Concert For George [DVD] [2003] [Region 1] [NTSC]

A celebration of the life and music of George Harrison, the Concert for George is a record of the November 2002 Royal Albert Hall tribute. Organised by close friend Eric Clapton, the show brought together the musical luminaries of George's generation, who not only inspired his music but were in turn inspired by him. Artists ranging from Joe Brown to Ravi Shankar perform touching but not overtly sentimental versions of his best-loved tunes. The many highlights include the Monty Python gang (joined by guest member Tom Hanks) performing "The Lumberjack Song", and a bare-arsed version (literally!) of "Sit On My Face". For the first time since the demise of the Beatles, Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney share the same stage.

Director David Leland does an excellent job of capturing the intimacy of the concert, as well as the emotions of those in attendance. Apart from the behind-the-scenes interview snippets included in the theatrical version, the cameras rarely move away from the main action on the stage. Shot in suitably restrained colours, the live performance footage makes for stimulating viewing, a particular highlight being Ravi and Anoushka Shankar's opening sitar recital. All in all it's a touching five-star tribute to one of the greatest musical icons of the 20th century.

On the DVD: Concert for George two-disc set has two versions of the concert: the complete two-and-a-half-hour show and a shorter theatrical version that received a limited cinema release--this latter includes backstage footage of preparations for the concert, as well as interviews with some of the key performers from the night. Additional material is included on both discs: footage from the rehearsals, the Monty Python team backstage and interviews with many of the performers. Three versions of the concert soundtrack are also featured, ranging from ordinary stereo to an ear-shattering DTS version. --John Galilee

Rock music’s most celebrated musicians gathered at London’s Royal Albert Hall on 29th November 2002 to pay tribute to their friend, George Harrison on the one year anniversary of his death. It was a magical evening that is lovingly captured on film by the award-winning director David Leland and features Eric Clapton, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Billy Preston, Ringo Starr and Ravi and Anoushka Shankar. The film features unique versions of some of the music that spanned George Harrison’s extraordinary career. Highlights include:

• Inner Light (performed by Jeff Lynne)
  
• Give Me Love (performed by Jeff Lynne)
  
• Taxman (performed by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers)
  
• I Need You (performed by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers)
  
• Handle With Care (performed by Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Dhani Harrison)
  
• Photograph (performed by Ringo Starr)
  
• For You Blue (performed by Paul McCartney)
  
• All Things Must Pass (performed by Paul McCartney)
  
• A classic Monty Python sketch with the cast and special guest Tom Hanks
  
• Anoushka Shankar and a 16-piece orchestra performing a composition especially written by her father, Ravi Shankar
  
• Joe Brown closing the show with a moving version of I’ll See You In My Dreams

A documentary of the concert, held to commemorate the life and music of George Harrison, held one year on from George's death. Featuring versions of classic Harrison songs, performed by music legends such as Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr andEric Clapton. Also included are the Monty Python team performing a classic sketch with special guest Tom Hanks.

• Special Interviews
  
• Backstage footage

DVD Technical Information:

• Shot in high definition and digitally mastered
  
• Audio: 5.1 Surround Sound
  
• Double disc set
  
• Running Time: 4 hours 6 minutes

Alfred Music Publishing is the world's largest educational music publisher. Alfred produces educational reference pop and performance materials for teachers students professionals and hobbyists spanning every musical instrument style and difficulty level. Filmed on November 29 2002 before a sold-out audience at Royal Albert Hall the Concert for George is a beautifully filmed joyous celebration that includes breathtaking performances of some of George s songs from rock s most influential artists and pop culture icons. This two-DVD set includes performances by Eric Clapton Paul McCartney Tom Petty Monty Python Ravi Shankar Ringo Starr and more. Produced in 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound.