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Bob Hope: Entertaining the Troops
R1 - America - Time Life Review written by and copyright: Abraham Phillips (26th August 2016). |
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The Film
 What really needs to be said that already has not been said about the legend and comedic showman Bob Hope? He was truly a gifted performer. He produced and performed in many wonderful shows for those fighting, defending and protecting during wars. Bob Hope was one of the true iconic celebrities that sadly few exist anymore. This is a wonderful DVD put out by Time Life. This showcases two of his most important shows for soldier's at War and one rare program. To me this is a must-own DVD. A great way to experience the olden days of performances. This is jam-packed with Bob Hope and all his wonderful celebrities, musicians, and guests which all come together to support the troops, to give them some sort of entertainment during their trying times in combat. Bob Hope was a true pioneer of entertainment. He gave each one of those troops a sort of normalcy. It's here that Time Life has collected two of his most memorable shows - The 1970 "The Bob Hope Christmas Special: Around the World with the USO" and 1971's "The Bob Hope Christmas Special: Around the Globe with the USO". The rare program included is from 1951 entitled "Chesterfield Sound Off Time" which was filmed during the Korean War aboard the aircraft carrier the USS Boxer. The first program from the 1970's Christmas special is a 16 Day Tour through, Germany, Italy, Turkey, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, Guam and also aboard the USS Ranger and the USS Sanctuary. The second program from 1971 starts out at West Point and then does a tour through England, Germany, Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, Alaska and also aboard the USS John F Fitzgerald in the Mediterranean Sea and the USS Sanctuary in the South China Sea. There is a collection of a vast array of entertainers and personalities of the era such as, Neil Armstrong, Connie Stevens, President Lyndon Johnson, Ursula Andress, The Golddiggers, Johnny Bench, The Nicholas Brothers, Connie Moore and so many others of the time. All three of these programs are truly eye-opening entertainment. Each one seems like a historical episode in time. To me these programs are a part of history. The entire DVD has a running time of 154 minutes they are in both black and white and color. Which features a variety of comic situations, dance, and music. This is a must-own DVD in my opinion. This is great for history buffs, for entertainment historians, for Bob Hope fans and for the variety show obsessed.
Video
The video is 1.33:1 full frame. Mostly from a 16mm print and in spots looks rough but was being filmed during War, so you can not hold that against it.
Audio
A single audio track is included in English Dolby Digital 1.0 mono. The audio is clear At times and rough at times, but can always be understood. There are no optional subtitles.
Extras
Sadly the disc features no special features.
Overall
A perfectly fun experience of nostalgia and historical entertainment value. A wonderful DVD put out by Time Life. Three wonderful programs to experience the olden days of comedic entertainment, music, dance and a variety of performances. Hope was a pioneer and Time Life honored him in creating this wonderful DVD to experience, sadly they didn't put any time into creating any supplementary extras.
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