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Review

For those of you who can't remember the '70s (or weren't born yet), Sylvester was a major drag diva with a legendary singing voice. His disco hits, including "Mighty Real" were anthems for a generation of dancing queens. Sylvester first gained fame as part of the San Fransisco radical drag performance group "The Cockettes" but he quickly began a very commercial solo career spinning out several major hits. He was out, loud, proud, flamboyant and above all else fiercely talented. This superb performance film was shot in a club in 1985 as the diva celebrated his 40th birthday. Singing torch songs and dressed to the nines in full drag and sequins, Sylvester's talent reins supreme in this amazing relic of a time past. He sings Cole Porter's "Night and Day," a New Orleans version of "Cabaret" and a stunning rendition of Billy Holiday's classic "Lover Man." His voice starts off rough, but when he warms up, so will you. Don't expect high quality recording here, it's very lo-fi, but this didn't detract from the stunning talent on display. We may not be able to see Sylvester perform live anymore, but with this essential DVD we get a taste of his genius.

 -- Scott Cranin