The Man, His World, His Music (2000)

An unvarnished look at the man and his music during his glory days

This DVD shows Johnny Cash during the heyday of his career in the late sixties. I want to say it shows him "in his prime," but that is a matter of debate. Even though he was not at the height of his powers physically, the series of recordings that he did at the end of his life with producer Rick Rubin is among his best work. This production highlights that phase of his career when he and June Carter Cash were riding the wave of hit songs that made him a household name in country music and beyond.

Raw concert performances of a number of those songs, including "Ring of Fire," "Daddy Sings Bass," "Folsom Prison Blues," and "Jackson," are found along with rare recordings of lesser-known songs. This includes a couple of gospel songs and some guest appearances, that include a solo performance by Carl Perkins on "Blue Suede Shoes" and a duet with Bob Dylan. Cash and Dylan clearly warm-up to each other, smiling as the song progresses from opposing microphones. It's enjoyable throughout the DVD to see a healthy Cash singing in such a strong voice.

Footage of Cash backstage, on the road in a motorhome, and interacting with family and friends is also provided. Cash comes across as a down-to-earth guy who relates well with ordinary people. He doesn't try to impress, and never postures for the camera. It's an unadorned look with no narration or graphics.

The music is country with a little bit of folk and gospel. The sound and picture quality is a little more than acceptable, but the content is historic. This is the music that made him famous.

The varied settings--a prison performance, a concert on a reservation, a trip to Wounded Knee, a song sung at home, or in the woods with a wounded crow, provide moving moments in the life of a man, who despite his success was humble and kind to others.

This is a must for the Cash collector and worth exploring for those looking for a mix of documentary and performance from the early life of a music legend.

In an interview on the DVD, Cash says, "Singing seems to help a troubled soul." This DVD provides a glimpse of the many people and the man himself who were helped on their way through the singing of simple songs about everyday life.

3.5 stars
July 13, 2007

An Intimate Portrait

I accidently came upon this film and it made me feel like I was five years old and opening a gift on Christmas morning. A life long fan of Johnny Cash, I found myself mesmerized by the intimate feeling created by the amatuer effect of the filming . There was something quietly magnificent about Johnny Cash that came through in his music, this film showed that magnificence through filming the quiet moments, whether it was as he listened to a hopeful singer or walked thoughtfully around the property and through house where he grew up.
I found the scene with his father riveting in light of what we now know of that relationship. It wasn't a long scene but in it John convinced his father to sing a short song, at first reticent, his father conceded and sang, he began to sweat so profusely that you had to feel sympathy for him but when the camera cut to John you could see in his eyes what it meant to him to have this moment with his father and family. I really loved the interactions he had with the diverse variety of people he came into contact with, it was a little like being a fly on the wall.
The performances were something to behold, especially the duet with a young and confident Bob Dylan. There was a scene where Cash was sitting in his living room talking about a song he had just written called "You are What I Need", which of course became the song Flesh and Blood. It was a beautiful thing to watch him sing this while it was still being fleshed out, and when he said that he wrote it while he was in one of his "long moods" I felt I understood something beyond words.
If you are not a true Cash fan, this DVD might not be for you. But for those out there who, like me, loved the music and the essence of it, Cash himself, this will be something you will treasure. April 12, 2006

Real Life Portrait.

This is more a snapshot of one of America's greatest icons during his real life than it is a narrated documentary. The film is a compendium of homemovies that showcase Cash as an entertainer and as a man. Predictably, Johnny is accessible and friendly to just about everybody and you see that while he's "adjusted well to prosperity," he's still an honest country man inside.

This is also a ninety minute performance video. Most of its segments include some kind of singing or impromtu recital. We see Johnny playing at country fairs and at a prison (not Fulsom).

What pleased me the most about this film was the inclusion of Cash's duets with Bob Dylan. Watching the two of them record together was riveting. Also, I forgot how great June Carter's voice was. Hearing her sisters and June as Johnny's opening act was a great highlight. I may give a listen to some of her music in the future. February 20, 2005

A Rare Glimpse into the Man in Black's Life

"Johnny Cash -- The Man, His World, His Music" might adequately be called a period piece. Filmed in an age when music and film were decidedly low-tech, this DVD, which was released in some theaters as a film, captures a raw image of the Man in Black. Indeed, the picture and sound suffer a bit, but I don't imagine anyone anticipated a DVD release (or DVDs for that matter). That makes this film all the more worthwhile: it's not showy. All the focus is on the music, and there's plenty of that. The DVD is a bit "campy", but I like it. May 15, 2004

Straight from the heart

Yes, the footage is ragged in spots, and there is nothing slick about this one. But there are gems you won't find elsewhere. Much of the concert footage is riveting, including Carl Perkins' rocking "Blue Suede Shoes." Some of the reasons for Johnny Cash's broad appeal also emerge here. Combined with his onstage showmanship and bravado are his backstage kindness and affection toward his fans which seem remarkable in today's era of chic contempt. He called his shots straight from the heart, and this DVD gives us the pleasure of watching that in detail. A must for the Cash fan, and for anyone who wonders what all the fuss was about. November 24, 2003

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