Masters from the Vaults - Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Product Description

MASTERS FROM THE VAULT (EMERSON,LAKE & PALMER)

Customer Reviews:

----Spectacular----.......2007-05-31

This product should be seen by all people that really love both music as true art and great musicians. The grade of virtuosity displayed by these three musicians here is "Absolute Gold Standard". I have always loved the first album called simply "Emerson, Lake and Palmer" and mainly two songs one of them is "The Barbarian" and the other one is "Take a pebble". The performance of "The barbarian" in this DVD is superb, very energetic, curiously this song is the first one in the first album and is the mathematical demonstration of the total virtuosity of this group as if they wanted to show since the first time that they weren't here to fool people, as if they wanted to address the following message to the world, "we are serious musicians and we love to play musical instruments". The other performances here are of the same level of quality and the drum solo played by Carl Palmer here is one of the most different ones I have ever seen and listened in my life, his ability and rhythm control capacity are only equalled by Neil Peart from Rush. One thing that jumps to ones eyes is how easy they play such a complex pieces of music and how they were happy those days in playing together. Simply Buy this DVD, play it and enjoy it, you are going to watch real musician's performances and listening to great music.

Has anyone compared this to Live Broadcasts DVD?.......2006-07-09

As for this "Masters from the Vaults" DVD, I have nothing to add to Mr. M. A Maupin's excellent review posted in 2004.

But, in 2006, Classic Rock Legends started to release a new series titled "Live Broadcasts: Collector's Rarities".
Among them there's an ELP DVD, which has the very same set list as this one.
I guess they are the same concert but "Live Broadcasts" has DTS audio track.

If anyone can clarify if they are the same concert, and how different DTS sounds, I'd appreciate. I'm waiting for customer review on that one.

And for those who hasn't got "Masters from the Vaults" yet, "Live Broadcasts" my be a better choise.

Great Concert, Terrible Print.......2006-02-22

Take a look at the product artwork on the cover - they've even packaged this in a color that will detract attention from the RED wash that is evident in the still pics & that permeates this footage with virtually all other colors missing.
I think this might've even been better in B&W. They've remastered the the sound, but done nothing with the depessing dark RED picture. Over-priced too.

ELP lovers... wait & BEWARE!.......2005-09-24

ELP is MY group... yet, the production itself just makes me cringe. As a matter of fact, I sold it after watching it. Here's the deal- there is a whole lot of footage that was done back in the 'acid-days', when the film makers were tripping, and figured everyone watching was gonna be tripping, too. It's NOT the subjects that is that's the problem (it's the messenger). The producers of the DVD don't even have it together enough to spell-check the cover-art for the DVD case... they keep referencing 'Mike'... what they mean is 'mic', as in microphone. (dufus) Well... in this case, it IS a pretty good clue as to what to expect.

Save your money. Instead, DO buy ELP "Beyond the Beginning". It has many of the same cuts, concerts, etc., but not nearly as many of the ones that would make you cringe as an ELP fan. Plus, 'BTB' has stuff like The California Jam, complete with the 'flying piano' footage. That particular concert is special for me because exactly one week to the day before, I saw ELP in Memphis, where I sat '4th row center'. Actually, the Memphis show was better than the C-Jam... (I have it on cassette).

Back to this DVD.... I am a modular synth player, and was quite disappointed that because of the stupid 'acid-crazed' hokey production... you can't really even see any good close-ups of the equipment. I wonder why the credits don't give full names... almost as if they were too embarrassed.

Rock and Roll Your Eyes.......2005-09-07

Rock and Roll Your Eyes was the title of the ONLY ELP concert video (way back when you went to see these concerts in the movie theater before there were VCR's) That film consisted of what is now the DVD Pictures at An Exhibition and this group of "missing" songs. For years I wondered whatever happened to the rest of the film I saw in my youth. Authorized or no, I welcome it's return.

Average customer rating:

I don't think the Focus fan could ask for more...
I don't think a Focus fan could ask for more...
This is REAL music - Focus Rocks!
A great reminder of the Dutch masters

Masters from the Vaults
Starring: Focus
Manufacturer: Classic Rock Legends
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

ASIN: B00008DDK6
Release Date: 2002-12-17

Product Description

MASTER FROM THE VAULTS (FOCUS)

Customer Reviews:

I don't think the Focus fan could ask for more..........2005-07-27

...but then again, I'm not familiar with the source material to determine if there _was_ more to choose from. A mid-'70s TV special offers "La Cathedrale de Strasbourg" within the hour-long documentary, plus a 16-minute "Hamburger Concerto" as a bonus. The "Medley 1973" is in fact an abridged version of "Anonymus II", we get an Old Grey Whistle Test performance with Philip Catherine on guitar, David Kemper on drums, alongside Thijs and Bert for a very Mahavishnu Orchestra-like track (minus the lightning-fast runs) referred to as "Angel Wings" by the announcer... two early promo films of the "Moving Waves" line-up miming tracks from "In and Out of Focus" ("House of the King" and "Focus (vocal"), several performances taken from within a Dutch castle (an electric version of "Le Clochard", "Eruption" with variations from the recorded version (also played live in another segment, with other variations), as well as a segue into "Hocus Pocus" (which explains the Hocus Pocus-like mini-segment on the album version), and a delightful number sounding like traditional Dutch folk which shows the band in the kitchen/dining area of the castle whilst the owner cuts cheese (and bread?). And I believe three "Old Grey Whistle Test" performances are documented in full here, as well as the same performance of Sylvia from which individual band member shots were taken for the US edition of the "Focus 3" album.
Overall, the performances are what you'd expect from live Focus from that era. To counter a previous reviewer, from what _I've_ read in accounts, I've only been able to determine that Jan was unreliable as a live musician, period. Certain nights would see him soar, while others he was obviously struggling to get the notes out. As to blaming this on drug issues, I would have to say that much of the previous reviewer's comments noting Thijs and Jan's on-screen interaction comes down to reading way too much into things. I didn't notice exactly where Thijs looks "searchingly" for Jan (oftentimes, it looks like Thijs is visibly demonstrating a great amount of respect for Jan), and the segment where Jan walks off-stage (and tries to tell Thijs musically to stop the take, while Thijs stumbles in disbelief, not understanding the musical cue the rest of the band members give him at least twice, then continues on) is because Jan's guitar strap has become disengaged, and perhaps even broken. Jan can be seen picking up a second strap off his guitar amp and locks it in before resuming guitar. In fact, during that performance, there are others in the band who look way more "under the influence" than Jan, though I won't name them here.

True, there is most likely very little love lost between Thijs and Jan (and I've heard this from people who know either/or personally... I came close to meeting Thijs due to one of these people!), but thankfully you don't see it here. Instead, you get a charming memento of the best years (composition-wise) of the band, as well as appearances from over 75% of the musicians that passed through Focus in the 1970's (only Hans Cleuver, Martin Dresden and Eef Alberts (spelling?) aren't visually present... although at least the "Focus (vocal)" track mimed to is actually played by Hans and Martin, and Thijs refers to them by full name in his interview segments).

The only caveats are the visible age of one of the performances from the castle, as if that particular performance was taken from a previously viewed projector reel, although the sound is quite good (good fidelity with no dropouts). While the two earliest performances ("Focus (vocal)" and "House of the King") are mimed, these happen very early in the DVD and therefore minimize any negative feelings amongst viewers, of which most are probably seeing Focus play (on TV) for the first time!

Overall, a very, VERY worthwhile purchase for the Focus fan, and (from what I've heard as available over the years), all-inclusive.

I don't think a Focus fan could ask for more..........2005-07-27

Overall, the performances are what you'd expect from live Focus from that era. To counter a previous reviewer, from what _I've_ read in accounts, I've only been able to determine that Jan was unreliable as a live musician, period. Certain nights would see him soar, while others he was obviously struggling to get the notes out. As to blaming this on drug issues, I would have to say that much of the previous reviewer's comments noting Thijs and Jan's on-screen interaction comes down to reading way too much into things. I didn't notice exactly where Thijs looks "searchingly" for Jan (oftentimes, it looks like Thijs is visibly demonstrating a great amount of respect for Jan), and the segment where Jan walks off-stage (and tries to tell Thijs musically to stop the take, while Thijs stumbles in disbelief, then continues on) is because Jan's guitar strap has become disengaged, and perhaps even disfunctional, as it looks like he picks up a second strap of the guitar amp and locks it in before resuming guitar. In fact, during that performance, there are others in the band who look way more "under the influence" than Jan, though I won't name them here.

True, there is most likely very little love lost between Thijs and Jan (and I've heard this from people who know either/or personally... I came close to meeting Thijs due to one of these people!), but thankfully you don't see it here. Instead, you get a charming memento of the best years (composition-wise) of the band, as well as appearances from over 75% of the musicians that passed through Focus in the 1970's (only Hans Cleuver, Martin Dresden and Eef Alberts (spelling?) aren't visually present... although at least the "Focus (vocal)" track mimed to is actually played by Hans and Martin, and Thijs refers to them by full name in his interview segments).

The only caveats are the age of one of the performances from the castle, as if that particular performance was taken from a previously viewed projector reel, although the sound is quite good (good fidelity with no dropouts).

Overall, a very, VERY worthwhile purchase for the Focus fan, and (from what I've heard as available over the years), all-inclusive.

This is REAL music - Focus Rocks!.......2005-06-17

This is an excellent DVD with some fine performances of the group Focus. Considering there is little Focus video available anywhere, these performances are a real treat. This disc includes older, vintage performances of the Hocus Pocus era including that song. This older Focus material is absolutely priceless. If you like Focus, or any other progressive rock like Yes, or ELP this disc is a must see. The disc is only about an hour, far too short, but every performance has value. I love this DVD. Focus were, and are a truly talented band.

A great reminder of the Dutch masters.......2003-12-26

I thought I had Focus all sorted out: several brilliant albums (from 'Moving Waves' to 'Hamburger Concerto'), followed by the collapse of the relationship between Van Leer and Akkerman, with the band effectively dead and buried by the end of the 1970s. All we had to remember the band were the CDs of those albums, and that was that. The past was neatly packaged, and we could simply wallow in auditory nostalgia.

But DVD has reactivated the past. Someone has lovingly collected together many of the extant videos and TV performances of the band, remastered them in 5.1 surround, and put them on this DVD. Admittedly the indexing on the DVD is poor -- there is no scene selection menu. But that's a very minor point.

The video footage covers the band's early days, its appearances on the UK's 'Old Grey Whistle Test', and the line-up with Philip Catherine replacing Jan Akkerman. Interview links are provided by Van Leer, 30 years older than when the band was at its peak, with some interesting anecdotes about the recording of 'House of the King' and the writing of 'Sylvia'. He makes no reference to Akkerman's destructive drugs habit. After this compilation, we then get a film in which the mid-70s band showcases the 'Hamburger Concerto' LP.

At the core of Focus was the trust between Van Leer and Akkerman. Focus was Van Leer's band, and the question in his mind in many of the performances on this DVD is whether he could trust this brilliant guitarist Akkerman to play his part. Even in one of the earliest performances here (in the snowbound Dutch castle), he looks searchingly at Akkerman. Later on, he plays with his back to the man. In one TV rendition of 'Hocus Pocus', Akkerman takes a drag on something that may have been more than a cigarette; a minute later, while Van Leer is mid-yodel, Akkerman walks off, and for a second or two Van Leer is uncertain whether Akkerman will return to carry on the guitar part at the end of Van Leer's yodel.

Product Description

MASTERS FROM THE VAULT (DEEP PURPLE)

Customer Reviews:

It's just a total mess..........2006-02-16

Im not a kid, I just clicked that so I could write a review.

First off, let me say that I am normally not that opinionated, so i dont write reviews often, but this DVD was such a disappointment that it needs to be said.

Now i purchased this dvd for 20 some dollars, I opened the DVD, There was no booklet or anything - I guess I set my standards too high after seeing the 2-disc Led Zep DVD. I was excited to see some live footage of Deep Purple, one of my favorite bands. I play guitar myself and expected to see some fancy Blackmore solos and some of my fav songs played live, and I got that - sort of.

This was my experience for the solo in Child in Time:
...As the song slowly builds up pace...the guitar gets louder...the drums hit harder, Gillan shrieks louder, everything
is going well as I become pumped for the solo. Then, Ritchie starts playing and all of a sudden THE CAMERA MOVES AND SHOWS ROGER GLOVER!!! IM SORRY, BUT WHEN RITCHIE IS PLAYING A GUITAR SOLO I DO NOT WANT TO WATCH THE BASSIST!!! This is not the only time this happens either, in almost every song, something similar happens.

Ultimately, I was extermely unsatisfied and this short DVD left me hungry - the Deep purple footage clocks in at only about 40 minutes, the rest is Gillans band doing DP songs. (thats not why i bought the DVD, but it IS there if you want to watch it...)
Well, I guess the only thing bearable is Mandrake Root, which alone is not worth the 20 dollar price tag. Your money would be better spent on the DP California '74 show (only 10 bucks), or just but the Led Zeppelin DVD if you want to see a good show for the same price.

Deep Purple Masters from the Vault.......2006-01-01

This is vintage footage, however, it is not worth the money to buy it. One song has Ian Gilliam smashed and forgetting the words! If you really like Deep Purple, don't even think of getting this video.

Historical moment of the band - great moments!.......2005-08-23

I gave this 4.5 stars.
I know that if i put this dvd side by side near new meterials (new sound /picture qaulity and new standarts- longer dvd and ...
(it might get less stars if we compare it to new meterials) .
i wasn`t their fan when i first saw this show (one of them - in the tv - and there was only 4 tracks on it (Speed King, Child in Time, Wring That Neck, and Mandrake Root).i recorded those tracks on vhs and have them thil now).
I always try to get this. this show has great moment on it and ritchie blackmore shows there his talent AND only later i become their fan. I think you shouldn`t compare this show to any new meterials . this is a historical moments and has great tracks on it. if i compare this dvd to the old vhs we got in the 80'
this is 5 star dvd. So you can`t compare it to their new dvd`s out there and even not to the new dvd they release this year ( 72- 73 shows that is newer and much better ...)
i reviewed this because i thought to my self it deserve much more respect then amazon`s reviewer gave ( it not deserve 3 stars for sure ) and i wasn`t their fan in those days .
I want to show you the other side- you get those 4 tracks with bonus meterials . they put with those 4 tracks more 3 tracks they released as Ep!!!(No No No, Highway Star and Hallelujah).
( we can see the positive side of it)
FOR the older fan of you this is must have!

Hmmmm.......2005-08-12

Pretty good dvd... but it could have used a lot more footage. Only buy it if your a big deep purple fan.

Little Richie Blackmore footage.......2005-07-27

I am a Deep Purple fan, and have been for many years. This sounds like a great DVD - old concert material of Mark II, arguably the seminal lineup. One of the big Deep Purple concert attractions, and an undoubted focal point of the band, was Richie Blackmore, playing as few guitarists, if any, can. But I was extremely disappointed to find that in the B&W section, there is precious little footage of the erstwhile RB. As an example, during the entire Highway Star guitar solo, the camera remains resolutely fixed on Gillan and Glover - go figure! The sound and film quality are certainly very good for the age of the concerts featured; the monochrome film is not an issue (not for me anyway), and it is Deep Purple after all, so I can at least give this DVD 2 stars. The New York concert film is better, but this is only a relatively small part of the package. If you are a big Mark 11 fan, and want older Deep Purple concert footage regardless, then you will find plenty to enjoy in this DVD and it has some merit. However, Richie Blackmore and guitar fans should think very carefully before purchasing, as they could be disappointed in this aspect of the DVD.

Average customer rating:

It's better than no record of this great band
It is only 30 minutes long
Truth versus reality
uk2us

Masters from the Vaults
Starring: Curved Air
Manufacturer: Classic Rock Legends
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Description

This DVD features the classic 1972 line-up of Curved Air, featuring Sonja Kristina, Daryl Way, Francis Monkman, Mike Wedgewood and Florian Pilkingon Miska, digitally remastered and recorded in full 5.1 surround sound audio. Also includes a 10 minute Daryl Way interview.

Customer Reviews:

It's better than no record of this great band.......2007-01-24

The last record of the classic Monkman/Way/Pilkington-Miksa/Kristina/Wedgwood line-up and, as always, a missed opportunity. Vivaldi, Darryl's interminable instrumental, was OK on stage, but dies on the small screen but Melinda fares much better, with Sonja playing nice running clawhammer guitar. Marie Antoinette is the best of the bunch, with clever playing by all and good vocals from Mike and Sonja. High points? As always, Florian's drumming is a treat, a presentation of time-keeping and flair, and Mike is good throughout. Sonja is always first-class except when she gets carried away and growls: and Darryl and Francis are, of course, talented and exceptional musicians. Why do they always choose the less exciting songs for video?!
Still, the bottonm line is that it's good to see this gang of excellent musicians in the heady days when you could see five top bands playing their own music in five consecutive nights. Not so now. Curved Air carved out their own niche and nobody has quite filled it. Good.

It is only 30 minutes long.......2004-10-09

I bought this on the internet, so I didn't realize that it only contained 4 songs and is only 30 minutes long. The DVD does have a 10 minute with Darryl Way and about an hour of sales pitches for DVD's from other progressive rock groups.

This comes from a couple of TV appearances in the early seventies. The group looks ridiculous in the outfits they are wearing. The filming is not very good. Edited into the music are pictures of birds and fish. I have no idea why. The camera focuses on the wrong people at the wrong time. During the guitar solo, the camera will be on the singer or the bassist. But, if you never got to see what Curved Air looked like, here is your chance.

The 4 songs on the DVD are Marie Antoinette, Propositions, Melinda More or Less and Vivaldi.

This is the best version of Marie Antoinette I have heard, but I was never a fan of the song. I think seeing the band play the song enhances the experience.

The version of Propositions is fairly energetic, but short at 4 minutes. There is a much better version on the Live album. I didn't recognize Melinda...it is done acoustically.

Vivaldi is 14 minutes long and is mostly a Darryl Way violin solo. It is fairly interesting.

Truth versus reality.......2004-06-18

The claim that the Curved Air stuff was recorded in Dolby 5.1 is a fantasy.This is merely a re-master of an old programme filmed for Belgian T.V in the early 70s and it sounded very mono to me.O.K so there isn't lots of Curved Air stuff around but even so it was woefully short.Disappointed as it wasn't really an improvement in quality from the same programme material I recorded from an ITV programme over 20 years ago on VHS tape.

uk2us.......2004-03-29

If you really hanker for some nostalga, then the 4 tracks on this 30 minute DVD will help some. However, it really just leaves you wanting to hear a lot more. (Not actually sure if there really is much Curved Air footage around) Anyway, still giving it a 3 star rating, because some is better than none. Also, the extra are pretty good. There is a Daryl Way interview which is again short but interesting. There is also a short 16 minute complitation of other rock bands available on this label. (this is an English site, but has NTSC versions of classic artists - Prices are in pound sterling and you have to about double that to get dollar price - glad I have friends still in UK) For me though, the best part of the DVD and the longest part is the Classic Rock Showcase featuring music/information about 7 bands. Be warned though, this has cost me more money as I now want to buy Karnataka and Mostly Autumn DVD's after watching the one track on each artist. Also enjoyed the little vinettes on Caravan, Nektar, and Uriah Heep's accoustically driven DVD (which looks good and if ever it comes back in stock at Amazon it will probably be added to the collection)
All in all the cheap price is worth it for a bit of Nostalga - but be warned it is short.
What has happened to all the old footage that must be around somewhere???

Average customer rating:

Rooster rocking Belgium TV
Way too short...
Way too short...

Masters from the Vaults
Starring: Atomic Rooster
Manufacturer: Classic Rock Legends
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Description

This DVD features the 1972 incarnation of Atomic Rooster featuring ex-Colosseum vocalilst Chris Farlowe. The footage has been remastered digitally and is recorded in 5.1 surround sound audio.

Customer Reviews:

Rooster rocking Belgium TV.......2003-09-27

This DVD is from a 1970s Belgium TV show. At the time of this, live with no audience performance, Rooster consisted of Vincent Crane (Keyboards), British Blues singer Chris Farlowe (Vocals) (it appears that Progressive rock bands called on Farlowe just as they were about to call it quits as prior to his gig in Rooster, Farlowe had played on the last albums of Colosseum and wound up doing the same for Rooster), Rick Parnell (Drums), (Parnell later played in the Italian band Ibis, but is perhaps most notable as the final drummer of Spinal Tap- I believe his charector was called Mick Shrimpton) and Steve Bolton on guitar.

This was the lineup that recorded Made in England, although no material from that album is included in this performance. Instead the band mainly sticks to songs off of In Hearing Of...
including, Breakthrough, Blake Snake and A Spoonful of Bromide Helps the Pulse Rate Go Down. The other two songs in this performance are Can't Find a Reason (which Vincent eventually couldn't) which wasn't recorded until the Nice and Greasy Album (called IV in the US) and an instrumental that is listed as The Rock, but might actually be an older tune sometimes called Shabaloo (or maybe it is VUG, its hard to tell the instrumentals apart if you haven't listened in awhile).

The sound and video quality are very good for a mid 70s TV spot. Although, the sounds drops for a about a minute in the final song. Vincent Crane plays very well throughout the show. For those that might not know, Crane founded Rooster with Carl Palmer after The Crazy World of Arthur Brown began to break up. Crane co-wrote much of The Crazy World's material and was responsible for much of the musicality of that traveling circus of a rock band.

During the first and only Crazy World American tour Crane had a breakdown and wound up in a Mental Hospital. Throughout the rest of his life he struggled with bi-polar disorder and utlimatly took his own life after reforming the Rooster a couple of times and even having a brief stint with Dexy's Midnight Runners.

As for the rest of the band, Chris Farlowe seems to peak on the slower numbers (Can't Find a Reason and Blake Snake) as they are the closest to his blues roots and Farlowe does posses a rather authentic sounding set of pipes. He also must have been hungry as he spends one song eating a sandwich!! Steve Bolton is more of a rhythm player than a soloist and lacks the power of previous guitarist John (Du)Cann. Rick Parnell has sort of an interesting presence and at times looks as though he is flailing about to try and keep up, but he certainly adds a rock element to the sound.

The performance is short (28 minutes), but it is some of the only footage of Rooster (there are also 3 performances from the German TV show Beat Club, two of which are of what is generally accepted as the best version of Rooster with Crane, (Du)Cann and the late Paul Hammond on drums) and one of this version of the band doing a different version of Breakthrough (I hope these will be available on DVD soon). Overall, the rarity and quality make these a great buy for fans of 70s prog/hard rock.

Way too short..........2003-08-11

Great to see these guys doing their magic. Just be aware: it is 28 minutes show.

Way too short..........2003-08-11

Great to see these guys doing their magic. Just be aware: it is 28 minutes show.

Average customer rating:

Master from the Vault
Starring: Atomic Rooster
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B000A2WGGO
Release Date: 2005-02-15

Average customer rating:

Family gets 5 stars, the DVD gets zero
If you've come this far...........

Masters from the Vaults: Family
Starring: Family
Manufacturer: Classic Rock Legends
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Product Description

MASTERS FROM THE VAULTS (FAMILY)

Customer Reviews:

Family gets 5 stars, the DVD gets zero.......2004-12-08

Let's go with the good news first, and let me state up front that my criticisms---the bad news---are not directed at Family but at "Masters From the Vaults: Family (1971)."

This lively set captures the band after the departure of original members Rick Grech and Jim King with short-timer Jim Weider brought on board to replace Grech (both played bass and violin) and Poli Palmer, who had the longest tenure of any member besides Townsend, Chapman, and Whitney, to round out the sound with flute, keyboards, vibes, and odd percussion.

Part of the Load is my favorite track here, and apparently it and Weaver's Answer were recorded during the same session (not that they follow one another on the DVD). The montage of images in Part of the Load, which was filmed in a British military museum, is wildly disturbing and fun. The opening cut, Strange Band, shows the band in great form and while they may not have been masters of fashion, Family comes across as a muscular, rocking band. Apparently the camera operators filming Good News, Bad News were so enthralled with Chapman's performance, which was dubbed "idiot dancing" back then---and it is a sight to behold---that they forget to include the rest of the band. A more mellow side of the band surfaces in Procession/ No Mules Fool, revealing the folk elements that helped Family gain such a following in rural England back in the `70s.

It's a revelation to actually see Family perform and this is treasured footage to be sure. I wish there were more shots of Charlie Whitney searing the strings off that wild-looking 12-string and Rob Townsend making a case as to why he is perhaps the best overlooked rock drummer of his time.

Now for some of the bad news: Unfortunately, Weaver's Answer and Holding the Compass are both truncated (why and by whom, I wonder?) versions of these classics, and it's hard to get past the fact that somewhere, someone eviscerated these two fine performances. For instance, not one note of Whitney's awesome guitar solo makes it into the video, which is a criminal offense in my book. Dim, listed on the track list as the final cut, is not a video at all but rather just playing in the background during the credits! The quality of the video is uneven at best, and certainly more could have been done to improve it.

Given that only about 30 minutes of footage from Family graces this DVD, the production outfit loaded it up with bonus footage from DVDs from various other dinosaur bands in its catalog. (After watching some of this mostly awful stuff, I'm actually glad that there has not been a Family reunion.) There is other video footage of Family available as anyone who has checked out some of the more thorough Web sites knows---could some of this material not have been added as well?

Why are there no interviews with the surviving members of Family? Certainly, Whitney, Chapman, Townsend, Palmer, Weider, King, and Wetton (RIP Grech and Ashton) would have been able to provide some excellent commentary and insights. I'd have paid a king's ransom for that sort of bounty.

Being able to watch Chapman impale a tambourine on a microphone stand over and over does help sooth my troubled soul. So, all in all, the band gets five stars for their performance but the overall DVD gets zero stars.

If you've come this far..................2003-03-30

You are probably a fan of Family of some standing. In some ways, the most enigmatic of all the Brit progressive bands of their era, not just for their music but for the fact they never did a reunion, one off or otherwise. And also for the fact they left so little visual evidence of their existence. So, if you are a fan who never saw these Leicester heros live, this may be a real pleasure for you. Be aware though that this is literally footage from the vaults and is brief in length. Actually, it's a copy of a Belgium telecast of a show called Ben and Babbete which featured bands of the day. There have been rare videos copies of poor quality floating around for years and it's wonderful to have this so well cleaned up for digital. Excellent job. This is generally an assortment of various clips. No host or commentary, the focus soley on the band. This is 71 era Family, being Chapman, Whitney, Townsend, Weider and Palmer. So right after Anyway and before Fearless. I'll give a rundown.
The "bonus" track is actually the lead off with a live version of Strange Band. Typically manic version with good sound and video quality for 30 years of age. Chappo at his finest.
Next up is a "video" of Part of the Load. A montage of some pretty cool images interspersed with the band over the sudio version of this song. Really as a "video" it is more original than most of the dreck you ever saw on MTV. And from 71 no less!
Back to live footage with Good News Bad New. This is from a different show that Strange Band. Awesome rendition with Roger giving his tambourine a good workout against his mike stand and displaying the vocals that have made him legendary live. Awesome solo from Charlie and this is pretty sublime.
Next is a short version of Holding the Compass from the same show as Strange Band. Cut briefly with some fun footage of the band goofing off at what looks like Heathrow Airport! . Too short but welcome, in that it is not listed on the cover as being on this DVD.
Next is a acoustic version of Procession which segues into No Mules Fool. Looks like a television appearance of good quality. Mellow Chappo and Weider on Violin and Palmer on flute.
This all ends wonderfully, as it should, with Weavers Answer. Again live, but with a montage behind them of various images. A great version regardless.
The show ends with Dim being played over the french credits of the T.V. show.
That's it and under 30 minutes.
In a perfect world we would find a two hour show perfectly filmed in 5.1. Until that world comes along this will suffice pretty nicely. The variety of sources actually makes this of more interest and works in its favour. And if you are a Family fan you'll most likely be thrilled that this is being released so late in the game. Enjoy!
There are extras on this DVD, mainly long ads for other bands product from this company. Interesting and long but always feels like an advertisement.

Average customer rating:

Masters from the Vaults
Starring: Focus
Manufacturer: Phantom Sound & Vision
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B00008AOUC
Release Date: 2003-01-17

Album Description

Previously unreleased footage from 1971-2002 featuring Thijs Van Leer, Jan Akkerman, Pierre Van Der Linden, Cyril Havermans and Bert Ruiter. Also included are extended extracts from the Old Grey Whistle Tests in 1972 and 1973 which helped break Focus in the UK, plus rare concert of the Hamburger Concerto era. Digitally remastered and fully restored for 5.1 surround sound. Approx. 82 minutes. NTSC. Classic Rock Productions. 2002.

DVD:

DVD

DVD