This seems to be the week for re-releases with DVDs and home movie DVDs.
DVD reviews
Wishbone Ash: This is Wishbone Ash
Subtitled a “rockumentary,” you might just get them under the trade descriptions act. To say anything on this disc “rocks” would be over-stating it just a tad. While the band plays some of their tunes, none of it is at all rollicking. This is an older band who enjoy what they are doing and do it rather well. A rock & roll documentary of epic proportions this isn’t. This is the type of release that will have fans of the band excited. One has to believe it's for the overly keen, Wishbone Ash geeks. Most bands include this sort of release in addition to a live DVD or even CD (a good example can be found below). I am not sure it's really a stand alone product.
There is little in the way of extras and it's mostly the band sitting around with their instruments playing a bit and kvetching. I have to say that it will bore most viewers rigid. I mean there are some clips of them driving classic British sports cars around the countryside. The film maybe a bit slow, but they are hardly bombing around country roads. WA is a classic band much beloved by many. This, unlike the Story of Anvil, will not lead to their renaissance. If you are anything but a hard-core fan skip this and wait until their next studio release.
Heaven & Hell: Radio City Music Hall- Live!
This DVD is all the more poignant as we recently saw the first anniversary of the untimely death of front-man extraordinaire Ronnie James Dio. Like any post-death Dio release, it is with trepidation and sadness that you experience any such DVD. This particular DVD is an outstanding and apt final release of from the great talent. This was recorded on their first tour in 2007 (under this name) at the great New York landmark Radio City Music Hall. Those unaware of the venue can enjoy a helpful guide to the facility with a staff member as part of the extras. This being a limited edition Blu-ray it comes with even more goodies, including a documentary, “Road Movie"; “Hail to the God’s of Metal”; “Meet the Mob,"the audience for the gig; and finally “The Wisdom of Dio.”
Of course the centerpiece to the entire affair is the gig itself, which sees Dio, Iommi, Butler and Vinny Appice in full flow, playing 15 tracks from all phases of their career. It's no surprise that the band felt the need to record 2009’s excellent “The Devil You Know” after such a gig. As you would expect with such an extraordinary line-up of talent, the H&H machine was tight as a German panzer right out of the factory. It's just a shame that such a gig will never be repeated by Heaven & Hell. Watch in awe and enjoyment the talent that was the mighty Heaven & Hell. If you are into metal, this is essential.
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