Hugh Laurie: Live on the Queen Mary

Like many actors whose celebrity has allowed them to indulge other interests, Hugh Laurie parlayed his success as the star of the Fox drama House for eight seasons into a side career as pianist and lead singer of a blues ensemble called the Copper Bottom Band. This PBS-aired 2013 concert is filmed on the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA, where Laurie's idol, New Orleans blues legend Professor Longhair, recorded an album in 1975 that Laurie says changed his life. The 18-song set features mostly blues standards—including “Staggerlee,” “Louisiana Blues,” and “Swanee River”—interspersed with engaging remarks from Laurie. While reasonably pleasant entertainment, no one would seriously argue that Laurie is anything more than a competent keyboardist or that he has a great voice (it's no wonder that he turns over several numbers to his backup crew—singers and instrumentalists—who are excellent.) Presented in DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1 and stereo on DVD, and DTS-HD 5.1 and LPCM stereo on Blu-ray, extras include an interview with Laurie. While it feels a bit like a vanity project, this will no doubt appeal to Laurie's many fans, making it a strong optional purchase. (F. Swietek)