Search - Inside Free: A Critical Review 1968-1972 on DVD

We'll accept it for now (OK but no where near definitive)

D. Hartley | Seattle, WA USA | 02/25/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I think fellow Free fanatics would agree with me that one of the glaring holes in the DVD music catalog is ANY kind of thoughtful rock doc or halfway decent collection of archival footage of this seminal British band. It seems that "they" are forever digging up precious "lost" footage of every other band of the era (most recent example the complete "lost" 1970 Paris concert by the Moody Blues) but either no one cares enough or perhaps there simply is nothing to be found in the vaults (I hope that isn't the case!). Anyway, "Inside Free" is a decent try, even at its stingy 51 minute running time. A team of British musicans and rock press journalists give you an album-by-album review of the bands catalog, with teasingly short performance clips interspersed. Frankly, I have never heard of any of these "experts", but they do seem to have thier hearts in the right place (it takes a dedicated music geek to recognize one!). As a guitarist,I personally found the most enlightening element of this DVD to be the half dozen or so tutorials sprinkled throughout on how to reproduce some of Paul Kossoff's more memorable riffs, note for note. Kossoff was one of those gifted players whose riffage SOUNDS simple and elemental, but just try to sit down and play it like he did-it is not that easy. There was certainly more than enough room left on this disc to bonus the complete versions of the songs excerpted, but I am smelling lawyers, estate, and/or licensing fee issues here. Great footage of the band (although just snippets), passionate reviews, and the guitar tips made this one a worthwhile investment for myself; but I would recommend this one for devoted fans only. In the meantime, we will patiently await a "true" retrospective."

Too many critics, not enough Free

G. G. Hansford | Newborough, Victoria Australia | 04/18/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I have just sat through this DVD and was left with mixed impressions. The idea behind this concept is sound: review the legacy of one of the world's most seminal bands, have some clips and sprinkle in some interviews from contemporaries / ex band members / roadies / associates. Unfortunately, we are given much talk / opinion from musos and experts not even connected with the band. George Bush could have fitted in his opinion on this disc and not been out of place.
On the plus side, the guitar tutorials are a great idea, but this could have been extended to showing aspects of lead breaks / bass runs etc. The live film clips were good but why not feature entire songs instead of excerpts? There is a heap of bootleg footage around... why not use it and cut out the pirates and keep the fans happy?"