The Who - The Kids Are Alright (1979)

Twelve stars

I ordered this DVD on January 16, 2007 -- I can't believe that I didn't write a review at the time -- and I've played it so many times that the grooves are getting worn out. No, seriously, I'm so worried that it will get scratched that I just ordered two more copies.

I was a Who fan. This DVD turned me into a raving Who fan. It starts out with a bang (a real one, complete with drum shrapnel and burning hair) and ends with a blistering live performance of WGFA (Won't Get Fooled Again) from 1978 -- Keith Moon's last public performance with the band. There's also a live version of "Baba O'Riley" from the same session in 1978, and magical footage from Woodstock of Daltrey singing "See me, hear me, touch me, feel me" as the sun breaks over the horizon and floods the stage. Makes me want to have been there even more than Hendrix's performances do.

I just watched "Live at Isle of Wight" (as well as the Woodstock footage), and the '78 live versions of Baba and WGFA are every bit as electric as the performances in '69 and '70.

The bonus material is also fascinating: if you look at what they did during the restoration and audio cleanup of the original release, your jaw will be hanging on the floor (if you like such things).

This deserves twice as many stars as I can give it. No offense to anyone who doesn't like it, but how that's possible is beyond my comprehension.

Long live rock.

P.S. You should also get your hands on the DVD about the making of Who's Next: amazing, truly amazing -- behind the scenes info from Townshend, Glyn Johns, and many other people involved with the production of the record. It answers a lot of questions, like "Is that a *violin* at the end of Baba O'Riley?" (Yes, played by Dave Arbus) and "Is that a synth loop?" (No, but you'll have to listen to Glyn Johns's explanation because I don't quite understand it) August 16, 2008

Back to cinema glory!

This wonderful film has at last been restored to its original cinematic glory. I went to the Rialto in Leicester Square, London (where the film had been premiered) to see it in 1979, and this DVD brought the whole terrific experience back to me. TKAA was butchered for VHS release, with many little details thrown out: In many ways, the details are what makes the story of The Who fascinating. They highlight personality traits of all four members: Moon's reckless lunacy, Daltrey's pragmatic presence, Entwistle's wry stoicism and Townshend's restless energy. Of course the concert and TV footage is priceless. Any rock fan will be enthralled watching this. You don't have to be a Who fanatic. God bless the 'Orrible 'Ooo! June 19, 2008

SCARE YOUR NEIGHBORS !!!!

If you don't already own this restored version in HD,you'll think I'm exaggerating. If you do already own this,or have seen it...excuse me,EXPERIENCED it,you'll know I'm telling the truth. Also, you obviously have to be a WHO fan,but that should go without saying,right? If there's a fire,I'm grabbing THIS DVD on my way out the door!!! Scare the neighbors,blow up the speakers, just RAISE HELL with this MAMMOTH MOTHER.
The fact that it opens with the FBI warning shaking as if a giant were about to smash through your screen is a pretty accurate opening. Somehow this movie had gotten past me for 29 years!?! Can't explain why,been a Who fan since 1969, sure I'd seen clips from it, but man, did Jeff Stein do a GREAT JOB !!! Anyway, don't hesitate if you're considering this...trust me, buy it,you WON'T be sorry, and...may you find a seller as CONSCIENTIOUS as I did ("shawnek")...they packed it so well, it might have withstood dynamite!!! Great seller,great DVD, LIFE CAN BE GOOD sometimes !!!! June 2, 2008

WOW !

I have a friend who watched this DVD recently one night . He suffers a bit from sleep-disorder. He says he had absolutely NO chance of sleeping after the undiluted deluge of adrenaline which is the Who on this album. It makes contemporary acts seem lifeless, over-rehearsed, calculated, calculating and inhibited.

Not these guys. Man oh Man!
February 28, 2008

Story of The Who

This DVD starts from the begining when Roger and Peter were in High School and takes you on their journey of building the band and their successes and failures. Their shakey ride to the top of the billboards. Keith Moon with his insane lifestyle and untimely death. John Entwistle's death in Vegas while "The Who" toured the U.S.. At last solidifying the friendship between Roger Daltry and Peter Townsend to a higher spiritual level of love for each other, from the memories of the past. Never before seen interviews and concert clips galore. A must have for all "Who" fans out there. ***** 5 stars February 14, 2008

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