A great collection of early Frank Sinatra specials leads these TV shows arriving on DVD this week.
"Frank Sinatra: A Man and His Music: The Collection" (Shout! 1965-81, two discs, $24.98). The Chairman of the Board's first music special, "A Man and His Music" (1965), was just that. Sinatra had just turned 50 and was still in great form, as demonstrated by his simply singing, accompanied by Nelson Riddle and his orchestra.
It's a magical hour, demonstrating that sometimes the straightforward approach is best. Leave the glitz to others; here's Ol' Blue Eyes giving his considerable all to "My Kind of Town," "Come Fly With Me," "Witchcraft," "I've Got the World on a String" and many others. Genius.
The follow-up specials here are also grand: "A Man and His Music, Part II" (1966), with Nancy Sinatra guesting, and The Man himself performing "Luck Be a Lady," "That's Life," etc., as well as duets with his daughter; "A Man and His Music + Ella + Jobim" (1967) features Sinatra on "Ol' Man River," "What Now My Love" and lengthy medleys with, respectively, Ella Fitzgerald and Antonio Carols Jobim; and finally, "Sinatra: The Man and His Music" (1981), with Count Basie backing up "Pennies From heaven," "Something," "At Long Last Love," among others and a lovely rendition of "The Girl From Ipanema," accompanied by Tony Mottola's guitar.
This collection is also available in the "Frank Sinatra: Concert Collection" box set that was released last year.
Extras: full frame, four episodes
"Hannah Montana Forever: Final Season" (Disney, 2010, G, two discs, $29.99). The fourth season of the Disney TV series "Hannah Montana" added "Forever" to the title for some reason.
This chronicles the senior year for high schooler Miley Stewart (Miley Cyrus), whose alter ego is country-singing star Hannah Montana, as she makes decisions about her future. Guests include Sheryl Crow, Dolly Parton and others.
Extras: widescreen, 13 episodes, alternate ending, featurettes, trailers; 28-page memory book
"Straight Up: Helicopters in Action" (Vista Point/Blu-ray, 2002, $24.95). This IMAX documentary screened at the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum is an interesting look at helicopters and the variety of ways they are used today. It's good for kids, but parents will enjoy it as well.
Extras: widescreen, audio commentary, featurettes, trailer
"Madeline On the Town" (Shout! 2011, $12.99). Madeline and Genevieve's animated adventures include "The Fashion Show," "The Ballet" and "Madeline's Birthday at the Zoo."
Extras: full frame, six episodes
"SpongeBob SquarePants: The Great Patty Caper" (Nickelodeon, 2011, $16.99). Episodes include "Growth Spout," "Stuck in the Wringer" and "Greasy Buffoons."
Extras: full frame, seven episodes, shorts
"The Backyardigans: We Arrrr Pirates!" (Nickeoldeon, 2011, $16.99). Episodes include "Pirate Camp," "Pirate Treasure" and "Sinbad Sails Alone."
Extras: full frame, four episodes
e-mail: hicks@desnews.com