The Who -- The Kids Are Alright Special Edition (2 discs) [DVD]

Devotees of the Who, who haven't availed themselves of Jeff Stein's thrilling, self-mocking 1979 documentary The Kids Are Alright, shouldn't wait another minute now that the film has been painstakingly--perhaps heroically--restored to its theatrical-release length from original elements. The sound is clearer than on previous video releases, images are once more crisp and colour-rich, and adjustments in tape speed make the band sound like themselves again, particularly in vintage television performances and filmed club dates from as far back as the band's sonically thrilling, early R&B period. Special features are extensive, including, among many other delights, multiple-angle footage, an insightful interview with Roger Daltrey, a feature about the film's restoration, and a mesmerising, isolated John Entwistle audio track. --Tom Keogh

Capturing the individual band members’ musicianship and personality through live performance footage and interviews, The Kids Are Alright chronicles the development of The Who from angry early sixties mod upstarts to worldwide rock icons in the late seventies.

The Special Edition 2-disc set benefits from state-of-the-art picture restoration, remixed Dolby Digital 5.1, and dts audio. It also includes the bonus disc Won’t Get Filmed Again. Clocking in at around two-and-a-half hours of rare material, this disc contains brand new interviews with key participants Roger Daltrey (Behind Blue Eyes) and director Jeff Stein (See My Way), a virtual tour of London, trivia games and a multi-angle performance segment. All the titles of the segments are playfully drawn from Who song titles. Most of disc 2’s supplementary material is dedicated to detailing what went into the restoration of this project, from both a philosophical standpoint as well as a technical one, making it fascinating for movie fans as well as fans of The Who.

The 2-Disc Special Edition comes complete with a 30-page collectible booklet featuring a new in-depth introduction by director Jeff Stein and new notes by leading ‘Who-ologist’ – Brian Cady. Included are numerous photographs of the band, including many previously unpublished images.

Disc 1:

• Main feature: The Kids Are Alright – Rockumentary
  
• Commentary with Director Jeff Stein
  
• Track by track liner notes
  
• Subtitles

Disc 2:

• Main Feature – Won’t Get Filmed Again
  
• Miracle Cure: Restoring The Film For DVD
  
• Getting In Tune: Audio Showdown
  
• Trick Of The Light: Picture Showdown
  
• The Ox: An Isolated Track Of John’s Bass Feed
  
• The Who’s London: Tour Of Important Who Places in London
  
• Behind Blue Eyes: Q&A With Roger Daltrey
  
• Anytime You Want Me: Multiple Camera Angles
  
• Pure & Easy: A Warm Up For The Casual Fan
  
• It's Hard: 21 Correct Answers Wins The Prize
  
• See My Way: Q&A With Jeff Stein

DVD Technical Information:

• Picture format: NTSC
  
• Sound: PCM, Dolby Stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround & DTS 5.1