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Review by Michael MacomberRelease Date: 6/28/1994Format: DVD (1 Disc)Label: QuestarGet the DVD at: AmazonOne of the earliest Bobby Darin DVDs ever released and still the best, Mack is Back showcases the many talents of the great Mr. Darin beautifully. The centerpiece of this disc is essentially a concert; an uncut version of the final episode of Darin’s 1972-73 TV variety series. This would also be the last time Darin stepped in front of a camera before his passing late in 1973, and so it has a unique resonance.Darin, as always, is pure dynamite, singing, swinging, dancing, joking, rocking, rolling, and flashing that legendary smile. He is in absolute command of the audience. He charms them, he woos them, he thrills them. Ultimately, he knocks their collective socks off.All 14 songs performed are winners. “For Once In My Life” is a funky delight, with Darin shimmying all over the stage. When he breaks briefly into the career defining tune “Once In A Lifetime,” the moment is as sharp as that knife carried by MacHeath. His swingin’ delivery of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” is just as fabulous as the Frankie Valli original. The tempo change in the bridge is positively astounding. Darin and the band are in perfect synch. This clockwork brilliance continues into “Higher and Higher,” another super funky number, with just a hint of country. Only the bold and brash Darin would have the cojones to take on this Jackie Wilson signature song with such verve. And once again, he equals the original.Displaying his boundless versatility throughout, Darin addresses a wide range of styles, from the blues-laden contemporary rock of “Midnight Special,” to the gentle folk pop of “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” His approach to the Hank Williams classic “Lonesome Whistle” is devastating. Swaying gently, strumming his guitar, Darin intones “I heard that loooooo-a-whoaaaaa-nesome whistle blow,” and his voice sails out and over the crowd.The extras on this disc are something beyond fantastic. Darin is at his finger-snappin’ best in a 1961 TV special, Bobby Darin And Friends, with guests Bob Hope and Joanie Sommers. The entire special is included, and so we get to see Darin do a lot more dancing, singing, and charming the audience. The opening number provides Darin an opportunity to demonstrate his brilliant Donald O’Connor/Jimmy Cagney inspired moves. Darin’s knack for comedic acting takes center stage in a skit where he plays a high school nerd. This knack can also be seen in clips from the Andy Williams Show in 1965 and the Flip Wilson Show in 1970.The finest extra on this disc, however, has got to be Up Close And Personal, a collection of footage from an unfinished 1966 Darin documentary. The Cocoanut Grove performance of “Some Of These Days” alone is worth the price of admission. Seeing Darin in private moments, playing with his son Dodd, working in the studio, slamming away on the drums, and candidly discussing his fears and concerns about returning to nightclubs after a 3 year hiatus, can only be described as priceless.Song Selections:1. Once In My Life2. Help Me Make It Through The Night3. Can't Take My Eyes Off You4. Bridge Over Troubled Water5. Beyond The Sea6. Higher And Higher7. Midnight Special8. If I Were A Carpenter9. A Little Stand-Up10. (I Heard That) Lonesome Whistle11. Simple Song Of Freedom12. You Are My sunshine13. Oh, Bo Diddley14. Splish Splash15. Mack The Knife16. Song CreditsExtras:Up Close And PersonalDiscographyTV Appearances: Bobby Darin & Friends 1961; Andy Williams Show 1965; Flip Wilson Show 1970Filmography w/Trailers for "Come September" and "Pressure Point"
Review by Michael MacomberRelease Date: 6/28/1994Format: DVD (1 Disc)Label: QuestarGet the DVD at: AmazonOne of the earliest Bobby Darin DVDs ever released and still the best, Mack is Back showcases the many talents of the great Mr. Darin beautifully. The centerpiece of this disc is essentially a concert; an uncut version of the final episode of Darin’s 1972-73 TV variety series. This would also be the last time Darin stepped in front of a camera before his passing late in 1973, and so it has a unique resonance.Darin, as always, is pure dynamite, singing, swinging, dancing, joking, rocking, rolling, and flashing that legendary smile. He is in absolute command of the audience. He charms them, he woos them, he thrills them. Ultimately, he knocks their collective socks off.All 14 songs performed are winners. “For Once In My Life” is a funky delight, with Darin shimmying all over the stage. When he breaks briefly into the career defining tune “Once In A Lifetime,” the moment is as sharp as that knife carried by MacHeath. His swingin’ delivery of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” is just as fabulous as the Frankie Valli original. The tempo change in the bridge is positively astounding. Darin and the band are in perfect synch. This clockwork brilliance continues into “Higher and Higher,” another super funky number, with just a hint of country. Only the bold and brash Darin would have the cojones to take on this Jackie Wilson signature song with such verve. And once again, he equals the original.Displaying his boundless versatility throughout, Darin addresses a wide range of styles, from the blues-laden contemporary rock of “Midnight Special,” to the gentle folk pop of “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” His approach to the Hank Williams classic “Lonesome Whistle” is devastating. Swaying gently, strumming his guitar, Darin intones “I heard that loooooo-a-whoaaaaa-nesome whistle blow,” and his voice sails out and over the crowd.The extras on this disc are something beyond fantastic. Darin is at his finger-snappin’ best in a 1961 TV special, Bobby Darin And Friends, with guests Bob Hope and Joanie Sommers. The entire special is included, and so we get to see Darin do a lot more dancing, singing, and charming the audience. The opening number provides Darin an opportunity to demonstrate his brilliant Donald O’Connor/Jimmy Cagney inspired moves. Darin’s knack for comedic acting takes center stage in a skit where he plays a high school nerd. This knack can also be seen in clips from the Andy Williams Show in 1965 and the Flip Wilson Show in 1970.The finest extra on this disc, however, has got to be Up Close And Personal, a collection of footage from an unfinished 1966 Darin documentary. The Cocoanut Grove performance of “Some Of These Days” alone is worth the price of admission. Seeing Darin in private moments, playing with his son Dodd, working in the studio, slamming away on the drums, and candidly discussing his fears and concerns about returning to nightclubs after a 3 year hiatus, can only be described as priceless.Song Selections:1. Once In My Life2. Help Me Make It Through The Night3. Can't Take My Eyes Off You4. Bridge Over Troubled Water5. Beyond The Sea6. Higher And Higher7. Midnight Special8. If I Were A Carpenter9. A Little Stand-Up10. (I Heard That) Lonesome Whistle11. Simple Song Of Freedom12. You Are My sunshine13. Oh, Bo Diddley14. Splish Splash15. Mack The Knife16. Song CreditsExtras:Up Close And PersonalDiscographyTV Appearances: Bobby Darin & Friends 1961; Andy Williams Show 1965; Flip Wilson Show 1970Filmography w/Trailers for "Come September" and "Pressure Point"
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