Product Details

• Format: Box set, Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 3
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: BBC Warner
• DVD Release Date: August 29, 2006
• Run Time: 480 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B000GETUE2
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #61,706 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

British television program THE OLD GREY WHISTLE TEST invited musical acts to appear and in the show's studio space guests would give exclusive live performances. Running from 1971 to 1987 the series featured many of the most important acts in pop music many in their early days when they were still virtually unknown. This compilation gathers the first three compilations in the OLD GREY WHISTLE TEST series and includes performances by U2 John Lennon R.E.M. Bob Marley Rory Gallagher The Police Lynyrd Skynyrd Elton John and others. Genre: MUSIC DVD/CONCERTS UPC: 794051235121 Manufacturer No: E2351

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars BEWARE - This inferior version misrepresents itself, December 8, 2006

By 

Duddley Serious (Great White North) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Old Grey Whistle Test Collection (DVD)

Despite being called The Complete Collection this set is 110 minutes shorter than the product of the same name sold by the BBC in the UK. Not only that but Volume One should be spread over 2 discs as in the UK but here 190 minutes are crammed on to 1 disc to save them a few pennies while delivering over-compressed video to the paying customer.

Read the reviews for Volume Three to discover some of the fine acts that aren't included here but should be.

Of course, I can't give it just 1 star because many of the performances are awesome and worthwhile.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Old Tin Whistle Test, October 28, 2008

By 

Michael Perkes "Old Gold" (Salt Lake City, UT) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Old Grey Whistle Test Collection (DVD)

Many years ago I saw this BBC program on PBS. Only a few episodes of OGWT were broadcasts in my area. I bought this set on the anticipation from reviews from Guitar Player Magazine and rekindled my interest.

Though starts off great with vintage Alice Cooper, Elton John and Rory Gallagher, the disc quickly got bogged down in long lengthly interviews with the producers. Please beware that their is are apparently two versions? The set I purchased did not include BeBop Deluxe and Thin Lizzy as reviewed in GP? The rare footage of Bill Nelson's '70's band still eludes me. Also as disappointing was Thin Lizzy with a young Gary Moore?? The second disc start menu was corrupted and extras like artist interviews could not be selected, A real shame.

It is not all bad, great rare footage of Montrose and early Sammy Hagar, Johnny Winter, The Who and Supertramp.You just have to fast forward relentless boring producer interviews. Not being a big fan of punk, I quickly passed on those cuts. I have to say Roxy Music and U2 a great look back at New Wave.

Good idea, needed better editing to keep your interest. I would love to see box sets of the Don Kirshner's Rock Concert or the King Biscuit Flower Hour (radio). If someone could unearth the all the footage of 1974 Califorina Jam, I think there would be a lot of interest.

5.0 out of 5 stars this set is awesome is there more planned?, March 24, 2008

By 

Anthony Gaudioz "gaudioz" (los angeles) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Old Grey Whistle Test Collection (DVD)

Love this set I remember seeing so much of it live and it's where I first saw Little Feat who I have been an ardent follower since. I hope the BBC plan to release more. We need to see Dr hook singing Sylvia's mother.