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Amazing Journey: The Story of The Who

Directed by: Murray Lerner. Starring: The Who—Roger Daltrey, Pete Townsend, John Entwistle, and Keith Moon

Synopsis: Documentary telling the history of The Who. Includes new interviews with Roger Daltry and Pete Townsend, interspersed with some historical commentary from John Entwistle, Keith Moon, and Kenney Jones. Also has interviews with former and current management, friends, wives, collaborators, and some rather famous fans, such as Sting, The Edge, Eddie Vedder, and Noel Gallagher.

The emphasis is definitely on the story, the history, so while there is a lot of footage of various concert performances, including some really fascinating old footage, it's not the place to see songs performed in their entirety. There are other DVDs for that.

Sample quote: “I love him.” — Pete Townsend on Roger Daltrey.

“I've always loved him.” — Roger Daltrey on Pete Towsend.

Comment: Very enjoyable set for Who fans (and who else would watch this?). The sound is fantastic, and the old footage has been restored to sparkling clarity. Some of the information presented was new to me (or, had long been forgotten):

• That Roger had actually founded the band, and used to play lead guitar.
• How Moon came to join the bad, and how he had revealed his demons from the start, well before the fame and fortune.
• That Townsend's guitar destruction had its roots in his art school training.
• That the reason for their repeated "good-bye" tours was to help Entwistle, a hopelessly compulsive shopper, pay off his debts.

Other things, I knew—the various band names (The Detours, the High Numbers), the impact of Tommy, the failed Lighthouse project and its evolution into the brilliant Who's Next, the deaths of Keith Moon and John Entwistle, the personal difficulties. But it was still interesting to hear it from the perspective of band mates now in their 60's, who have renewed appreciation for it.

Most touching, and certainly new to me, was to see how close Daltrey and Townsend have become, after the years of turmoil, and despite, as Townsend notes repeatedly, the two still being “so fucking different” from one another. In his songwriting, Townsend now finds his path to the audience “by writing for Roger's voice.” And Roger still seems in awe of Townsend's song-writing genius.

And, on a more shallow note, also nice to be reminded of that Roger Daltrey, in his prime, was simply sex on a stick. (And frankly doesn't look so bad now, either—dude's nearly 65!)

Couple Tommy-era shots:

Looking tanned and even more buff in 1985's Live Aid... And the rather impressive biceps of today

Rating: ***½

The Extras: The DVD comes with an additional disc whose contents may even be better than the main feature. Certainly the small segments on each original band member's musical contribution really highlights was a brilliant band this was (is). Entwistle redefined was bass playing was, turning it into a truly lead instruments. Moon's drumming was also incredibly interpretive, totally following the lead harmony. Townsend's flamenco-like acoustic guitar playing is contrasted with his unleashed electric playing. And poor Roger was... just a singer! With the feeling that he didn't really come into his own until Tommy, when performing through that character allowed him to really reach the audience and truly lead the live performances.

Another lovely bit is the Who's Back segment that shows Daltrey and Townsend working on a new song in the studio. Just interesting to see the dynamics at work, and it's a catchy song... I ended up being on iTunes afterward. And for those missing the lack of complete performances on the main disc, you do see two complete songs being performed by The High Numbers way back in 1964. Dig Roger's extreme soul sound.

Rating: ****

Usability: No weirdness with the menus, or anything, and the accompanying booklet makes it clear what all is available for your viewing pleasure. The special setting for the hard of hearing is a nice touch, considering Townsend's own problems.

Next Musical Performance film: The Doors Collection