amazingjourney

Review:
There are few things in this world that perplex and excite me more than hearing any song performed by the Who. Though there are numerous other bands that you could consider more talented over all, it’s hard to argue against the Who’s persona of kookiness, badassness and awesomeness. Ok, grammatically there is a lot wrong with that last sentence, but you could say the same thing about the make up of the Who, and yet you still appreciate there music. And it’s that bizarre understanding of the band director Murray Lerner captures in his documentary Amazing Journey: The Story of the Who.
Now admittedly, this is a fanboy documentary. Every wrong is couched in subtext and “media corrections”, so if you are looking for a more neutral examination of the band, I suggest going elsewhere. But if you’re a fan of the Who, or just love rock star confessionals, Lerner has a film for you.
The Who were a band that epitomized their songs. Sure they were brash and combative (even towards each other) but they were also shy, nervous and scared of being left behind. With that in mind, what better way to capture the band then by wrapping their stories around their songs. Lerner does precisely that, cramming as much of the band’s music into the film as humanly possible and even going a step further by subdividing chapters based on song titles or famous quotes sung by the band.
Beyond the music, the most fascinating aspect to this documentary is in it’s interviews with Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey who aren’t afraid to explore some of their more checkered past. There are numerous other voices in this film but, much like the music, Lerner leans on these two sole surviving members to carry the story. And they do a fantastic job. Obviously both are well spoken, but it’s in their descriptions and off handed comments where audiences gain true insight into the band. And luckily, these happen often enough to keep things interesting.
Of course, the fanboy complex gets a little tired (even for Who fans) when the film spends a little too much time on Townshend and Daltrey’s more recent musical forays. Yes it is interesting, but it’s just a little too “maturity is bliss” for those looking solely for a retrospective on the band.
The ending aside, this is a film that works well because it tries its best to encapsulate who the Who were (both as people and as a band). It’s not perfect, but more often then not, it’s a whole lot of fun.

Review by Matthew Abshire

Informative: 4 – more positive then not, it’s still got a wealth of information
Entertainment: 4 – great footage and personalities with an impressive soundtrack to boot
Technical: 4 – the film feels like it would be the band’s sweeping autobiographical rock-opera
Overall: 4 – 75% of this film perfectly captures everything you’ve come to know and love about the Who

Format: DVD
Year: 2007
Running Time: 120 Min
Distributor: Universal Home Entertainment
Producer: Nigel Sinclair and Murray Lerner
Director: Murray Lerner
Date Reviewed: 1-5-2009

Story: For more than 40 years, British rockers the Who have created music for countless fans, influenced artists and shaped the recording industry. Now, the history of the legendary band is captured in an epic documentary. Viewers witness the group's rise to worldwide stardom from its origins as a 1960s cover band. The film features all-new interviews with Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey, Sting and others, as well as rare and unreleased concert footage (NetFlix).