Yes: Greatest Video Hits (1991)

Nice collection of YES videos from the Atlantic/Atco years

Originally released to coincide with Yes' 1991 "Union" tour, "Greatest Video Hits" is simply a collection of all (or at least most of) the concept videos made by Yes between 1977's "Going For the One" and 1987's "Big Generator" - along with a couple of live tracks from the "9012 Live" concert. All of the songs are preceded by commentary from members from the "Union" line-up, and it is a rare treat to hear them share their thoughts on the writing and recording of these songs (and occassionally, on the making of the videos.) We hear mostly from Steve Howe, Rick Wakeman, Trevor Rabin, and Alan White, and occassionally from Chris Squire. Strangely, Jon Anderson's thoughts would be completely missing in action if not for one brief comment (which seems to have been edited in from the "Yesyears" documentary.) It certainly would have been nice to hear Jon's comments on lyrics, inspiration, etc. - but I guess it just wasn't to be. Some other ommissons include the rare "On the Silent Wings of Freedom" video (yes, I have actually seen this one on poor quality bootlegs, and it is basically just the band in the studio doing the recording session), as well as some earlier clips such as the "America" promo film, or their various "Beat Club" apperances. It is also true that there was a video for "Lift Me Up" (a minor radio hit at the time this was released), but let's remember that this is an Atlantic/Atco product, and the ABWH/Union albums were released by Arista...OK, enough about what missing!..So what DO we get with "Greatest Video Hits"? "Wonderous Stories" is basicaly just a performance video, and being used to the more recent concert realeases, it is amusing to see the band looking so young! "Don't Kill the Whale" features some very "70s" special effects, with the band members superimposed over footage of whales and oceans. "Madrigal" is probably my favorite video here. It is made to look like a Royal command performance, with Rick Wakeman playing his "Thomas Goff Harpsicord" in full ruffles & tails (the other band members edited in via special effects.) Next come another two favorites, the videos from the "Drama" years with Geoff Downes and Trevor Horn. "Tempus Fugit" and "Into the Lens" are both straight performance videos, and give those of us who missed the "Drama" tour a clue what this line-up might have looked like on stage. However, contrary to what it says in a previous review, the versions here are lip-synched from the record, not "live in the studio" (Still, I'm a huge fan of the "Drama" album, and as this is probably the closest we'll ever get to actual concert footage, I'm glad to have it!) We then move into the "90125" era with "Hold On" (energetic live version from the 1983 tour), "Owner Of a Lonely Heart" (I've never been a fan of this one - especially when the worms start eating the guys eyes out...akkk! However, trivia buffs should note Eddie Jobson of the prog band "UK" standing in for Tony Kaye), "It Can Happen to You" (funny commentary from the band on this one!) and "Leave It" (again, not a big fan of this video - it's just too visually simplistic and, well...silly) The "Big Generator" album is represented by "Love Will Find a Way" (a good video with some fun interplay between the band members - just check out Tony Kaye playing an accordian!) and "Rhythm of Love" (one of my favorite songs from this particular line-up, although the FX-heavy video is hard to describe). The collection ends with a live version of "All Good People", which is again taken from the "9012 Live" concert. (I found it strange that it is Steve Howe who introduces this clip, eventhough he is not included on the version that they chose to use)...I also must say that I disagree with previous reviews that have complained of poor sound and picture quality with this DVD. I actually compared the DVD side by side with my original VHS copy from 1991, and let me tell you - the difference is VERY noticable! The picture here is very clear considering the age of some of the source material, and the stereo seperation is definitely much better on the DVD version (I did notice, however, that both versions sound better through headphones). All in all, if you are a Yes fan, this is a good historical document of the band's video output. October 22, 2005

Glad To Have The DVD!

I just finished watching, and I have to say that the video wasn't nearly as bad as I was expecting based on the reviews. 5.1 Audio is just fine. I'm glad to have the DVD to replace my aging VHS copy, and get another tape off the shelf.

This isn't my favorite Yes DVD, mainly because I'm not a big fan of the "90125" & "Big Generator" era Yes. However, it's nice to have the videos from "Drama", "Tormato", and "Going for the One"! Now if they would just release footage from "ABWH", "Union", "Talk", and "Open Your Eyes", I'd be in Heaven! August 26, 2005

Sounds Just Fine

Here are the videos in DVD 5:1 surround. It sounds just great on my upscale system. I particularly enjoy the Drama songs live in the studio. The sound of the Drama songs is great for Yes "live" video. And as Yes fans know it is hard to find good sound matched with them playing live. "Hold On" is excellent sounding too and is a bright promise for the forthcoming 9012Live DVD. I'll give back one star to the poster complaining about the transfer of video though it is just fine for me. August 16, 2005

Nice packaging, horrible transfer

My thirteen-year-old VHS of Greatest Video Hits looks better than this poorly done transfer. I was very disappointed to find that, aside from attractive packaging and Roger Dean graphics, this is just a deteriorated re-release of the 1991 video. It would be a shame if the tape used to make this DVD transfer is the master tape. If so, the master has not aged well. There are numerous video dropouts throughout.

With all of the hype by Rhino, I'd hoped that at least some of the original source films/tapes would be used for the music videos on this DVD. The two videos from the DRAMA album are absolutely painful to watch because of the distortions in the picture.

Also, remastered audio would've been nice, especially since the packaging touts "5.1 Sound." No such luck for us Yes fans. The first bass note of "Into The Lens" is still mostly missing.

I have to wonder if the band members, aside from Rick Wakeman, understood that their interview footage would actually be part of the released product. For instance, Trevor Rabin scratches his nose as he incoherently describes how "Hold On" came to be. I'm aware that the footage for GVH and YesYears was filmed as the band were busy preparing for a live show on the UNION tour, but at least YesYears featured additional "sit-down" interviews.

Another nit to pick: Each chapter starts at the very beginning of each music video, so if you want to view the introductory comments of a particular video, you'll have to rewind. Quite annoying.

If you don't have this on video already, try to find the VHS release. It's worth having for the videos themselves, as well as Rick Wakeman's sense of humor. July 22, 2005

Five Stars for the band - why are there no reviews yet?

Just curious why there are no reviews for this DVD release yet? It's been out for more than a week now. Surely there are more Yes fans out there who've awaited this reissue/release? Just curious how the transfer and sound are on this DVD before I picked it up. Anybody out there know? Please enlighten me. Thanks.

Yes rocks! July 21, 2005

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