Split fairly evenly between well-chosen and edited archival images and current (i.e., 2001) footage of neo-swing bands, the documentary spends equal time in exploring the roots of swing and its attendant dance fads, notably the Lindy Hop.

Filled with all-too-fleeting images of Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway and other early masters of the Harlem Renaissance, and similarly stuffed with current interviews with aging devotees of the Lindy Hop, the film is, when it concentrates on the music, an absolute joy. Perhaps simply because it pales by comparison, the segments dealing with dancing, especially talking about dancing rather than dancing itself, seem lackluster. The actual footage of swing dancing is visceral and in stark contrast to a lot of the talking head material.

The DVD

Video:
This made for television documentary sports a standard issue 1.33:1 image that is average in quality. The archival footage varies greatly in quality--some of the Cab Calloway footage, for example, is so washed out as to be virtually unrecognizable.

Sound:
The standard stereo soundtrack crackles with intensity. One wishes more music and less talking had been included, because when all the great bands play in this film, it's a joy to behold.

Extras:
No extras on this budget release.

Final Thoughts:
This is certainly a worthwhile DVD for those interested in swing music and/or swing dancing. Approaching this DVD as the mixed bag it is will increase your chances of enjoying it on its own terms. Recommended for fans of swing; otherwise, rent it.

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"G-d made stars galore" & "Hey, what kind of a crappy fortune is this?" ZMK, modern prophet