VIDEOS

I have always enjoyed what this Traveling Wilburys project and the songs that came out of it have produced.  What detracted from it for me a little is that there is just way too much Jeff Lynne production into all of the work here and what he has done in many of the projects he's been associated with the solo projects of the other Wilburys on the team.  That set aside I actually liked the fun material the 5 of them wrote and performed during this short stint from late 1988 to mid-1991.  So, when I finally got a copy of this new DVD I figured I was in for a fun and enjoyable experience.   The results were only partially enjoyable. 

The pieces of video brought together for this production sure set the stage for high anticipation, especially as I scanned the nicely detailed info on each on the back sleeve.  I really appreciate it when a bootleg label takes the time to document, it makes a helluva difference in how you view the release as information is GOOD!  Anyway, this DVD plays more like a documentary and most of the footage is precious in every aspect as both George and Roy are no longer with us.   It's just that this compilation of clips suffers from what many of these compilations do, a lack of rhythm and flow.  It's a very difficult thing to do especially when you are presenting your sources in a chronological order, it doesn't allow much room to juggle things around and find that sequence.  Anyway, this is everything from funny, enjoyable, boring and monotonous as the repetition of the music kind of has the wrong effect on the program and the vast segments of home video, while allowing us a special look into the artists lives a bit and how they behave together, get to feeling like you're watching somebody else's family home movies...which in essence, we are.  With some of the commercially produced pieces the quality I felt should have been better.  Did they not get the actual EPK tapes and such?  Either that or the transfer was lousy.  Unless you have to have everything I'm not sure this is really worth seeking out.  I think you can get the videos for the songs in much better quality elsewhere and the only redeeming factor on all the interview/promotional footage is that you get to spend quality time listening to George talk about the project, how it all came about and see that he was in a very comfortable and happy period of his life, and that is a very good point regarding this video document.  Expect a choppy ride and not enough musical substance for the 2 hours with this DVD.   Frankly, it left me a little annoyed more than anything else after it was done.