Rating: 
Summary: Compared to PBS Broadcast...
Review: Since others have well covered the music and playing (and, yes, I too have a lobe in my brain dedicated to SRV and the fellows of Double Trouble) I'd like to comment on the quality of the product. This applies to the VHS only, although I suspect that the DVD would be similar.
The 1989 Austin City Limits show lacked "Tightrope", which was later tacked on as a "Tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan" to another PBS show, which featured Buddy Guy. I was able to tape both at the time of broadcast. The 1989 SRV PBS broadcast had reasonably punchy sound (although SRV's tone was most unusually fuzzy and buzzy on this show, and I can compare this to MANY shows recorded elsewhere). The sound and visual were in perfect synchronization.
I wondered why it took a company SO LONG to release SRV's '89 show, since reportedly this was one of the most-requested Austin City Limits shows. I was happy at the VHS release, since now SRV lovers who weren't bootleg collectors,could enjoy a live show... and immediately disappointed: the sound is sub-standard, compared to TV broadcast I'd taped, and OUT OF SYNCH with the visual.Hard to believe, folks, but this is a poor transfer. Yes, get it, but if able, acquire a tape of the original PBS broadcast. Incidentally, the SRV boxed set is supposed to have a DVD with several other outtakes from this show.Wish the releasing company would get it all together.
That said, the performances from 1989 are of classical-music level achievement. What do I mean? He is improvising less on the "In Step" songs' solos, rather playing well-worked out solos with classical perfection. (The House is a'Rockin', Crossfire, for example). On the other hand, he introduces a few new licks and turn-arounds on the Tightrope solo and it's great fun to compare THAT solo to versions of the song caught elsewhere (studio and concert bootlegs).His version of Buddy Guy's "You'd Better Leave My Woman Alone" almost out-does Buddy Guy (who can be seen doing the song on the PBS Austin City Limits show that presented "Tightrope")
DO BUY the "Live from the El Mocambo" circa 1983 VHS (or DVD?). That is astonishing, with great camera work, many close-ups of his fingering... watch out for flying sweat!! Several of his renditions (Texas Flood and So Excited) are absolutely among the finest he recorded. Since many, many SRV concerts are traded on videotape by collectors, I hope more might make it to commercial release before another decade goes by. To my thinking, "El Mocambo" shows a wonderful human being at a peak of ingenuity, creativity, and physical mastery of a demanding musical instrument. To a question "what are people capable of at their very best?", I'd say :"Watch this!".
Rating: 
Summary: Must for Stevie Ray Vaughan fans!
Review: The descriptions of this vidio say Stevie Ray was nervous or not sure in the first 1983 and confident in the last 1989. Stevie Ray Vaughan was tremendous throughout this entire video. Stevie Ray Vaughan is not a man performing for an audiance, but a man pouring his soul out before an audiance. You can see a before and after change in his appearance (life change), but his guitar work was great on both sides.
Rating:
Summary: welllll......
Review: Stevie Ray was a freakin genius! That's pretty much the bottom line. I'm a bit peeved at the producer Terry Lickona, who writes the notes on the back of this DVD. He seems to think stevie was parinoid, nervous and insecure for the first show. HELLOOOOOOO Mr. freakin genius, are you blind, deaf and dumb? The first four songs on this disk are AMAZING! And so what if he was all those things, he plays like no one else, period! Producers should shut up and produce and let us see the rest of the first show! HE IS A GREAT GUITAR PLAYER and I would enjoy watching him play in any condition!Peace
Rating:
Summary: My favorite of SRV's videos...
Review: All are great, but I feel this one has the best audio. It is extremely clear. Those songs from the show not found on this DVD, exist on a DVD included in the SRV box-set.
Rating:
Summary: HIS SPIRIT AND MUSIC LIVE ON
Review: The first song "Pride and Joy" starts off with Stevie playing a red guitar, wearing red shoes and playing RED HOT! WOW! From start to finish this is an AMAZING performance. Actually you get two, count 'em, TWO shows. One from 1983 (the first four songs) and then songs five through twelve are from Stevie's final performance in Austin City Limits, in 1989. I love both concerts but there is something extra special in the 1989 show. Stevie really CONNECTS to his audience, the band, and seems so full of joy. He makes a dedication of the gorgeous ballad "Riviera Paradise" to "all the people out there who are still suffering in any way." I love every single song but my favorites here are "Pride And Joy", "Texas Flood", "Tightrope" (he really gets into this one, lemme tell ya--LOVE IT!), "Leave My Girl Alone", "Crossfire", and "Riviera Paradise." Musically speaking, my impression is that he has an ABSOLUTELY SPECTACULAR style, PRESENTATION and PRESENCE. His use of pianisimos, crescendos, fortes and stops is the best I think I've ever heard outside of an orchestra. His voice is perfect with his music; he sings and plays simultaneously, yet EFFORTLESSLY. He FEELS every note and his phrasing and ATTACK of EACH note is PHENOMENAL. Stevie is nothing short of BRILLIANT to watch. It is like witnessing him step into another realm of reality! I will never tire of music that is this passionate, intense and expressive. Oh what a loss that he is gone! But indeed his music and his spirit TRULY LIVE ON! I must mention Reese Wynans, the keyboardist. He is the most brilliant keyboardist I've ever seen. What a team he and Stevie made! WOW! The bassist and drummer were great too! What a band! Also the Bonus Video Clip "Little Wing" is fantastic. THIS IS ESSENTIAL FOR ANY SRV FAN! BUY IT NOW! Mr. King himself sums up Stevie best: "I would describe him as a guitar master. He had made up his mind the guitar wasn't going to master him--he was gonna master it. And he did just that." "Can I hear an amen?" Dan Forte AMEN!
Rating:
Summary: Who can compare to SRV?
Review: In my relentless quest collect every piece of audio and video ever recorded of the man, you can imagine my delight when I got hold of this video. It comprises of footage from two concerts, one recorded in 1983 the other in 1989. In the first concert he burns the place down; his playing has a volotile and almost 'raw' quality to it. He seems quite solemn, and plays nearly the entire set with his eyes closed, as though concentrating on the task at hand. The footage from 1989 shows a much more confident, relaxed and refined musician. He seems to be really enjoying himself as he plays - smiling and interacting with the audience. The camera work in this video is excellent. There are plenty of close-up shots of his massive fingers as they dance about the fretboard. SRV is my all-time favourite guitarist and I recommend this video to anyone who's a fan of his music. 'Riviera Paradise' alone is worth the cost of the video.
Rating:
Summary: A study in contrasts....
Review: Okay, the guitar playing is phenomenal. I had heard some his more popular songs on this DVD -- Pride and Joy, Cold Shot, Cross Fire, Voodoo Chile, Texas Flood -- but SEEING him play adds a totally new dimension. Clearly, his guitar playing is out of this world....totally gifted and inspired! But what makes the DVD even more interesting is the study in contrasts between the 2 shows compiled on this DVD, one from 1983, and the 2nd from 1989. Again, in both shows SRV is totally inspired and awesome, although there are some not so subtle differences in his demeanor that show the growth and change in one of the most gifted musicians I have ever seen. Unfortunately, while I won't see him in concert ever, this DVD shows me what I, and the world, will be missing in his live shows. There'll be no replacing that experience, but this DVD fills the void somewhat by showing some truly remarkable footage of a legendary guitarist.
Rating:
Summary: Best live performance on video
Review: This shows SRV in his hometown, loose, and with the both the original Double Trouble, and a much later show with the fantastic Reese Wyans on keys. A must, especially if you have the opportunity to play loud at least once, well worth it.
Rating: 
Summary: More lousy products!
Review: The audio on this disk is absolutely terrible! The worst I have heard yet on a DVD. It is also just part of two different performances. Why didn't they include both complete shows from Austin City Limits?
Rating:
Summary: Just watch the man play
Review: The most exciting aspect of this DVD for me is the chance to see Stevie's playing up-close. The camera work is fantastic, zooming in on his fingers, highlighting the difficulty of his playing. All my guitar player buddies talk about how great this guy is, but of course like all the greats, SRV makes it sound easy. We lost our greatest player, and sound alone can not do him justice -- you must see to believe. Even at three times the cost, this one is worth every penny.
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