Product Details

• Actors: Marvin Gaye
• Format: 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: 1
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Eagle Rock Ent
• DVD Release Date: February 12, 2002
• Run Time: 80 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00005V9HC
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #127,725 in Movies & TV (See Bestsellers in Movies & TV)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
This look at the legacy of Marvin Gaye passes over the great R&B singer's childhood and Motown career in favor of his turbulent final years, including exiles in Hawaii and Europe, the making of Midnight Love, his addiction to cocaine (and resulting paranoia and depression), and his tragic murder (shot by his father during an argument). While his final public performance, a rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at 1983's NBA All-Star Game, is not included, his acceptance of a Grammy from Grace Jones and Rick James almost makes up for it, and there's plenty of other fascinating material: interviews with family members and band mates, rehearsal footage, and live versions of hits from "How Sweet It Is" to "Sexual Healing." While Behind the Legend fails to chart his path to stardom, it allows Gaye's music to do the talking--and he was never more eloquent than when at the microphone. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

From the Back Cover
Produced with the full cooperation and support of his family, the incredible and tragic story of Marvin Gaye is told through exclusive interviews with family, friends, and stars, each giving us insight into Marvin's approach to his life, his music, and his spirituality. Family archive footage reveals his self-imposed exiles to Ostend, Belgium and to Hawaii. The story portrays the making of the album Let's Get It On and rare performance footage of his first European tour. We are given a deeper insight into his bouts with drug abuse as well as his seemingly triumphant return to Los Angeles, which led to his tragic death on the eve of his 45th birthday on April 1, 1984.

This is the story of a man who has left behind a musical legacy that continues to influence all of us today. His music still inspires many major contemporary artists and is being rediscovered by a younger generation of music lovers. His 1982 Grammy Award and 1987 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame have permanently enshrined him among the greatest of all musical legends. 80 minutes.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I had no idea, March 9, 2006

By	L. Corey (Portland, OR USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Marvin Gaye: Behind the Legend (Dol) (DVD)

The voice is amazing, but I had no idea about the man, that's why I purchased this DVD. The documentary started out cheesy and I thought to myself, 'oh, boy, a second-rate production by a friend of a friend of a friend...' But as the movie progressed, I realized that I was being invited into some very personal memories and visuals of this amazing, peace-loving fan by his very current surviving family. I learned things that have completely changed my opinion of this magnificent creature, and have dispelled the previous 'gossip' I had always believed to be true.

I rate it a 5 if you want to know about the man. The visuals, and entire production I would actually rate as a 3. So it depends on you of that you are looking for. The man, or the production. I think it's a keeper, regardless.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Presentation, January 21, 2006

By	[e-mail] "mistermaxxx" (usa) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)

This review is from: Marvin Gaye: Behind the Legend (Dol) (DVD)

Huge Marvin Gaye&this Documentary captures so many elements of the Man's life&the many things that went on in his Professional Life as well as Personal Life. he died so young&there is so much more Music he had to give to the World.I enjoy the footage&also the overall Presentation of His Legacy.this is a great Journey remembering One of the Greatest Musical Genius's to touch so many souls.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Poorly made video, March 8, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Behind the Legend [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I would not recommend this video to people who want to learn about Marvin Gaye. They give vague references to the events that happened throughout his life, and if I had not read his biography by David Ritz I would have not known what was going on at all. They hardly even touch on his death, and his final years. It left me wanting to hear more from his wife and children, but I guess it must be tough subject to discuss.
That said, the tape provides some rare video footage of Marvin. There is very little of Marvin on tape in the first place, so each second is precious. The live performance of Sexual Healing is something I had been eager to watch and it did not disappoint, except they kept interupting it and speaking. Also, it says on the cover of the tape "Special Bonus: Let's get it on", but at the end there was only a live performance of "Whats going on". Nothing major, but it would be nice to see him sing lets get it on.

Excuse the cliche, but this is a must have for die hard fans, but not for the casual fan.