I would assume that while filming, the vocals were laid down to audio tape (for better quality) rather then to a 35mm optical track and then later overdubbed with Nelson's arrangements? If those orchestral tracks were in stereo, great. If not new stereo ones could be synced with the original vocals not only for the "live" performances, but for a future video release. During the show a couple of the snippets seemed to have the vocal-orchestra sync less then perfect. Nevertheless, this was wonderful stuff. One other thing, the Press Release was a bit over the top I agree. During the show, however, I don't believe that they ever said nobody knew of their existence. In retrospect it's lucky that the RCMH producers asked for some rare material, otherwise these films may have completely self-destroyed. They should have been taken better care of.

Did anyone catch that segment on 60-minutes II last night?

Blows me away each time I hear his voice! Man was he great!!!

What did you all think about what's been done with the footage? Personally, I prefer seeing the original backgrounds etc. but that's just me. I'm a bit sentimental I'd still like to see the show if I were in NYC.

Kelly

[George Bellefon]

The piece was too brief but I really enjoyed what I saw. I was blown away by the quality of those 35 mm films Frank had shot. I too liked the original backgrounds.

We're already discussing this at this thread:

http://www.sinatrafamily.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10088

[Old Man Music]

Hi guys the show was great, but I expected a lot more
thought the whole 60 minute show was going to be Him
well maybe next time.



Frank

[Rich K]

When Frank decided to record with just a few instruments way in the background, it seems to me he was thinking of the future when updated arrangements might be used to keep his music as fresh as possible. That would be really exciting to hear some new backgrounds on many of these songs as much as I love all the originals. Of course that presents some major dilemmas for those facing the task of putting this material on dvd or cd (or both). I couldn't imagine a different chart for "I've Got You Under My Skin", but on most of the others I think it would open a new window on Frank's music.

I don't think that was the reason for recording with a small group way off mike. My guess is that it was a monetary decision. Doing so many songs on film costs a lot of money just for the filming alone. Add to this a 30 piece orchestra for each session and the cost becomes way too prohibitive. By doing what he did, and by the way it was not unprecendented, he was able to make the whole process go faster with less pressure and less money. Sweetening his vocals later with Nelson's full orchestra was a great idea. I noticed with just the few snippets used on the show that the arrangements were tweaked somewhat from the originals. Updated arrangements? No need in my opinion. Anyway, who today can write like Nelson did. His work for Linda Ronstadt was not any different from what he did with Frank even though it was 30 years later.

Viewers expecting a complete 60 minute Sinatra concert should know by now that 60 Minutes II is a "magazine" show with many features per hour. It's been that way on the original 60 Minutes and this spin off for over 25 years!

It was a nice piece even though it was short. I still enjoyed seeing him on tv as always.

Vincent. The filming was done with the musicians almost inaudible on purpose. They added the orchestra later as intended. It's called "sweetening" and makes things easier and less expensive. Please, don't shout! OK?

I just had two people from work approach me on the 60 minute special last night, and basically they were in amazement, not only by the quality of the film, but of Frank's singing. I believe after Radio City and an eventual release of this material, Frank will be even more popular. (if that's possible)

Once people, young or old, get exposed to material of this caliber, they're going to understand why we feel about Frank the way we do. Definitely going to generate a whole lot more interest.

[steffen]

sure FS thought of the future, i would guess.

i call it "vision" if an artist chooses to document himself well, and in the best available technique.

FS did not "envision" to use those tracks at radio city, but he surely knew quality tracks were more likely to survive than the average material.

Vincent, I like that word, "Schwartzing." People who were exposed to him during his radio days know exactly what the word means. Schwartz, of course, had to throw his two cents in about these songs being recorded during the Eisenhower era and all that. It's too bad he just couldn't comment on the quality of the films, etc., but that typical for him, always finding something political, even as innocent as FS just putting on a super-grand show.

I enjoyed the show very much.. I am glad the Sinatra family has allowed us to see them...I also agree with you Vincent on Schwartz.. I thought the same thing you did when he mentioned Eisenhower..



Irene

ok someone fill me in on what the swartzing or whaver it is means...and what it meant in a political fashion. Vincent...I agree with you...media hype is just sad. Like vincent said he saw them 25 years ago...its great that they are here now without a doubt...but it's frank singing...pure and simple...and great but thats all.

This thread is also in regards to the 60 minutes episode and the tapes from the Sinatra Family vault. I think the whole idea of bringing old blue eyes back in a live production is great. If it comes to my town I will be the first in line to get my tickets. The thing that disapoints me though, is when I saw the performances on sixty minutes, I thought this was something Frank had complete control over. Why not release this material, as is, on DVD and VHS. Just the way Frank Sinatra had probably intended it. As well as seeing a magnificient vision of Frank Sinatra on stage again, as the broadway show will supposedly do, I think I would be great to see what Frank's vision was in its original form. I think it would be a shame if this should never happen. I think if this doesn't happen you are robbing the artist of his work. Then again maybe Mr. Sinatra had never intended on releasing these films in their true and simple form. If that's the case then so be it. I myself would love to see both versions. The Broadway production and the restored tapes, as is, released on DVD, VHS, or as a TV Special.

With respect to Frank, the Sinatra Family, and all Sinatra fans.

Gregory Patrick Agnew

Don't understand how Vincent could have seen this 25 years ago since they were stowed away and turning to vinegar for forty years, but maybe there is an explanation. also, how does Vincent or anyone else know what Frank's intent was.
Did he write it down somewhere? I would not doubt that he was recording for posterity or that he was simply doing it for fun. however, i don't think without further definitive word we can really know. Still would like to hear what song snippets were shown on the program. And Please do dnot shout it out with crazy capital letters!

I would love to shout (but only cause I jost got a root canal) hence the late hours this evening lol. I myself as not sure how Vincent saw it, but I'd bet vegas odds that he did. I only hope they either do a city by city tour of the radio city music hall (which would be awesome) or at least release all this on dvd. I would love to be able to see it as it will be done in NY. Being 31 I only saw Frank once in 94..and come to think of it..had dental work done that day as well as was hopped up on pain killers (no not like a junkie lol, given to me by the dentist) during the show.

In answer to Park 23,

So many remarks have been made about the airing of the so-called lost film that I will not repeat it here. I will, however, list the song clips that you expressed interest in.

From this moment On
Skin
Tender Trap
Pennies
I won't Dance
All the Way
String
Tender Trap
One for my Baby

Enhanced version
I won't Dance
From this moment on

Just a small piece of each one was shown.
Frank was wearing a dark hat, a lighter suit and a business tie.
At the end they showed a little bit of him at the bar doing "One for my Baby", wearing a light colored trench coat reminiscent of the cover of the album "No one Cares".

I nearly missed this. I usually look at the promo for those types of shows and when I saw Frank's name I immediately turned it on. I had planned to catch the "Performing as" to see how far the guy doing Frank would go, but when the real thing was on another channel, there was no question which one I would watch. As it was, I was able to see him do "New York", and while he is better than most, as always, the voice is not there.

I would love to see that show at RCMH. I can't wait to hear from those who will see it.

[DOUGofOHIO]

Good cool, Fall morning from
TROY, OHIO-USA:

I have to be careful, I lost a world-class comment for this subject yesterday due to all the bandages on my fingers from too much golf( who am I kidding, there's never too much golf)...

So, I'm jumping in here and using the BUMPING UP feature, so that I can stay up with what is going on about this subject...

I think I accidently hit the
"BACK" key on my Webtv keyboard...and folks, that key will screw you royally and take away everything you have labored to share .....and in my case, it is real labor....

So, I'm startin' my printer before somebody gets in a DELETE mood and I lose all this....

Respectfully,

[Jeffrey Simmons]

I have been reading all this with enthusiasm. Unfortunately, I could not get the 60 Minutes program in the UK. However, I think it is just wonderful that these films are being restored and used.

I take on board and accpt all of Nancy's comments. It is a nonsense to say they have just been discovered. It would be much more correct to say that have just been restored to useable condition. Notwithstanding all that , of course, it is very important for all the material held in the Sinatra family vault to be constantly preserved and restored where necessary. Hopefully, the digital restoration process for these particular films will preserve them in the best quality for years to come and even indefinitely.

It is also, I think, very important that they be used and seen and appreciated by his fans. I fully accept that the producers of the show will need to recoup their costs for the restoration process, but I also hope that these restored films with quality soundtracks can be put onto DVD as soon as possible and made widely available to be appreciated by all Sinatra fans all over the world.

JSS