The Jazz Singer - 25th Anniversary Edition | 
| Director: Richard Fleischer
Actors: Neil Diamond, Laurence Olivier, Lucie Arnaz, Catlin Adams, Franklyn Ajaye
Studio: Starz / Anchor Bay
List Price: $14.98
Buy New: $7.22
You Save: $7.76 (52%)
New (51) Used (23) Collectible (2) from $6.86
Rating:  102 reviews
Sales Rank: 792
Format: Color, Dvd-video, Widescreen, Ntsc
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Region: 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Number Of Discs: 1
Running Time: 116 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 7.6 x 5.4 x 0.7
MPN: D13773D
UPC: 013131377392
EAN: 0013131377392
ASIN: B000AQ69SQ
Theatrical Release Date: December 19, 1980
Release Date: October 18, 2005
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com
Not much jazz spoken in this 1980 version of the Jolson classic, directed by Richard Fleischer (The Vikings) and starring a very tentative Neil Diamond as a cantor's son who would rather sing commercially than in a synagogue. The soundtrack is tedious, the portrait of L.A.'s music industry preposterous, and Diamond (despite his talents as a singer-songwriter in the real world) can't help but look like a speck on the wall in the presence of Laurence Olivier, who plays his father. --Tom Keogh
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| Customer Reviews: Read 97 more reviews...
 Better then ever in 2005! October 19, 2005
J. Lentz (Westland, MI USA)
65 out of 67 found this review helpful
Hopefully I am the first to rate the 25th Anniversary DVD of this movie.
First of all, if you have the original copy that was released a few years back, get rid of it! The sound quality of this version is WAY better! (No more turning the volume way up for the dialogue, then way down for the music.) This is also done in widescreen, so you can see EVERYTHING! Also, unlike the original, there are actual REAL extras on this version: the original theatrical trailer, a TV spot, commentary by the producer, still shots, mini-bios of Neil, Lucie, Lawrence, and Richard Fleischer, AND you can select the sound as well! This is worth the money! I only wish my mother was here to see this version, as she was a Neil Diamond freak and loved this movie! This would've been one of her Christmas gifts this year.
Diamond's Music, Olivier's Presence, OH MAMMY! October 28, 2002
L. Shirley (fountain valley, ca United States)
44 out of 48 found this review helpful
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.And for more music from the movies by the fabulous Neil Diamond I would recommend:As Time Goes By: The Movie Album
Need a good cry? This is the one!.......Laurie
I'm sentimental about this film! September 12, 1999
13 out of 14 found this review helpful
So everyone's a critic. :o) I first saw this film when I was in High School with friends from Choir and the Drama department. I have loved it ever since! What do I expect out of a film or play? To be entertained. I am always entertained when I watch The Jazz Singer. (A must for the video library of any N.D. fan) Did I expect an Academy Award winning performance by Neil Diamond or any others? No. However, I thought Neil did extremely well for not being an "actor". I was impressed. Laurence Olivier did a wonderful job, as usual. Yes, I am a Neil Diamond fan! How can anyone hear his voice alone, and not be moved, let alone with his music and lyrics? Neil Diamond's voice pierces my soul! My two favorite songs from the film are "Love On The Rocks" and "Hello Again". I highly recommend this film to music lovers, anyone who wants to be entertained, and to "thirty somethings" like me. I watched it two days ago and still have goose bumps! Andrea
Great Music + Great Plot = 5 Stars August 30, 2002
d_taggart55@hotmail.com (Statesboro, GA)
13 out of 15 found this review helpful
Even if you're not a big fan of Diamond's music, the plot of this movie will still strike a touching chord. Many people will be able to identify with the father/son conflict. This movie not only gives insight into how the music industry (especially the search for new talent) works, but is also inspiring to those who dream of becoming successful musicians themselves. Although released in 1980, the story is universal and still applies today (even the romance in the sub-plot is well done). Fans of Neil Diamond will love the many songs in this movie, but the songs also work as an integral part of the plot (this is not a mere venue for Diamond to show off his musical talents). Although he's not a professional actor, Diamond was perfect for this role. In fact, all of the actors in this movie were brilliant. This is my favorite movie, and my only complaint is that it's hard to find (practically non-existent in video stores).
Good Music, Bad Picture August 6, 1999
Glenn R. Howes (Nashua, NH)
12 out of 15 found this review helpful
The Jazz Singer is one of my favorite movies from when I was young. It has an extra-ordinary collection of good tunes which have probably never sounded better than on this DVD (5.1). Unfortunately, the video shows the filth and fuzziness of the film master. Watching the movies is like looking through a window in serious need of washing. Still the story is compelling, and the acting competent so I highly recommend the movie.
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