Rating: 
Summary: incredible
Review: This is even better and more emotional than the CD. To watch the pure joy on the faces of these musicians and to hear the asbsolute perfection that they so effortlessly slip right back into-it is inspirational.
Rating:
Summary: Get down with the Funk Bros.
Review: Artisan's double-disc release of "Motown" -- a movie about the hitmaking label's house musicians -- should bring this terrific film the wider audience it deserves. At its peak, it played in only 59 theaters, a real shame. You've probably heard the buzz about how good it is. An encyclopedic collection of DVD extras gives the movie's fans another chance to hang with the Funk Brothers, Motown's mostly forgotten sidemen (until the movie was made). Only the obsessed would want more material. Sound and video capably deliver the soul power. The 6.1 DTS ES track sparkles, with the rear trio of speakers simulating concert-hall echoes. When the musicians re-create their magic in the Snakepit -- Motown's original recording studio -- the rear channel information sounds as if it were recorded out in the alley, a nifty piece of mixing. Only generously powered subwoofers need apply for the bass gig. The 5.1 Dolby EX sounds solid, but can't match the DTS experience. The movie comes widescreen only (16x9, enhanced). Douglas Milsome ("Full Metal Jacket") was cinematographer on the concert scenes, in which contemporary artists such as Ben Harper and Meshell Ndegeocello sing Motown hits with the band. The performances were shot beautifully on film, with lots of crane work and cameras always on the move, as in "The Last Waltz." When Joan Osborne and the boys fire up "Heat Wave," the combination of sound, vision and performance is breathtaking. The DVD-ROM high-res version of the film on disc 2 looks astonishing, with silky blacks and gold-record ambers. The producer and director's commentary provides a lot of detail missing from the film, along with significant updates on the Funks. Viewers can select pop-up trivia to play along with the commentary, enriching the playback. The extras often have a home-movie feel. The filmmakers' early video interviews with the Funks are seen in a short that was originally used to pitch the project. "Dinner With the Funk Brothers" lets the video tape roll as the sidemen, mellow but expansive, swap stories around a candle-lit table. Deleted scenes include a jam session with James Jamerson's son, a fine bassist. Another featurette serves as an epilogue, capturing the Funks' star time at the Hollywood premiere, hands in cement and all. "We know this didn't have to happen," says Funk Brother Jack Ashford. "And we're so appreciative." The "Virtual Recording Studio" that comes with the DVD-ROM is fun for a few minutes, allowing you to adjust the mix on a Funk Bros. jam session.
Rating:
Summary: It doesn't get much better than this
Review: About ten years ago I was given a book for Christmas called "Standing in the Shadows of Motown". It was my introduction to James Jamerson and the "Funk Brothers".
Up until this time I knew I loved the songs but I had
no idea that one group of musicians had created all these
hits. I would reccomend this very highly to any musician
or anyone who appreciates great music.
Rating:
Summary: The best movie of the year!!
Review: What a movie! Emotional, fun, historical, moving, toe-tapping, glorious. These guys are beyond amazing. I loved every minute of it. And the extras are fantastic. I'm giving this DVD to everyone I know for their birthdays or for Christmas.
Rating:
Summary: Nothing to criticize here.
Review: I noted a few critical reviews below, but I find nothing to criticize. Whatever one finds wrong with this DVD goes into the nothing is perfect category. This is probably the best music documentary ever made featuring the best studio musicians, ever. Not only is this DVD informative, but its entertaining as well and features a stellar recording of the music of the Funk Brothers. Listening to this DVD, and the CD as well, made me understand why I hate today's music, i.e. rap and hip hop. Its because most of todays music do not contain real instruments or contains sound thats artificial which is fatiguing sounding. Also, its unsettling to me as a black man that an Italian, using his life savings, was the only person interested in preserving some of the finest music in America from a predominently African American band. Not even Robert Johnson, former owner of BET who became a billionaire selling crack over the airways (Rap Videos), thought enough about the Funk Brothers to have an interest in preserving their contributions. In my opinion, the Funk Brothers invented soul music. I distinctly remember as a small boy in the late '50s how do wop and the Fats Domino sound were prevalent in black music. But, then in the early '60s, the Motown Sound arrived. As a child, I felt as if something good was happening as this music was quite different with a feel good sound. I didn't know it was the Funk Brothers and I am highly appreciative of the Italian who took the risk to share them with the world. Also, while watching this DVD, I was initially upset with Berry Gordy, but I later learned that he assisted in making sure this effort was produced. For this, he should be commended. Finally, if you want to really know how important The Funk Brothers were to Motown and soul music in general, listen to the Four Tops, Smokey or other Motown artist current DVDs who have other musicians playing on them. They sound like .... We need the funk.
Rating:
Summary: For those who questioned why.......
Review: I read a few reviewers questioning why the production didn't involve the original singers to sing the songs. Please note that this documentary is about Funk Brothers. By using contemporary singers to accompany the original rhythm section, the film proves to the viewers how Motown music is in it's musicians, especially the rhythm section. Also if Diana, Stevie, or Smokey would get on stage to sing a song or two, they'd definitely demand star treatment. This will DEFEAT THE PURPOSE. For those who demand to know more about The Temps, Tops, Supremes, and Miracles etc., please either read their autobiographies, watch made-for-TV movies, or listen to their box sets. This movie is about the Funk Brothers, not Motown singers. This film is to celebrate the brothers' contribution to American pop music and to finally validate their hard work, creativity, and how they influenced generations of future musicians. If you watched a documentary, at least be aware of the subject matter before you criticize the production.
Rating:
Summary: Don't quibble. It's delightful.
Review: The anecdotes are priceless, the Funk Brothers are wonderful--kindhearted, hard working, with an ironic view of life. Joan Osborne and Meshell Ndegecello are aces. Bootsy is great fun. I agree with previous reviewers that Chaka Khan kind of stops the show with her lack of energy, and Ben Harper, I dunno, perhaps he is stoned? Overall this is an uplifting and informative look at a side of Motown few of us knew about in any detail before. The DVD transfer is EXCELLENT and the sound quality is A+.
Rating:
Summary: Thank You ,Allen Slutsky
Review: This is one of the best documentary i have ever seen. I am so glad that Mr Slutsky took time and money to put this together for some of the best musicians in the world. The funk brothers will live in my heart forever and ever. The funk brothers truly deserves to be recognized to the fullest. They're the best.
Rating:
Summary: Detroit Dynamite-Motor City Magic-Motown Magic
Review: There were many other phrases used to describe this awesome sound. I got hooked on Motown while attending Art School. Music became one of my greatest loves, and still is. It wasn't easy to get Motown in the UK in the 60's and many a time we had to import them from the USA, I especially remember getting Marvin Gaye's "I heard it through the grapevine", what an awesome sound and still just as good.
As things go I was lucky later to work as a DJ in clubs and on FM Radio in Europe and actually presented many a show about Motown. I remember that they used to call the musicians the "The Family" and there was no real credit given to them before now. Sadly to late for some, what they gave to generations, the music they created is a legacy that never will be repeated. I watched the DVD last night every second of it and what can I say, it brought both tears and laughter it was fantastic those guys just "grooved". Very emotional !! If Motown moved you then, and probably still does, then this DVD and the CD are a must. God Bless The Funk Brothers and "Thanks" for all you guys gave to music, you changed music and made so much possible and sadly got so little recognition. Motown made a big impression when I first heard that sound in the 60's and I guess that period will always have a place in my music heart.
Rating: 
Summary: Good, not great
Review: The Funk Brothers deserved better than this movie. These are a group of supremely talented musicians who defined the pop\soul sound for generations. The interviews are funny and poignant, but scattered. The filmmakers go for the cheap sentiment, like the Vietnam\Civil Rights montage during Chaka Khan's destruciton of "What's Going On?". I would've liked to hear what the musicians thought of working with the individual musicians. What was it like to record with Smokey Robinson, David Ruffin, and others? I still don't know after watching this movie. James Jamerson is referred to as the "tortured genius" early in the documentary, with a passing reference to alcohol abuse later. What demons killed this absolute genius of the bass guitar? What killed me about this movie is that, during the live performances, the camera pretty much sticks with the singer!! I don't to watch Joan Osborne sing (or Chaka Khan wreck "What's Going On?" while reading a teleprompter). Ben Harper looks pretty stoned. The cameras should have stayed on the musicians, with an occasional cut to the singer. All in all, I like the film. Meshell Ndegeocello doing "You Really Got a Hold on Me" is worth the price of admission. These musicians were brilliant, and deserved a better tribute. It sure would have been nice if Diana Ross, Smokey, or some other singers could have taken the time to get in on this as well.
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