When I saw this advertised a couple of months before the release date, I could hardly believe it. Over 3 hours devoted to a history of Jethro Tull on 2 discs! I had visions of all that great footage on You Tube appearing somewhere in the story - a last, footage from the Minstrel in the Gallery and Stormwatch tours. Well, sadly, we are still waiting, but this DVD package is an essential purchase if you are a Tull fan.
First of all, the packaging. I have to say that the design is spot on - the perfect image of Ian Anderson in all his codpieced glory! There is a booklet inside with retrospectives from Anderson and surprisingly Jeffrey Hammond Hammond. The overall design of this booklet is also excellent. I was disappointed though on how the 2 discs clip in the case - I always think I'll break one of them.
Now to the content. Disc 1 is a history of the band as told by many of the previous members, and management. This is absolutely absorbing stuff. Mainly interviews with clips of the band through the years (no full tracks), and perhaps the most surprising inclusion are the contributions from Dee Palmer. The price of the DVD is worth it for these interviews alone, but it was so gripping that I was disappointed when they skipped over a period in the late 70's, and then all too soon ended the main discussion after Crest of a Knave! Why couldn't they bring us completely up to date by continuing the discussion in the same way up to the present? This is the reason for only 4 stars, I felt an opportunity missed there.
On disc 2 we have an amazing documentary of the band on the road in 1969. We even get to meet Ian Anderson's mum and dad! Again this is absorbing stuff, watch out for the yougsters in the audience shaking their heads about at the end - great stuff! Also on this disc are a selection of photos of the band and other memorabilia like letters, tour posters etc.
To sum up, if you are a fan of Jethro Tull, there is more than enough on these discs to make the purchase worthwhile. We have been spoiled for Tull DVD releases recently, but are desperate for good quality concert footage from the 1970's. Can we start with the BBC documentary and Old Grey Whistle Test Live gig from Madison Square Garden on the next release please?