Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #15578 in DVD
• Released on: 2001-12-03
• Rating: Exempt
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 100 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
For one night only the Robbie Williams showcase Live At The Albert is a fantastic testament to what was a very special evening. The concert offered tracks from his Rat Pack covers album Swing When You're Winning an album that finally gave him across the board appeal from nostalgic Grannies to hormonally imbalanced teenagers. With the average ticket price well into three figures and the likes of Tara Palmer-Tompkinson, Bob Geldof and Nicole Kidman in the stalls, this was no ordinary Robbie concert. Backed by a full swing band, accompanied by a slew of glamorous dancers, compered by Rupert Everett and featuring duets with John Lovitz, Jane Horrocks, the scene-stealing Jonathan Wilkes and even Old Blue Eyes himself Frank Sinatra (albeit in video form), Robbie takes centre stage and performs like never before. Classic track follows classic track--from "The Lady is a Tramp" (which Robbie dedicates to his last three girlfriends), to "Mr Bojangles" to "My Way", each and every one of them is instantly recognisable, even to most of the younger members of the audience. Directed by Hamish Hamilton (the man behind the spectacular U2 Elevation DVD) this is a great up close and personal view of an intimate gig.

On the DVD: The disc is lovingly put together in glorious 5.1 surround sound. The DVD also features the documentary "Well Swung" which follows Robbie all the way to Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, where he recorded some of the tracks for the album with members of Frank's original band. There is also a gallery of luscious shots of Robbie on location and at the Capitol Studios. At times it does tend towards the schmaltzy, with Robbie fighting back the tears when the video footage of Frank singing booms out across the Albert Hall, but this is scant criticism. All in all this is a fantastic performance from a legend in the making. --Helen Marquis

Special Features
English
Region 2

Synopsis
LIVE AT THE ALBERT, recorded in October 2001, features pop singer extraordinaire Robbie Williams performing tunes from his SWING WHEN YOU'RE WINNING album, backed by a 58-piece orchestra. Songs include "The Lady Is a Tramp," "Things" (featuring songbird and actress Jane Horrocks), "Well, Did You Evah" (featuring comedian Jon Lovitz), "It Was a Very Good Year," and "My Way." (Nicole Kidman, who recorded the duet "Somethin' Stupid" was originally slated to perform the song with the Ego, but she declined at the last minute due to nervousness.) Witness Robbie in all his swinging, swaggering glory on this release, which also contains backstage footage and more.

Customer Reviews

Robbie Williams live sings Sinatra

Robbie came from a boy band to become an international star, not as good as Michael Bubble, But the little note on Robbie's latest album Swing When You Are Winning, told me that it is certainly something to look forward to. Little did I know Robbie is so capable to touch someone with his voice. It surprised me and I couldn't help thinking, Robbie is on the road to super stardom!!

Congratulations to a wonderful concert indeed! I gave it a 4 because the disc is somewhat short on features, otherwise I'd have given it a five. I wish, really wish there'll be a DVD of all of Robbie's videos, as I am dying to see more of him.

No, I wasn't a big fan to start with. But let's forget about that, nevermind the tabloid, forget about what your impression of Robbie is. Take a break and enjoy this concert.

You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll be touched, you'll be thrilled!

Rob says "Mom, this is your son singing, I love you". He did make his mom proud! And like everybody else here, I almost cried when I saw "My Way". I am totally a fan of Robbie now. He has won big this time!

Poor
This dvd lacks originality, creativity and of course talent. At least the U.S. has had the good sense to ignore this chump; sadly to our shame we in the UK have taken him to our collective hearts. I hope you're happy with that because to me this sounds like a 90-minute long version of the birdy song with a drunk singing "My Way" all over it. Truly poor...
However, the band was great, which for the most part (if not 100%) out classes the untalented Mr Williams. The star of this recording is for the band.

A REAL Talent
I'm not sure why Robbie Williams hasn't caught on in the States.
I've been stationed in Germany since 2002, and all of Europe is nuts about him, and for good reason. He has an incredible voice, and these challenging tunes seem effortless for him. Only quibble: he leaves some tunes in keys a little too low for him, but he compensates well. He's also a natural enertainer. This is an excellent product--a great introduction to Robbie if you aren't familiar with him. Oh, and the orchestra is screamin'! Fantastic arrangements.