Search - James Brown - Soul Survivor on DVD

K. K. (GAMER)
Reviewed on 12/25/2018...

I had high hopes for this since I am a fan of James Brown but the songs that were played did not impress me and I popped out the disk shortly into the documentary. Best to avoid this one!

1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

Comprehensive, informative, insightful

p. silverman | USA | 04/03/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The documentary on "Biography" was the best JB docu. to date but this 2003 offer has alot more interviews, clips, and information. For the deep fan, there is not alot here that's new, but ofcourse any such package has to appeal to deep, casual, and novice followers.
The DVD quality is excellent throughout, especially on the most recent footage. There are countless rare stills and live clips and here is where I chose to *4* stars rather than *5*: a great plate of hors-d'ourves does not constitute a meal - I recall that the only full performance is of "I Feel Good" from the Ed Sullivan Show. There's a circa 1966 "Papa's Bag.." [possibly from an English TV show (?)] which causes the viewer to rise up from the couch and say...wow, finally! But, alas, after a few bars we're back to dialogue. There's a circa 1971 "Hot Pants" which is absolutely the best version I've ever heard by far - similarly truncated. We see clips from the historical Boston Gardens Show - mostly overdubbed with other live recordings!
A nice bit shows JB and group rehearsing "Georgia On My Mind" - it's the familiar JB arrangement but it's always good to hear (this one should have yielded high numbers way back when, but it was used on a B-side and album spot).
I was floored to see two of James' former lead singers, Lynn Collins and Marva Whitney on camera. I last recall both ladies on the Mike Douglas Show in the 1969 to 1974 period. Both make poignant statements about life on the road with a complicated genius.
Bobby Byrd, the man who signed up JB as a Flame, and is heard on dozens of the hits, speaks, as well as Leon Austin, another oldtime buddy and King artist.
Overall, this is a must-have. I hope that all of the rare bits and pieces can be assembled in a collection featuring complete performances."

Would have liked to have seen more rare clips of the 60s 70s

Elijah Cohen | USA | 11/25/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I did enjoy watching James Brown rehearsing his band more than anything. I love to see how things are down behind the scenes. I got a big kick out of seeing little James Brown Jr. and appreciate Mr. and Mrs. Brown sharing that moment with them riding in the limo.

The only thing that I wish that was show me is complete performances from the late 1960s and early 1970s. Everything was presented pretty much as a sound bite.

I could tell that a lot of the past James Brown employees that were interview where holding back a lot of things.

Thanks you,

For more biographical, discography and a rare filmography listing information, I recommend this website:

The James Brown Experience Page
http://members.aol.com/staritems/jamesbrown.html"

Prime time JB

mistermaxxx@yahoo.com | usa | 03/22/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"watching this takes you back to a time period when you saw a Performer&you were in a trance for Hours,days,etc... JB was Sharp&His Music was funky&the Band was Blistering all the way through.you saw a Brother here who would not be denied.JB in His Prime on stage was somebody you didn't want to have to go after.60's&early 70's JB was on a Mission.a Must have ASAP."