5/5 "Opry Video Classics: The Queens Of Country"
  by Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com (...in Middle America)
Another great volume in the 8-DVD Time-Life collection of classic country music performances from Grand Ole Opry. This disc focuses on Nashville's greatest female performers -- Lynn Anderson, Patsy Cline, Skeeter Davis, Loretta Lynn, Connie Smith, Dottie WestTammy Wynette and, of course, good old Dolly Parton (singing "Jolene"! Yay!) Some of the oldest material comes from Kitty Wells in the 1950s, while the later end of the set stretches into the early '70s with newcomers like Donna Fargo, Jeannie Pruett and Sammi Smith. Cult favorites such as Barbara Fairchild and Jeannie Seely are also included -- if only Melba Montgomery had made the grade as well! All in all, a great collection focusing on the "better half" of the Nashville scene.

This disc includes fifteen live performances (and no lip-syncing, as far as I can tell...) along with bonus features such as interviews with various Opry veterans. The material is drawn from old Opry TV broadcasts and other venues such as "The Bobby Lord Show" and other, long-forgotten shows that were the country equivalents of "Soul Train" and "American Bandstand." The video quality is very good and the sound quality is excellent -- it's a chance to see many of the biggest stars in Nashville playing real, honest country music, the way it used to be. This collection is a true gift -- highly recommended! (DJ Joe Sixpack / Slipcue music reviews)