Olivia Newton-John and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra: Live at the Sydney Opera House (2007 TV Special) User Reviews

Magnificently mature Olivia Newton-John

[jeffcoat · 10/10 · 5 September 2014]

If you want young anorexic D-cup dancers in micro-miniskirts, fabulous light shows, slick choreography, and glamorous costuming, buy another DVD.

All you get on this DVD is a gracefully aging Olivia Newton-John singing, surrounded by great talent. She sits, she stands, and occasionally she sways to the music. And she sings.

Her voice is at least as strong and beautiful as it ever was. And ever was it! She performs her big hits, usually, but not always, in the same styles as the originals. She sings a few songs made popular by others. She sings a few new songs.

There are frequent digressions showing ON-J playing tourist with her friends, but these are short and help pace the show without being unduly distracting. Two hours well spent.

Still Hopelessly Devoted to Her Music

[mike48128 · 10/10 · 5 March 2016]

Wonderful concert filmed at the Sidney, Australia Opera House with some additional "sightseeing" in the outdoor area surrounding it. You get to meet her beautiful 20-year-old daughter who is as graceful and pretty as she was at age 20. While she doesn't spend the whole 2 hours perched on a stool, she doesn't pretend that she is 30 anymore but looks quite good for being well over 50. As she "warms up" she does a little faster dancing, too. As another reviewer notes, there are no go-go dancers here! A slower more thoughtful version of "Physical". A full rock band, symphony orchestra, and great back up singers; although Olivia does quite well hitting a few "impossible" high notes, without any help. Who knew that she is a composer and a pianist! All of the hits you expect and some more "personal songs" which I have heard on her other albums. (A new song, "Serenity", is from 2005). For the most part, you will like these other songs also, as she certainly still knows how to "sell" a melody. Surprise rendition of the Julie London classic "Cry Me a River" (1953). Recorded in 2006. Widescreen and 5.1 "stereo". It is a full 2 hour performance, not 90 minutes as stated on the label. Most enjoyable.