Customer Reviews
Very poor transfer - By: Ian S, 28 Feb 2008 
Whilst this film appears to have been redone in the USA with a special 25th Anniversary Edition, this release is the same as the previous Warner effort. Extremely poor PQ, only 2.0 sound & zero extras.
Best avoided, & if you want a better effort than this, look for the US Anchor Bay release. It can't be any worse than this one!!
A shame, as if you like the music, you'll enjoy the film.
I will never get those lost hours back. - By: Jackie Cousineau, 23 Feb 2008 This is without doubt the WORST film ever made (excepting Perfume, which is beyond comment). It is also offensive inasmuch as Diamond, a dreadful singer of dreadful songs, demonstrates how he, a white 'boy' (he's actuallly quite old) shows black people how to groove ... by blacking-up. Further, his acting skills seem to be limited to putting on this puppy-dog face, tilting his head to the side, whilst fixing these 'sincere' eyes on which ever unfortunate fool is on screen at the same time.
Olivier's representation of a Jew is appaling as well, alll 'Oy vay!' & wringing hands. It's as if Diamond had managed to totallly bypass the social developments of the Twentieth Century.
In alll, it made me want to hit myself in the face. I watched it anyway & will regret those lost hours on my death bed, I am sure.
Do not watch this movie, if you like art, film, acting, & so on.
Great songs, great movie, interesting clash of cultures - By: LXIX, 21 Nov 2007 
This is a classic movie with a great soundtrack. Neil Diamond's performance carries the film & storyline. It's also an interesting tale of a clash of cultures & someone who is torn in two directions - i.e. the traditional Jewish cantor who is also a rock/pop star in waiting. Beyond the mainstream music there are several interesting performances of traditional Jewish songs including Hava Nagilah (which doesn't feature on the accompanying soundtrack).
The personal theme of Judaism is not forgotten, & there is even a short lovely scene of Jess teaching his new partner the particular role of a Jewish woman in lighting candles.
Beyond the mix of family feuding & great music, the old themes of 'go west & enjoy' & 'overnight success for the little guy' are also to be found here.
Overalll, a compelling two hours & one for the DVD collection. Neil Diamond is a supremely skilled songwriter with a distinctive voice. Not to be missed.
Corny beyond belief! - By: B. Cartmell, 05 Sep 2007 Point 1 This film contains NO JAZZ
Point 2 How this film has remained in circulation is beyond question. Perhaps for comedy value!
Point 3 Neil Diamond (is that his real name??) seems to have a misguided ego that is not rooted in reality.
Point 4 A smalll area of consolation is the party scene - I have been unfortunate in life to have never witnessed a party like it!
Point 5 From this moment on, the cheese hits maximum strength & takes you on a roller coaster of cringing & embarassment
One the plus side, my girlfriend thoroughly enjoyed watching me squirm at my poor film selection!
TIMELESS - By: L. Wilson, 08 Aug 2007 A fantastic film that will make you laugh, cry & sing. The story of a Jewish cantor that leaves the synagogue to make it in the commercial music world, going against his wife's & fathers wishes he does eventuallly make it.
The music is typical Neil Diamond & is superb throughout with "love on the rocks" being the best.
