The Judy Garland Show, Vol. 01 (Shows 1 & 3)
The first disc in this series showcasing episodes of Garland's  star-crossed CBS variety show offers two classic 1963 programs, the first featuring Mickey Rooney, the second presenting Garland's first major performances with daughter Liza Minnelli. Visibly shaking during the opening number of the Rooney hour, Garland nonetheless displays her strength on some awe-inspiring solo songs ("When the Sun Comes Out," "Old Man River") and is utterly charming with her old pal and costar in a parody of their MGM films. Affection radiates between the two, as it does with Judy and 17-year-old Liza, taped a month later. Despite the episode's loose concept of Minnelli's mild fright in the face of big-time TV, she actually seems less nervoused-out than her mother; there are moments of protectiveness here that reverse the typical parent-child roles. Powerful, nuanced Garland performances of "Come Rain or Come Shine" and "As Long as He Needs Me" are the highlights here and demonstrate how her personal force could shatter show-biz conventions. The DVD's picture is crisply perfect black and white, while the sound--particularly a new 5.1 surround track--puts across all the vitality of the singers. Intriguing outtakes and promo material fill out the two-hour-plus package, making it a must for Garland aficionados.--Rickey Wright