EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Tina Sinatra TalksThe Frank Sinatra Experience DVD Collections

Developed by Tina Sinatra and approved by Frank himself, Sinatra [2 Discs] is a made-for-television mini-series following the life and times of Frank Sinatra, one of the most popular and acclaimed singers of the 20th century. Opening with his childhood in Hoboken, New Jersey, the film follows Sinatra's (Philip Casnoff) rise to the top in the '40s, through the dark days of the early '50s and his triumphant re-emergence in the mid-'50s, to his status as pop culture icon in the '60s, '70s and '80s. In between, the film hits all of the main events, including his three marriages, his connections with the Mafia and his notorious friendship with the Rat Pack.

Even with the presence of Tina Sinatra as executive producer, Sinatra [2 Discs] doesn't gloss over the more unsavory portions of Frank's life, which makes it all the more impressive. With the exception of a couple of early songs, all the music in the movie is taken from the original Sinatra recordings.

We recently caught up with Tina to chat with her exclusively about this upcoming DVD, which will be released on May 13th, 2008. Also being released on this date are the extensive legacy sets Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly Collection [3 Discs], Frank Sinatra: Stage and Screen Collection, Frank Sinatra: The Golden Years [5 Discs], and Frank Sinatra: The Early Years [5 Discs].

Here is our conversation with Tina:

This is certainly a widespread celebration of your father's work. What would you say it was about his work that really stands the test of time?

Tina Sinatra: His sense of self and style in everything he did... And that he did it all so well.

How involved were you and your siblings with all of these new collections that are coming out in May?

Tina Sinatra: I am involved in everything we do and don't do.

These new collections will feature 11 films that haven't been released on DVD before. What else will these new discs have to offer those that aren't as familiar with his more obscure works?

Tina Sinatra: His earlier films are great fun and he's so good in them. The MGM years are some of his best.

Frank was so immensely successful in music, film and television. Did he have a true favorite between them?

Tina Sinatra: His music was the most important part of his life. He would say his family came first...I'd say we were a very close second. His music was his life.

Were you involved in the bonus features of any of these DVD's? And, if so, what can we expect there?

Tina Sinatra: I was not involved in picking bonus features. But, I think they do add to the entire Sinatra Experience with many more treasures to come.

The musical biopic is quite a popular genre in Hollywood these days. Have you or your siblings been approached about a full-scale Frank Sinatra biopic?

Tina Sinatra: We are nearly ready to announce a theatrical motion picture. Can you guess who the director is?

Yeah, I believe it is going to be Brett Ratner...Personally, what is your favorite film of your father's, and why?

Tina Sinatra: Tender Trap...Because he's so silly in it. I like to remember him that way.

This is the first initiative of Frank Sinatra Enterprises. What other sorts of things will we see from FSE in the future?

Tina Sinatra: The sky's the limit!!! What feels right to me/us...It must always feel like something FS would do. THAT IS THE KEY TO ALL WE DO.

You were the executive producer on the Sinatra [2 Discs] miniseries and you also produced the remake of The Manchurian Candidate. Are there any other producing plans in your future?

Tina Sinatra: No, not at this time.

Finally, when you look back on his whole legacy in music, film, television and fatherhood, what sticks out the most about Frank to you?

Tina Sinatra: His warmth, self-confidence, humor and style.

Look for The Frank Sinatra Experience DVD collections at your local home video store on May 13th, 2008.

All in all, despite the fact that this is one of the oldest and most horrendously misused themes in all of horror filmmaking, Kanefsky has managed to put together a very high-quality example of the art. It may have been done before, but very rarely so well.

Date：2008-5-19　【Return】