Sid & Judy

This documentary revealed many 'facts' about her life that I'd never know. It was very candid when dealing with her parents, and her life ups and downs. The many clips including those dealing with her films and concerts were fascinating. I was left after its ending with a very sad feeling about her tragic story. But I would highly recommend it for all fans of Judy.

Really quite fascinating doc about Judy Garland as told through archival footage and her 3rd husband's journals. Jon Hamm as the voice of Sid Lyft is exceptional - Jennifer Jason Leigh is horrific as the voice of Judy Garland (forced and distractingly bad).

Otherwise great film!

I always thought Judy was a more powerful, engaging, enigmatic vocalist compared to the mega perfect pipes of Ms. Streisand. However, the clip of their duet was most educational. Barbra was clearly more technical with stronger range and clearer vocals than Judy. I was trying to assess why I felt the opposite. Well, when you have such a tragic life it really shines through in your interpretation of any form of words and music. Judy died so very young in obvious trauma seeped life events. Meanwhile her counterpart lives on in infamy with near perfect health. How can that be felt through the air waves? I am unable to conclusively state how but the difference is palpable. Just an observation that surprised me. Judy's final song portrayed such incredible depth and energy despite severe health issues and represents one of the most amazing talents in history. Wait till you hear how long she holds that final note, almost super human. The rest of the film concerns Luft's diary notes and provides some insight to her many career struggles as well as her affable, warm nature. The rumors of his pilfering her bank accounts were white washed and assume we may never know who stole what from whom. She didn't seem to care and guess neither do I. High recommend for her fans but certainly as a unique talent that rarely manages to touch those sentimental heartstrings. What a force!

This is an alternately heartbreaking and fascinating account of the life and times of the immensely gifted Judy Garland - in her own words, on tapes destined to be made into a book which were all but forgotten until recently. And also portrayed by actress, Jennifer Jason Leigh in voiceovers, who for some odd reason affects an awful mid-Atlantic accent - what?! Did she think she was still portraying Dorothy Parker? To agree with another reviewer, it's the only downside to the documentary. At first I thought it was Bobby Cannevale as Sid Luft, but Jon Hamm acquits himself exceptionally. Well-researched with archival footage and interviews.

The title of this documentary grated on me, with Luft taking first billing, but I stuck with it as a huge fan of Judy. What can't be disputed is Luft, in a way, did reignite Judy's career. She received her first Oscar nomination, and played to millions live. However, Judy was born with a God given talent ,which even when she duets with Barbra Streisand, who went on to star in an inferior version of A Star is Born, it is Judy you are drawn to. What I learned was how funny Judy was. When she describes the media frenzy when she is nominated for Star at her hospital bedside it is genuinely hilarious! I also learned Luft was a two faced chancer who promised to look after and not hurt Judy, but like most in her life, milked her for funds and kept her on pills to perform. Judy couldn't respond to how Luft rewrote her history but it is she who will be remembered forever. Watch this for Judy and take Luft with a giant pinch of salt. Best thing about him is he was voiced well by Jon Hamm.