interest in Roy will be disappointed and of course those who love him probably already mailed tons of money to their local public television station to get the DVD during their fund raising! If you find a copy of it for sale somewhere I'd go for it. I found Bruce Springsteen and James Burton jamming during the finale was awesome. Elvis Costello plays harmonic and guitar and seeing him on stage with Roy it's not too hard to see who may have been the inspiration for his large eye glassed oddball look! And where else could you see K.D Lang, Bonnie Raitt and Jennifer Warnes as back up singers?

A Disappointing Build

[ejsharpe-1 · 6/10 · 6 November 2008]

We ordered this recently and settled in to watch it last night, and were disappointed with the final product. The black and white was fabulous, the songs are timeless, the musical talent was wall-to-wall but the audio production was too obviously disconnected from the video. It felt like the editors had put the movie together with the sound turned off, and then tried (and failed) to sneak a synchronized audio layer back on top. There were other holes in the audio track, where instruments or voices were submerged but that might be our bad; we'll have to watch it again with theatre sound to get to the bottom of that. And only 64 minutes? With not one syllable of audience rapport? Coulda been miles better. And there was too much of Bruce Springsteen, God bless 'im, playing like he'd steal the show given half the chance.

Could have been pretty good.

[nonconformist · 5/10 · 11 April 2005]

Saw this was coming on HDTV and tried to watch it. It could have been pretty good had it not been for the constant reminder that there were many other contemporary musicians performing there also. The camera is constantly and clumsily panning to show these has-beens who are almost faking orgasm to show the audience just how much they are "grooving to the music". But even this I could have put up with had it not been for the ever-present image of Bruce Springsteen with his continuous trademark under bite smile. Springsteen is shown so much that one would have to wonder if the narcissistic New Yorker foots the bill for the event. Another thing I didn't care for was the poor editing. I thought at times I was watching a computer generated show with new video added to old.

Fantastic sound

[fergy · 9/10 · 26 November 1999]

This is an amazing DVD, with a DTS soundtrack that is so realistic and enveloping, you truly feel you are sitting in the front row. It is a spectacular disc to show off your home theater's audio system.

And of course, Roy Orbison is a legend whose influence on music is immeasurable. At the end of the movie, some later legends who shared the stage with Roy talk about how much he meant to them. It is a real treat to see him perform, even if you've never been a Roy Orbison fan.

What a gem to see -- and to hear

[Rich Wiggins · 5 December 2002]

The local PBS station just showed this gem for its infernal pledge drive. What a find! The audio is great and the band is very tight. KD Lang, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, Elvis Costello, Bruce Springsteen -- quite a band, and about the same time the Traveling Wilburys were born. And a hell of a guitarist named James Burton puts all the instrumentalists to shame -- look up his pedigree.

Really strong performances from an all star band in a live performance, very nicely videoed in b&w.

Also fun to pick out the LA luminaries in the studio audience.

This REALLY needs to come out on DVD. Great stuff!

/rich

What an incredible live performance recording.

[jlind9901 · 10/10 · 14 March 2003]

Roy Orbison has one the most recognizable and timeless voices I have ever heard. Most singers can sound good in the studio. Roy was one who could do it live! Recorded live at the Coconut Grove, it was obvious that this assemblage of musical artists were having fun. And I really loved the mid-song "jam sessions". A once in a lifetime incredible performance!

Absolute pleasure!

[ahuber8 · 10/10 · 27 March 2006]

I grew up with R&R, and this is one of the best performances I have ever seen. I also have a video tape of this show that I made from the concert on TV, and this is the consummate Roy Orbison. The rest of the crew are all great, too, and when you watch this, you know they were having fun! The B&W makes it seem even better, for me; I love every second of it, and the jam sessions are totally and ecstatically foot-stompin' wonderful! The guys doing their things individually, as in "Oobie Doobie" and in "Pretty Woman", seem to go on forever. This concert must have been one of the best times these folks ever had. The emotions in songs like "Leah", "In Dreams" and "Cryin'" will just get into your heart. Oh, BTW: Turn the volume UP!!

Roy Orbison and Friends: Black & White Night!

[Movie Nuttball · 10/10 · 1 January 2004]

This is a great concert with an all star cast! The late great singer Roy Orbison doesn't disappoint in this classic! In My opinion Roy Orbison is one of the greatest singers of all time! If you love his songs then this is a must own!

Superb

[grantss · 9/10 · 21 September 2018]

Rock 'n' roll legend Roy Orbison and some friends, legends in their own right, get together and perform some of Orbison's songs.

Superb. Orbison alone is a giant of rock 'n' roll but the stars gathered to honour him are individually giants too: Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits, Bonny Raitt, Jackson Browne, Elvis Costello, k.d. lang, T Bone Burnett.

Great musicians, music, fun vibe, superb show.

Enraptured and enthralled by 'perfect 10' music DVD

[bver88 · 10/10 · 26 January 2007]

Perfect pitch in a range exceeding 3 octaves...delivery as flawless as an angel landing softly on a 'pavlova'...timeless graceful melodies sounding fresh as newly fallen snow, though written long ago, and performed countless times over a 25 - 30 year career prior to this magic night of nights...the joy of of the 'young' musicians sharing the stage with the 'Master' is a rare privilege to behold....Roy Kelton Orbison had the purest, most expressive tone of any singer of his generation...this film captures the essence of his genius better than any music 'video' this viewer has ever seen...the all star 'support' is anchored by James Burton, lead guitar phenom, to my mind playing on a level others can only dream of, including mega star Bruce 'the boss' Springsteen, who is frequently shown, delight radiating from his face....tasteful backup harmonies by KD Lang, Bonnie Raitt, and Jennifer Warnes blending perfectly with Roy's soaring notes that only Roy can hit...I sat in rapture for the entire 64 minutes, dreading the moment when the performance would end...a perfect 10, don't miss this one, music lovers of the 50's and 60's, it is VERy special film-making

Not much icing, but very good cake

[deltaco-158-824418 · 8/10 · 8 December 2012]

When this concert was filmed in 1988, Roy Orbison had come back from the creatively dead. He hadn't recorded since 1979-- hadn't had a record hit the chart since 1966 (a greatest hits compilation snuck into the Top 100 at #95 in 1972). People knew the name, but had forgotten the music.

But when David Lynch used Orbison's "In Dreams" as the centerpiece of BLUE VELVET, everyone who saw the movie wanted the song-- and Orbison was suddenly hotter than he'd been in decades. This film was his "coming out" party-- a small-club performance (LA's famous Coconut Grove) of his greatest hits with a superstar band, filmed in high-definition black and white.

The people whop put this show together had the good sense to hire T-Bone Burneett (who assembled the music for O BROTHER WHERE ART THOU? and put Alison Krauss and Robert Plant together) as musical director. For the rhythm section, he reunited Elvis Presley's "TCB Band" (Takin' Care of Business): pianist Glen Hardin, bassist Jerry Scheff, drummer Ronnie Tutt and James Burton (who has made the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame as a sideman) on lead guitar.

Because Orbison was (a) exceptionally talented, (b) a genuine hard-luck story (his wife and two sons had died in different accidents) and (c) one of the nicest guys ever to walk the earth, scads of people offered to help, thinking their name might boost sales.

So there were two trios (one male, one female) of backing vocalists. The men were singer-songwriter (five hits for the Eagles) J.D. Souther, Dylan sideman Steve Soles and Jackson Browne. Not a bad trio.

The least talented of the trio of women (Jennifer Warnes) performed three songs that won Academy Awards for best song. Her partners were K.D. Lang and Bonnie Raitt. Plus, Tom Waits, Elvis Costello and Bruce Springsteen also played backup on at least one song.

My concern, when I saw all these names, was that the show would be a self-indulgent superstar cabaret (like the finales of the R&R HOF), with half-drunk egotists who sort-of-knew the songs taking turns upstaging Orbison by performing with him and delivering self-indulgent tributes in between.

Didn't happen. With a few exceptions, everyone keeps their egos in check. When Lang windmills during "(All I Can Do is) Dream You", she looks genuinely excited by a strong performance of an uptempo song. And that is one of only two songs from the upcoming comeback album, All the hits are here; only an Orbison scholar might quibble about one or two minor hits being missing.

So why two stars off? For one thing, Orbison is a dull live performer. He's a great singer and a good guitarist. But all he ever did was stand there. Between songs, he says "Thank You"-- no stories or memories like you'd get on a VH-1 retrospective. There's no backstage bits or insights from the band (like the astute comments about Chuck Berry that punctuate HAIL HAIL ROCK AND ROLL). All you get is the music.

The director tries to jazz things up by constantly cutting to show one star or another-- but since everyone is dialing it back so as not to upstage Orbison, you're not gaining anything by watching this film instead of listening to the CD.

The arrangements try very hard to clone the originals-- since there is a string section, nobody can improvise. They're excellent performances... but it's like hearing the greatest hits album with better sound.

Except for one spot, there's nothing spontaneous. And that one spot made me grind my teeth.

In the middle of "Pretty Woman", they stage a guitar duel between Burton and Springsteen. To my ears (I play guitar), this is like watching a duel between a wolverine and a hamster. It's precisely the sort of nightmare I dreaded. And it eats up 6 minutes of the 60.

It appears on PBS a lot, and I'd encourage you to watch it (8 stars is a B+). But if you want to buy something, get the CD, as opposed to the DVD or paying to watch it. The CD costs less, it has three more songs and you really don't gain anything from the video. The cake (the music) is wonderful, but there isn't enough icing to justify something more.

An excellent musical treat

[bama1111 · 10/10 · 25 November 2006]

Back in the early 60s, being attractive was almost a requirement for success in the R&R recording field. People like Fabian became big stars regardless of the fact that he couldn't sing. But Roy Orbison, thick horned rimmed glasses, double chin and all, was a great example that if you could make good music you could be successful. After his early success, in the 60's, he disappeared from the music charts although he continued to tour. In the 80s he returned to the forefront of the musical scene and this concert is a perfect example that he had not lost a step nor had he lost that magical voice. His accompanying players are all fans of his music as well as outstanding musicians in their own right. And, how bad can it be having Bonnie Raitt, k.d. Lang & Jennifer Warnes as your backup singers.

If you liked this you should check out his "In Dreams" video which is more biographical. It talks about his early days at Sun Records with Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis, his success in the 60s, his great receptions by his British fans and his resurgence in the 80s and his induction into the R&R Hall Of Fame by Bruce Springsteen.

Roy takes the youngsters to school on R&B

[j_stueve · 10/10 · 27 October 2006]

I don't know that I can add much to what has already been written about Black & White Night, but I'll say this. It's the ONLY thing I've ever watched on PBS that motivated me to call in a pledge, and I did it to get the DVD.

Watching Roy playing with newer stars who clearly admired his artistry, and seeing old masters like James Butler setting a standard for the youngsters to emulate was truly a moving experience. Knowing that Roy passed not long after this show gave it a bittersweet taste, but on this night he was on top of his game; his voice never sounded better, and he reminded us all of his unique writing and vocals which I've not seen anyone duplicate yet.

I've enjoyed listening to the DVD on my stereo system for the music, but watching these people come together in homage to Orbison on the video is the only way to really get the full effect of this wonderful night recorded for posterity. Kids from the 50's and 60's as well as those 30 years younger will enjoy this DVD. It's one of my all-time favorites.

Astonishing Piece of Concert Film

[modarkajo · 10/10 · 1 September 2018]

In 1987, a small group of people were lucky enough to witness Roy Orbison sharing the same stage with the likes of Elvis Costello, Bruce Springsteen, and Tom Waits among others. And luckily for the rest of us, this incredible film has been made to document this once-in-a-lifetime concert.

Filmed entirely in black and white (as the title clearly suggests) this film is a gorgeous piece of work. Some shots (the ones with the audience mostly) were distorted in various ways in order to give them a 'vintage feel' and it works like a charm. The restlessness quality of the camera work is also very noticeable, whether it's zooming or panning, the camera is almost always in motion, not many static shots here, and I think it's a great way to capture the true excitement that those performances offer.

Musically there isn't much that can be said really, because it's simply perfect, but the highlight for me was the song "Go! Go! Go!" where James Burton, Roy Orbison, Bruce Springsteen, and Elvis Costello play their solos respectively, it was marvelous I'd watch it a thousand times.