(a lack of)imagination
Roger Mystler | 12/14/2000
(1 out of 5 stars)
"Not really a good representitive of the body of his work. This film meanders aimlessly for what seems like hours without accomplishing anything.While the concert footage is well shot, the rest of the production value is poor along with lousy pacing/editing.Save your money from this abomination,,,,"
Lighten up a bit!
Jeff Funderburk | Atlanta, GA USA | 02/17/2008
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Tough crowd here at Amazon.com! Given the fact that this is basically Brian's return to a live DVD performance after a two decade absence from the stage the performances are pretty decent. Brian has the good sense to surround himself with a very talented band including Christopher Cross, Bruce Johnston and Timothy B. Schmidt on vocals. As far as the "[...]" comments by the artists interviewed for this DVD they seem to be pretty heartfelt about Brian's song writing abilities and influence. I mean, Eric Clapton, Elvis Costello and Stevie Wonder don't really need to suck up to anybody. To say that Bruce Johnston would be unemployed without Brian (Bruce won the 1976 "Song Of The Year" Grammy for "I Write The Songs") is a bit over the top. Certainly the Beach Boys were a major part of Bruce's career but it was actually Brian's staying home to work in the studio that gave Bruce his break. To be sure, in light of the SMiLE and Pet Sounds Live DVD's that are out now, "Imagination" is not quite in their league but it is not without merit. The harmonies are gorgeous, as usual, and who says Brian is lip syncing? According to Brian and other members of the band the whole concert was live. I do wish there was more performances and less talk but hearing Peter Buck, Jimmy Buffett, Barenaked Ladies, Sean Lennon and Glen Campbell, among others, talk about Brian's affect on them and their music is kind of refreshing. They all come across as quite genuine. What the heck is wrong with acknowledging another artist's influence, especially an artist of Brian's stature? Lighten up a bit and let the guy have his day in the sun and just enjoy the songs and performances for what they are."