Shining Stars - The Official Story of Earth Wind & Fire

Rating:
Summary: The Story Of Earth,Wind & Fire
Review: Earth,Wind & Fire were very responcible for bringing the many colors of funk to the masses in the 70's and are rightfully well respected for that contribution and for all being such benevolant people.This tells the tale of Maurice White,the groups founder and his musical journey from Memphis to Egyptology-infused sounds in the late 70's.Thankfully the story is devoid of show biz gossip and relys entirely on historical facts and a sense of mutual appreciation.My only nitpick is,like others have mention,a certain lack of detail.I feel alot of footage was left out.I'm curious to know what they were like as people and things like who and who did not desire solo careers and what the band members were like as human beings.It does document in great detail what musical quality each band member baught to the group and that's nice.And another good feature is Maurice himself narrates his own bands discography,albeit a truncated one (he ignores the bands two Warner Brothers albums and 1983's 'Electric Universe') but it works.Overall no complaints.I do desire to see a double DVD version of this one day but until then this will work fine!

Rating:
Summary: In the beginning...there was Earth.....Wind....and Fire!
Review: Ahhhh the elements....Earth Wind and Fire that is. A refreshing ride through the birth of one of America's super groups. Tastefully done from interviews with Maurice and Verdine White to editing of old footage of the groups first concerts. This documentary takes the viewer into the mind of group leader and lifeblood Maurice White as he explains his method of madness in bringing the harmonies,horns and afro-cuban-jazz syncopation together and his battle with Parkinsons disease. A must for anyone who followed the group or to those who just enjoy great music. Buy it.....you won't be dissapointed.

Rating:
Summary: In the beginning...there was Earth.....Wind....and Fire!
Review: Ahhhh the elements....Earth Wind and Fire that is. A refreshing ride through the birth of one of America's super groups. Tastefully done from interviews with Maurice and Verdine White to editing of old footage of the groups first concerts. This documentary takes the viewer into the mind of group leader and lifeblood Maurice White as he explains his method of madness in bringing the harmonies,horns and afro-cuban-jazz syncopation together and his battle with Parkinsons disease. A must for anyone who followed the group or to those who just enjoy great music. Buy it.....you won't be dissapointed.

Rating:
Summary: A brief glimpse into one of world's musical wonders
Review: Earth Wind & Fire is my favorite band of all time. Period. This video was a welcome addition to my collection of their albums, CDs and concert videos. Like the first reviewer, I enjoyed seeing the footage of "Reece" with Ramsey Lewis and hearing the story of how the "elements" were born. I was especially happy to see some of the original members discussing their musical experiences with EWF. (Larry Dunn, Louis Satterwhite, Al McKay, Freddie White, Phillip, Ralph and my favorite bass player, Verdine) Maurice White is one of a kind and no one can duplicate his extraordinary contribution to the music world. The Official Story shows how Egypt influenced the sound, message and look of EWF & we see footage and pictures from their tours and travels. There are clips of the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame induction at the end of this tape, showing all the remaining members together again. There's even snippets from the concert where Verdine levitates and the band enter/exit the stage in space pods. The Official Story is a must have for any EWF lover. My only complaint is that I wanted more! More footage from different concerts. More footage of behind the scenes on and off the road. More feedback from the original members. Who was the prankster of the group? Who was the serious one? Who was the ladies man? Why didn't they do shows like Soul Train or award shows? Why weren't there Earth Wind & Fire TV Specials? What are the older members doing now and how do they feel about each other? How did their families feel about their music? Will there ever be a reunion with ALL the original members? 90 mins is not enough! We're talking about a band that is three decades old and still going! I loved the in studio footage of Wyclef and Eric Benet. Hopefully there will be more in-depth documentaries made on EWF because they are legends and have touched so many lives. The new generation truly can learn a few things from these music masters.
Peace. Clarissa L.B.

Rating:
Summary: A brief glimpse into one of world's musical wonders
Review: Earth Wind & Fire is my favorite band of all time. Period. This video was a welcome addition to my collection of their albums, CDs and concert videos. Like the first reviewer, I enjoyed seeing the footage of "Reece" with Ramsey Lewis and hearing the story of how the "elements" were born. I was especially happy to see some of the original members discussing their musical experiences with EWF. (Larry Dunn, Louis Satterwhite, Al McKay, Freddie White, Phillip, Ralph and my favorite bass player, Verdine) Maurice White is one of a kind and no one can duplicate his extraordinary contribution to the music world. The Official Story shows how Egypt influenced the sound, message and look of EWF & we see footage and pictures from their tours and travels. There are clips of the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame induction at the end of this tape, showing all the remaining members together again. There's even snippets from the concert where Verdine levitates and the band enter/exit the stage in space pods. The Official Story is a must have for any EWF lover. My only complaint is that I wanted more! More footage from different concerts. More footage of behind the scenes on and off the road. More feedback from the original members. Who was the prankster of the group? Who was the serious one? Who was the ladies man? Why didn't they do shows like Soul Train or award shows? Why weren't there Earth Wind & Fire TV Specials? What are the older members doing now and how do they feel about each other? How did their families feel about their music? Will there ever be a reunion with ALL the original members? 90 mins is not enough! We're talking about a band that is three decades old and still going! I loved the in studio footage of Wyclef and Eric Benet. Hopefully there will be more in-depth documentaries made on EWF because they are legends and have touched so many lives. The new generation truly can learn a few things from these music masters.
Peace. Clarissa L.B.

Rating:
Summary: The title speaks for its self
Review: For the die hard E,W,F, fans this DVD is a must have for the collection. Warning, this is not the DVD to put on and go about your daily chores; you will be mesmorized as you learn from the historic point how the the spark went from the flame to the fire. This is the story as told by Maurice, Verdine, Phillip and those around them.

Rating:
Summary: Worth your While
Review: I just purchased this DVD and I truly love it. I have grown up with Maurice's career and this DVD follows his life perfectly. I grew up in the same time frame as Maurice White and feel that if you never knew the history of Earth Wind and Fire that this is the DVD to get to catch up. This man is the true modest genius of our time. The tour that they are on now is possibly an event to catch if Maurice is with them. The new CD is the most excellent "back to basics" I would expect from the GREATEST BAND to play the real music we deserve.

Rating:
Summary: Worth your While
Review: I just purchased this DVD and I truly love it. I have grown up with Maurice's career and this DVD follows his life perfectly. I grew up in the same time frame as Maurice White and feel that if you never knew the history of Earth Wind and Fire that this is the DVD to get to catch up. This man is the true modest genius of our time. The tour that they are on now is possibly an event to catch if Maurice is with them. The new CD is the most excellent "back to basics" I would expect from the GREATEST BAND to play the real music we deserve.

Rating:
Summary: Shining Stars
Review: I purchased this video for a gift. Upon viewing it with friends, it was just a good feeling to see EWF - from then up until now. It was great to see the footage of concerts and also the interviews with some of the original members. EWF continues to have the same unique sound - from disco - to ballads. Their music continues to send a message of love and peace. Although Maurice White does not tour anymore, he will continue to be an important element of EWF.

Rating:
Summary: Great Addition To Any EWF Collection!
Review: I really enjoyed this documentary. It was so great to see Maurice White, and to see EWF get inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. If you are a collector of items by the greatest band that every existed - EARTH,WIND & FIRE, then you need this DVD!

I am, and will forever be EWF Fan #1!