CHUCK BERRY
Hail! Hail! Rock 'N' Roll (Image Entertainment)
     The definitive word on the Father of Rock n' Roll, Chuck Berry from famed Director, Taylor Hackford. Hackford's definitely a Berry fan but, he was equally able to look objectively at the man and his music with reverence and respect and, not be afraid to ask Berry the important questions when needed. This is the first time the 1986 film has come to DVD here in 2006. Take your choice between either the 2-DVD or 4-DVD sets of which both are very generous and quite entertaining. Personally, I went for the 4-DVD (Ultimate Edition) set and was rewarded with a boatload of abundant extras. Such as the full historic interviews on DVD #4 that were only brief excerpts in the original film from such Berry contemporaries as: Roy Orbison, Little Richard, Bo Diddley, Everly Brothers, Jerry Lee Lewis, Sam Phillips, Willie Dixon, and Ahmet Ertegun. Real interesting to see all these guys give fun insights and telling stories. What a treat ! Where else are you gonna see such a great cast of supporting Rock n' Rollers performing like: Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Johnny Johnson, Robert Cray, Julian Lennon, Linda Ronstadt, Chuck Leavell, Steve Jordan, Joey Spampinato and Etta James. Another treat on DVD #3 is Robbie Robertson's at ease 'Burnt Scrapbook' remembrances with Chuck. Another gem shot for the film but strangely, none of it was used in the movie. What's also interesting in the film itself is when Taylor Hackford tries to dig a little deeper into what makes Chuck Berry tick by asking to the man himself. Often, when it comes to certain taboo subjects like Berry's long time marriage and women on the road, Chuck obviously becomes evasive and doesn't reveal too much beyond what he wants you to know or shuts the conversation down cold. In the film, seeing Keith Richards and Chuck Berry bang heads musically is funny to see at a tough moment in the film. Chuck in a way, doesn't want Keith or anyone else to forget who's the originator and who's the pupil or to be told certain things by them about his own music even when he's wrong. Kudos to Keith for organizing the great band and really holding it all together for the rock idol he clearly loves with much integrity and professionalism. Another highlight in the film as well as being part of the extras on DVD #2 are the rehearsals when Chuck plays a couple of old Standards and, Blues tunes before the big concert in a Berry Park rehearsal and at a small nightclub. Hearing him play something different was fascinating and a real kick. The newly remastered film looks and sounds great overall in Anamorphic Widescreen and with DTS/Dolby 5.1 audio & the original Stereo theatrical mix. Outside of Berry's own autobiographical book, this film is about as good as it gets. Top notch! I learned more about the man here than anywhere else. Especially, when Chuck Berry will only reveal only so much of himself that he sees fit in which he thinks he benefits from it. He does that just a little bit more here than anywhere in this fine film. He's a Rock n' Roll poet and a legend and there's no one like him. Highly recommended for anyone who truly loves Rock n' Roll !
www.image-entertainment.com
Steve Elliott

LANCELOT LINK
 SECRET CHIMP (Image Entertainment; 2-DVD)
     The beloved Saturday Morning kids TV show from 1970 finally sees its' very first release on video of any kind from the fine folks at Image. In this case on a 2-DVD set consisting of 12-episodes from the series however, not the whole series. A straight yet somewhat dirty transfer of the original films with no remastering done and, no extras unless you count the separate music only feature of the Evolution Revolution's segments from the show. You gotta crack up laughing when you see Lance and the whole gang (Mata Hairi, Darwin, Ali Assa Seen, Dr. Strangemind, Duchess, Baron Von Butcher, Creto, Dragon Woman, Wang Fu) from A.P.E. and C.H.U.M.P. 'acting' in this fun n' crazy all monkey show. The show was a total spoof on all the secret agent movies of the 60's. Part Get Smart TV show; part James Bond. I remember fondly watching it as a young kid and loving it all. Adults now will get a kick out of all the chimps and the occasional orangutan running around with all their usual shenanigans and wacky disguises. The Evolution Revolution make their regular musical appearance each show rocking with their silly Psych/Pop tunes and usually introduced by M.C., Ed Simian. You gotta love the banana phone ! Anyone who has kids today will enjoy showing it to them as well. Yeah, it was a silly and ridiculous show but, who cares it was a funny. A barrelful of monkeys !
www.image-entertainment.com
Steve Elliott

GLENN TILBROOK
One For The Road (Image Entertainment)
     The ex-Squeeze lead vocalist/lead guitarist's first concert DVD. A unique concept and do I dare say it, somewhat of a little reality TV influenced film but, I really do say that in the best sence of that much crowded genre. Basically, Squeeze/Tilbrook superfan, Amy Pickard follows & professionally films an intimate & touching documentary on Glenn Tilbrook as, he travels cross-country the U.S. on his 1st solo acoustic tour using a Winebego (mobile home). You really pull for Glenn to get ahead & have a comeback on what appears at first, to be a bit of a downfall in his fortunes & previous career status of this well-respected and talented musician. However, he braves ahead and really appears to be having a good time performing, day to day living, camping, and traveling on the road, etc. His humor, grace, passion, and professionalism wins you over immediately. The man is a true musician. As you'll see, the fans everywhere in the film love him, too. You get to hear most of Squeeze's big hits done solo acoustic here ('Pulling mussels from the shell', 'Another nail in my heart', 'Tempted', 'Black coffee in bed', 'Is that love', 'Take me I'm yours') as well as some of his recent solo album material. Glenn's vocals and guitar are still in fine form. He's great as ever ! I loved his creative, solo acoustic version of Jimi Hendrix's 'Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)' ! Generous extras include: audio commentary by both Glenn Tilbrook and Amy Pickard, a recent & fascinating interview with ex-Squeeze guitarist/lyricist Chris Difford, 1991 interview with Squeeze's Glenn & Chris done by Amy Pickard, and a 2005 Tokyo film screening and Q&A with Glenn. Very much recommended for Squeeze and Pop fans everywhere.
www.image-entertainment.com
Steve Elliott