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To answer the first and most important question: no, this compilation of Oscar broadcasts from the 1970s through the '90s does not feature the infamous duet of "Proud Mary" between Rob Lowe and Snow White. This being an officially sanctioned documentary look from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, anything extremely embarrassing has been conveniently excised. Minor and cute gaffes, sure; political statements, no problem (thanks, Vanessa Redgrave); famous no-shows, upfront and center (George C. Scott and Marlon Brando); fashion statements, let's take a long look (Cher, step right up!). But, if you're a fan of the Oscar show, you might wonder: where's the camp? The cheesiness? The fun? Granted, a look at production numbers goes from the sublime (Isaac Hayes doing the "Theme from Shaft," Aretha Franklin belting "Nobody Does It Better") to the ridiculous (Debby Boone and a host of deaf children performing "You Light Up My Life," Sheena Easton in an excruciating production of "For Your Eyes Only"), but this is a pretty serious look at Hollywood's most famous awards ceremony. Highlights include Bette Midler's trashing of the Best Song nominees of 1980, Billy Crystal's early (and funny) opening monologues, a fashion montage featuring Oscar poster girls Anjelica Huston and Jane Fonda (check out Fonda's innumerable hair transformations), and Louise Fletcher's touching acceptance speech for Best Actress in 1975. However, like the awards show itself, this documentary runs a little long on self-congratulation and a little short on humor. Someday someone will put together Oscar's Campiest Moments, but for now you'll have to make do with this official, straight-faced look at the awards. --Mark Englehart
 Customer Reviews 
And the Oscar Goes To...
Rating: 4
The video compiled some of the most memorable and infamous moments of the most popular award show in the world from 1971 up to 1991. I don't know the significance of the year span that they chose to include in this video, but it would've been interesting to see the earlier clips of the show.
I like the Goldie Hawn-Kurt Russell clip when they presented an award in 1988. They poke fun at themselves as they acknowledge the fact that their relationship ranges from lovers, colleagues, and companions but never married. When Kurt Russell brought that up Goldie Hawn pretended to mistaken it for some sort of "proposal". The audience went nuts. That was really a funny moment and showed again the effectiveness of Hawn as a comedienne. There was also a great Elizabeth Taylor moment as she feigned to be uncomfortable following the infamous naked man who out of nowhere ran through the stage.
The video showed some notable speeches. I like Shirley Maclaine's speech when she won for Terms of Endearment. She said that she always wondered how winning the Oscar would feel like, and she thanked the voters for finally cutting the suspense. Another great moment was when Dustin Hoffman upon winning the award for Kramer Vs. Kramer in his speech said why he was very critical of the Academy Awards. Vanessa Redgrave was booed for her politically charged speech. Louise Fletcher brought the house into tears (okay not really) as she thanked her parents through sign language. Another great moment was when Meryl Streep won for Sophie's Choice, her speech written in a piece of paper could be seen in the ground, she picked it up and was embarrassed by it. That was really hilarious. Those were some of the memorable speeches included in the video.
Another great moment was the impromptu tribute of William Holden to the never honored Barbara Stanwyck. He attributed his career to Stanwyck's generosity, professional dignity, and friendship. And then when Barbara Stanwyck finally get her Honorary Oscar which incidentally the year Holden passed away, she dedicated her award to her good friend. Those two were really beautiful moments.
My only complaint is that they didn't include the only appearance of Katharine Hepburn in the show. I was anticipating to see that but sadly it wasn't shown. I also wished they included the Honorary speeches of Henry Fonda, Cary Grant, and all the other Hollywood stalwarts.
Grade: B+
Oscar's Greatest Moments-1971 to 1991
Rating: 3
This video is a well put together montage of memorable moments from twenty years of Oscar telecasts. The video was produced by the Academy and hosted by then Academy president Karl Malden, who introduces each section of the video. The compilation of outtakes include musical productions, Best actor and actress presentations, embarrasing moments (recepients political statements, snubbing of the Oscar's, etc.), segments of acceptance speeches and outtakes by presenters and hosts.
Included on this video are outtakes of John Wayne's emotional appearance in 1978, just before his death, as well as Charlie Chaplin's early 70's appearance. Also are outtakes from hosts Johnny Carson, Chevy Chase and Billy Crystal. One of the best outtakes is a speech by "Crocodile Dundee's" Paul Hogan near the beginning of the tape. Another good outtake is the streaker incident from the 1973 show and David Niven's response.
The only downside to this video is the fact that it is limited to the shows from 1971-1991 (the year the video was produced). The Oscars' began televised broadcasts in 1953. It would be great to see outtakes from these earlier programs, as well as outtakes from shows since 1991. Hopefully the Academy will see fit to make a compilation encompassing all of Oscar's televised history and release it on video, or even better, on DVD.
LONG OVERDUE!!!
Rating: 5
WOW. This compilation is great, you might miss the cheesiness indeed, but overall you get most of the great stuff from that period. Including the whole performance of Madonna's "Sooner or Later", I just wish they'd do the first years of the show!!!!
I got a headache after watching this becaus it was way too much for one evening!. GET IT NOW!!!
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