Liza with a Z (1972)

You won't be disappointed!

Must See Movie...

I don't have all the words right now but this film is a work of art.

The acting is good, and the firecracker script has some excellent ideas.

After many years from seeing this performance on TV, I purchased the DVD, and after viewing it I had forgotten how amazing and entertaining this concert was. It is by far the best concert that I have seen to date. What sets it above the rest is the way Bob Fosse directed it. Not only does Liza and company give an outstanding performance but Fosse actually brings you up close and personal with his choice of camera angels, cut a ways to the audience, back stage shots and those beautiful close ups of Liza, you feel like you are there on stage. On the technical side, the costumes, sets and lighting are minimal but pack a powerful image that complements the entire show, kudos to the technical staff and designers. The sound and orchestra are right in sync with the dancers and Fosses choreography. I recommend this DVD and give it a Zen, (oops) I mean a ten. Thank you.

Liza Minnelli has it in her genes from her beloved mother, Judy Garland, and Vincente Minnelli. Although she states that her sister Lorna Luft is the singer in the family, LIza is the entertainer of our generation. She can sing, dance, act, and do it all. Thirty years later, her career is revived after another divorce and health problems. Liza may never be as fit as she was when she performed on stage in a live production in 1972. Liza has always been an incredible performer. I love her in Cabaret and I refuse to see any production of the musical because I can't imagine anybody but Liza as Sally Bowles, the sad Berlin singer who craves the love of a good man and the love of her own father in the film. This stage version is like an extended performance of her from the film, Cabaret. Unlike the film, this show is not as dark and lonely. Liza worked hard for six weeks before this production. IT's a once in a lifetime event and I wasn't even born yet. I first bought her Liza with a Z CD to listen in the car. You can't imagine not singing along with her as well. Now I look forward to seeing her dance, sing, and entertain us in the DVD. Believe me, nobody today can touch Liza as a performer.

I remember watching this when it was first on. I was 12, but I was apparently a very gay 12. I like Liza a lot, but I had problems with this show. One of the criticisms that has dogged her in her stage appearances has been that she lipsynched parts of her performances. Well, unless there were invisible body mikes somewhere (which I don't think were even in use in 1972), she had to have been lypsynching for at least part of the show. For great swaths of music, she has no mike and is dancing a lot, so where is the sound coming from? The choreography is iconic Bob Fosse, and I love Kander and Ebb. She looks gorgeous.... until the end, when she's wearing that jeweled kimono thing, and the horrible wrap skirt. I was really disappointed that it didn't live up to my memories. I'm renting the Barbra Streisand specials on DVD and if they disappoint me, too, all that will be left to me is Bette Midler! If I lose her, I think I'll have to go straight.

I saw this for the first time on TV when I was a child. I remembered liking it a great deal-I think it was the first time I'd seen Liza Minelli. Watched it again today on Showtime and was amazed! Liza was fabulous-and the whole thing seemed so undated-that was a real surprise. Bob Fosse's choreography is still so modern looking and sexy. Halston's costumes were gorgeous and even when he put her in knickers (which believe it or not were IN for about 5 minutes during this time) she still doesn't look dated-you just think "Wow, I didn't remember KNICKERS looking that amazing"! The only thing that looks time-warpish is the hair and facial hair of her backup dancers. The guys have big, fluffy mustaches and it looks like she is being backed-up by 1970s porn stars. Other than that this special could have been done yesterday. The decision to do it live was perfect-Liza starts off quiet, and she just does a slow burn. By the end of the show her hair is plastered to her head with sweat and she is just burning and glowing and brilliant. An artist at the peak of her powers. Liza is just as talented as her famous mother, I think. She has all of Judy's raw talent & her incredible vulnerability, but with Liza you also get sex-I had forgotten how very sexy she was. By all means watch this special on Showtime or rent the DVD-you will not be bored.