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Infinity Entertainment is re-releasing “The Judy Garland Expose” (1963-1964) on DVD. The series was previously available on Pioneer, but those editions have since gone out of print. Infinity promises to release all 26 episodes in a 12 Volume Set– 2 episodes on each DVD.

The first episode of Volume One illustrates what was nasty with the exhibit. All three major TV networks at the time (CBS, NBC, and ABC) had a bidding war to stamp the fantastic and incomparable Judy Garland to a weekly TV series. CBS, having won, couldn’t settle which “format” to place Judy in (note: nobody “formats” Judy Garland!) and seemed distinct to change her from a dynamic diva into an average TV personality. Whatever changes CBS threw at her (and their were innumerable changes throughout the 26 episodes), Judy gamely rolled with the punches and gave her very best.

Buy,Download, Or Stream The Judy Garland Show, Vol. 1! Click Here

The first episode starts promisingly; with Judy singing “The Sweetest Sounds” with Count Basie and his orchestra. Later, she also sings “Memories Of You.” There should have been more musical magic with Judy and Count Basie. Instead, too noteworthy time is wasted on asinine “comedy routines” with series regular Jerry Van Dyke. Please, Jerry Van Dyke never belonged on the same stage as Judy Garland! Mel Torme sings a manic version of “Spellbinding Rhythm” while simultaneously playing drums. Obscure folk singer Judy Henske (who? ) delivers a strong rendition of Billie Holiday’s classic “God Bless The Child,” and then joins Jerry and Mel for a pointless parody of Peter, Paul, and Mary called “Peter, Paul, And Irving.” Judy Garland, finally and at last, returns to conclude the episode with the heartbreakingly black “A Cottage For Sale” and the rousing “Hey, Scrutinize Me Over” from the forgotten Lucille Ball musical “Wildcat.” Distressingly, the viewer will peep there is not enough of Judy Garland on this episode of “The Judy Garland Explain.”

The second episode, though featuring more pointless “comedy routines” from Jerry Van Dyke and Soupy Sales, is of far better quality and noteworthy more bright. This is because Judy’s special guest is her occupy daughter Liza Minnelli. It is a treat to study young Liza at 17, nearly a decade away from her gain career breakthrough in the film version of “Cabaret” and her TV concert “Liza With A Z.” The strong mother-daughter bond is evident everywhere here. The affection between Judy and Liza is pleasurable and affecting. The Judy/Liza duets here are magical. Liza also does her believe solo song and dance routine, and The Brothers Castro from Mexico offer a sexy, Latin twist on “You Produce Me Feel So Young.” Most importantly, Judy Garland: The Dynamic Diva is seen corpulent force here as she delivers explosive performances of “Near Rain Or Reach Shine” and “As Long As He Needs Me.”

I’m removing one star from my review because I accept Jerry Van Dyke so annoying and unnecessary. Judy Garland, the greatest entertainer of the 20th Century, definitely deserves five stars! These episodes were both taped in July of 1963, when Judy was age 41. She would leave us grand too soon; fair six years later at age 47. But Judy looks improbable here and is in beneficial drawl. Judy’s timeless talent will live forever!

This series of DVDs seemed to have substantial promise when announced … a re-release of out-of-print material previously released by Pioneer and Geneon, with the mention of improved sound quality. This series may have slightly better sound but is painfully lacking due to having been ruthlessly edited. Why they would do this seems fabulous … whole chunks of the shows are missing and the promised extra material is minimal. Searching out old-fashioned copies of the previous releases would be grand more satisfying, if you want my advice. I bought Volume 1 but was miserable with it. Volume 2 objective arrived today and is equally poorly done. I am returning it for refund. Such a great disappointment.
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