There have been a lot of durable family groups in popular music over the years, but it would be hard to name one that has lasted longer, and succeeded as consistently, as the Bee Gees. Barry Gibb and his younger twin broth... more »ers, Robin and Maurice, were making TV and radio appearances in Australia as early as 1960 before returning to their native England and joining the Beatles-led British Invasion, and they're still at it more than 40 years later. All of that is duly chronicled in this two-hour documentary (produced in 2000), along with a great deal more: the personal problems that led to a breakup in the early '70s; the unparalleled success of the Saturday Night Fever era; their occasional missteps and failures (e.g., the abominable Sgt. Pepper movie); the rise and tragic fall of brother Andy; the respect their success finally earned them in the '90s; and so on. The format is pretty standard; interviews, photos, home movies, and concert footage all contribute to a straight, chronological telling of the Bee Gees' tale. But no stone is left unturned, and the Gibb Brothers (not to mention everyone else who's interviewed) have plenty to say. Best of all, there's lots of the Bee Gees' music, including a video of the title track of the 2001 album, after which the film is named. In the end, we're left with the impression the Bee Gees would probably want us to have: that these guys have written, recorded, produced, and performed literally hundreds of great songs. --Sam Graham« less
Pamela A. from WHEELING, WV Reviewed on 7/25/2009...
This is a must see for any fan of the Bee Gees. I enjoyed every second of it! Even brought tears to my eyes at times. Highly recommend!!
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Movie Reviews
The Definitive Biography
Tiggah | Calgary, Alberta Canada | 07/10/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Bee Gees were one of the most significant bands of the 20th century, and this 2001 biography is an absolute gem. It was the first DVD I bought, and it's the only programme for which I have both the DVD and the video. The video (which is 100 minutes) was originally broadcast on A&E and is fantastic and certainly worth getting if you don't have a DVD player. But the DVD, which is a slightly different mix, is a full 2 hours, with the additional footage (which was cut from the video and television broadcast) sprinkled throughout. Included primarily are additional minutes of archival video footage, but additional bits from interviews and bits of background information have also been tucked in here and there. The DVD also offers a couple of worthwhile special features. Firstly, there's the video for the single "This Is Where I Came In"; and secondly, there is an additional 30 minutes or so of interviews with Barry, Robin and Maurice that did not make it into the presentation. These are just snippets (a minute or two on a mishmash of topics), but they are certainly worth checking out.As for the presentation itself, a full one-half of the video/DVD is dedicated to chronicling the Gibbs' early years, and there is plenty of archival footage from home videos and early television performances. In addition to chronicling the rollercoaster path their career has taken, the presentation includes loads about their personal lives--from their marriages, divorces, and children's births to the tragic deaths of their brother Andy and of their dad. The video/DVD features interviews with each of the three brothers, with their mum Barbara, with Robin's wife Dweena, with Maurice's wife Yvonne, with Robert Stigwood and various other individuals in the music industry. What really makes this presentation sparkle are the many, many excerpts from their enormous body of music that play in the background. In conclusion, this is an outstanding visual biography of an extraordinarily talented trio of brothers--one that is both rich in content and beautifully presented. The poignancy one feels near the end of the video/DVD is only heightened by our knowledge of the tragic death of Maurice Gibb less than two years after it was made, and it is sadly ironic that this biography has served to mark the end of an era. With it we have been given a rare and special look into the lives of three brothers with a rare and special talent who wrote, recorded and performed some of the most beautiful music the world has ever heard. This is the definitive biography of the Bee Gees--a keepsake that will be cherished and enjoyed by both serious and casual fans alike, or indeed by anyone whose lives have been made just a little richer by the music of the Brothers Gibb. Extremely highly recommended."
People Are Watching & Listening!
Marty From SF | San Francisco, Ca. | 07/02/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This Tape is no less than a complete, thorough and entertaining walk throught the history of the Bee Gees, their families, counterparts and freinds lives. Never before this have I had people approach me and say they were amazed at the Bee Gees History after viewing this show. The pace is fast, the editing meticulous and the sound engineer had his work cut out for him. Taking instrumentals from dozens of songs, the engineers used them as back-up music for happy times to tragedies (one listen to the Robin Gibb train wreck with the cellos droning from "Miracles Happen", is frightening). Filmed first by father Hugh Gibb in the toddler stage throughout their youth is great material. The world media takes it on from there.Interview, old song concert clips, candid and thought provoking comments from each of the brothers keeps this video rolling. It is a piece of history and keeps on coming!"
The Last Great Interview!
Marty From SF | San Francisco, Ca. | 05/09/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It is a sad note that this is the last DVD of the Bee Gees with the loss of Maurice Gibb. This recording is no less than a complete, thorough and entertaining walk throught the history of the Bee Gees, their families, counterparts and freinds lives. Never before this have I had people approach me and say they were amazed at the Bee Gees History after viewing this show. The pace is fast, the editing meticulous and the sound engineer had his work cut out for him. Taking instrumentals from dozens of songs, the engineers used them as back-up music for happy times to tragedies (one listen to the Robin Gibb train wreck with the cellos droning from "Miracles Happen", is frightening). Filmed first by father Hugh Gibb in the toddler stage throughout their youth is great material. The world media takes it on from there.Interview, old song concert clips, candid and thought provoking comments from each of the brothers keeps this video rolling. It is a piece of history and keeps on coming!"
The Last Great Interview!
Martin A Hogan | San Francisco, CA. (Hercules) | 05/09/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This DVD is the last interview with the Bee Gees after the loss of Maurice Gibb. This recording is no less than a complete, thorough and entertaining walk throught the history of the Bee Gees, their families, counterparts and freinds lives. Never before this have I had people approach me and say they were amazed at the Bee Gees History after viewing this show. The pace is fast, the editing meticulous and the sound engineer had his work cut out for him. Taking instrumentals from dozens of songs, the engineers used them as back-up music for happy times to tragedies (one listen to the Robin Gibb train wreck with the cellos droning from "Miracles Happen", is frightening).
Filmed first by father Hugh Gibb in the toddler stage throughout their youth is great material. The world media takes it on from there.Interview, old song concert clips, candid and thought provoking comments from each of the brothers keeps this video rolling. It is a piece of history and keeps on coming!"
A Wonderful DVD!!!!!!
Lisa A Kniffen | Mount Vernon, IL United States | 06/23/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a must for any true Bee Gee fan. I have been a fan for over 20 yrs. and learned things about the Bee Gees that I didn't know. It is a very interesting look into their lives in the music business from the very begining to present day. Insight on their family life and the touching story of the loss they experienced when their youngest brother, Andy, died. I think that anyone interested in popular music would also like this DVD. It covers the many accomplishments and awards that the Bee Gees have received in recent years, which were long overdo. This DVD is over 2 1/2 hours long!--Well worth the purchase price. Also includes lots of candid interviews with the Bee Gees and footage of their entire career (including home movies). I absolutely loved it. Need I say more?? Get this DVD."