| | | Three-Disc Deluxe Edition.
Features: DVD, Widescreen, Pan and Scan (TV Format), English, French, Spanish, Subtitled
A cantor's son gets into show business, much to the anger and disappointment of his family. Originally released in 1927, The Jazz Singer is well-known for being the first "talkie" motion picture.
"This historic film broke the sound barrier and portrays the conflict between traditional religion and modern music." Sanderson Beck, Movie Mirrors
"...[a] historic milestone film and cinematic landmark." Tim Dirks, The Greatest Films
Editor's Note
The first feature film to utilize Synchronous Sound. The story is about Cantor Oland's son who goes into show business over his objections. Tunes include "Mammy," "Toot, Toot, Tootsie" and more. Academy Award Nominations: 2, including Best Adapted Writing. Academy Awards: Special Award for technical achievement.
Plot Summary
The film that started a lasting craze -- the talking picture.| Al Jolson made his film debut -- and became a star -- playing the role of a cantor's son who'd rather be a singing sensation on Broadway than follow in his father's footsteps. But forsaking his religious duties may cost him his family's love.
| Features | Audio: English Dolby Digital Mono | | Interactive Menus | | Scene Selection | | Subtitles: English, French, Spanish |
| Technical Info
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Release Information
| | Studio: Warner |
| Release Date: 10/16/2007 |
| Running Time: 265 minutes |
| Original Release Date: 1927 | | Catalog ID: 79889 | | UPC: 00012569798892 | | Number of Discs: 3 |
Audio & Video
| | Original Language: English | | Available Audio Tracks: English | | Video: B&W |
Aspect Ratio | | Standard 1.33:1 [4:3] |
| Cast & Crew
| Awards |
Nominee (1929) | | | Oscar, Alfred A. Cohn, Best Writing, Adaptation | | | Oscar, The Jazz Singer, Honorary Award |
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| | Professional Reviews | Empire
3 stars out of 5 -- "It was a technical marvel, an entertainment novelty and a colossal box-office hit." 12/01/2007 p.223Total Film
3 stars out of 5 -- "[T]he first 'talkie' ever made....[A] movie milestone that must have astounded audiences..." 01/01/2008 p.163 FilmCritic.com 8 of 10
If you've ever wondered why that guy in the Looney Tunes wears blackface and sings "Mammy... mammy..." you need to see Al Jolson in The Jazz Singer and it'll all start to make sense. The first movie to feature synchronized sound (and not for the whole film -- only while Al is singing), the film is more than just a movie about a guy who likes music. It's also a story about a Jewish kid who turns his back on his heritage to try and make it big on the stage -- exceptionally daring subject matter for its era, and still enthralling today. Must-see for any film buff. - Christopher Null
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