Beatles' Biggest Secrets (2004) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is NOT a well-rounded documentary as claimed, but it fills a niche in the ever-expanding library of Beatles material. It focuses on the "dark" side of the Beatles story, leaving out the joy, generosity and, most of all, the music. But no doubt most of it is true, and it has its place in balancing the bigger picture.

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Featuring new and exclusive interviews, Beatles' Biggest Secrets, reveals the inside story of the world's greatest pop group with explosive revelations about the extraordinary lives of Liverpool's favorite sons. From the band's formation and early exposure to the gritty world of sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll in the dingy strip clubs of Hamburg, Germany, the program then travels forward through the Beatles' careers with shocking surprises about their relationships with each other, their women and their inner circle. Filled with interviews from friends, relatives, colleagues and former girlfriends as well as rare film footage and original artwork by artist Klaus Voormann, this is the first fully rounded Beatles portrait to appear on DVD. This is the Beatles at their best -- and their worst!

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Dusty Springfield: Live at the BBC (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)Wow... how to put this into words...
When this arrived I threw it on just to quickly check the image quality, intending to watch it when I had some free time. Almost two hours later, unable to turn it off at any point, I'm compelled to sit at the keys for a quick review...
I've never bought into the label of Greatest British Female Vocalist as applied to Dusty. To me, quite clearly and beyond argument, she was and remains the Greatest Female Vocalist of All Time, period, and this superbly crafted DVD I think frames that conclusion in gold and hangs it so high on the wall that it can't be reached.
This is Dusty naked - no interviews interrupting old clips, no guest stars, no bogus sets, and every note is sung and played live. Just Dusty, three backup singers and a great orchestra offstage, and crazy, very receptive audiences.
Dusty is in great spirits, she's funny, clever, very playful, chatty and Dear God could this woman sing. From that breathy intimate voice that sounds like it's coming from the pillow next to you... to that rockin', belting, jazz drenched powerhouse voice that knocks every ball out of the park be it Motown or supper club standards... this girl could seemingly do anything.
Only the extras are in color - the central body of the disc is in glorious, crystal clear and razor sharp black and white, and she's never looked better. That hair, those eyes, that smile... she's simply stunning. Still photos never did her justice - Dusty was a beautiful woman.
Great camerawork thoughout, with tons of lingering closeups and a genuine understanding of what the slower songs are all about.
This leaves all the other Dusty DVD's far behind. It's the one you've been waiting for, it really is. If you're a serious Dusty fan, imagine what you'd want in a live disc... well, this is better. You'll laugh, a few songs may put a tear in your eye, but you'll mostly be reminded of what a gigantic talent this woman was. Sit in the dark and watch her sing "If You Go Away"... and you may find the earth stops turning for a couple of minutes.

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LIVE AT THE BBC - DVD Movie

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Two of Us (2000) Review

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(More customer reviews)Michael Linsey-Hogg, the director of Let It Be, weaves fact and fiction into a compelling movie about two of the greatest personalities of our generation.
McCartney comes off a bit too warm in this but its hard to see that as a flaw. Reputed to be a 'cool' person at the best of times perhaps we see through to the real Paul. Lennon on the other hand is accurately portrayed from the clowning to the acid wit he was so well known for.
While the actors don't physically resemble John and Paul that well they certainly come across as them if you just squint your eyes and pretend a little.
Best moments in the movie:
McCartney in a heartfelt moment telling John how during the break up of the Beatles he felt as though he was losing his best friend. Lennons acid response. "We were never that close mate".
A scene in Central Park with the two of them in disguise. Reminiscent of A Hard Days Night is the exchange between them and two mounted police. We laughed out loud at this one and the scene just felt right.
A scene in a restaurant when an elderly couple finally get there nerve up to approach John. They make the gaffe of requesting that he sing a few bars of Yesterday (Pauls song). Lennons response again had us laughing out loud and again it felt as though it really was John saying it.
The best moment of all is one with John and Paul on the roof of the Dakota. I won't attempt to describe this one but it brought tears to my eyes and confirmed to me that the chemistry between John and Paul was truly magic.
This movie brings back a little of the joy the Beatles brought to the world way back when. A celebration of John and Paul and the real world magic of Beatle music.

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The McCartney Years (2007) Review

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New McCartney DVD Set for Release 'THE McCARTNEY YEARS' LOS ANGELES, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- On November 13th, 2007, 'THE McCARTNEY YEARS' will hit the stores from MPL/Rhino Entertainment. This first time ever DVD includes the definitive visual collection of Paul McCartney's amazing career featuring solo music videos, career-spanning live performances, personal commentary by Paul McCartney and exclusive footage that tracks his incredible musical journey as never before.
Spanning four decades, 'THE McCARTNEY YEARS' is a three volume DVD collection, featuring some of the world's best-loved music that has become the soundtrack to all our lives.
VOLUME ONE and VOLUME TWO contain the definitive collection of McCartney music videos. Starting in the 1970s with Paul McCartney's first solo single "Maybe I'm Amazed," the DVD includes the Wings promo video for "Band On The Run" as well as hits from the 1980s such as "Say Say Say," and the 1990s with "The World Tonight." It finishes with 2005's "Fine Line." The films can be viewed either in chronological order or as play-lists that have been personally arranged by Paul featuring his exclusive voiceover commentaries.
VOLUME THREE includes live performances taken from three classic McCartney live shows; "ROCKSHOW" filmed on Wings' 1976 World Tour, new edits of Paul's seminal "UNPLUGGED" in 1991 and Paul's now legendary headlining performance at 2004's GLASTONBURY Festival.
'THE McCARTNEY YEARS' is also packed with bonus features and extra never before seen footage and performances, including "Let It Be" from LIVE AID, archive interviews with Melvyn Bragg and Michael Parkinson, alternative versions of music videos and the full-length 2005 documentary "Creating Chaos at Abbey Road." Paul has recorded exclusive commentary and personal introductions for each promo video and each live concert.
This collection has been meticulously restored and all films polished, re-graded and given a new lease on life in Widescreen format with re-mastered stereo audio and for the first time the original recordings re-mixed into 5.1 surround sound. 'THE McCARTNEY YEARS' includes over 40 promo videos and over two hours of live performances.
DISC/TRACK LISTING DISC 1 1. Tug Of War 2. Say Say Say 3. Silly Love Songs 4. Band On The Run 5. Maybe I'm Amazed 6. Heart Of The Country 7. Mamunia 8. With A Little Luck 9. Goodnight Tonight 10. Waterfalls 11. My Love 12. C-Moon 13. Baby's Request 14. Hi Hi Hi 15. Ebony And Ivory 16. Take It Away 17. Mull Of Kintyre 18. Helen Wheels 19. I've Had Enough 20. Coming Up 21. Wonderful Christmastime Extras 1. Juniors Farm 2. Band On The Run 3. London Town 4. Mull Of Kintyre 2 5. The Southbank Show
DISC 2 1. Pipes Of Peace 2. My Brave Face 3. Beautiful Night 4. Fine Line 5. No More Lonely Nights 6. This One 7. Little Willow 8. Pretty Little Head 9. Birthday 10. Hope Of Deliverance 11. Once Upon A Long Ago 12. All My Trials 13. Brown-Eyed Handsome Man 14. Press 15. No Other Baby 16. Off The Ground 17. Biker Like An Icon 18. Spies Like Us 19. Put It There 20. Figure Of Eight 21. C'Mon People Extras 1. Parkinson 2. So Bad 3. Creating Chaos At Abbey Road
DISC 3 Rock Show 1. Venus And Mars 2. Rock Show 3. Jet 4. Maybe I'm Amazed 5. Lady Madonna 6. Listen To What The Man Said 7. Bluebird MTV Unplugged 8. I Lost My Little Girl 9. Every Night 10. And I Love Her 11. That Would Be Something Glastonbury 12. Jet 13. Flaming Pie 14. Let Me Roll It 15. Blackbird 16. Band On The Run 17. Back In The USSR 18. Live And Let Die 19. Hey Jude 20. Yesterday 21. Helter Skelter 22. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band Extras 1. Live Aid 2. The Superbowl XXIV
Check out www.paulmccartney.com for the latest news and information.

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Paul McCartney - Live in Red Square (2003) Review

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(More customer reviews)One of the great things about Macca is he's never forgotten where he came from, and inspite of the wealth and success, he knows what's important. That comes through in spades on this disc which is both a great concert film and a rather touching documentary on a number of social and political notions.
It isn't meant to be heavy going, and because of that, when you see the footage of the kids in the orphanage (the raison d'etre for the concert appearance), when you hear former Soviet military ministers saying they learned English from Beatles records, when you see even Putin crack the KGB veneer to acknowledge that something about the message of love that 4 guys from Liverpool stood for warmed even the iciest of hearts. McCartney seems to know that there was something in the Russian psyche that needed respect from his as well and he is also the consummate diplomat and a generous and genuine musical ambassador. After touring the Hermitage with Putin, he acknowledges how touched he is that the kids in the orphanage who perform for him are dressed in their Sunday best. That's a sensibility that only a working class kid would understand and recognize as important. He also gets quite a giggle out of the Russian police chasing him out of Red Square on his bicycle (it's a no-no), not caring who the heck he is. The laugh is on Mac and he enjoys it, sheepishly.
As for the Concert in Red Square and in St Petersburg, the shows are incredible. A number of talking heads relate their tales of securing Beatles records as they grew up, and it's rather touching. You get the picture that they got the message far more profoundly than those in the west. So as the band hits the stage, the rush in the crowd is exhilarating. Even Putin gets rockin during "Back in the USSR", and his KGB body guards are having a ball.
McCartney's observations during "Fool On A Hill" clearly indicate he knows and understands what this music means to people and he is determined to give them a great show and have fun. And he succeeds brilliantly. During "Let it Be" and "Hey Jude" the crowd is at times on the verge of tears, particularly one old fella. The robust singing along during "Jude" could only have happened in Russia where there is such enormous pride in polyphonic singing. Macca is stunned by how strongly the crowd joins in.
The experience was joyful and humbling. Having met Gorbachev, Putin and so many of the people of Russia, McCartney reflects on what it would be like to be able to tell his parents about this trip. It's the voice of a son who was raised to do the right thing and who wants his parents to know he upheld the family name. There is something about that that cuts across all nationalities and ethnicities. He's the genuine article, and this is a film with great music and a profound message.

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A feature-length world premiere special that tells the story of the ex-Beatle's historic visit to Russia on May 24, 2003. Marking the first time that McCartney had set foot on Russian soil, this concert and documentary also reveals the secret love affair that existed between the Russian people and McCartney during the Communist era.

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The Concert For New York City (2001) Review

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(More customer reviews)Once again, the Who show just why they are the greatest Rock and Roll band to ever walk the earth. There show was simply amazing. To hear the ovation they got at the end was truly shocking. They get it started with Who Are You and Pete is just amazing in his windmilling. Entwistle keeps it all together on bass and Daltrey gets the crowd going, while Starkey does a fine job on drums. Baba O'reilly and the reaction the crowd gives after hearing the first few cords brings goosebumps to everyone. Daltrey shows hes still go it with a killer harmonica solo in the end. Behind Blue Eyes brings everyone down to tears, only to pick us up again at the end of the song. And in Wont Get Fooled Again, Townshend and Entwistle go crazy, while Daltrey wails away at our ear drums. Starkeys drum solo at the end is just fantastic, and Daltrey gives one more screaming "Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" at the end. They were simply amazing. As Billy Crystal said, they "Just blew me away. Absolutely blew me away."

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Studio: Sony MusicRelease Date: 01/29/2002

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Concert for George (2002) Review

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(More customer reviews)The concert event had the chance to be sappy and morose. Thank God, it isn't. Instead, it's a lot of George's friends covering his songs, having fun doing it, and otherwise doing what they've always been doing.
Summary: Great guests, superior musicianship. Buy This DVD. Now.
The show opens with a few words from Clapton, who introduces Ravi Shankar and his daughter. They play a fair amount of Indian music. It's pretty good, I have to admit, though not my cup of tea. One word - Ravi Shankar's daughter is quite the sitar player... She plays a piece and violates at least 2 rules of physics. Amazing.
Then the Western band forms up. They play a number of songs, with luminaries being introduces and added to the band over the course of the evening.
Highlights, in no particular order:
1) Ringo :-) During "Honey Don't" Look for Albert Lee. His solo is blistering though short.
2a) Clapton on "While My Guitar Gently Weeps"
2b) Clapton having the class to not play all the solos thereby making it the "Eric Clapton Show." Instead most of the real guitar work is being done by someone I don't know. I think it's Clapton's long-time guitarist. My son and I call him "THE Guy".
2c) Clapton in general
3) Watch Tom Petty's guitar player get OWNED by George on "Taxman". Tom does this song kinda weird, it's probably the weakest track.
4) Sam Brown. What a voice!
5) Waa Waa. Amazing.
6) Something by Paul, via uke.
7) Ravi's daughter and her sitar. Your eyebrows will fly up!
8) Dhani has George's spooky eyebrow thing going on.
9) Jeff Lynne is there, and takes an active part doing what he does best. Bob Dylan is notably absent.
Every track is worthwhile and many are superb. And while a lot of similar productions are muddy and horrid, this isn't. Eric is running the show, and keeps it moving and clean.
The only dings I give this production are
1) The "behind the scenes" footage is too sparse. I know there had to me more...
2) The band isn't introduced well enough. I expected a close up of every performer, with a hello, and a name. See 2b) above.

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Filmed on November 29, 2002 before a sold-out audience at Royal Albert Hall in London, "The Concert For George" is a beautifully filmed, joyous celebration of some of the most significant music of the 20th Century.Friends including Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Ravi & Anoushka Shankar, the cast of Monty Python and other artists who worked with George Harrison throughout his lifetime, present his music in a special concert to commemorate the first anniversary of his passing.This 2 DVD set includes the full 2 hour & 40 minute concert and the 1 hour 40 minute documentary filmed in high definition by David Leland ("Band Of Brothers") featuring concert footage and interviews with the artists about George's life and music.Documentary produced by Ray Cooper, Olivia Harrison and Jon Kamen.

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In His Life - The John Lennon Story (2000) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a capably directed, better than average television movie about the beginnings of The Beatles, as seen through the eyes of John Lennon. The focus of the film is always on John and some of the people, places, and events that shaped his early life and made him the man he was to become. As its focus is on John Lennon, the other members of The Beatles take a back seat to John in the film.
The film, shot in the gritty, port city of Liverpool where John and the other Beatles grew up, shows how John (Phillip McQuillan) was reared by his devoted Aunt Mimi (Blair Brown), his mother Julia's older sister. His mother, Julia (Christine Cavanaugh), also lived in Liverpool and he would visit with her, but his father was an absentee one and would remain nothing but a distant memory. John grew up in his Aunt Mimi's household, and it was she who governed much of his early life. It was his mother, however, who was instrumental in John getting his first guitar.
The film shows the viewer some of the childhood places and people that would someday be memorialized in the music of The Beatles: Strawberry Fields, Penny Lane, Eleanor Rigby, and Julia. John's courtship of Cynthia (Gillian Kearney), the girl who would become his first wife, is also grist for the mill, as are his reasons for marrying her. The early popularity of The Beatles in Germany is touched upon, as is the tragic end of one of its original members and John's best friend, Stuart Sutcliffe (Lee Williams). Stuart was an artist who, while performing with the band in Germany, fell in love with a German girl named Astrid (Palina Jonsdottir) and left the band in order to marry her and remain in Germany.
The film shows how John and Paul McCartney (Daniel McGowan) met, as well as how George Harrison (Mark Rice-Oxley) came to join the group. The film deals with the issue of the replacement of their original drummer, Pete Best (Scott Williams), with Ringo Starr (Christian Ealey), when on the brink of success. It also shows how their local popularity brought them to the attention of record store owner, Brian Epstein (James Glover), and what he did to help make them them the most popular rock band of all time. One sees their arrival in America and their auspicious and memorable debut on the Ed Sullivan show.
Phillip McQuillan, whose physical resemblance to John Lennon is slight, at best, gamely tackles the lead role of John Lennon with much bravado, playing him as a bit of a bad boy with a good heart and a dream of rock and roll fame. He also manages to get John's intonations and inflection down pretty pat. Blair Brown does a wonderful job with the role of Aunt Mimi, the woman who managed to put some structure and order to John's early life. Christine Kavanaugh whimsically plays the role of John's mother, the woman from whom John appeared to have inherited his creative juices. Gillian Kearney gives an excellent portrayal of John's first wife, Cynthia.
Daniel McGowan, who actually resembles Paul McCartney in a peculiar sort of way, infuses the role of Paul with an intelligence that is palpable. Mark Rice-Oxley, however, is wooden and does nothing to bring the role of George Harrison to life. As he does not even resemble him, his portrayal of George is jarringly out of place. Christian Ealey, who somewhat resembles Ringo, fares better and does a more than passable job in the role of Ringo Starr, the Johnny come lately who was in the right place at the right time. Last but not least, James Glover give an excellent portrayal of Brian Epstein, the man who shrewdly and firmly set them on the road to rock and roll stardom.
All in all, this is a better than average made for television film. If you are not a fan of The Beatles, especially John Lennon, however, you would do well to deduct one star from my review.

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Wonder Pets - Save the Beetles (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)The Wonder Pets! get groovy in the newest release, "Save the Beetles!" Yes, the Wonder Pets are called up on the ol' telly with a request for help from four members of a famous rock band, the Beetles, whose yellow submarine has gotten tangled up in kelp. As they journey to rescue them, they'll dive straight into Beatlemania pop-culture (and reference numerous Beatles song titles and lyrics along the way!) It's a fun journey, with two of the Beetles being voiced by... well, no, not the Beatles themselves, but by members of the cast of the stage play "Beatlemania!"
In the second half, "Three Wonder Pets and a Baby!," the Wonder Pets find themselves with a baby on their hands -- a baby pig! This one is really cute and could quickly become a fan favorite. It may be even more fun than "Save the Beetles!" There are many cute baby-related things, including various pictures of actual babies (my guess is children of the show staff.)
None of the other episodes released on this DVD are new either. Still, they're good content. One of them is "Save the Chameleon / Save the Platypus." "Save the Platypus" is particularly good, because it shows how a friend and team-member (Linny) can maintain a level-head when two others (Tuck and Ming-Ming) are arguing. There's also "Save the Duckling / Save the Kitten" and "Save the Sheep / Save the Hermit Crab" (music from both of these stories is featured on the "Wonder Pets!" album release.)
It's a shame that this DVD continues the tradition of not really including much in the way of special feature content. The only real special feature is the "Kelp!" music video -- which is just an easier way to access content that is already part of the episode. I was really hoping for behind-the-scenes stuff on "Save the Beetles!" -- "The Backyardigans," after all, gave us a behind-the-scenes look at "International Superspy," complete with scenes of Cyndi Lauper recording a song for it.

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With songs inspired by the Beatles, the Wonder Pets journey to Liverpool to save a band of mop-haired Beetles who are trapped in a Yellowish Submarine. Plus 3 more episodes in which Ming-Ming, Linny and Tuck save a chameleon, a platypus, a kitten, a duckling, a sheep and a hermit crab!

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Ed Sullivan's Rock 'n' Roll Classics Boxed Set (2002) Review

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(More customer reviews)Let me start by saying this could have been one of the great DVD sets ever released but Rhino really dropped the ball.
Some reviewers seem to think they are viewing the complete performances or the performances as "originally aired". Lets clear that up right now. These are the edited performances that aired on VH1 and in no way are they as originally performed on the Ed Sullivan Show in the 50's, 60's and 70's. Anyone who believes they are viewing the original performance need only compare the Beatles Ed Sullivan appearances from "Beatles Anthology" or "Beatles First US Visit" to the same performances contained in this DVD set. You will then see and hear exactly what you are missing. All songs suffer a similar editing done so skillfully that anyone unfamiliar with the songs or original broadcasts might be fooled. Don't think for a second that a group fortunate enough to appear on Ed Sullivan's show would have chosen to perform a "shortened" version of their songs. It just didn't happen. Sorry folks, but if you think you are viewing the original performance as aired you are just plain wrong.
Because of the price I was convinced that we would now see the full versions of these songs and not the hatchet job we saw on VH1. But Rhino really fooled us. One reviewer felt that the high price may be due to royalty payments to so many artists. Maybe, but I doubt it. The Hullabaloo DVD series has many artists but the set is very affordable and you get the complete performances as aired. As for groups like the Dave Clark Five being absent (they made 18 appearances on the Ed Sullivan show) it's possible that Dave Clark was able to avoid being part of this project. He was and is very protective of the usage of the DC5 material. But if he could avoid it then surely Apple (the Beatles management) would have disassociated themselves from this set as well. They are highly protective of the Beatles and would have opted out if possible. But that's another debate.
Sound quality is as good as you can expect from mono sources so long ago. Remember, Ed didn't broadcast in stereo. The so called 5.1 mix is just processed mono but does give the sound more depth than the plain mono track.
Overall this set is just a huge disappointment for the serious collector but may satisfy the casual fan although at quite a price. I would return mine for a refund if I could. I would really like to see Rhino post a response on this site and explain their decisions.

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On Sunday nights throughout the '50s and '60s, Ed Sullivan brought pop culture into America's living rooms with the most influential show of its kind. If you made it there, you had it made because for the first time, the entire county was at home watching. During the course of the show's run, many of the early rock and roll legends were featured in career-defining performances. These cultural milestones have been compiled for Ed Sullivan's Rock 'n' Roll Classics, along with archival footage and narration for insight on the artists, their eras, and their classic appearances. Now seen with half a century of hindsight , it's clear Ed Sullivan was right--his was a really big show. -Chart Toppers Volume 1: Top Hits of 1965 (Sonny and Cher, Tom Jones, 4 Seasons, Lovin' Spoonful, Herman's Hermits), Top Hits of 1966 (Rolling Stones, The Animals, The Association, The Mamas and the Papas, Lou Rawls, The Supremes) , Top Hits of 1967 (Rolling Stones, The Association, Johnny Rivers, The Supremes, The Mamas and The Papas) -Chart Toppers Volume 2: Top Hits of 1968 (Beach Boys, Chambers Brothers, Gary Puckett and the Union Gap, Spanky and Our Gang, Tommy James and the Shondells), Top Hits of 1969 (Brooklyn Bridge, Smith, CCR, Oliver, The 5th Dimension), Top Hits of 1970 (Jackson 5, The Supremes, Carpenters, BJ Thomas, 5th Dimension) -The Soul of the Motor City: Motortown Review (Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, The Supremes, Jackson 5, Temptations, Stevie Wonder), Sweet Sounds of Soul (The Supremes, Four Tops, James Brown, Righteous Brothers, Temptations), Motor City Magic (Four Tops, Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, The Supremes, Stevie Wonder)-Elvis and Other Rock Greats: Elvis Presley (Songs: Don't Be Cruel, Ready Teddy, Hound Dog, Too Much, When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold, Peace In The Valley), Move to the Music (The Beatles: Twist and Shout, Jerry Lee Lewis: Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On, Martha and the Vandellas: Dancing In The Streets, Jay and the Techniques: Keep The Ball Rolling, Jackie Wilson: That's Why, Freddie and the Dreamers: Do The Freddie, Sly and the Family Stone: Dance To The Music)-The Temptations & The Supremes: The Temptations (Songs: Don't Look Back, September In The Rain, You've Made Me So Very Happy, Run Away Child, I Can't Get Next To You, Just My Imagination), The Supremes (Songs: Come See About Me, Love Is Like An Itching In My Heart, I'm Living In Shame, Forever Came Today, No Matter What Sign You Are, Up The Ladder To The Roof)-Love Songs: Classic Love Songs (The Beatles, Carpenters, Little Anthony and the Imperials, The Fifth Dimension, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Elvis Presley), Rock 'n' Roll Love Songs (Beatles, Lulu, Jackie Wilson, Little Anthony and the Imperials) Teen Idols (Bobby Rydell, Dino Desi and Billy, Tom Jones, Paul Anka, Bobby Darin)-Rockin' the Sixties: San Francisco Scene (Jefferson Airplane, Santana, Janis Joplin, CCR, Sly and the Family Stone), Smash Hits of the Sixties (Beatles, Beach Boys, Petula Clark, 4 Seasons, Tommy James), Psychedelic Sixties (The Doors, Steppenwolf, Vanilla Fudge, Temptations)-Legends of Rock: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Beach Boys, CCR, James Brown), Rock Legends - Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 (Elvis Presley, James Brown, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Bo Diddley, Jackie Wilson)-The British Invasion: The British Invasion Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 (Beatles, Rolling Stones, Herman's Hermits, The Animals, Gerry and The Pacemakers, Freddie and The Dreamers) Plus trivia tracks, selected discographies, interview with John Moffit (director), and a rare interview of Ed & Sylvia.

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Paul McCartney - Wingspan - An Intimate Portrait (2001) Review

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(More customer reviews)I wish Alister and Mary would have spent more time trying to find footage to make this documentary more complete. If anyone has connections on how to get more newsreel and music video footage it would be Paul, and his daughter Mary and son-in-law Alister.
I have seen important Wings footage on MTV, etc. that was not included on this DVD. For example: Where is the Wings over the World footage when Ringo visits them backstage, and the 1976 Rockshow interview with a very confident sounding Paul? How about the footage from the James Paul McCartney show where Wings plays several songs live? How about the Rockestra band playing "Lucille" live during the Concert for Kampuchea? I have them playing that on my bootleg video, and Mary could not get it? How about asking the detailed questions about the events in these videos? They should have definitly interviewed Denny Lane! Since he recently made a CD of old Wings hits, I'm sure he would have been available to answer a few questions from Mary. Speaking of questions, Mary should have asked the more detailed and tougher questions. Since she didn't do this, she shows me that she is not the biggest Wings fan out there, and she should have consulted her dad more about what questions would make this story sound complete in order to make this a world-class video like the Beatles Anthology. Her questions only let us see the tip of the iceberg, and are nothing that any big Wings fan does not already know.
I have seen many, many Wings videos on bootleg tapes that would have fit nicely into this DVD, such as: Goodnight Tonight, and Mull of Kintyre. Almost every video they showed on this DVD was cut and just partially shown. They should have shown the entire length of all the "good" music videos, and shown partials of some of the "mediocre" ones. Better yet, they should have archived ALL the videos in the Special Features section of the DVD.
I speculate that Paul just left everything in the hands of Alister and Mary and just let them do it all themselves, while he acted like executive producer and provided the majority of the funding for this DVD. Mary is inexperienced and should have taken more time to do this right.
2/5 stars for this one.

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Wingspan is the inside story of how Paul and Linda McCartney dared to follow the Beatles with their rock band Wings. The story of Paul and Linda McCartney's early years together is intimately shared through series of candid conversation with their daughter, Mary. Home movies, family photos, and rare footage draw viewers into a very personal story of love and family. Combined with the against-all-odds success of Wings, Paul and Linda prove that there is life after The Beatles. 90 minutes.

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The Old Grey Whistle Test, Vol. 1 (2003) Review

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(More customer reviews)The British are way ahead of us when it comes to release vintage performances on DVD. The Old Grey Whistle Test got its name from a Tin Pan Alley test; it was said that agents would have the doormen for the building come in, listen to a song and see if it was worthwhile. The test was whether the "old grey" folks could whistle the tune. The Old Grey Whistle Test had a variety of different types of performers over the years. While rock did dominate it wasn't the only type of music presented.
This DVD presents the following performances and performers:
Alice Cooper-Under My Wheels
Elton John-Tiny Dancer (solo)
Curtis Mayfield- We Gotta Have Peace
Randy Newman - Political Science
Bill Whithers - Ain't No Sunshine
Rory Gallagher - Hands Off
Bob Marley & the Wailers - Stir It Up
Roxy Music - Do The Strand (with Eno but lipsynched)
The Edgar Winter Group - Frankenstein
Captain Beefheart-Upon the My O My
Little Feat- Rock 'n' Roll Doctor
John Lennon - Stand By Me
Lynyrd Skynyrd - Freebird
Emmylou Harris - Amarillo
Bonnie Raitt - Too Long At The Fair
Tom Waits - Tom Traubert's Blues
Talking Heads - Psycho Killer
XTC - Statue of Liberty
Blondie - I'm Always Touched By Your Presence, Dear
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - American Girl
The Police - Can't Stand Losing You
Bruce Springsteen - Rosalita (filmed concert performance)
Iggy Pop - I'm Bored
The Specials - Message to Rudi
The Damned - Smash It Up/I Just Can't Be Happy Today
The Ramones - Rock 'n' Roll High School
U2 - I Will Follow
REM - Moon River/Pretty Persuasion
The interviews are fairly good as well. The John Lennon interview was a treat for me as a long time Beatles fan. Also interviewed are Elton John & Bernie Taupin, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Bruce Springsteen. Producer Mike Appleton has included an audio commentary. There's also an artist's gallery where you can read about the performance and artist. In special features mode a guitar will appear in the upper right hand corner and take you directly there. After you've read it, it takes you directly back to the performance.
Each of the Whistle Tests 6 presenters give really interesting (and occasionally funny)stories about either the performance or artist they're discussing. Why the BBC choose to release this as a single disc set when compared to the UK version is a bit strange.
There's also a two page booklet that includes the performances, a little background on the show and a paragraph or two from the producer. That's becoming more of a rarity now as many companies are discontinuing these. I personally like them as it allows you to see the chapter you want prior to the DVD starting. Disney is experimenting with discontinuing theirs for certain discs as is MGM.
I bit of caution about the British two disc set; On the amazon.com British website it states it is a region 0 so it can be played anywhere. I have heard complaints from various folks that this isn't so. Since I don't have the 2 disc set from the UK, I can't comment directly but be wary.

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Over its incredible 16-year run from 1971-1987 The Old Grey Whistle Test was THE destination in the U.K. to see cutting ed live performances by the hottest emerging acts in music. Until now! On Sept. 16 BBC Video is importing a DVD jam-packed with 28 vintage live performances from The Old Grey Whistle Test. Most have NEVER BEEN SEEN IN THE U.S. The first in a series of three Old Grey Whistle Test DVD compilations to be exported to the U.S. The Old Grey Whistle Test features performances by such legends as John Lennon Elton John Bob Marley Lynyrd Skynyrd Rory Gallagher The Police REM and U2 often at the start of their legendary careers! PLUS historic interviews with Mick Jagger John Lennon Keith Richards Robert Plant Bruce Springsteen and Elton John - over three hours of music and interviews in total - all on one DVD that will be a must have for music fans everywhere! Complete Playlist (in order of appearance on the program): Alice Cooper "Under My Wheels"; Elton John "Tiny Dancer"; Curtis Mayfield "We Gotta Have Peace"; Randy Newman "Political Science"; Bill Withers "Ain't No Sunshine"; Rory Gallagher "Hands Off"; The Wailers "Stir It Up"; Roxy Music "Do The Strand"; The Edgar Winter Group "Frankenstein"; Captain Beefheart "Upon the My O My"; Little Feat "Rock 'n' Roll Doctor"; John Lennon "Stand By Me"; Lynyrd Skynyrd "Freebird"; Emmylou Harris "Amarillo"; Bonnie Raitt "Too Long At The Fair"; Tom Waits "Tom Traubert's Blues"; Talking Heads "Psycho Killer"; XTC "Statue of Liberty"; Blondie "(I'm Always Touched By Your) Presence Dear"; Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers "American Girl" The Police "Can't Stand Losing You"; Bruce Springsteen "Rosalita"; Iggy Pop "I'm Bored"; The Specials "Message to You Rudi"; The Damned "Smash It Up/I Just Can't Be Happy Today"; The Ramones "Rock 'n' Roll High School"; U2 "I Will Follow"; REM "Moon River" / "Pretty Persuasion"Running Time: 192 min. Genre:MUSIC DVD/CONCERTS UPC:794051181220 Manufacturer No:E1812

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The Tomorrow Show With Tom Snyder (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)I just got back from picking this set up and put them in to sample about before getting back to work but could not stop watching until they were done. This is just brilliant stuff. Lennon is just ridiculously honest and all of these were made before PR guys had soundbytes programmed into the mouths of the talent and Tom Snyder asked some of the most ludicrous and off the wall questions which all ads to the fun. More than a curiosity (as many of these DVDs of old shows are) all three of the fab four say interesting things and this set will get repeated viewing.
I can't recommend this strongly enough. If you are a Beatles fan (who isn't?) or a fan of pop culture or music in general...just amazing!
enjoy!

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The Tomorrow Show With Tom Snyder was one of the hippest, most-interesting late-night talk shows around, during its 70s and early- 80s run. The Tomorrow Show With Tom Snyder: John, Paul, Tom & Ringo brings together captivating interviews with John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Disc One features the last televised interview that John Lennon ever gave, taped on April 25, 1975, and full of revealing details about The Beatles, his solo career, and his difficulties with the Nixon Administration. Featured is the complete interview as rebroadcast on December 9, 1980, the day after he died, adding interviews with music journalist Lisa Robinson and Lennon producer Jack Douglas, and serving as a poignant tribute to one of rock s greatest icons. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Disc Two contains a 1981 interview with Ringo Starr, who discusses his film and music career, as well as remembrances of his band mate and friend John Lennon. Also included is a 1979 interview with Paul McCartney, then enjoying huge success with Wings.

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