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Brian Wilson presents SMiLE on DVD [2005]

For Brian Wilson fans who just can’t get enough of SMiLE, there’s now a DVD! The DVD is two discs, one with feature-length documentary with the story of SMiLE, the other with a live performance. There is also a ton of bonus material including solo piano performances, a photo gallery, recording session video, interviews, and more!

If you have the CD, is it worth the investment? It really depends on how much you enjoyed SMiLE and how much you know about the story behind it. The Beautiful Dreamer documentary tells one side of the SMiLE story. If one is truly interested, one should seek additional sources. I highly doubt that the whole truth is captured in this DVD’s documentary. Nevertheless, the documentary is interesting, though I found it somewhat lengthy. Since I did not live through the 60’s, I genuinely might not be as interested as others may be. However, I did think SMiLE was one of the best albums of 2004.

I found that the live performance was very enjoyable. Brian Wilson and his orchestra play through the entire album in front of a live audience. The performance brings the CD to life, and one may enjoy listening to SMiLE afterwards more, because they’ll know all of the musicians it took to record it. In the live performance, there are also some small pieces of music played that are not found on the album. Personally, I really enjoyed watching the documentary and then seeing Brian with a smile on his face performing the album. I also liked the end of the performance when the audience danced to “Good Vibrations”.

For fans of good music, this may very well be an essential DVD to have on the shelf. The SMiLE album is timeless, and the DVD does a good job supporting it. Plus, the DVD comes in packaging similar to the CD and there’s a poster included!

My Rating: 3.25 out of 5

Studio: Rhino Records
Website: brianwilson.com