Product Details

• Actors: Joni Mitchell, Pat Metheny, Jaco Pastorius
• Format: Color, Dolby, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC
• Language: English (Dolby Digital 5.1), English (PCM Stereo)
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Shout Factory
• DVD Release Date: June 24, 2003
• Run Time: 60 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (62 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00009AV7L
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #11,581 in Movies & TV (See Bestsellers in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Joni Mitchell's 1970s and '80s forays into jazzier territory may have distressed her folkie faithful, but they also resulted in some uncompromising, challenging, and, yes, entertaining music. Witness this 73-minute document from her '79 tour, which finds her backed by her greatest band ever, including guitarist Pat Metheny and the extraordinary bassist Jaco Pastorius, as well as Metheny cohort Lyle Mays (keyboards), Michael Brecker (sax), and Don Alias (drums). Mitchell's The Hissing of Summer Lawns-Hejira-Mingus period is heavily favored; there are two tunes from Court and Spark, but nothing earlier. It's not perfect--the film clips edited into the live tracks (at Mitchell's direction) are an annoying distraction (Rebel Without a Cause? Huh?). But by the time Mitchell, Mays, and vocal group the Persuasions finish a spine-tingling version of the title song, you'll have witnessed something special--and historic, as this was the only time this stellar crew toured together. --Sam Graham

Product Description
Studio: Sony Music Release Date: 02/24/2004 Run time: 75 minutes Rating: Nr

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It doesn't get any better than this, February 15, 2000

By	Brad (Burlington, Vermont) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Joni Mitchell - Shadows and Light [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Shadows and Light was already one of my favorite albums the day I walked into a stereo store and saw the laserdisk version playing on a big screen TV. I was in awe for the next hour or so, being a huge Weather Report, Pat Metheny and Joni Mitchell fan. I agree--release this on DVD! It's quite a thrill see Jaco here at his best--his madman solo, his deep groove and his majestic tone. Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays' unique sound creates a rich harmonic blend with Joni's songs which is nothing short of beautiful. This lineup perfectly complements the Mingus compositions and is a great follow-up to that album. And Joni's vocals and phrasing are at their peak. Complaints? I'd rather see the musicians than video clips of James Dean and Joni in a big bird suit. Also the camera work leaves a bit to be desired, with achingly slow pans and a few bad angles. Finally, why can't they give us the whole concert? The first U.S. version of the CD is missing 3 songs that were on the double LP. The video is only 60 minutes long, and doesn't have all the songs from the double LP. The new U.S. double CD has the 3 songs restored, but we never hear the Jaco solo on CD or album. I heard news (on a Jaco web site) of a Japanese re-release in 1999 (VHS-75 min.) which adds Hejira at the conclusion of Amelia/Pat's Solo, and another song...this piecemeal stuff is maddening. But these are minor points. However you get to see or hear it, this is a bright moment in time with the best group of players I've ever seen together. A must for anyone who likes any or all of these musicians. Again--RELEASE THIS ON DVD!

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Why is Warners holding this one back?, January 17, 2000

By	Alan Forbess (Ojai, California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Joni Mitchell - Shadows and Light [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Someone at Warner Home Video needs to pull their head out and get this amazing concert film back on the shelves! This is Joni at her best with the greatest backing group of musicians in history! Pat Metheny, Lyle Mays, Jaco Pastorius, Michael Brecker and Don Alias provide an amazing platform for Joni's songs to spring from. And it's all set in the beautiful Santa Barbara County Bowl, one the great outdoor ampitheaters in the world. Plus Joni has added some interesting visuals, not to mention snipets of James Dean in "Rebel Without a Cause" to liven up this wonderful piece. So why can't you or I buy it? Warner's has kept it out of print and is really dropping the ball on this one. Send them a nasty e-mail and tell them to reissue it now in DVD and VHS!

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Joni Mitchell and Jazz, March 6, 2003

By	Stuart Morris (COLLEGEVILLE, PA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Shadows and Light (DVD)

With and allstar cast including, Jaco Pastorious, Michael Brecker, Pat Metheny, Lyle Mayes,and Don Alias, and Joni's vocals, this is her music taken to a new and different level.
The precision and tightness with which this ensemble of brilliant jazz musicians integrates with Joni's music and vocals is incredible. One only needs to listen to "The Dry Cleaner from Des Moines" on this DVD to apppreciate the musical skill assembled here as well as the musical evolution of Joni Mitchell.
Buy it, watch it, listen to it, and be totally amazed by the way these incredible musicians wrap themselves around the music and lyrics of the most talented and musically diverse Joni Mitchell. This music is played as tightly and skillfully as anything you will ever hear, and enjoy the Jaco Solo.