Customer Reviews

Brian Wilson presents Smile

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This set consists of two DVDs-- the first is the documentary, "Beautiful Dreamer", written and directed by David Leaf, the second is a live Smile show. I'll approach the discs out of order, as that's how I watched them.

The live set is fantastic-- I rarely find much interest in DVD music performances because they rarely capture the energy and power of the live shows, but this one did-- all of the power and energy of the live Smile shows I witnessed came back to me, something I feel is nearly impossible to capture. For those of you who didn't sit around anticipating these shows from the moment they were announced, its probably a bit hard to describe, but it really was an overwhelming thing to bear witness to. Some of this comes out nicely in the DVD.

The camera work is superb-- there were obviously several of them, and there was an eye to showing not just Brian Wilson, but his fantastic band as well. Its also clear the camera work was done by people familiar with the material as they would often focus on a particular musician during a moment when their work was featured. Sonically, this recording is also without parallel-- it sounds so good it could have been recorded in a studio.

The performance itself is what we've come to expect from the Brian Wilson band. Brian's group is approaches the music with a reverence and each of them is a superb musician in their own right (it would behoove any fan of Brian's material to check out Jeff Foskett, Scott Bennett, and Wondermint releases-- Brian's influence is all over them). What is probably most amazing is the effect this music has on Brian-- Nick Walusko points this out during the documentary-- Brian hasn't sounded this good in a long time. While his voice isn't what it used to be, he sings well and presents the material with a strength and a stage presence he previoulsy lacked. (for those of us who have followed Brian's career over the years, its even nicer to see the big smile on his face during these numbers)

David Leaf's documentary on the other disc is well assembled, full of great interviews and some superb performances of Brian at the piano (occasionally with Darian Sahanaja or Carol Kaye accompanying). Much of this material is added as bonus material as well. Its clear a lot of trouble was gone through to dig up any number of folks associated with Brian at the time. Leaf states the documentary is presented in three acts-- the Beach Boys formation through the Smile recording sessions, the intervening 37 years, and the new performances.

The background information has been rehashed thousands of times, there's not much new or revelatory in here. But one thing that bothered me is the somewhat flippant nature with which Brian's drug problems are presented-- there's almost a forgiving nature to the sort of attitude of the '60s as a time of mind expanding, and in discussing various drug-induced insanity from Brian (locking himself in a bedroom for hours, building a teepee in his living room), there's a sense of laughter with this. Given that Brian was an undiagnosed depressive, its likely the drugs did little but contribute to this, and while I realize the people interviewed all have pretty fond memories of this time in their life, you'd think this would have been approached in a different manner.

Also somewhat annoying is that none of the original Beach Boys music is used in the film-- its not that I dislike the new material (on the contrary, I love it), its just that it'd've been nice to hear period-appropriate music.

Leaf also stated he didn't want too much of a drag in the middle, so he kept the story of the intervening period to a minimum, this I can respect, although he did fail to indicate that the Beach Boys milked Smile for all its worth in those years-- the next several Beach Boys album all featured Smile material to great effect (its also important to note that none of the other living Beach Boys participated in the documentary-- evidentally they were approached and declined).

The last act, the rebirth of Smile, is the best part. It shows intimate details we'd never be privy to otherwise-- Brian, Van Dyke Parks, and Darian Sahanaja going through the new material, rehearsals, excitement, energy, Brian's coming and going interest, you name it. This half hour alone makes the flaws of the early section easy to overlook. Its fantastic, and the love and reverence of Brian's band comes through nicely.

All in all, its likely any Beach Boys fans already has this-- if you're more casual, there's a lot to get from this as well, its probably worth checking out, even with its flaws. Recommended.

Buy this DVD for:

- a brilliantly-shot and -recorded complete performance of SMiLE that will open the music up to you in a way that simply listening to the CD never will. Worth the price of admission for this alone.

- some fascinating behind-the-scenes footage shot during the CD recording sessions.

- some revealing and often moving sequences shot during the process leading up to the debut performance of SMiLE in London in 2004 (contained in the "Beautiful Dreamer" documentary).

Do not buy this DVD for:

- the true story of why the Beach Boys' original "Smile" was never finished, and why Brian Wilson essentially disappeared for the next 25 years.

"Beautiful Dreamer" is an interesting addition to the ever-growing list of books and documentaries about Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys, but it shouldn't be your only source if you're looking for a balanced view.

Produced by and largely populated by current Wilson insiders, "Beautiful Dreamer" tries very hard to whitewash the story that's been told and re-told by many others who were there at the time. Dismissing any discussion of the destructive power of drugs (drug use only served to expand Brian's consciousness and make him more productive, we're told) or of any form of mental illness other than "undiagnosed depression," the film lays the blame for the abandonment of "Smile" at the feet of... the other Beach Boys. Apparently it was their rejection of the work that sent Brian into that 25-year spin.

I don't criticize the film for not trying to tell Wilson's complete life story. The focus here is on SMiLE, as it should be. But after shaping a narrative that takes genius Brian to the point where he was about to re-order the landscape of American popular music, only to be cruelly rejected by his brothers and cousins, the timeline literally jumps 25 years into the future, skipping everything that happened to Wilson that turned him into the clearly damaged man we see on the screen today.

No mention is made of the fact that a good half of "Smile" was subsequently recorded and released by the Beach Boys in the form of individual songs, none of which are heard in this film. (And it's jarring to hear contemporary recordings of the songs while the original 1966 sessions are being discussed.)

Much, much better is the second half of the documentary, which picks up at a point where Wilson and his current band are already a functioning unit, having performed "Pet Sounds" and toured as a successful concert attraction. It's clear the decision to finish 'Smile" is not an easy one for Brian, but he has an existing support team already at hand, talented musicians who are fully equal to the task of helping Wilson get through an emotionally arduous process (sometimes, apparently, by doing all the work themselves).

The film lightly traces the process of reconstructing the original tracks, establishing where the gaps were, choosing a running order, filling the gaps with new or remembered music, deciding to focus the project on debuting as a concert work in London in April 2004, and then rehearsing, rehearsing, rehearsing. Throughout, we are never allowed to forget that for Wilson this is an emotion- and memory-laden process that appears to be causing him pain and sometimes causes him to withdraw.

Still, the London debut is triumphant, and the sequences shot before, during, and after the concert are riveting and often moving.

Aside from the music itself, much of the appeal here -- both during the second half of the documentary and throughout the concert on Disc 2 -- is Wilson's large, talented, and engaging band, who are clearly devoted to Wilson and his music while having a great deal of style and presence of their own.

In all, this is a very generous package with a scintillating concert video at its core. The documentary and the bonus material (including several of the full interviews that were exerpted for the documentary) all offer insight into the Brian Wilson story, even if it's sometimes necessary to read way between the lines to see it. Highly recommended.

This may very well be the best music DVD released to date. The "SMiLE" CD was remarkable, but having the visuals along with the music, and seeing the band work their magic is an amazing experience.

When the "SMiLE" CD came out it spoiled me for listening to other music. I didn't listen to anything else for about 4 months. Now the DVD is out and it has spoiled me for listening to the CD.

"SMiLE" is an incredible body of work and this DVD set, from the exquisite packaging to the bonus materials on the 2 discs, is absolutely first rate. I had previously seen "Beautiful Dreamer" but it's well worth another look. My favorite moment is the climax of the London concert when the camera pans to Van Dyke Parks sitting in the audience with tears streaming down his face. Talk about sweet vindication!

If you don't love this DVD you don't have a heart.

I will be seeing Brian Wilson and "SMiLE" live this summer, I may never recover. :)

The David Leaf documentary, found on Disc 1, is a remarkable, stark and suprisingly honest tale of Brian Wilson, his creative brilliance and struggles, and the re-creation of "Smile" at long last. That's a fine program, and well worth your time.

But what's the real selling point for this set, is the live performance of "Smile" found on Disc 2. This was filmed on a soundstage for a specially invited audience, and is certainly somewhat "staged".

Brian and his band have never sounded better than on this recording. They're sharp as ever, but the energy and excitement that all involved have in performing "Smile" is striking and infectuous. Brian looks to be truly relishing in his great work - smiles abound, and his live vocals have never been this clean since his return to the stage.

The mix might be one of the finest live pop DVD presentations you'll ever here. The huge ensemble's varied instruments are amazingly clear, and the sound roars out of your speakers. For such a "sensitive" piece, it rocks hard.

For those of us lucky enough to have attended one of the "Smile" concerts, this is a wonderful souvenir. For those that didn't make it to a concert, now you'll see what all the excitement was about.

As for the bonus features - they're hit and miss. The interview/discussions between Brian and Van Dyke Parks are charming, even rather illuminating. Brian's solo interviews are less so, but pleasant. The solo piano clips are less interesting - "Heroes and Villains" is hardly anything one would want to hear a solo piano play.

Of all the bonus materials, the featurette on the "Smile" recording sessions is the big winner. You'll see Brian back in his element, even back at his favorite studio, in the booth, directing his musicians to perform the old arrangements on his watch. It's a fascinating glimpse at the old maestro, regaining his craft and clearly in charge once again.

On so many levels, this DVD set belongs on the shelves of fans of pop music, regardless of age. It combines both the story of, and performance of, one of the great creations of pop music in a way seldom experienced.

As one fan on the documentary says: "Sgt, WHO???"

The rich, layered harmonies of The Beach Boys vocal work is due to the genius of one man, Brian Wilson.

While it is Brian's cousin, Mike Love, who was largely responsible for The Beach Boys' fun and sometimes whimsical lyrics, it is Brian's music that subconsciously draws us to that place of peace and joy that make the Beach Boys' songs so alluring. His childlike (some say psychotic) point of view of the world has facilitated music which Leonard Bernstein and Paul McCartney have both declared among the most important of our time. High praise, and this video documents the underpinning tragedy necessary in order for we, the audience, to experience that greatness.

In this DVD, we have access to details of a project that was nearly thirty years overdue. "Smile", abandoned in 1967 because 'the boys' didn't understand how it's concept was applicable to their (or Capitol Records) target market, was finally resurrected in 2004 by a new generation of musically adept fans, "The Wondermints". They had an understanding and patience to render the work in it's entirety the way in which it was originally intended, even if Brian needed be occasionally reminded that it was indeed his product.

The result, a Grammy Award winning track amongst an album that in it's whole rivals classics as Sergeant Pepper. We can only conjecture how popular music could have evolved if this album could have been completed in it's time. In actuality, following the "Smile" debacle, Brian fell into a drug induced despondence which lasted (with finite exception) for years. With intensive therapy and encouragement from his wife and band mates, Brian has found a resurgence of popularity and newfound joy in showing off his talent. While he no longer possesses the stratospheric falsetto he did in his youth, it's clear here that he has recovered the joy of performing that was long since lost.

This video reveals how such a man manages to cope with the fallout of brilliance, success, and mental illness, while vehemently protecting that which he intrinsically knows is important for the rest of us, "Good Vibrations".

The Good
Disc 1: Beautiful Dreamer: Brian Wilson and the Story of Smile

The first disc is a two hour documentary on Brian's beginnings, his success with the Beach Boys, his agonies with Smile, and his triumph return. It's chock-full of information and insight. One thing I didn't know is that Brian Wilson is deaf in one ear. As Brian tells his story we find out that his father was very controlling and abused his children. Brian was inspired to write music by George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue". Wilson had to fire his father as manager and do everything himself at a young age. It was a bad LSD trip that inspired him to write "California Girls". The Beach Boys constantly fought with him over the ever-changing sound that he created for them.

While composing the music for Smile, Brian set his piano in a sandbox. He also set up an Arabian tent for inspiration. He used it until he realized how hot it was inside. Smile was originally set for release in January of 1967. It was shelved because of Brian's frustrations with the Beach Boys adapting and accepting the music and pressures from the record company. Smile is a concept album that depicts a bicycle trip from Plymouth, Massachusetts to Hawaii (I know, how do you get to Hawaii on a bike?).

It wasn't until Brian got married in the nineties that he got the psychological help that he need as a result of a nervous breakdown he suffered in the sixties (there's more to it than that). His wife inspires him to perform live again and revisit Smile. It all culminates with a historic concert in England 2004. Don't worry, there's plenty more-I didn't ruin it for you. Bonus materials included on this disc are a theatrical trailer, highlights from the show in England, an after-show featurette, and interview highlights.

Disc 2: Smile Live Performance

The second disc features a liver performance that was recorded in Los Angeles, California. Brian Wilson appears center stage seated behind a keyboard. He is backed-up by a 15+ member band that included a string section, back-up singers, percussionists, and more. The show begins with the spiritual, hymn-like "Our Prayer/Gee". The albums centerpiece "Heroes and Villains" shows that Wilson's signature sound is still intact. "Roll Plymouth Rock" has great vocal harmonies and catchy keyboard work. "Barnyard" is quite playful as everyone is assigned an animal noise. With its banjo and harmonica accents, "Cabin Essence" makes you feel like you're sailing down a river bank.

Wilson continues to show his playful side with the healthy eating promotion of "Vega-Tables". A carnival atmosphere is set with "On Holiday". On "Mrs. O'Leary's Cow", the string section, keyboards, slide whistles, and kazoos combine to create the panic that a fire causes. Do you need me to talk about "Good Vibrations"? Bonus materials included on this disc include outtakes from the documentary, a Brian Wilson photo gallery, Brian Wilson at the piano (which includes brief performances), a recording of featurette, and a video for "Heroes and Villains" that was arraigned by a contest winner.

The Bad
Brian Wilson sat behind a keyboard throughout the whole live performance, but I'll be damned if he played one note.

The Verdict
I was skeptical going into the live performance of the DVD. I've heard time and time again that in recent years that Brian Wilson just doesn't perform well in a live setting. That's why I was shocked when so many reviewers put Smile on their Best of the Year lists. I avoided it. That was a mistake! This particular performance is spectacular, inspiring, and fun. Brian brings along so many great musicians to help capture the unique and complex sound of Smile. The outcome is flawless.

This is about as good as it gets for a live DVD. But nothing compares with the album itself and the making of featurette only enchances this. The main reason why I feel the studio album is superior is that there is so much going on that you just can't fit everything into the live show.

Put SMiLE on your turntable. yes, turntable because the vinyl trumps the CD. Put on a pair of earphones and listen.

Alright this is about the DVD not the album itself. The first disc consists of the documentary "Beautiful Dreamer" which is about the making, unmaking and resurrection of the "SMiLE" album. It is essential viewing for Brian Wilson fans and casual/non fans should check it out too.

Disc 2 is a live performance of "SMiLE." I may like the studio version better but that's not saying that I don't like the live version. Modern bands should watch this and weep. Brian Wilson has assembled the greatest band in the world. To watch them pull this off in a live setting is quite something to behold.

The DVD also has some interesting extras, including a performance of "Mrs. O'Leary's Cow" from the world premiere in London. As well as bonus interviews, after show thoughts and solo piano performances from Brian himself.

But the one that tops them all is the making of "SMiLE" featurette. If there was any doubt that Brian Wilson is one of the most gifted composers those doubts should be put to rest. He hears everything. You could have five guys playing at the same time and he'll know exactly what needs to be corrected. It's increadible.

This DVD is absolutly essential for any Brian Wilson fan.

This DVD is a must buy for anyone that loves music. Not only does this work capture the brilliance of Brian Wilson in all music-making dimensions, and especially the joy that is Smile, but with surprising honesty and realism, it captures in documentary fashion his voyage to redemption...the purging of deeply-seated demons...

Watch Disk 1 first, and then the afterwards, the concert reactions in Extras. Then watch Disk 2.

If you had an out-of-body experience watching the movie Ray, you'll have a similarly emotional and perhaps more rewarding experience with this DVD.

Smile, unlike Ray, has a very happy and totally fulfilling ending.

When I first saw Beautiful Dreamer on Showtime, I was intrigued how this great musical work, Smile, could have languished in limbo for so long a time. Such great music, and such of sad story of dreams created, promises made, and then dashed for a generation. It was as if the music gods decided to punish Brian Wilson for 35 years for creating a masterpiece and not allowing anyone to hear it.

Beautiful Dreamer is the story that chronicles the development of Smile from the days of its first inception in 1966, to its first triumphant performance in February, 2004 in London. It also gives a highly sympathetic biographical look at Wilson's development from the surfin' rocker of the early sixties Beach Boys to the gifted creator of Pet Sounds and Smile.

The most important moments in Beautiful Dreamer are the ones with Wilson himself. It must have been very difficult for a private person such as Wilson to reveal so much of his personality with these candid shots of him at the piano, completing Smile after 37 years of neglect, and rehearsing, performing and recording his most famous unreleased work.

It was fascinating to watch Wilson and Darian Sahanaja, his most accomplished band musician, piece Smile together from the tapes of 35 years ago. Wilson then called on Van Dyke Parks, his Smile collaborator, to complete the lyrics for the remaining songs. As we witness Wilson's increasing confidence in dealing with his music, we see an astonishing transformation take place. Suddenly the demons of his past are lifted, he is able to smile again, and, after overcoming an understandable bout of nervousness, he rediscovers the joy of live performing. This joy of having Smile performed live to such tremendous critical acclaim seemed to lift Wilson up and over a lifetime of emotional difficulties.

The second DVD in this set shows a complete concert of Smile at Disney Hall in Los Angeles, which was a triumphant homecoming for Wilson. This stirring event sets a new standard for concert recording. The audio is crisp and clean, the instruments are all well defined, and Wilson's voice sounds better than it has in years. After the first tour of Smile ended in March, 2004, Wilson's interview shows the amazing extent of his transformation. Wilson looks a full 10 years younger, the wrinkles have left his face, his eyes sparkle, and his voice is full of joy.

The final segment of the second DVD shows the recording of the Smile CD. Here, Wilson is in full command, as producer of the album. He shows supreme confidence, and dazzling musical expertise, as he drives all the musicians and singers into a perfect recording of his masterpiece.

Beautiful Dreamer was written, produced and directed by David Leaf, who has been the chief chronicler of Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys for 40 years. Many of the segments were photographed by David Anderle, who was with the entire Smile project from beginning to end. Both Leaf and Anderle show their intense love and affection for Wilson and his music. They have created a fitting tribute to one of America's greatest composers and his magnum opus.

This labor of love was performed while ignoring nearly all of the negative elements of Wilson's past. After the Smile project ended, there is little mention of his 28-year battle with mental illness, claiming it was largely due to undiagnosed depression. Nor is there any mention of his quitting the Beach Boys after releasing his 1988 autobiography in which he blames most of his problems on his father, his brothers, and especially, Mike Love. None of the Smile work which Wilson had done with the Beach Boys was used in Beautiful Dreamer. None of the surviving Beach Boys agreed to be interviewed.

Subsequent reviews of Smile have gone rapturous over its complexities and performances, with most reviewers placing Smile into the top 10 of albums recorded in 2004, and some even comparing it to the greatest pop music works ever. At the Grammy awards in 2005, Wilson was given a lifetime achievement award for his 40 years of contribution to the music industry. In the deepest of ironies, Wilson's recording of "Fire", which had produced a deep paranoia in Wilson when it was recorded in 1966, received the Grammy for best instrumental rock recording.

This DVD set is a must for all fans who wish to witness Brian Wilson's odyssey from rock genius, to creative artist, to mentally ill outcast, to his triumphant return. This is truly the comeback of the century, perhaps of all time.

At 4 hours plus, this DVD satisfies a wide audience. The first disc is a documentary on the whole Smile project- starting with a brief history of Brian through the early days of the Beach Boys. It shows the genesis of the original Smile album that never was, starting with the completion of Pet Sounds, and includes a lot of insight and interviews with the key people involved in the project. This is no Beach Boys story, clearly showing who was the brains, talent, and leader of the band up until this project's abandonment ("Mike didn't like it"). It then fast forwards 37 years and shows how, and why, Brian resurrected it, ending with the world premiere in England. It's a triumphant ending, with Brian finally clearing a hurdle that everyone, including himself, never thought he would. This is not only fascinating for Smile fans, but also for anyone who doesn't think they are, as it will most likely make you more interested in, and more appreciative of, this project.

The Second disc is a live performance of "SMiLE". This appeals to everyone as well: those who have the CD, but did not see him live on this tour, those that are unfamiliar with Smile at all, and those that have the CD, and saw the show, and simply want a souvenir of that experience.

I can't help but wonder after watching both discs just how different our musical scene, and Brian, would have been had this project been completed in 1967. Maybe if Mike Love would watch it he'd finally see how wrong he was, and is, and stop acting like a pompous egomaniacal know-it-all.
Sorry, just had to stick my two cents in on that. Rock on Brian, and Thanks!