Bobby Darin – Mack is Back
Picture: C+
Sound: C+ Extras: B- Main Concert: B-
Bobby Darin was, in his time, one of the premiere male
singers in American music, but died from a weak heart far too soon at the young
age of 37. In his time, he logged many
hits, including classics like “Splish Splash”, “Beyond the Sea”
and “If I Were A Carpenter”. Mack
is Back (2000) offers an interesting, diverse compilation of his work, with
a concert at the center of the DVD, one of his last, taped in color. It is a mixed set, working best with his own
material. When he strays too much, it
feels like a TV variety series from the early-1970s that misses the point of
the songs performed.
Better are the extras, which include a terrific black and
white “home movie” with narration of the time as Darin makes a comeback
performance at the famed Coconut Grove nightclub. Many performers would do this kind of thing at the time, before
the media became so huge and diverse, and Darin is no exception. There are clips from some of his actual TV
variety show guest shots on The Flip Wilson Show and The Andy
Williams Show, as well as Darin being joined by Bob Hope on his own Bobby
Darin & Friends series. All are
in color, except for the latter. There
is also a filmography of Darin’s film career with some trailers to boot, a
discography of his music output, and very good song section for the main
program that does not have confused chapter stops.
The full screen image varies, as it would in such a
compilation DVD or documentary.
Sometimes, the footage looks second or third generation, but it is not
bad in other examples. The Dolby
Digital 2.0 is usually monophonic, and shows its age, but there are not any
major problems with it except it could be a touch shrill at times when you play
certain sections too loud.
Overall, though, this is a good set. Fans will not be ripped off either, because
it offers many rarely seen items and is not some quick-buck cash-in DVD like
too many on the market.
- Nicholas Sheffo
