Liza With A Z (1972)

Reputedly the first filmed concert for television, this was shot on 16 millimeter film (8 cameras) by Owen Roizman (THE FRENCH CONNECTION) rather than the traditional videotape. 1972 was a banner year for director/choreographer Bob Fosse who won the Oscar for CABARET, the Tony for PIPPIN and the Emmy for this. It also serves as a reminder of what a dynamite triple threat entertainer Liza Minnelli was in the 1970s. Minnelli was still in fine voice and Fosse's sharp direction along with the material (lots of John Kander and Fred Ebb) and inimitable choreography make this special. Highlights are the Fosse choreographed numbers: I Gotcha, Bye Bye Blackbird and Son Of A Preacher Man which spotlight Minnelli's underrated dancing (Fosse said after Gwen Verdon, Minnelli was the one who understood his choreography the best). If you're a Minnelli or Fosse fan, you've probably already seen this but if you haven't, it's worth seeking out.