Watch The Definitive Collection: Louis Armstrong

The Definitive Collection: Louis Armstrong is a charming film that skillfully celebrates the life and music of the legendary jazz musician, Louis Armstrong. As audiences follow this musical journey, they are given a chance to relive his most iconic performances, learn more about the intricate fabric of his life, and revel in the electrifying charisma that made him a music legend.

One of the film's most notable features is that it gives fans a rare opportunity to see some of Louis Armstrong's live performances which have been lost to time. This is thanks to a trove of archival footage that has been expertly restored to ensure that every note and every gesture of the music legend is preserved for future generations. The quality of the footage is impressive, with a range of performances from different stages of Armstrong's life culminating in a rich and diverse collection of his musical genius.

The narrative structure of the movie is competent, and it manages to intertwine fun and interesting biographical tidbits into the larger story of Armstrong's musical career. Armstrong's life story is uniquely woven into the history of jazz music, and The Definitive Collection manages to showcase that connection in a way that is both educational and entertaining.

Viewers will appreciate that the film does not shy away from discussing some of the darker aspects of Armstrong's life - such as his history with marijuana use, infidelity, and the racial tensions that he faced as a black man in the early 20th century. However, these details are presented in a straightforward but non-judgmental way, allowing the audience to view Armstrong as a complex human figure with both positive and negative qualities, rather than simplifying him into a caricature.

The Definitive Collection also gives viewers an opportunity to witness the evolution of Armstrong's music, from his earliest recordings, which were steeped in the tradition of New Orleans jazz - up to his later work, which featured more experimentation with big band and swing styles. Throughout these different musical eras, Armstrong's virtuosity as a musician shines through, and audiences are treated to some of his most beloved classics, including "What A Wonderful World," "La Vie En Rose," and "When The Saints Go Marching In."

One of the most striking aspects of The Definitive Collection is the excellent audio quality of the film's soundtrack. The remastered audio captures the nuances of Armstrong's voice and trumpet playing, in a way that will allow long-time fans of his music to rediscover the magic of his performances, and will perhaps create new fans in the process.

Additionally, The Definitive Collection includes interviews with some of the people who knew Armstrong the best, including his bandmates, family members, and music industry contemporaries. These interviews are not just a mere filler but rather offer important insights into Armstrong's life and musical career from a range of perspectives. This helps to provide an even more comprehensive picture of the legendary musician and adds another layer of richness to the film.

Jewel Brown is a notable participant in the movie, giving fans an inside look at working with Armstrong over the years. Her intimate connections to the late jazz icon allowed her to provide a unique and valuable perspective on some pivotal moments in his career, which makes her contribution to the film extremely meaningful.

Overall, The Definitive Collection: Louis Armstrong is a worthy homage to the man widely known as the father of jazz. Fans of the genre, whether old or new, will find something to love in the movie, from the archival footage of Armstrong's best performances to the little-known historical facts and details woven into the larger story of his life. The film is delightful, entertaining, and educational - a must-watch for anyone interested in music history, and a fitting tribute to one of the greatest musicians of all time.

The Definitive Collection: Louis Armstrong is a 2006 music movie with a runtime of 33 minutes.