Rating: Summary: Unbelievably Entertaining Review: The Beach Boys are such a wildly talented group- it's refreshing to see a documentary with so much MUSIC in it.They're also a messed up group of men still acting like little boys. Mike Love, the world's oldest adolescent, never did get the respect he wanted from the public, so he heaps praises onto himself and becomes unintentionally hilarious. It's apparent the man is in love with himself and likes to rewrite history as well. Sadly, two of the original Beach Boys are gone, Carl and Dennis, and this tape also showcase their talents as singers and songwriters. The tape's big surprise is the segment on Dennis- an incredibly good looking man and talented songwriter who died WAY too soon. Much respect is due Carl Wilson, the man caught in the middle of a feuding family who managed to keep things from getting too dirty with grace and dignity. But the main focus is exactly where it should be- the music. The wonderful, wonderful music of Brian Wilson and his band!
Rating: Summary: A Great Story Review: The best attempt yet to capture the Beach Boys story. The production moves along at a brisk pace but still explores key events in detial. And as expected the music is great. I especially loved the bonus clips. Highly recommended to all.
Rating: Summary: In That Soulful Old Man Sunshine Review: This documentary features interviews from Brian, Alan, Mike, Bruce, and some older footage of the late brothers Carl and Dennis (and Hal Blaine, David Marks, and Glenn Campbell all of whom were involved in the Beach Boys' circle). You really can't tell the whole story (1961-98) in just 2 hours, but still this is well documented. It includes some interesting insights from Elvis Costello (probably the best outside observances). One thing I wish they had mentioned (which they totally forgot) was the short-time membership of Ricky Fataar (who would later become a Rutle) and Blondie Chaplin (who sang lead on the Beach Boys' "Sail On Sailor"). It touches lightly on dubious characters like Van Dyke Parks (who did manage to contribute the surreal lyrics to "Heroes and Villians") and Eugene Landy (who helped Brian get well again but became codependent on Brian himself). But it's mostly about the music (Pet Sounds, Smile, Sunflower, Till I Die, Good Vibrations, Smile, and the surf and turf classics of 1961-65)! If you're a fan interested in their personal story, you'll like this documentary. I had to dock it 1 star because I think they talked too much about the Wilsons' infamous father Murray and Brian's health (Brian's Back indeed!). And while you're at it, check out the CD of the same name (full of rarities and gems you won't find on any of the original albums)!
Rating: Summary: I Loved It Review: This documentary rocks! I now know more than I ever thought I would about "America's Band", the Beach Boys! What a fascinating story! Interwoven with interviews from not only th band, but stars like Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees, Sean Lennon and Elvis Costello. Highly reccommended.
Rating: Summary: The Beach Boys Story - The Mike Love Version Review: This documentary will appeal to Beach Boys Fans. The not so well informed must be warned that this sad tale is very much the way that Mike Love sees it. He is always eager to claim credit for the Brian Wilson, is totally dismissive of the most interesting period of Beach Boys history, (Smile), and is unwilling to acknowledge other collaborators such as Van Dyke Parks, Tony Asher, and Gary Usher. I'm not quite sure what the contribution of Sean Lennon achieves, other than to say he is a fan. Having said all that, this is an excellent documentary, with excellent rare footage, which proves just what a talent Brian Wilson was/is and what a contribution the Beach Boys sound made to popular music. Worth Seeing
Rating: Summary: Endless Harmony Review: This is a great video! It contains a lot of information about the history of the Beach Boys. Also, it shows some footage that I haven't seen before. There are many older interviews, and some newer, that give a look at what the Beach Boys really felt about their experiences. I would recommend this to any Beach Boys fan, because of the footage from past concerts, and the interviews. I would also recommend this to any new fan because it will give the history and facts about the Beach Boys.
Rating: Summary: Endless Harmony Review: This is a great video! It contains a lot of information about the history of the Beach Boys. Also, it shows some footage that I haven't seen before. There are many older interviews, and some newer, that give a look at what the Beach Boys really felt about their experiences. I would recommend this to any Beach Boys fan, because of the footage from past concerts, and the interviews. I would also recommend this to any new fan because it will give the history and facts about the Beach Boys.
Rating: Summary: Essential Review: This is an essential documentary of the Beach Boys from the beginnings to the present. Nice use of music and great interviews of other musicians for their views of the band's skill and impact enhance the presentation of historical material. A less up-to-date but more interesting documentary in some respects is the uncut version of "Beach Coys: An American Band".
Rating: Summary: Essential Review: This is an essential documentary of the Beach Boys from the beginnings to the present. Nice use of music and great interviews of other musicians for their views of the band's skill and impact enhance the presentation of historical material. A less up-to-date but more interesting documentary in some respects is the uncut version of "Beach Coys: An American Band".
Rating: Summary: Memories Review: This show really brought back memories. My only complaint was that there wasn't more emphasis on the concerts of the seventies. What a time to see the Beach Boys in person. Brian, Carl, Dennis, Allen, Bruce, and Mike were at a peak of perfection. I saw them on numerous occasions and and to date have never seen a comparable show. However, there was no mention of two temporary members of the band...Ricky Fataar and Blondie Chaplin. If anyone saw the Beach Boys in the seventies, you would remember these two musicians, especially Blondie. His rendition of "Sail on Sailor" and "Funky Pretty" were absolutely unbelievable. What an increddible experience. Other than that omission, the show was exceptional and I applaud the work. In closing I wish to thank the Beach Boys for their music. They keep a smile on your face.(Rich Shears)
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