mark.waltz With an Oscar about to be on her mantle, Liza Minnelli was everywhere in the early to mid 70's, and this triumphant TV special (edited from her Broadway musical revue) gives a glimpse into the life of a performer that is indeed magical. Nearly fifty years have gone by ever since Liza reminded us that she's not Lisa, and if she had quit show business after this and her Oscar winning performance in "Cabaret", her legacy would have been set in stone. Forget the gossip about her future problems. Here, as she tells is, she has a problem, but it isn't a major one, and with brilliantly clever lyrics by Fred Ebb, Liza explains as to the issues with her name.Paying tribute to her pals Fred Kander and John Ebb, Liza opens the show with the song "Say Yes" from their recent flop Broadway musical "70 Girl 70". She then gets nostalgic and shows some serious acting prowess in her next number, "It was a good time" (recently heard in the movie "Ryan's Daughter"), a show-stopper if there ever was one. In fact, there are several show stopping moments in this, so the short length of the special isn't one to disappoint because it is all so magical. Those who saw "The Boy From Oz" on Broadway will see instantly Stephanie J. Block's big Liza moment ("She Loves to Hear the Music") with both "Ring Them Bells" and "Bye Bye Blackbird". With "Cabaret" still a triumph in movie theaters when this came out, the hour long special ends with Liza doing a "Cabaret" medley, including one song ("Married") cut out of the film, and getting to do Joel Grey's big opening number ("Wilkomen") as well. What is truly magical about Liza's presence here is her uniqueness as a performer. Like mother Judy Garland, she had great respect for her audience, and never gives the impression that she was simply "phoning it in". Liza laughs, clowns, emotes dramatically, and even if she's avante garde in many ways, she draws you in with her passion and drive and energy and verve and compassion. There's a reason why some performers make you want to psychologically hug them, because all your problems seem silly and solvable when you hear that big voice making it seem as if she is singing just for you. Few performers have that ability, and I'm sure that of her many longtime family friends, there were few without at least a tear or two. This gets a huge standing ovation at the end, and I find it tempting even by watching this on video to stand at the end as well.

Isaac5855 Right after her Oscar-winning performance in CABARET, Liza Minnelli took her act on the road and it was brought to television in the form of LIZA WITH A Z. Directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse, who won an Emmy for his efforts, this breathtaking evening of musical theater showcased Liza Minnelli doing what she does best...singing, dancing, clowning, completely commanding a stage and captivating an audience. From the opening number "Yes" from 70 GIRLS 70 to the title tune, written especially for her by John Kander and Fred Ebb to a striking production number called "Ring Them Bells", Liza doesn't just prove to be a superb songstress, but a great actress who makes every number a show within itself. She brings an intensity to an old Tin Pan Alley classic "It was a Good Time" and rocks the house with "I Gotcha" and wraps the evening with a medley of songs from CABARET...a once in a lifetime concert event and a must for Minnelli fans.

jotix100 This magnificent film about Liza Minnelli is one of the best films showcasing a popular entertainer at her prime. Bob Fosse directed with a keen eye and great panache. He gets the viewer involved in the performance and what the star is trying to accomplish. The music material by Kander and Ebb never sounded to poignant and fresh, as interpreted by Ms. Minnelli.The late 60s and early 70s brought forth an unusual talent, Liza Minnelli. She was at the time at the best moment of her career. She had a voice, youth, and she could move well, following Bob Fosse's choreography, designed to enhance the presentation.The film has been kept in mint condition and just recently released on cable. Fans of Liza Minnelli can rejoice in rediscovering that vibrant entertainer showing her public why she was a star on her own right.

sophie-h 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.