THE BEE GEES -- THIS IS WHERE I CAME IN (EAGLE VISION) and THE BEE GEES -- LIVE BY REQUEST (IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT): In America, the Bee Gees are the musical equivalent of Rodney Dangerfield, a fate they really don't deserve. Their success with disco music may have made them household words and filthy rich, but their earlier body of music, beginning with their first hit, "New York Mining Disaster," has a richness that approach none other than the Beatles. These two DVDs present two elements of the group. The first is a lengthy biography of the group that includes plenty of old footage and music along with recent interviews and music from their latest album of the same name. "Live By Request" is a 2001 concert originally broadcast live on cable's A&E Network. What you saw on the original broadcast is what you get here, including live versions of songs from their most recent album, plus some overly fawning intros by Mark McEwen. It's great, however, to hear the group in a live setting, an occurance that's become less frequent as years go on. We had the chance to see the group live on its "One" tour several years ago. We went into the show with low expectations and came out pleasantly surprised. While their more recent albums haven't had the success in the U.S. they have had in Europe, their work still is nothing but classy. These two discs prove that without a shadow of a doubt. (May, 2002)
THE CHIEFTAINS -- AN IRISH EVENING: The Chieftains have been around for many years and have an incredible enthusiasm that shines through their music. The concert, recorded in 1991 at the Grand Opera House in Belfast, features guest stars Nanci Griffith and Roger Daltrey, whose rendition of "Behind Blue Eyes" sounds terribly out of place, but little can dampen the Chieftains, who also also backed by dancer Jean Butler (who later went on to star with Michael Flatley in "Riverdance.") The Chieftains are one of the greatest musical gifts we have. If you're a fan, you'll love this intimate gathering that has the joy everpresent in the Chieftains music. (May, 2002)
THE PRISONER COMPLETE SET (10 discs/A&E): Over 30 years after its first broadcast, "The Prisoner" still holds fans enthralled. The series lasted only 18 episodes, but those episodes have been analyzed and picked apart by "Prisoner" devotees (your reviewer being one of them) ever since. (And there's a Beatle connection here: The final episode included short excerpts of the Beatles' "All You Need Is Love.") This 10 disc set contains the entire series, "The Alternate Chimes of Big Ben," plus some previously unseen footage taken during shooting and interviews with the series' production manager, (and not, unfortunately, with star Patrick McGoohan), and an overview, "The Prisoner Video Companion." The DVD also contains alternate footage from the show's opening, rare pictures and trivia. The original episodes of the series look tremendous on DVD with brilliant color. The only missing element that we would have loved to have seen was a rare Canadian TV interview with McGoohan in which he discussed the show. But otherwise, everything you'd ever want about the show is here. If you're a fan of "The Prisoner," you'll want this. (Also available in five separate two-disc sets: Set 1, set 2, set 3, set 4, set 5. Taken together, the five are the same as the Complete Set, but without the set's box.) (May, 2002)
THE
WHO LIVE AT THE ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL 1970 (IMAGE) and
THE
WHO & SPECIAL GUESTS -- LIVE AT ROYAL ALBERT HALL (2 disc set/MCY):
It's nice to see Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend and John Entwistle
performing again at the Royal Albert Hall show, recorded in November,
2000. The trio, augmented by John "Rabbit" Bundrick
on keyboards and Zak Starkey, Ringo's son, who's superb on drums,
run through an assortment of songs from as early as "My
Generation" to later songs such as "You Better You
Bet." The special guests include Eddie Vedder, Noel Gallagher,
Bryan Adams and Paul Weller. Still, even the special guests can't
transform this from an ordinary show, especially when you compare
it to the Isle of Wight disc (pictured at left). This disc has Keith Moon and the
'oo performing an outstanding set, including all of "Tommy"
live in what appears to be very very late in the evening. Still,
Pete and the band (with Roger in full fringe splendor) rock it
up. Classic Who and well worth getting. (April, 2002)
JOHN
LENNON "SWEET TORONTO": This DVD is one of several taken basically from
the same film, all recorded at the Toronto Peace Festival in
1969 (others includes discs by Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard,
Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley). The Lennon disc is the video of
the live Plastic Ono Band concert released on the "Live
Peace in Toronto" album, plus some added single songs from
the other artists named above. The sound is in 5.1 Dolby Digital.
The mix is slightly different from the "Live Peace"
release. It's one of the few chances to see and hear John in
concert. The DVD also includes a recent interview with Yoko Ono.
A must. (Feb. 2002)
"DAYDREAM BELIEVERS: THE MONKEES
STORY" (New Concorde): "Daydream Believers: The Monkees'
Story" TV movie is a somewhat authorized version of how
the Monkees made it. It includes the Monkees' original music
(some of it in gorgeous 5.1 mixes), but no real Monkees. It fictionalizes
some of the participants and includes the usual percentage of
tacky TV dialogue TV movies are known for. But what sets the
DVD apart and makes it a good purchase for fans of the Monkees
is the extras: full-length separate audio commentaries through
the movie by Micky, Davy and Peter, plus video interviews with
each, and an additional audio commentary by director Neill Fearnley.
The movie doesn't reveal any bombshells that the group's fans
won't already know. The audio commentaries are most interesting.
In one scene, where Peter and Davy get into a fight, both of
the guys say the fight didn't happen the way the movie shows
it, but both give decidedly different versions of the incident!
It's great to hear the group members discuss the Monkees at such
length. Too bad no one could persuade Mike to join in, though.(Feb. 2002)
BEATLES
STORY: LIFETIME BIOGRAPHY and "BEATLES
BIG BEAT BOX" (WATERFALL) : "The Beatles Story:
Lifetime Biography" is a well-done biography of the group
that, ironically, aired in the U.S. on A&E, not Lifetime.
Since it's unauthorized, it treads a narrow path to avoid copyright
problems (and does so rather well). It features no original Beatle
music, but interviews with several Beatle associates, including
Mersey Beat editor Bill Harry and members of the Swingin' Blue
Jeans. Most of the footage of the Beatles is old newsreel footage.
There's also has some nice footage of Liverpool, too. The biography
itself has some interesting stories. A nice pickup. On the other
hand, "Beatles Big Beat Box" is horrible. Recycled
news footage you've seen dozens of times before, much centered
around the Beatles' Hollywood Bowl show, but all tinted in different
colors, rather than being left in black and white. (Probably
to mask the horrible quality of the footage included.) The clips
include a woman telling a photographer there would be no movie
footage shot inside the Bowl. (Funny how some was anyway.) The
second disc in the set is a CD that includes some Beatle covers,
plus some non-Beatle songs, including one titled "In Spite
of All the Danger" which ISN'T the same song on the Anthology
or anything close, just a complete fabrication.
PAUL McCARTNEY AND FRIENDS -- THE
CONCERT FOR NEW YORK (SONY):
This concert is fantastic. From the Goo Goo Dolls, to the Who
(with Zak Starkey on drums), to Mick Jagger and Keith Richards
(whose performance of "Salt of the Earth" may have
been the most appropriate one of the night), and even to Adam
Sandler, whose Operaman skit had us rolling on the floor.The
ongoing tributes to the police, fire and emergency workers of
New York City made our eyes water several times. The two-disc
set contains over 5 hours of music and tributes. Our only criticism,
though, is why isn't ALL the music here? For example, two of
Paul's songs (the ones from "Driving Rain") were cut,
as was Macy Gray's great Beatle cover. But you must get this
disc. Not just because Paul's on it, but because all the proceeds
go to N.Y.'s Robin Hood Foundation. A great show for a great
cause. Buy it!
PAUL McCARTNEY -- WINGSPAN: If you're looking for a history of Wings, "Wingspan"
isn't it. What Paul calls "Wingspan" is really "Paul
and Linda: A Love Story." Certainly, it's an enjoyable disc,
with some great music. It's hard to believe, though, that daughter
Mary, who interviews Paul through the film (nice job if you can
get it!), was hearing some of Dad's stories for the first time
as her reaction would lead you to believe. The DVD has some nice
unreleased extra footage. "Wingspan" is, in reality,
a vanity project for Paul. It's pleasant to watch and it's interesting
to hear Paul discuss some subjects, including his pot bust in
Japan. But just don't expect a history of Wings. This isn't the
place you'll find it. (February, 2002)
PAUL McCARTNEY
AND FRIENDS: PETA CONCERT FOR PARTY ANIMALS (2000) (Image): Paul McCartney, with
a little help from some friends, pays tribute to his late wife,
Linda, and the animal rights organization PETA, on this disc.
Paul's performance features six songs from "Run Devil Run."
Compared to the Cavern show, this performance seems to have a
little less spark. Paul also introduces the winner of the first
Linda McCartney Humanitarian Award. Also on the bill: Chrissie
Hynde, Sarah McLachlan, The B-52s, Ellen DeGeneres and Margaret
Cho. While the concert footage is, at the least, fun, some of
the DVD extras aren't: not one, but six graphic animal cruelty
videos, including one introduced by Stella McCartney. PETA's
use of over-the-top methods to get their point across isn't new.
Was that many graphic videos really necessary? The other extras
are less offensive: a compilation of PETA celebrity public service
annoucements, including one by Linda McCartney, and a music video.
The Cavern DVD (reviewed elsewhere on this page) has more Macca
music and none of the propaganda. We'd recommend this one for
completists only. (January, 2002)
EVEREST (Miramax):
A beautiful movie made even more enjoyable by the music of George
Harrison, which is featured in instrumental versions extensively
through the film and with George himself (on the soundtrack)
in a live version of "Here Comes the Sun" from the
"Live in Japan" album at the end. The film shows the
bitter struggles of a group of climbers to conquer Mount Everest,
the world's tallest mountain. Originally shown in IMAX theaters,
it loses a bit of its majesty on the small screen, but the emotion
of the story is still evident. The photography is gorgeous and
features sweeping panaramas of the mountain. And the spirituality
of the George Harrison music lifts it even more. (Nov. 2001)
AN ALL-STAR TRIBUTE
TO BRIAN WILSON (Image): If you saw this show when it
was broadcast on TNT, you know what to expect: It's a star-studded
gathering featuring talents including David Crosby, Elton John,
Ricky Martin, Jimmy Webb, Sir George Martin and Aimee Mann, plus
a special reunion of Wilson Phillips, which includes Brian's
two daughters. The music is, of course, great. I just have one
reservation, though: As much as I love the music of Brian Wilson,
it's still disconcerting to see him react to public settings.
For a guy whose music has brought such peace to his fans, it's
not fair that he appears, at least on the surface, to have a
difficult time enjoying gatherings like this tribute. And knowing
Brian's tortured past, you'd think that those paying tribute
could refrain from using the G (genius) word to introduce him.
It's hard to go wrong with this disc, especially since it features
four songs by Brian and bonus interviews with Brian and several
of those involved with the show. I just hope Brian was comforted
by the warmth of the feelings of his family and friends who participated.
It's a warmth he certainly deserves for all the good vibes he's
spread to the rest of us. (Nov. 2001)
ELECTRIC LIGHT
ORCHESTRA: ZOOM TOUR LIVE FEATURING JEFF LYNNE (Image):
Those who were anticipating ELO's "Zoom" had to be
deeply disappointed when it was cancelled. This DVD helps ease
the pain a little with a performance recorded at CBS Television
City in Los Angeles. Lynne and the group, including original
member Richard Tandy, do several songs from the new album and
plenty of oldies, including "Telephone Line," "Turn
To Stone," "Ma-Ma-Ma Belle," "Evil Woman,"
"Showdown," "Strange Magic" and "Roll
Over Beethoven." The music looks and sounds tremendous.
In addition, the disc features a bonus interview with Lynne.
(Nov. 2001)
THE BEST OF RINGO
STARR & HIS ALL-STARR BAND SO FAR ... (Image): This DVD
features an assortment of performances from the first four All-Starr
Band tours. Performances are shown in chronological order from
concerts at the Greek Theater in L.A. (1989), Montreaux Jazz
Festival (1992), Empire Theater, Liverpool (1992), Japan (1995)
and Pine Knob, Mich. (1997). The All-Starr Band concept wouldn't
have worked as well as it did if it hadn't been for Ringo's sense
of fun. Looking at the performances, it's amusing to see which
songs besides Ringo's get the most attention from the audience:
the radio staples like "Rocky Mountain Way," "The
Weight," "A Whiter Shade of Pale" and "You
Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet" were among those we recall getting
huge responses. Those are here, along with Ringo's songs. The
DVD includes a bonus second version of "Yellow Submarine,"
along with an introduction by Sir Paul McCartney. Video quality
is better on the more recent clips, but is good all the way through.
Sound is 5.1 Dolby and DTS. Fun and worth having. (Nov. 2001)
THE MONKEES: OUR FAVORITES EPISODES and
THE MONKEES: VOLS. 1 AND 2 (Rhino): Are
their favorite episodes yours, too? Not likely. Mike's, interestingly
enough, is "Fairy Tale," where he has a starring role
... as a princess in drag. But Davy's is "Hitting the High
Seas," in which Mike hardly appears at all. (Hmmm....) Micky's
is the psychedelic "The Frodis Caper," with the great
music vid, "Zor and Zam." Peter's, "Man vs. Machine,"
with comic Stan Freburg, is the most fun of all. The disc has
plentiful scene locaters, including pointers to all the songs,
something the second disc, "Vols. 1 and 2," doesn't,
but should. "Vol. 1 and 2', however, concentrates more on
the early years of the series: "Here Come the Monkees,"
"The Picture Frame," "Alias Micky Dolenz"
and "Hillbilly Honeymoon." Note that the "Vols.
1 and 2" titles does not correspond to the previously released
"Vol. 1" and "Vol. 2" videotape versions
(the episodes are different). If you like the Monkees, though,
you'll want these. Neither of these have a great collection of
representative episodes from the show, though "Vols. 1 and
2" is a better overall look at the show than "My Favorite
Episodes."
PAUL McCARTNEY -- LIVE AT THE CAVERN CLUB (Image
Entertainment): What better place could Paul McCartney
have picked to promo his "Run Devil Run" album than
the Cavern in Liverpool. After all, it was the place where the
Beatles got their start. Paul hadn't played there in years, so
it would grab headlines all over the world. The show, however,
turned out to be more than a photo op; it ranks as one of the
best shows Paul has ever done. After making the rounds on TV,
it's now out on DVD. So what if the set and performance seemed
a bit rigid and lacking of spontaniety? This is the music Paul
grew up with and it shows in his exuberance. The full show is
here, minus the intro heard on the Internet, and including the
unnamed (we won't, anyway) audience member whose request for
"Satisfaction" got a polite response of "f---
off" from Sir Paul. Plus the 85-minute DVD includes videos
of "No Other Baby" (perhaps THE standout song on RDR)
and "Brown-Eyed Handsome Man," a promo, interview and
biographies. The picture is anamorphic widescreen (in other words,
not true letterboxed) with Dolby digital or DTS 5.1 sound. The
Cavern Club show was Paul as he was meant to perform. This disc
is a must. (Note: An NTSC (U.S./Japan) VHS release is also available.
(June 2001)
Region 2 DVD for Europe, Japan and
the Middle East only: "PAUL McCARTNEY -- LIVE AT THE CAVERN"
for Region 2 (Europe, Middle East, Japan only)
PAL video (for Europe): "PAUL McCARTNEY -- LIVE AT THE CAVERN"
PAUL McCARTNEY: IN THE WORLD TONIGHT (Rhino):
The DVD edition adds no length to this well edited documentary
of the making of "Flaming Pie." It does, however, arrange
the many events shown on the disc in chapters and headings, so
that all the various People (including Linda, Ringo, son James,
Geoff Baker), Projects and Events (Knighthood, Liverpool Oratorio,
Standing Stone, Tropic Island Home), Memories (Lost Beatles photos,
mellotron, Forthlin Road) and Music ("Flaming Pie"
songs, "Coming Up", "When I'm 64") are available
at a click. For Macca fans, this is a nice look at "Flaming
Pie." For Beatle fans, there's enough Beatle content to
make this worthwhile. A very enjoyable disc that, even if you
own the video, you'd be glad to have. (June 2001)
WONDERWALL (LET YOUR MIND WANDER) (Rhino):
This psychedelic-filled '60s movie has a Beatle connection: George
Harrison wrote the soundtrack. The DVD features the re-edited
director's cut of the film, a video of George's song with the
Remo Four, "In the First Place" (the song is also included
in the newly re-edited film's introduction and the trailer, also
included), the text of a John Lennon poem, a video of the song
"Fishing" featuring Eric Clapton on guitar, a film
outtake (the original intro without "In the First Place"),
a short called "Reflections on Love" that includes
a rare clip of the Beatles, plus art and designs by the Fool,
who designed the wall of the Beatles' shortlived Apple Boutique.
Sound is Dolby digital 5.1. The film is well steeped (smoked)
in the '60s. To put it simply, it's quite a trip.(June 2001)
HULLABALOO
(Vols. 5-8) (MPI) and 
MUSIC SCENE: THE BEST OF 1969-1970,
VOL. 2:
Music shows on TV in the '60s were a thorn in the medium's side.
TV execs didn't know just how to handle them, but they knew the
youth market since the rise of the Beatles was big -- and lucrative.
"Music Scene" and "Hullabaloo" were two examples
of shows that showed TV's ineptitude. NBC's "Hullabaloo"
was one of the two biggest shows during the '60s music explosion.
(The other was ABC's "Shindig.") NBC made sure it was
a show that would appeal to both kids and adults, stocking it
with lots of TV stars (David McCallum, Soupy Sales, Michael Landon)
among its music stars. It's music lineup, as seen on this DVD,
isn't bad: the Rolling Stones, the Everly Brothers, the Kingsmen,
the Lovin' Spoonful, The Shangri-Las, the Animals, the Young
Rascals, Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas, Peter & Gordon and
the Remains, to name some. What brought the quality down was
the goofy skits and corny sets the show would put the hosts and
music in. This disc has 4 1/2 hours of complete shows and additional
bonus clips, all in B/W. (The show was seen in color, some of
which is on the "Hullabaloo" (Vols. 1-4)" DVD,
but the shows on Vols. 5-8 are transferred from kinescopes.)
The kinescopes aren't perfect, but the many of the clips are
priceless. No Beatle clips, but there are several Beatle covers.
"Hullabaloo" also had a London segment introduced by
Brian Epstein (when did he ever find the time?) and several of
those clips are featured here. Watching "Music Scene"
gives one the impression that the show's bookers were after anything
they could get to see what would stick. Good choices such as
Chuck Berry, Janis Joplin, James Brown, Dusty Springfield, Johnny
Cash, Groucho Marx and Pete Seeger were balanced by the other
end of the spectrum: Neil Diamond, Della Reese, Frankie Laine
and the Cowsills. The disc has four complete shows (including
the last show aired), plus bonus clips and show promos done by
the Rolling Stones. As with the first disc, the music clips featured
are, at times, quite eclectic. For any DVD that ranges from James
Brown to Tony Bennett, that would appear to be the best description.
(June 2001)
THE SPENCER DAVIS GROUP: "THE GHOST GOES GEAR"
(Anchor Bay): This DVD has shown up in local stories
without much fanfare, but it's an exciting find for British Invasion
music buffs. This 1967 film was one of many feature films concocted
for music groups in the '60s. It features the band (including
a young Stevie Winwood) in a light romp involving a haunted castle.
The color film includes six SD songs, plus appearances by Dave
Berry, the M6, the St. Louis Union, the Lorne Gibson Trio and
Acker Bilk. The DVD (it's also on video) was mastered from the
only uncut print known to exist. The DVD includes audio commentary
by Spencer Davis and Beatlefest regular Martin Lewis. It's not
another "A Hard Day's Night" (but then, few films were),
but just having this rarity widely available is exciting enough.
(Now, where's "Ferry Cross the Mersey" and "Having
a Wild Weekend"?) (June 2001)
"THE SOPRANOS: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON"
(4 pack) (HB0): There is no better TV show at the moment
than "The Sopranos." The writing is outstanding, full
of creativity and wit. The actors are first-rate. The producers
have even extended the brilliance of the series to two soundtracks
(see links below) that use a wonderfully eclectic mix of music,
including Bob Dylan (who performs a cover of a Dean Martin song
he did exclusively for the show), Keith Richards, Wyclef Jean,
the Eurythmics, Ben E. King and Frank Sinatra, Another reason
"The Sopranos" is so good is where it debuted in America:
on cable TV. "The Sopranos" could never have been done
on American commercial TV. (Interestingly, it was originally
developed, then rejected, by the Fox TV network.) On the DVD
version, each episode is in widescreen format, giving each episode
the aura of a movie. The DVD version also comes with extras:
some featurettes and an interview with "Sopranos" creator
David Crane conducted by fellow director Peter Bogdanovich and
a DVD-ROM section that includes web links to HBO's official site.
The 13 episodes will suck you in and won't let you go. And they'll
make you long for the second season (which is coming out shortly
on DVD in Europe, but later in the year in the U.S.)
For Europe, Japan and the Middle
East only: Region 2 version: "THE SOPRANOS: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON"
(4 pack) for Region 2 (Europe, Middle East, Japan only) from
Amazon.co.uk
For Europe, Japan and the Middle East only: Region 2 version:
"THE SOPRANOS: SERIES 2, VOLS. 1-3" for
Region 2 (Europe, Middle East, Japan only) (to be released May
21)
For Europe, Japan and the Middle East only: Region 2 version:
"THE SOPRANOS: SERIES 2, VOLS. 4-6" for
Region 2 (Europe, Middle East, Japan only) (to be released June
25)
(Note: Region 2 DVDs can not be used in the U.S. unless you have
a region-free player.) (May 2001)
Soundtrack #1: The
Sopranos: Music From The HBO Original Series Soundtrack (from
Amazon.com) or from Amazon.co.uk: Includes Frank Sinatra, Bruce
Springsteen, Them, Nick Lowe, Los Lobos, Bo Diddley, Cream, Wyclef
Jean, Little Steven & the Disciples of Soul, R.L Burnside, the
Eurythmics, plus the show's knockout theme, "Woke Up This
Morning (Chosen Mix)" by A3.
Soundtrack #2: The
Sopranos - Peppers and Eggs: Music from the HBO Series: Soundtrack
(2 CDs) from Amazon.com or from Amazon.co.uk: Includes Frank Sinatra, R.L.
Burnside, The Rolling Stones, Nils Lofgrin, Cake, Otis Redding,
Bob Dylan, the Kinks, Vue, Cecilia Bartoli, the Pretenders, Van
Morrison, Dominic Chianese (who plays Uncle Junior in the series),
Ben E. King, Madreblu, Kasey Chambers, Pigeonhed and an electronic
duet combining The Police and Henry Mancini.
THE
BEACH BOYS: ENDLESS HARMONY (Capitol) and THE
BEACH BOYS: THE LOST CONCERT (Image): Despite what the
box says, "Endless Harmony" is not the first time the
Beach Boys have told their own story, only the latest -- and,
admittedly, the better -- version. (The previous version, "The
Beach Boys: An American Band," is available on DVD.) It's full of old clips
(many used in the earlier doc), but lots of newer stuff, including
some of the last clips of Carl Wilson. What really makes this
DVD a must purchase, however, is the bonus clips: seven bonus
DVD 5.1 surround sound audio mixes and five bonus video clips.
The 5.1 mixes are gorgeous. "The Lost Concert" is a
'64 vintage set videotaped in a television studio. 
It's a great
look at the vintage Beach Boys, complete with screaming girls,
great harmonies and Mike Love's cheerleading. (Yeah, we know
the general feeling about Mike, but face it: His lead singer
persona was an integral part of the Beach Boys formula back then.
He was a great P.R. man onstage back then. That's not a criticism,
either. ) A couple of clips from "The Lost Concert"
are included in the bonus video clips on "Endless Summer,"
but Beach Boys fans really need to have the whole show in their
archives. Also available: THE
BEACH BOYS: THE MAKING OF STARS AND STRIPES,' a video
documentary of the making of the group's attempted country "crossover"
album that sank like a stone. The video works better, though
one still has to wonder what they were thinking. The video does
include one clip not on the album, the late Tammy Wynette singing
"In My Room," one tune that actually worked nicely.
(April, 2001)
CANDY (Anchor Bay) (limited edition tin) and CANDY (regular edition) and SEXTETTE (Rhino):
What is it about Ringo Starr and bad movies? Both of these films feature Ringo and a host of big name stars in two of the worst films of all time. "Candy" features Ringo along with (a very thin) Marlon Brando, James Coburn, Walter Matthau, Richard Burton and the quite gorgeous Ewa Aulin, who was nominated for a Golden Globe award for this film as Most Promising Newcomer, an honor that certainly helped her career! Both DVD versions of "Candy" include several extras: the theatrical trailer, radio spots, a stills gallery and talent bios. "Sextette" features Mae West in her last film, still acting as the sexy bombshell she played in the '40s. However, Mae was about 40 years older than that here! This cast includes Ringo Starr, Keith Moon, Alice Cooper, (the future James Bond) Timothy Dalton, Dom DeLuise (who does a campy cover of the Beatles' "Honey Pie"), George Raft, Walter Pidgeon, Tony Curtis, George Hamilton and Regis Philbin. In "Candy", Ringo plays a Mexican gardener, while in "Sextette", he plays Mae's fourth husband. Both films are good for laughs. (Note: "Candy is also available in a limited edition tin that includes a set of collector's cards.) (March, 2001)
MUSIC SCENE: THE BEST OF, 1969-70 (MPI): It's easy to see why this show didn't last very long: it was quite an eclectic show. The guests represented a wide range of music, from James Brown to Johnny Cash to Della Reese to the Everlys, CSN&Y and Sly and the Family Stone. David Steinberg was host, and members of the comedy group the Committee were featured in introductory sketches that seem quite out of place. The show was almost a continual advertisement for Billboard magazine, relying heavily on Billboard chart positions in determining the acts it presented, and Steinberg mentions that data in his introductions. Still, there are some great clips. CSN&Y do a great live version of "Down By the River." One of our faves, Jerry Lee Lewis has a couple of clips, too. There are no Beatle clips, but one of the bonus clips features Mary Hopkin doing a cover of "In My Life." One of the nice things about DVDs is that you can go to individual clips and that works in favor of this disc. Let's just call it interesting. (Note: A Volume 2 is also available.) (March, 2001)
HEAD (Rhino): The description on the box calls it “A Hard Day’s Night” on acid, but that’s a bit simplistic. This is the Monkees trying to bash their teenybopper image – and doing quite a nice job of it. When first released, it was critically bashed, but time has given it a veil of pure genius. There’s plenty of good music, including a couple of stunning songs – the opener, “Porpoise Song,” and Mike Nesmith’s masterpiece “Circle Sky.” The picture, newly remastered in full frame format, looks great. The sound is in mono, as is the original film. Bonus footage included is 8 minutes of trailers for the film. The animated menus allow you to go to each song in the film and see all the celebrity cameos, among them Jack Nicholson, who was co-writer of the film. This is a movie for both film buffs and music fans. There are plenty of movies that are a capsule of the ‘60s, but this movie is one of the better ones. (March, 2001)
WOODSTOCK (Warner Bros.): This DVD should have been something really special, befitting the significance the event itself and the movie (which had quite an impact when it was released) had. But there’s no behind-the-scenes documentary and no alternative commentary that would have made a lot of sense here. It is presented in widescreen (the way the original theatrical film was) and the soundtrack is in 5.1 Dolby digital. There are 40 minutes of additional scenes, but for the most part, but outside of the new scenes of Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin (too bad there wasn’t a lot more …her scene is electrifying), the additions aren’t all that exciting. On the plus side, this disc is cheaper than most and the double sided DVD is over 3.5 hours long. Some of the scenes expose a particular naiveté that would become more apparent at Altamont (see “Gimme Shelter” below), but “Woodstock” was the Summer of Love in full bloom. It’s a nice trip, to use an old phrase… (March, 2001)
THE RUTLES (Rhino): The DVD version of this great Beatle spoof features deleted scenes (including the alternate UK Brian Thigh interview), a section in which you can play the songs by themselves, animated menu, plus a couple of hidden surprises as "Easter eggs." Those who have enjoyed it before will find some of the scenes look different (some scenes have been cropped a bit differently). George Harrison, shown originally as a reporter in one scene, now pops up as an interviewer in another. Eric Idle provides an alternate narration giving insights about the film that are a bit on the dry side. (Where's Neil Innes, anyway?) Still, the film looks great, the sound is good (it's said to be 5.1, though it's not the wonderful sound that's on the "Yellow Submarine" disc). Also available from CD Now. (March, 2001)
GIMME SHELTER (Criterion Collection): Criterion is well known among film fans for their care in bringing out digital versions of films. "Gimme Shelter" is no exception. Besides a newly restored digital transfer of the film, the disc includes Dolby digital and DTS 5.1 surround sound mixes, outtakes from the Stones' 1969 Madison Square Garden concert, plus backstage footage, audio commentary by the filmmakers, excerpts from a San Francisco radio broadcast the day after the show that features interviews with several of the principals seen in the film, a 44-page booklet plus theatrical trailers. The extras enable you to examine the film and the Altamont concert from the perspective of a Stones fan or a film fan - or even examine the sociological disaster Altamont was. This is one of our favorite discs, not just because of the features alone, but because of the tremendous study this disc allows you to make of the concert. Outstanding and highly recommended. Also available from CD Now (March, 2001)
YELLOW SUBMARINE: If you don't have this one already, what are you waiting for? This one is darned near close to perfect: Dolby Digital 5.1 mixes (available with the movie audio or separately without it), widescreen format, remastered film, plus extras including interviews with cast and production crew, the (now dated) short "Mod Odyssey" on the making of the film, storyboard drawings, photos, audio commentary and movie trailer. DVD fans will love it just for all the extras alone. The movie hardly needs the help, but this is one fantastic disc. A must. (March, 2001)
MUSIC FOR MONTSERRAT LIVE (Image): A great lineup makes this a really enjoyable disc. Sir George Martin, who was the driving force behind the concert, introduces a stellar lineup: Arrow, Carl Perkins (in one of his last live performances … too bad there's only one song), Jimmy Buffett, Mark Knopfler, Sting, Eric Clapton, Elton John and Paul McCartney, who opens with "Yesterday," does a gorgeous runthrough of the "Abbey Road" medley, then "Hey Jude" and the finale, "Kansas City." The picture is sharp and stunning. There are DTS 5.1 mixes as well as Dolby digital. Lots of fun. (March, 2001)
