The latest collaboration between filmmakers Bruce Ricker (director) and Clint Eastwood (producer) chronicles the life and career of Tony Bennett. The Music Never Ends isn’t filmed in the manner of a straight-ahead biopic, but rather as a non-chronological look at Bennett’s musical heritage. To that end, this film, originally seen on PBS’s American Masters series, contains a carefully chosen collection of film clips, vintage musical material and interviews with such luminaries as Martin Scorsese, Don Rickles, Mel Brooks and Eastwood himself (who also appears in lengthy chatting sessions with Bennett), all of whom attest to Bennett’s talents, professionalism, style and importance. It’s a solid summation of all things Bennett, while also acting as a fine primer on the artistry and history of American popular music in the 20th century.

Shelf Talk: At age 81, Bennett is having one helluva year. In September, he released his latest best-selling audio recording, Tony Bennett Sings the Ultimate American Songbook. That same month, the TV special Tony Bennett: An American Classic earned seven Emmy Awards, making it one of the year’s most honored programs. Bennett even popped up on the New York leg of Stevie Wonder’s concert tour a couple of weeks back for a duet of “For Once in My Life.” It’s obvious that Bennett’s core fan base is still eager to see and listen to the man, while fresh audiences continue to discover him. Netflix and Target had a six-week exclusive DVD window on the title that lasted through mid-November.