Thoughts on new Yes DVD - Classic Artists

[Bluegrunt]

Thanks to BrianD for setting up this new forum. I have been frustrated at the lack of discussion of this major Yes documentary on this forum. I realise of course that at present it seems it is only available in the UK, but I mean, come on guys! How often is it that our favourite band puts out a career retrospective documentary?

Bring on the comments!

[Mind Driver]

I haven't seen it!

[DREAMER]

At nearly 6 hours in length it's interesting viewing, BUT I wish I had rented it rather than bought it!

There's extensive interviews with all Yes men (except Kaye,Moraz, Sherwood & Khorshev) with only a very small segment from Rabin. Also included is Roger Dean, Michael Tait & Eddy Offord amongst others.

Of the band the most lucid are Howe, Wakeman, Banks and Anderson but I'm afraid if I hear Squire say 'erm..yeah..ya know...' one more time I might explode.

Peter Banks gets to tell his 'how Steve Howe didn't want him to play at one the the Union tour shows' story and there's a few cutting remarks here and there but in the end we learn NOTHING new.

Nicely packaged but it's a re run of YesYears and Yesspeak I'm afraid.
Steve

[troubadourMn]

Nothing new, not interested.

[Jonk]

I think that the Classic Artists DVD is probably the best DVD in terms of the main meat and potatoes of the Yes story. I agree that the DVD is basically an update of earlier films but it is very good and of course Peter Banks finally gets to have his say in the film which is something that has been obviously missing in previous films.
Actually I think Peter comes across very well in the film. I would have preferred that all the members were interviewed and so I am sad that there isn't more of Rabin and of course Tony Kaye and Patrick Moraz really should have been included although I believe Moraz refused to be interviewed. Overall my only complaint is that there is not more live footage or promos from the band I am sure there is footage of the band performing Don't Kill The Whale and wasn't there a another promo from Drama?

As it is what we have here is a film that tells the story of the band in a no frills straight down the middle way. As an introduction to Yes however it is an excellent film . Many fans I am sure as has already been mentioned here will think there is nothing they don't already know. Perhaps so but for me it does cement the reputation of Yes and is a fine shop window for the band and for that we should all be grateful:headset:

[Mostly Harmless]

I'm looking forward to the US release.

[Yes Chaser]

it annoys me how it was put out as...."bonus material never seen before rarities unseen footage blah blah blah".....but in the end I never seen anything I aint seen before....Why is OOALH and Leave It used as the songs that play whilst your on the main menu page?

At first I was excited about this release and I have watched a large chunk of it but thinking about it now its not that good. We get OOALH & Wondrous Stories & Tempus Fugit (I think) music videos which have had nothing done to them in terms on 5.1dolby production...

I can afford to buy this but if your a fan and maybe you dont want to shell out for this then.....save yer money.

[Frosted Sun]

Hope to see it for sale in the USA soon.

[YesJen357]

Nicely packaged but it's a re run of YesYears and Yesspeak I'm afraid.

Well, Yesspeak was one of those productions that could use some improvement.
With any luck, that's what's I'll find when my copy arrives..

[True Believer]

Got an email that mine's been despatched .... waiting by the mailbox ....

[YesJen357]

I've just finished watching it....
My overall impression is that it passes with a reasonable score.
Of course there is little that the serious Fan doesn't already know; and thankfully, some of the most well known stuff is glossed over....
It actually surprises me that for a production which offers little or no new coverage of the history of the band, that it still comes over so well.

I found it quite inspirational; in that it served as a reminder as to why I adore this band above all others... and I appreciated that there were many comments that sought to explain the complexity and wonder of the music we all know and love so dearly.
Yes, I think I may only ever watch it right through a couple of times, and it may be too long to show to un-initiated music buffs...But for me; well, it's a winner.

[BrianD]

Overall my only complaint is that there is not more live footage or promos from the band I am sure there is footage of the band performing Don't Kill The Whale and wasn't there a another promo from Drama?

:headset:

The Yes Video Hits DVD features Don't Kill the Whale, Tempus Fugit and Into the Lens

[True Believer]

I've only had time to watch the first disc so far. Of course, there was nothing new, no revelations etc. But I really enjoy hearing the guys tell their stories. Would have liked some more music in it though.

I'll watch the second one this weekend.

[marklovesyes]

Too bad there is no interview with Moraz or Sherwood. Or even Tony Kaye - I would have liked to hear his side of the Union-Talk period.

But, it should still be interesting. I always like to see Bill Bruford interviewed. Horn and Downes should be cool, too.

Looking forward to seeing it some day.

[John Khatru]

Is this release in line with these DVD releases for The Moody Blues & Cream?

http://www.amazon.com/Moody-Blues-Classic-Artists/dp/B000MRAAJ2/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-5777995-3868751?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1183825385&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Cream-Classic-Artists/dp/B000I2J7FE/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/104-5777995-3868751?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1183825385&sr=1-2

[ctask]

I'm beginning to think that those of us stateside won't see this released until after Chris's FOOW special edition, Chris' second solo album, and that 40th anniversary tour!

[Malcolm Birkett]

Contrary to what one or two folks have said....the free DVD that comes with the Classic Rock/Prog Rock special magazine DOES contain footage of interview material that is not included on the full DVD.

For a start Alan mentions his early days.."around Durham City"
...my hometown and where I used to follow him in bands in the mid and late sixties. Chris is also featured more...Jeez, he is so entertaining and riveting.

I love this band totally and unconditionally. Always have done, always will do.

[YesJen357]

I've only had time to watch the first disc so far. Of course, there was nothing new, no revelations etc. But I really enjoy hearing the guys tell their stories. Would have liked some more music in it though.

I'll watch the second one this weekend.Well, you'll be amused to watch Chris driving around London Streets whilst trying to answer questions....
And Pete Banks explaining the Union debacle is another highlight in the expanded interviews on disc 2.

Something I also didn't know until Pete Banks mentioned it, was that Billy Connelly is a YES fan
There you go. The guy obviously has some class!!
I was just as impressed when I found out that porn star(?)Ron Jeremy is a YES fan!
He he hee. :)

[Bo Locks]

I've watched the first half of the first disc.

I'm totally impressed with Peter's graciousness, but want to say that I think the first 2 albums are cracking little albums that are good BECAUSE they don't necessarily aspire to the great Yes ideal (I'm not being derogatory of the latter concept). Yes, The Yes Album is better, but what an album!?

Generally, the pacing of the doco is not great but then neither is it knicker twistingly awful. It's ok. Miles better than Inside Yes which really is about the music and not about the band.

I'm not happy that the 4:3 promo videos have been reformatted to 16:9, BUT as they're on the Greatest Hits DVD, I have the the original framing if I want it.

Peter and Jon and (of course, the extremely articulate) Bill come across really well.

[remembering]

Watched Disk 1 at the weekend and really enjoyed it! Yes there are some reworkings of YesSpeak etc but the really interesting part for me was right at the end of the disk when they start talking about the future.

As we all know it will be 40 years next year and the one thing that came across to both myself and my wife is that something will happen to mark this occasion. There is some talk about playing smaller venues (along the lines of the Jon solo tour) so that there can be more interaction with the audience. There is also some talk about the next 'episode' needing to be something really special. Nothing concrete (as usual) but it raised my hopes that something will happen next year to mark the occasion.

"I Reach Over and the Fruit of Life Stands Still"

[soporjoe1]

is this ever getting a U.S. release?

[relayeire]

is this ever getting a U.S. release?

it already has... I've gotten my copy and watched it already...

[soporjoe1]

it already has... I've gotten my copy and watched it already...



oops! missed the thread right below this.

thanks!

[relayer_1]

I've only seen disc 1 and enjoyed it thoroughly. It is is far better than the Yesspeak dvd, hands down.

I was unaware it had not been released in the U.S., since I bought it at a local Fry's electronics store at a very low price: $14.99 (nice color booklet, cover, 2 DVD) which is not bad for an import and it is in NTSC format. Much cheaper than what I paid for the 2-disc ABWH Live DVD.

My highlights:

Steve Howe - when he was shown the 90125 record and was amazed at it's sound and called it "their" version of Asia!

Again Howe - when Jon called him to form ABWH and asked "what do mean, no Chris Squire?" and Jon said "Yeah, that's right".

Chris Squire - when Bruce Fairburn died that it was Jon Anderson who found him lying on the floor after that weekend.

Rick Wakeman - about touring again, that it would have to be very special and have perfect timing, that Yes is worth it.

Former tour manager - that the 35th anniversary tour was a huge mistake, playing arenas and carrying around the inflatable blobs. And if they do a Farewell tour, it should be in intimate theater venues to be close to the die hard fans.

There is plenty more, I really enjoyed it and so will a true Yes fan who loves and has followed their path through the decades.

9 out of a scale of 10 (no Moraz, Sherwood or Koroshev).

[rememberer]

Got one at Borders for $20 last weekend, I've watched disc 1 and peeked at all the extras on disc 2 so far. It's a very nice package, I think - disc one would have been worth what I paid for it. Disc 2 has extended interviews and rehearsal footage (not sure what all, some from Union definitely).

The only complaint I could think to have besides no Patrick, Billy or Igor interviews is that when Chris was driving around showing historical Yes locations, I wish they'd had him stop the car and went in some of these places for a quick peek, or at least that the cameraman would have stuck the camera out the window for a better look. Chris is like, "and over here is where we used to haul all the gear up the stairs at 5 in the morning," and I'm like, "Where? Where? Lemee see!! Where?" :-)

I wouldn't trade it for YesSpeak because I love that one - it's great to see Jon at home in the hammock and Rick having tea and cookies during Chris' solo, that still cracks me up - but it's an awesome companion volume to YesSpeak, for sure.

[Mind Driver]

You can get it in the US: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_cdnow/104-3722251-7455921?url=search-alias%3Ddvd&field-keywords=yes&Go.x=7&Go.y=14

[Ash]

I've only seen disc 1 and enjoyed it thoroughly. It is is far better than the Yesspeak dvd, hands down.

I was unaware it had not been released in the U.S., since I bought it at a local Fry's electronics store at a very low price: $14.99 (nice color booklet, cover, 2 DVD) which is not bad for an import and it is in NTSC format. Much cheaper than what I paid for the 2-disc ABWH Live DVD.

My highlights:

Steve Howe - when he was shown the 90125 record and was amazed at it's sound and called it "their" version of Asia!

Again Howe - when Jon called him to form ABWH and asked "what do mean, no Chris Squire?" and Jon said "Yeah, that's right".

Chris Squire - when Bruce Fairburn died that it was Jon Anderson who found him lying on the floor after that weekend.

Rick Wakeman - about touring again, that it would have to be very special and have perfect timing, that Yes is worth it.

Former tour manager - that the 35th anniversary tour was a huge mistake, playing arenas and carrying around the inflatable blobs. And if they do a Farewell tour, it should be in intimate theater venues to be close to the die hard fans.

There is plenty more, I really enjoyed it and so will a true Yes fan who loves and has followed their path through the decades.

9 out of a scale of 10 (no Moraz, Sherwood or Koroshev).

Hi all,
That's an interesting comment about the 35th Anniversary Tour. I haven't seen this documentary, but after YesSpeak I'm not feeling especially enthusastic about buying it.
I felt at the time that that tour was a tour too far, and came too soon after the end of the Full Circle Tour. I've seen them enough times in arenas over the years not to want to do so ever again.
After the Symphonic concerts in smallish venues, I felt it was as good as it was going to get at their age.

Ash

[relayer_1]

Hi all,
That's an interesting comment about the 35th Anniversary Tour. I haven't seen this documentary, but after YesSpeak I'm not feeling especially enthusastic about buying it.
I felt at the time that that tour was a tour too far, and came too soon after the end of the Full Circle Tour. I've seen them enough times in arenas over the years not to want to do so ever again.
After the Symphonic concerts in smallish venues, I felt it was as good as it was going to get at their age.

Ash

I too felt that the 35th Anniversary tour came too soon after the Full Circle tour. They did not give enough time for Jon's voice to rest and in fact, to the rest of the band. Not surprisingly, they are going on four years of live performance hiatus and now as Rick says in his interview, they are soul searching for a valid reason to tour again and call it a day one might speculate?

Still, I highly reccomend this DVD.

[Ralf Eigl]

To me this is excellent stuff. A few people here complain that nothing was said that they had not known before - well, we should consider that maybe everything has been said ! Diehard fans have read so much, seen so much, know every interview, etc. - what news might there be left? Maybe it's just that everything has been said, no more sensational news to be told about. I don't really care about this. The DVDs are great to watch, often funny, always interesting, many hours of great material. Not much music on it, that is true, but then, they would probably have had to make a 3-DVD set out of it. Nice but expensive, wouldn't have sold that well, I suppose.

[RobAdams]

I bought mine about 2 months ago in Wal-mart for 9.99. It's okay, nothing amazing. But it does tell their story, so it is what it says it is. If you want music unavailable anywhere else, this isn't where to find it.

[WendyPoems]

Hi everyone, if you look at the stills gallery
you will find six of my photos!

Jon Anderson 1974, USA
Chris Squire 1974, USA
Rick Wakeman 1974, USA
USA, 1975
Steve Howe USA 1975

Best wishes,

Wendy

[frosted]

I bought mine about 2 months ago in Wal-mart for 9.99. It's okay, nothing amazing. But it does tell their story, so it is what it says it is. If you want music unavailable anywhere else, this isn't where to find it.

The damn Wal-Marts here in my area seem to be boycotting this disk because I have been in 5 in town and no one has the thing! I guess I will have to get it thru Amazon.

[YesfanAndy]

I finally got time out of my schedule to so sit down and watch it. I've ordered it thru Amazon, but couldn't wait for it to arrive so I did the "digital rental" option for $2.99. Just couldn't wait. This is by the best Yes Doc - Thorough-Thorough-Thorough. That's how it should always be. Now, only if they made a Lennon Doc like that!

[Faceintheplace]

I look at it as a DVD version (and also a better version) of Chris Welch's Close to the Edge book. I liked this far more than Yesspeak but Yesyears is still my favorite Yes documentary.

[Suntower Asking]

The damn Wal-Marts here in my area seem to be boycotting this disk because I have been in 5 in town and no one has the thing! I guess I will have to get it thru Amazon.

You will never find Yes products in Walmart Target K mart or anything like that. they just don't care about stuff like this.

if it's not a super commercial product they wont have it.

The real bugger is I'm in Manhattan and the well here is dry as well. the only place i might find something is the Virgin Mega store. they have a lot of stuff but still they are lacking quite a lot of things.

[Ajay]

I look at it as a DVD version (and also a better version) of Chris Welch's Close to the Edge book. I liked this far more than Yesspeak but Yesyears is still my favorite Yes documentary.

I thought it made the perfect DVD companion to the Close to the Edge book. Chris Welch did a wonderful job on the book and on the DVD too. I'm glad he was involved with the DVD because he supported them and knew them since the early days. Welch is a great music journalist.

[Faceintheplace]

You will never find Yes products in Walmart Target K mart or anything like that. they just don't care about stuff like this.

Actually I found copies of Yesspeak and the Keys DVD at Wal-Marts here in Ontario.

[Bo Locks]

Actually I found copies of Yesspeak and the Keys DVD at Wal-Marts here in Ontario.You can bet your 2 cents worth that WalMart will sell anything that shifts sufficient units. Right price to them, right margin for their P&L, an eye on whether you're buying it and away their happy shareholders go. WalMarts don't actually "care" about any of their product. They don't actually sell Yes product to Yes Fans, you simply fluke it if they've taken some on.

[relayer_1]

You will never find Yes products in Walmart Target K mart or anything like that. they just don't care about stuff like this.

if it's not a super commercial product they wont have it.

The real bugger is I'm in Manhattan and the well here is dry as well. the only place i might find something is the Virgin Mega store. they have a lot of stuff but still they are lacking quite a lot of things.

I bought Yes Live in Montreaux at Wal-mart for about $9.99

I've been at the Virgin mega-store in Times Square and it is quite impressive but hardly any prog stuff. Try Greenwich village; close to Washignton square, there are lots of buy&trade stores. Too bad the Whiz is gone up in smoke.

[relayeire]

here's a thought: it sounds cool, but it's also the same set as Montreux... how about an '02 tour video, with RSOG, America, etc? it was less conservative than this set, which, as I said, we just got on the Montreaux DVD...

[Mind Driver]

I started watching this DVD last night and fell asleep.

I guess I was just too tired after a long week at work for such an undertaking, plus the beers didn't help me :beerchugr:

[relayeire]

I started watching this DVD last night and fell asleep.

I guess I was just too tired after a long week at work for such an undertaking, plus the beers didn't help me :beerchugr:
it's out already?

[Mind Driver]

it's out already?

The Classic Artists DVD is out......has been for a few months.

[happytheman]

I just recieved this for my birthday, only had a chance to view the first disc. I have to say nothing really new here though it's nicely done. Bit of a shame Patrick did not participate. Alan as always is the true voice of reason.

[AwakeMan]

I agree with this entirely.

Yesspeak wasn't a great documentary. The best thing about it was the complete audio tracks recorded on the "Full Circle" European tour.

Yesyears had much more live concert footage and was very enjoyable, and featured Yes when at their peak.

This new DVD is really a summary of what is now beginning to look like the entire career of the "classic" line-up. It's worth getting it if you can find it at a reasonable price. There's a really nice booklet with it and the overall packaging and production is very good.

But in the end my favourite remains Yesyears.

Séamus.


I look at it as a DVD version (and also a better version) of Chris Welch's Close to the Edge book. I liked this far more than Yesspeak but Yesyears is still my favorite Yes documentary.

[Steve Mahoney]

Can someone help me please?
Is the live concert from Glastonbury 2003 the complete dvd video concert,or is it just clips.

[The Closer Edge]

I got this dvd the other day and had a record store here in austin special order it for me. The first night I got it I watched the first disc up to the Keys To Ascension part to where i was so tired i had to take a break and go to sleep. (it was 2:00 in the morning) I finished watching it the next day and I'll say that I was very impressed because it talked about all the albums. However I was surprised there wasn't that much music on the dvd. Still a good dvd and an essential for my dvd collection. The second disc I've seen some of the interviews and some of the rehersal footage. The three music video I already had on Greatest Video Hits. I feel they could have left the music videos off and put more rare footage on there like old tv performances from 69.

[Sound_Chaser1989]

I bought the Classic Artists DVD this past monday and i watched all 304 minutes of the first disc. Very informative, i thought. and i also got the video album, Greatest Video hits. i was okay with it until up to the Video for Rhythm of Love. the Leave It Video has always been crazy to me, but i like the song. "I can feel no sense of measure. No illusion as we take refuge in young man's pleasure, breaking down the dreams we make real."

[Sound_Chaser1989]

I agree with you, The Closer Edge. The music videos were on something else, so they should have had more rare footage. But, it was still a good DVD anyways. It was worth the 25 bucks i paid for it.

[Sound_Chaser1989]

actually, i exaggerated. the first disc is 204 minutes not 304!

[mike on the goldie]

I ordered this from Amazon and watched it - once. Informative and all, though not much I didn't already know. Now it sits there and I wonder if I'll watch it again, unlike the concert DVDs which I have watched hundreds of times. I'd still recommend it though.

[Ms Pink]

I'm renting this thru Netflix and will have it tomorrow. Is it good???? I've just only seen the old, I think, "Yesyears" on VHS.

[crystal]

I received my copy of dvd 'Yes: Classic Artists "yesterday @ $8.99 (Amazon.com)
Watched last on laptop w/headphones. Really, really interesting. I esp. amazed at their critque on Topographic. I went to that Topographic tour
It was amazing stage props. Just like Yes describes in DVD. And music very sustained. I remember thinking, "well, it's just over my head", which looking back is very true
Great DVD! A fine Christmas present:appl[1]:

[the greenman]

Can someone help me please?
Is the live concert from Glastonbury 2003 the complete dvd video concert,or is it just clips.

They've been showing both 'discs' ad naseum on Satellite TV in the UK (tho the channel is now off air) - it seems to be the whole Glasto set - they may have edited it down a little (in between songs) but I dont think there was too much of that.

Pretty appreciative crowd. Shame it didnt trigger a mass 'yes' comeback.

John Peel (RIP) was never a big fan of Yes's artistic noodling, and as he was compering the show for the BBC at the time (they showed clips on UK Terrestial BBC) I dont think he gave ANY profile to Yes. Shame on him.

Go ahead & get it, Steve - I think you'll enjoy it!

Marc