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(More customer reviews)This set consists of two DVDs-- the first is the documentary, "Beautiful Dreamer", written and directed by David Leaf, the second is a live Smile show. I'll approach the discs out of order, as that's how I watched them.
The live set is fantastic-- I rarely find much interest in DVD music performances because they rarely capture the energy and power of the live shows, but this one did-- all of the power and energy of the live Smile shows I witnessed came back to me, something I feel is nearly impossible to capture. For those of you who didn't sit around anticipating these shows from the moment they were announced, its probably a bit hard to describe, but it really was an overwhelming thing to bear witness to. Some of this comes out nicely in the DVD.
The camera work is superb-- there were obviously several of them, and there was an eye to showing not just Brian Wilson, but his fantastic band as well. Its also clear the camera work was done by people familiar with the material as they would often focus on a particular musician during a moment when their work was featured. Sonically, this recording is also without parallel-- it sounds so good it could have been recorded in a studio.
The performance itself is what we've come to expect from the Brian Wilson band. Brian's group is approaches the music with a reverence and each of them is a superb musician in their own right (it would behoove any fan of Brian's material to check out Jeff Foskett, Scott Bennett, and Wondermint releases-- Brian's influence is all over them). What is probably most amazing is the effect this music has on Brian-- Nick Walusko points this out during the documentary-- Brian hasn't sounded this good in a long time. While his voice isn't what it used to be, he sings well and presents the material with a strength and a stage presence he previoulsy lacked. (for those of us who have followed Brian's career over the years, its even nicer to see the big smile on his face during these numbers)
David Leaf's documentary on the other disc is well assembled, full of great interviews and some superb performances of Brian at the piano (occasionally with Darian Sahanaja or Carol Kaye accompanying). Much of this material is added as bonus material as well. Its clear a lot of trouble was gone through to dig up any number of folks associated with Brian at the time. Leaf states the documentary is presented in three acts-- the Beach Boys formation through the Smile recording sessions, the intervening 37 years, and the new performances.
The background information has been rehashed thousands of times, there's not much new or revelatory in here. But one thing that bothered me is the somewhat flippant nature with which Brian's drug problems are presented-- there's almost a forgiving nature to the sort of attitude of the '60s as a time of mind expanding, and in discussing various drug-induced insanity from Brian (locking himself in a bedroom for hours, building a teepee in his living room), there's a sense of laughter with this. Given that Brian was an undiagnosed depressive, its likely the drugs did little but contribute to this, and while I realize the people interviewed all have pretty fond memories of this time in their life, you'd think this would have been approached in a different manner.
Also somewhat annoying is that none of the original Beach Boys music is used in the film-- its not that I dislike the new material (on the contrary, I love it), its just that it'd've been nice to hear period-appropriate music.
Leaf also stated he didn't want too much of a drag in the middle, so he kept the story of the intervening period to a minimum, this I can respect, although he did fail to indicate that the Beach Boys milked Smile for all its worth in those years-- the next several Beach Boys album all featured Smile material to great effect (its also important to note that none of the other living Beach Boys participated in the documentary-- evidentally they were approached and declined).
The last act, the rebirth of Smile, is the best part. It shows intimate details we'd never be privy to otherwise-- Brian, Van Dyke Parks, and Darian Sahanaja going through the new material, rehearsals, excitement, energy, Brian's coming and going interest, you name it. This half hour alone makes the flaws of the early section easy to overlook. Its fantastic, and the love and reverence of Brian's band comes through nicely.
All in all, its likely any Beach Boys fans already has this-- if you're more casual, there's a lot to get from this as well, its probably worth checking out, even with its flaws. Recommended.
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This essential two-disc package features nearly four hours of material, including the Showtime documentary Beautiful Dreamer: Brian Wilson and the Story of Smile, as well as an exclusive performance of Smile in its entirety. The collection also includes nearly two hours of bonus footage including never-before-seen interviews, performances, and recording session footage.Track Listing and Content: Beautiful Dreamer: Brian Wilson and The Story of Smile Trailer for Beautiful Dreamer (Bonus Material) Interview Highlights Our Prayer Gee Heroes and Villains Roll Plymouth Rock Barnyard Old Master Painter You Are My Sunshine Cabin Essence Wonderful Song for Children Child Is the Father of the Man Surf's Up I'm In Great Shape I Wanna Be Around Workshop Vega-tables On A Holiday Wind Chimes Mrs. O'Leary's Cow In Blue Hawaii Good Vibrations Outakes (bonus material) Brian Wilson Photo Gallery Brian Wilson at the Piano Brian Wilson Presents Smile featurette Heroes and Villains Fan Video
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