Edward R. Murrow - The Best Of Person To Person DVD Credits:

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Edward R. Murrow - The Best Of Person To Person DVD Release Date: 7th November 2006

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Edward R. Murrow - The Best Of Person To Person DVD Review:

Edward R. Murrow seems incredibly present in these interviews especially considering the fact that he did far more weighty interviews in his time, and rumors were that he much preferred them to these celebrity fluff pieces. The way that the Person to person interviews worked is actually far from in person. Murrow conducts the interview from the CBS studio but the celebrities answer the questions from their own environment, attempting to give a casual feel to the answers. The celebrities often show their homes and even display their children, pets and furniture. Only occasionally is Murrow able to throw in a serious question or two, but these were mostly just to satisfy adoring fans. Nearly all of the actors with awards won show them proudly during the interview.

Some of the segments, particularly because they feature the actors in their own environment, are ridiculously staged and seem somewhat scripted as well. The interview with acting couple Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward is especially humorous as Newman and Woodward make their way around their new home, hitting their marks. The last spot has them on the couch and Joanne even begins knitting. Many of the things said and shown in the interview seem to be placed in the segment, but they often are meant to reflect the celebrity’s true character even if they are obviously staged. There are a few strange exceptions, such as Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall’s strange disagreements and interruptions which makes for a different sort of interview.

The technical quality of these interviews are in pretty bad shape with some rough sound at places and extremely grainy picture as well. Some of the close-ups are filled with contrast and difficult to see, but the fact that the interviews are available at all is a historical landmark. Especially considering the time in which the interviews were given there is a remarkable wealth of historical significance. The interview with Newman and Woodward is especially interesting because she had just won an Oscar and he had not yet, which made her seem like a bigger star. Obviously this has shifted since the interview and although Joanne Woodward is not a name that still remains on America’s mouth Newman’s celebrity has only increased. Woodward is also pregnant with their first child during the interview.

There are three discs separating a number of great interviews. Disc one has American Icons, which includes the likes of Dick Clark, John F. Kennedy and Billy Graham to name a few. Disc two has Hollywood Legends with a number of big stars including Humphrey Bogart, Marlon Brando, Gene Kelly and Marilyn Monroe. This disc has a number of couples interviewed together. Disc three is filled with Legendary Entertainers which includes Frank Sinatra, Jerry Lewis, Liberace and Sammy Davis Jr. to name a few.

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Edward R. Murrow - The Best Of Person To Person DVD review written by: Ryan Izay