World Famous Comics: The Who - The Kids Are Alright
The Who - The Kids Are Alright
Starring: Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle, Keith Moon, Pete Townshend, Tom Smothers Directed By: Jeff Stein Average Rating: Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested) Binding: DVD Format: Anamorphic, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, DVD-Video, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC Label: Pioneer Number of Items: 1 Region Code: 1 Release Date: September 30, 2003 Theatrical Release Date: 1979
Description: PROGRAM – Digitally re-mastered picture in HI-DEFINITION from the original negatives. Restored to the original "Directors Cut" length of 109 minutes which was never released on home video (save the defunct RCA Selectavision discs sold in the early 80’s). Intensive color correction, re-framing and dirt and scratch removal have made this new picture look as good, or better, than it did when it was released in 1979. It is also presented in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.1:85 making it doubly valuable to consumers.
SOUND – The sound has also been renovated and re-mixed to Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS. For the first time on DVD, original multi-track recordings were used to create a truly discrete mix for the sections of the film where they existed, specifically, Baba O’Riley, Who Are You, and Won’t Get Fooled Again. These new mixes were created in London by long time Who associates Jon Astley and Andy McPherson. The rest of the film was re-mixed from existing stereo and mono sources making for the most accurate and sonically pleasing sound possible.
COMMENTARY – Director Jeff Stein, having not spoken about the film or been involved with it since its release in 1979, has provided a remarkable retelling of his time with the band while making this truly great film. Searching through millions of feet of archival material, collected at the age of 19 from all around the world, his journey from fan to filmmaker is both hilarious and emotional charged; filled with antidotes and memories never shared before.
ON SCREEN NOTES – Every chapter has a different location and date indicating when and where it was recorded. A subtitle steam, when selected, will reveal this information to the viewer. Also the title of the song is indicated. So now the world will be able to realize the song they’ve been calling "Teenage Wasteland" for twenty years is really called "Baba O’Riley"!
ENGLISH SUBTITLES – Figuring out the lyrics the band is singing is one thing, but deciphering what they say while screaming over each other is a whole other puzzle. With an available English subtitle stream, the linguistic nightmare is finally over. Now you’ll know both. The phase, "I always wondered what he said" is now a thing of the past.
Amazon.com: Half its members may be dead and its leader may be keeping a low profile, but the Who remains enormously popular. Devotees who haven't availed themselves of Jeff Stein's thrilling, self-mocking 1979 documentary about the group shouldn't wait another minute now that the film has been painstakingly--perhaps heroically--restored to its theatrical-release length from original elements. The sound is clearer than on previous video releases, images are once more crisp and color-rich, and adjustments in tape speed make the Who sound like themselves again, particularly in vintage television performances and filmed club dates from as far back as the band's sonically thrilling, early R&B period. Special features are, shall we say, extensive: 100 or so minutes of multiple-angle footage, an insightful interview with Roger Daltrey, a featurette about the film's restoration, and a mesmerizing, isolated John Entwistle audio track. --Tom Keogh
Twelve stars I ordered this DVD on January 16, 2007 -- I can't believe that I didn't write a review at the time -- and I've played it so many times that the grooves are getting worn out. No, seriously, I'm so worried that it will get scratched that I just ordered two more copies.
I was a Who fan. This DVD turned me into a raving Who fan. It starts out with a bang (a real one, complete with drum shrapnel and burning hair) and ends with a blistering live performance of WGFA (Won't Get Fooled Again) from 1978 -- Keith Moon's last public performance with the band. There's also a live version of "Baba O'Riley" from the same session in 1978, and magical footage from Woodstock of Daltrey singing "See me, hear me, touch me, feel me" as the sun breaks over the horizon and floods the stage. Makes me want to have been there even more than Hendrix's performances do.
I just watched "Live at Isle of Wight" (as well as the Woodstock footage), and the '78 live versions of Baba and WGFA are every bit as electric as the performances in '69 and '70.
The bonus material is also fascinating: if you look at what they did during the restoration and audio cleanup of the original release, your jaw will be hanging on the floor (if you like such things).
This deserves twice as many stars as I can give it. No offense to anyone who doesn't like it, but how that's possible is beyond my comprehension.
Long live rock.
P.S. You should also get your hands on the DVD about the making of Who's Next: amazing, truly amazing -- behind the scenes info from Townshend, Glyn Johns, and many other people involved with the production of the record. It answers a lot of questions, like "Is that a *violin* at the end of Baba O'Riley?" (Yes, played by Dave Arbus) and "Is that a synth loop?" (No, but you'll have to listen to Glyn Johns's explanation because I don't quite understand it)
Back to cinema glory! This wonderful film has at last been restored to its original cinematic glory. I went to the Rialto in Leicester Square, London (where the film had been premiered) to see it in 1979, and this DVD brought the whole terrific experience back to me. TKAA was butchered for VHS release, with many little details thrown out: In many ways, the details are what makes the story of The Who fascinating. They highlight personality traits of all four members: Moon's reckless lunacy, Daltrey's pragmatic presence, Entwistle's wry stoicism and Townshend's restless energy. Of course the concert and TV footage is priceless. Any rock fan will be enthralled watching this. You don't have to be a Who fanatic. God bless the 'Orrible 'Ooo!
SCARE YOUR NEIGHBORS !!!! If you don't already own this restored version in HD,you'll think I'm exaggerating. If you do already own this,or have seen it...excuse me,EXPERIENCED it,you'll know I'm telling the truth. Also, you obviously have to be a WHO fan,but that should go without saying,right? If there's a fire,I'm grabbing THIS DVD on my way out the door!!! Scare the neighbors,blow up the speakers, just RAISE HELL with this MAMMOTH MOTHER. The fact that it opens with the FBI warning shaking as if a giant were about to smash through your screen is a pretty accurate opening. Somehow this movie had gotten past me for 29 years!?! Can't explain why,been a Who fan since 1969, sure I'd seen clips from it, but man, did Jeff Stein do a GREAT JOB !!! Anyway, don't hesitate if you're considering this...trust me, buy it,you WON'T be sorry, and...may you find a seller as CONSCIENTIOUS as I did ("shawnek")...they packed it so well, it might have withstood dynamite!!! Great seller,great DVD, LIFE CAN BE GOOD sometimes !!!!
WOW ! I have a friend who watched this DVD recently one night . He suffers a bit from sleep-disorder. He says he had absolutely NO chance of sleeping after the undiluted deluge of adrenaline which is the Who on this album. It makes contemporary acts seem lifeless, over-rehearsed, calculated, calculating and inhibited.
Not these guys. Man oh Man!
Story of The Who This DVD starts from the begining when Roger and Peter were in High School and takes you on their journey of building the band and their successes and failures. Their shakey ride to the top of the billboards. Keith Moon with his insane lifestyle and untimely death. John Entwistle's death in Vegas while "The Who" toured the U.S.. At last solidifying the friendship between Roger Daltry and Peter Townsend to a higher spiritual level of love for each other, from the memories of the past. Never before seen interviews and concert clips galore. A must have for all "Who" fans out there. ***** 5 stars
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