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Shout Factory presents

An Evening with Clint Holmes: Live in Las Vegas (2006)

"I like to start the show with one of the highlights of the show...in case you have to leave early."- Clint Holmes

Stars: Clint Holmes
Director: various

MPAA Rating: Not Rated for (adult humor)
Run Time: 00h:57m:44s
Release Date: 2006-09-19
Genre: music

Style
Grade
Substance
Grade
Image Transfer
Grade
Audio Transfer
Grade
Extras
Grade
B B+CB- D-

 

DVD Review

I've been to Las Vegas nearly 30 times in the past decade, and seeing a show is almost always on the itinerary. The live entertainment options are endless these days, ranging from a collection of Cirque du Soleil shows to the standard "lounge acts." One of the latter is headlined by Clint Holmes, who performs his and other singers' hits at Harrah's. With Holmes' lengthy run coming to an end on September 30, now is the perfect time to relive one of his memorable performances.

The winner of numerous entertainer awards in Vegas and Atlantic City, Clint Holmes took a long and winding path to being a headlining star. Born in England but raised in the US, Holmes studied music at New York's Fredonia State College while performing at clubs in Buffalo. After a stint in the army, where he continued his musical education, Clint made a bigger name for himself in various East Coast nightclubs. He first received national attention with the hit song Playground in My Mind (My Name Is Michael) and hit the TV circuit as Joan Rivers' sidekick on The Late Show. Holmes also appeared on Entertainment Tonight for a couple of years, but he's been a fixture on the Vegas strip ever since.

There is still a huge audience out there wanting to see Holmes and the other "lounge lizards" that still perform on the strip on a nightly basis. My mother, a resident of Las Vegas, has caught Holmes' show and has nothing but kind words to say; his act is the type that appeals mostly to an older demographic—his lively style appeals to the general masses, but the songs are geared towards the "easy listening" crowd. Hopefully, this DVD could broaden his appeal.

An Evening with Clint Holmes: Live in Las Vegas captures the enigmatic singer at his best. It isn't surprising to hear him sing Playground in My Mind, but the rest of the tunes are mainly covers. We hear a rousing rendition of Robert Goulet's "What Kind of Fool Am I?," Harry Belafonte's Matilda, and even a take on fellow Vegas-staple Tom Jones' Delilah. The Holmes delves into an impressive Opera Medley that more than shows off his amazing vocal range. The show closes with another surprising bit, a medley of tunes from West Side Story. This is made up of favorites from that show (When You're a Jet, Cool, Something's Coming, Maria, America, Tonight, and A Boy"), and it's amazing to listen to Holmes pack so much power from each song into a limited amount of time.

After a handful of numbers, I was surprised at just how much I enjoyed this concert when all was said and done. It probably helps that (thanks to it's presence in Old School) I was genuinely looking forward to hearing Playground in My Mind, but Holmes' voice powers its way through the covers with ease. His choice to close with the two medleys is beyond risky, but it pays off in spades. If nothing else, this new DVD makes me regret not having seen Clint Holmes during my previous Vegas trips, and it's just sad that his run is ending before I can catch him in person.

Rating for Style: B
Rating for Substance: B+

 

Image Transfer

 One
Aspect Ratio1.33:1 - Full Frame
Original Aspect Ratioyes
Anamorphicno


Image Transfer Review: The transfer is decent as far as concert DVDs go. Black levels are a bit too strong, especially given the already dim venue. The colors are bright and vivid, making Clint's gaudy attire stand out even more. Overall, the images are nicely detailed and sharp, while dirt and grain is kept to a minimum.

Image Transfer Grade: C
 

Audio Transfer

 LanguageRemote Access
DS 2.0Englishno


Audio Transfer Review: The Dolby Digital 2.0 audio suits this brand of music just fine. There isn't much bass presence, but these songs don't exactly feature thumping bass lines to begin with. The lyrics are nice and clear, working well with the rest of the mix.

Audio Transfer Grade: B- 

Disc Extras

Full Motion menu with music
Music/Song Access with 16 cues and remote access
2 Other Trailer(s) featuring Rock and Roll at Fifty, Superstars of Seventies Soul Live
Packaging: Keep Case
1 Disc
1-Sided disc(s)
Layers: single

Extras Review: The only extras are a pair of trailers for other Shout! Factory DVD releases.

Extras Grade: D-
 

Final Comments

Having seen Clint Holmes' name on the Harrah's Las Vegas marquee for years, I was curious to see what he had to offer. An Evening with Clint Holmes is a wonderful performance, captured brilliantly on this new disc, featuring solid audio and video presentations.

Chuck Aliaga 2006-09-19