Artisan Entertainment; Directed by Don Was; 70 min.  Released January 24, 1996

Cast (in credits order) Brian Wilson ....  Himself rest of cast listed alphabetically: Daniel Harrison ....  Himself Audree Wilson ....  Herself (Brian's mother) Carl Wilson ....  Himself (Brian's brother) Carnie Wilson ....  Herself (Brian's daughter) Marilyn Wilson ....  Herself (Brian's ex-wife) Wendy Wilson ....  Herself (Brian's daughter)

REVIEW: Don Was -- obviously drooling over the fact that he gets to produce the reclusive Brian Wilson, put together this rosy tribute, and had full access to the man himself, as well as several other rock-music kingpins such as Tom Petty, Lindsey Buckingham, and others, all of whom get their chance to extol the wonderfully intricate, yet deceptively simple music of the main Beach Boy. Shot in oh-so-serious black and white, Brian is shown to be lucid and forthcoming about his music, his father, and himself.  Other interested parties include his frail-looking mother Audree, former wife Marilyn, (an insightful interview), his once-estranged daughters Carnie and Wendy, and his brother Carl (a highlight is Brian with his Mom and Carl singing "In My Room" around a family piano). Punctuating the narrative are several low-key studio performances of Brian singing (in a very unpolished voice) many of his classic songs, with a sharp, if undistinguished backup band. Despite the obvious bias of the producer, the video never becomes mawkish or worshipful of it's subject, and the laid-back approach works extremely well at illuminating how Brian Wilson is today.  And while hard-hitting questions are never broached, and several Beach Boys are AWOL, I Just Wasn't Made For These Times currently stands proudly as the definitive video biography of Mr. Wilson.  Currently available on DVD paired with The Beach Boys: An American Band

Cast (in credits order) Brian Wilson ....  Himself Jimmy Buffett ....  Himself Elvis Costello ....  Himself Sean Lennon ....  Himself Ed Robertson ....  Himself

REVIEW: This video promo of Brian Wilson in the studio and in concert is a very nice, though slightly flawed document.  What's so nice is seeing Brian relaxed, smiling, funny and in charge in the studio, photo shoots, and at home.  His dry sense of humor comes through very often, whether in taking a brief bow in the studio, or kidding around during recording, he's obviously having a great time, and seems completely at ease in front of a camera.  What is also obvious is how uncomfortable he is in the concert segments, in front of a live audience in St. Charles.  The video editors had to do a lot of quick-cutting during the taping in order to get Brian's best, and even then, he is rigid and unexpressionless during such bouncy numbers as "South American."  But that's a minor point to me.  For the greater portion of this video, there are touching, emotional moments, whether he's smiling at his baby daughters, laughing with the very charming, ebullient Jimmy Buffett in the studio, listening in unabashed wonder as he listens to Ronnie Spector sing "Don't Worry Baby," or (most touching for me) a never-fails-to-reduce-me-to-tears video segment of his deceased brothers Dennis and Carl in a live version of "Lay Down Burden."  There are also several "celebrity" pop-ups, including praise from such superluminaries as Stevie Wonder, Elvis Costello, Eric Clapton, Peter Buck, as well as lesser lights (Sean Lennon, Barenaked Ladies) who almost prostrate themselves with adjectives.  Overall, a revealing look at the many complexities of Brian Wilson.

Cast (in credits order) Brian Wilson ....  Himself Beau Bridges ....  Himself (voice)

REVIEW: A&E's Biography on Brian Wilson is, in my mind, the best overall introduction to the Beach Boys, and to its founder.  It is a slim, 90-minute production that manages to touch all of the bases in the band's career, but also illuminates the life of the shy and reclusive Mr. Wilson, and shows him to be a funny, gentle soul.  Biography has done a masterful job of obtaining vintage, rare home video of the Wilsons, both of Brian and his brothers, and wound it together with the obligatory interviews with close friends and family, who all put their spin on the hard-to define Brian.  The treatment here works, and I put the credit mostly on the finely-tuned script (narrated by Jeff Bridges), which is succinct and pointed, and on the previously-mentioned home video segments, which show the true side of Brian: a funny, disarming man, always wanting to bring a smile to his friend's faces.  some of those interviewed (David Leaf, Bruce Johnston) don't add much of anything new here, and still others seem to have an axe to grind, but overall, I can highly recommend this film to all.

Cast (in alphabetical order) Charlotte Caffey ....   Herself (performer) Belinda Carlisle ....   Herself David Crosby    ....    Himself - Performer Cameron Crowe   ....    Himself (presenter) Vince Gill ....  Himself (performer) Dennis Hopper ....  Himself (presenter) Rachel Hunter ....  Herself (presenter) Billy Joel ....  Himself (performer) Elton John ....  Himself (performer) Aimee Mann ....  Herself (performer) George Martin ....  Himself (presenter) Ricky Martin ....  Himself (performer) Chazz Palminteri....  Himself (Host) Michael Penn ....  Himself (performer) Darius Rucker ....  Himself (performer) Carly Simon ....  Herself (performer) Paul Simon ....  Himself (performer) Matthew Sweet ....  Himself (performer) Jimmy Webb ....  Himself (performer) Jane Wiedlin ....  Herself Ann Wilson ....  Herself (performer) Brian Wilson ....  Himself Nancy Wilson ....  Herself (performer)

REVIEW: A loving, occasionally transcendent concert, the highlight being Brian Wilson on stage singing live, this Radio City presentation brings together a diverse roster of stars to sing the songs of Brian Wilson.  Starting out with the enthusiastic, if ill-chosen Ricky Martin ("Are there any Rhonda's here tonight?") shaking his bon-bon to "California Girls" and "Help Me Rhonda," before being swept off the stage and Chazz Palminteri taking over as congenial host.  The rest of the program manages to stay on-track and unified, thanks in part to the more-than-competent accompaniment by Brian's touring band, with acts as diverse as Paul Simon (playing a solo guitar and gently reinventing "Surfer Girl") to Evan and Jaron (who manages to capture Mike Love's dancing style to a "T"), to Billy Joel (a punchy Don't Worry Baby), Elton John, Amy Mann and Michael Penn, Heart, (a roaring take on "Good Vibrations") Vince Gill (gorgeous on "The Warmth of the Sun," wooden on "Surf's Up"),  David Crosby, Carly Simon, Jimmy Webb and many more.  Surprises include an appearance by the distinguished Sir George Martin, who narrates an video piece concerning Brian's studio genius and influence on the Beatles, and an intense Dennis Hopper, who fittingly narrates some of the past troubles of Brian and the Wilson family.  But the most waited-for moment comes at the end, when Brian himself takes the stage to thunderous applause, genuinely thanks the crowd and guests for the tribute, and then launches into a mini-concert, surprising everyone by beginning with the rarely-performed "Heroes and Villains," performing some of "Pet Sounds," and leading the crowd in an all-star finale of "Barbara Ann."  The DVD release includes a bonus track of Brian singing "Do It Again" as well.  An fine, fun time for participants and viewers alike.

Cast (in credits order) Brian Wilson ....  Himself Sheryl Crow ....  Herself Roger Daltrey ....  Himself Emmylou Harris ....  Herself Paul McCartney ....  Himself Patti Smith ....  Herself Ronnie Spector ....  Herself Pete Townshend ....  Himself Eddie Vedder ....  Himself Neil Young ....  Himself

REVIEW: An utterly disarming concert film/documentary of Brian's 2001 tour, along with supplementary footage of Brian's induction into the Songwriter's Hall Of Fame, Brian participating in Neil Young's Bridge School Concert, and interspliced with backstage interviews and rehearsal footage from the course of the tour.  Comparing this video with Brian's earlier concert footage from Imagination reveals that Brian has grown much more comfortable on stage over the past few years; he jokes with the audience and with his band; he dances several times (much to the delight of the crowd); and flashed several genuine smiles during the show.  Brian's delightful sense of humor is very much in evidence throughout the program, and the genuine good-will between himself and his band is infectious.  If I have any gripes about the video, it's that it's too short: a mere 77 minutes, and half of it is backstage banter.  For those who missed Brian's tour and want to see the whole concert, all that's here is an abbreviated substitute.  For all the press Brian received during his Pet Sounds concerts, many buyers may assume that this is a recent, complete show, but it's neither.  But that shouldn't dissuade fans, who'll find a very nice portrait of Brian, with loving tributes from his band and celebrities like Pete Townshend, Neil Young, Sheryl Crow and Ronnie Spector.  As Brian himself commented about this video, it's probably the most honest, accurate portrayal of Brian that we've seen on film. Sensitivity warning: there are several strong profanities included in the course of the film, which might offend some viewers. 

Brian Wilson Presents Pet Sounds Live In London
Sanctuary Records 06076-88366-9 [DVD]; 117 min. Released October 28, 2003

DVD Features: Complete live concert of Pet Sounds recorded at Royal Festival Hall. Pet Stories: The ultimate look at the making of the original album through new interviews with Brian, lyricist Tony Asher and others. 40 min. Brian Wilson discography: Complete details on every release from Brian Wilson's solo career 'Pet Sounds Live' Photo Gallery: A collection of stills of Brian and the band taken during hte production of this DVD

REVIEW: If there was ever any doubt that Pet Sounds is one of the greatest, if not the greatest rock album ever, this document should put those doubts to rest.  This live concert, culled from a sold-out 6-show run presented at the Royal Festival Hall last year, is absolutely fabulous.  The Beach Boys never played Pet Sounds live in it's entirety, and here, with the wonderful band supporting a healthy, reinvigorated Brian Wilson, well - it rectifies a staggering oversight on their part.  This is an album that begs to be played in its entirety; to hear the ebb and flow of emotion that permeates each piece, to see the childlike joy and wisdom that each song resonates with is a revelation!  Understand that I never considered Pet Sounds to be the seminal album it is until I heard it live!  Now it seems to ring with life and meaning.  And to see Brian's face during certain moments: pure happiness during "Sloop John B," and exhilaration during the band's extended jam on "Pet Sounds."  The only thing missing is a couple of dogs barking at the end as the sound of a train roars thorugh the audience.  (Maybe there were dogs barking, but I couldn't hear them.)  In addition to this wonderful concert, the producers of the DVD have made a stunning 40-minute long documentary on the creation of Pet Sounds with long interviews of Brian, Tony Asher, Carol Kaye, Hal Blaine, and others who took part in it's creation.  The stories are funny, heartwarming, and intuitive; they create a fine tribute to both Brian, and the collaborative nature of any album.  Sad that none of the surviving Beach Boys were included, but it's a great documentary nonetheless.  The concert closes with "Good Vibrations," which makes a fine link for the planned Smile concerts next year, and after seeing this document, I can't wait!

Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
 Rhino Home Video 970415 [DVD]; 240 min. Released May 24, 2005

DVD Features: Disc One Complete documentary "Beautiful Dreamer" - featuring the story of Smile from it's conception in 1966 to it's trimphant performance in 2004. Bonus performance of "Mrs. O'Leary's Cow" from Royal Festival Hall, London, February 2004 Interview Highlights Theatrical Trailer Isolated Soundtrack Disc Two Complete live performance of SMiLE in Concert Solo piano performances with Brian Wilson and friends Photo Gallery Recording Session Featurette "Heroes and Villains" contest-winning video

REVIEW: An awsome, three-hour experience, the DVD companion to SMiLE is a reverent, and worthy addition to the album - with the video split into two major segments: the first DVD containing the 90+ minute documentary "Beautiful Dreamer: Brian Wilson & The Story of Smile" written and produced by David Leaf and others, and the second disc containing the full performance of SMiLE recorded live in concert.  "Beautiful Dreamer" is the lovingly-made testament to how Brian Wilson conceived, abandoned, and then found the courage to, after nearly forty years, finish his masterwork, in the process, discarding several personal demons which had literally haunted him.  To see the literal unfolding of Brian from a scared, almost paralyzed individual who was terrified of revisiting the long-abandoned project, transformed into a smiling, energized, and liberated soul is the triumph of this documentary.  Video taken at several stages of the process show Brian seemingly disconnected from his surroundings during the first vocal rehearsal; reconnecting with Van Dyke Parks in his efforts to reconstruct and reshape the incomplete score; his gradual emergence during the band rehearsals; the terrifying doubt which gripped him before the first performance in London, and the triumphant aftermath are all shown with numerous interviews with band members, his wife, long-time friends and associates (some of whom have no real reason to be here.. Jeff Bridges offers nothing more than a brief comment on how "cool" SMiLE is).  The clips with Brian are sometimes illuminating, but more often short declarations which are filled in by those around him.  I was moved to tears by the end, as it becomes obvious how painful and difficult this process was for both Wilson and Parks.  Mike Love is painted to be the obvious villain in the story, and strangely, the drug angle is heavily downplayed.  The bonus interview segments have extended interviews with Van Dyke and Brian, which is strange and disjointed, and some softball  questions thown at Brian by David Leaf.

The second disc has an incredible, vivid 5.1 Surround Sound mix of SMiLE in a carefully filmed concert, and Brian looking 10 years younger in an animated, emotion-filled performance, which is only hampered by the feeling that the concert has been too carefully edited, both sound and performances come across as startlingly clean and mannered.  The bonus 20-minute featurette is excellent, showing a revitalized and in-command Brian directing the recording of SMiLE in the studio; obviously reborn through this experience, he's funny, electric, and wearing his old producer's hat with confidence.  The other features, being several solo piano performances of Brian and others in the studio is interesting, but not terribly compelling, and the photo album and fan-created video of "Heroes and Villains" are great fun.  A great blessing for fans who have been waiting 38 years for SMiLE to come to life.

MUSICARES: A Tribute To Brian Wilson
Eagle Vision USA [DVD]; 82 min., Released February 6, 2007

Tracklisting: 1. I Get Around - Red Hot Chili Peppers 2. City Blues - Richie Sambora 3. Sail On Sailor - Jamie Cullum with Fred Martin & The Levite Camp 4. Brian Wilson/'Til I Die - Barenaked Ladies 5. I Just Wasn't Made For These Times - John Legend 6. When I Grow Up To Be A Man - Backstreet Boys 7. Surfer Girl - Shelby Lynne 8. Don't Worry Baby - Michael McDonald & Billy Preston 9. Surf's Up - Jeff Beck 10. Surfin' USA - Jeff Beck 11. Don't Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder) - Earth Wind & Fire 12. Wouldn't It Be Nice - Darlene Love 13. Pet Sounds - The Brian Wilson Band 14. Heroes And Villains - Brian Wilson 15. Good Vibrations - Brian Wilson 16. Fun, Fun, Fun - Brian Wilson & Cast 17. Love And Mercy - Brian Wilson & Cast

REVIEW:  As with most tribute projects, this Musicares program celebrating the music and charitable works of Brian Wilson is a hit-and-miss affair, and I would love to sit in sometime on the selection process, and see just who was on the "dream list" and how scheduling conflicts, and other problems, led to this particular set of artists and songs.  I mean, when the program leads off with a surreal pairing of The Red Hot Chili Peppers and "I Get Around" - you just gotta wonder where it's gonna go from there.  But thankfully, we only get one helping of Flea's pelvic thrusts during the show.  Highlights for me include Richie Sambora's rattling take on "City Blues"; Jamie Cullum's awesome high-concept gospel revivalism of "Sail On Sailor" with the Levite Camp; Michael MacDonald's pairing with Billy Preston for a soulful "Don't Worry Baby"; Jeff Beck's jaw-dropping guitar improvisations during "Surf's Up" and "Surfin' USA"; Earth Wind & Fire's silky take on "Don't Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder)", and Darlene Love's joyful "Wouldn't It Be Nice" (I've always loved her voice).  Low spots for me are Shelby Lynne's dead-eyed take on "Surfer Girl"; John Legend's pretty-boy crooning on "I Just Wasn't Made for These Times", and the Backstreet Boys thin, five-part whining on "When I Grow Up To Be A Man".  Brian and his band finish off the evening with competent, but wooden takes on his usual encore pieces, followed by the obligatory "bring-em-all-back-out" full cast sing alongs.  LOTS of high points to the program, definitely worth checking out for fans.