Sinatra in Palm Springs: The Place He Called Home Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		3.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		3.5

Sinatra in Palm Springs: The Place He Called Home Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf June 5, 2019

“Sinatra in Palm Springs: The Place He Called Home” is a 2018 documentary that explores the singer’s history in the California city, where one of the most famous men in the world would go to get away from the grind of touring and celebrity. Director Leo Zahn presents a travelogue of sorts, armed with drones and file footage to piece together an understanding of Sinatra’s backyard, tracking his multiple homes, favorite places, and philanthropic efforts in his lifelong quest to better the area, which provided him with a feeling of safety and community he craved.

Interviews guide the “Sinatra in Palm Springs” viewing experience, with a host of friends and family gifting Zahn their memories of The Chairman of the Board in casual mode. Barbara Sinatra, Trini Lopez, and comedian Tom Dreesen are just a few of the people agreeing to share their reflections on Sinatra and his love of the town. The personal touch helps the documentary, giving it a cozy vibe as it becomes clear Zahn is interested in much more than a simple understanding of architecture. Conversation topics include Sinatra’s various marriages, his many moods, dealings with show business, and the presence of the mafia in Palm Springs.

Sinatra in Palm Springs: The Place He Called Home Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Using interviews collected over the course of many years, the AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Sinatra in Palm Springs" varies in sharpness and resolution, dealing with camera quality as well. Drone footage is especially iffy, with jagged edges. Most of the interview footage looks fine, with a clear view of aged faces, picking out skin textures and fibrous clothing. Photos are also mostly crisp and compelling. Colors are appealing, capturing the golden scene of Palm Springs, which is dotted with bright golf greenery and crystal blue pools. Skintones are natural. Some mild banding is detected.

Sinatra in Palm Springs: The Place He Called Home Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix also deals with the limitations of equipment, but interviewees mostly retain satisfactory clarity, making storytelling and informational flow easy to follow. Music is bigger, with a jazzy mood set via appealing instrumentation. Soundtrack selections are also defined. Surrounds aren't distinct, but some room tone is appreciable.

Sinatra in Palm Springs: The Place He Called Home Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Deleted Scenes (all HD) present "The Actor" (2:22), "The Compound" (3:08), "Sinatra Style" (1:32), "Traveling in Style" (1:58), "The Best Tipper" (1:39), "The Worst Driver" (2:58), "Golf Tournaments and Jack Daniels" (3:27), "Friendships" (1:13), and "Funeral" (3:48). There is no Play All function.

• And a Trailer (3:06, HD) is included.

Sinatra in Palm Springs: The Place He Called Home Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Obviously, Frank Sinatra fanatics are the target audience for "Sinatra in Palm Springs," as the documentary offers a peek into a guarded life. Zahn doesn't have access to the icon anymore, but there are photos, film, and household tours to achieve a full understanding on how this man lived. There's nothing challenging about the picture, presenting the faithful with a lifestyle overview that's easy on the senses.