Search - Yes: Yesyears on DVD

Best Yes Documentary

David Carlin | Philadelphia, PA USA | 08/23/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It was produced in 1991, yes I know, but Atlantic records produced it correctly and professionally. Interviews are excellent. Archival footage is the best I've seen. Bill Bruford is also on here. This is the documentary for which others are judged. This documentary coincided with the YesYears Boxed CD Set and Around the World in 80 dates world tour. Many shots from that tour are on here with a snippit of all 8 members of that tour performing Awaken. It was quite breathtaking. This documentary puts the newest DVD, "YesSpeak" to shame due to poor editing and pruducing and choice of Roger Daultry as the narrator. YesYears was produced correctly and with the proper funding by ATLANTIC records at the time. I highly recommend it.
Dave Carlin, Philly"

A Terrific Account of a Band with a Unique Concept

BatznDaBelfry | Bakersfield, Ca. United States | 12/27/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"To my ears, there are a handful of English bands who are true pioneers in their stylistic pursuits. The Beatles, Yes, ELP, King Crimson, Led Zeppelin, Genesis, The Police and Dire Straits (sorry if I omitted one of your favorites...this is, after all, my opinion) all have musical and artistic refinement that seems to be lacking in many musical aggregations on EITHER side of the Atlantic. Quite often bands will disintegrate at the pinnacle of their success, either because of artistic restlessness, or, loss of a key member. Yes encountered both of these unbinding threats and, through recruitment of what turned out to be only temporary replacements (Bill Bruford is the exception here), managed to survive and mature. In fact, portions of this documentary were filmed during a Yes "Union" tour in which ALL former members of the band participated (with the exception of original guitarist, Tony Banks). Every member has recorded solo albums but the musical vision of the band seems to hold the strongest attraction to those involved. There have been some complaints voiced by other reviewers about the lack of actual performance footage or bonus booklets in this DVD. I, for one, didn't have to have any frills to appreciate the intent of the filmmakers. Nor do I feel shortchanged because the songs were incomplete. In my opinion this should not be regarded as a performance DVD. It is a documented historical account of one of England's finest, most artistic and long-lasting bands."

This Is The One!

Tooloud | Sydney, Australia | 12/14/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Not the tedious YesSpeak. This is a very thorough review of the years prior to 1991. Ironic in light of what has come after it. To hear Rick inferring that maybe the Union line-up could continue into the 21st century is quite touching in a way, considering the number of times he himself has come and gone in that time. I don't have a problem with the fact that there are no complete songs here... that's not the purpose of this. It does beg the question, is there any more of this archival footage? Sad that whoever was waving a camera about during the Close To The Edge sessions didn't have the sound recording switched on."

A must-have for YES fans

G. Harrah | 05/25/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you want to get to know this band, in their own words, you must see this video. It takes you through all the years up until their extended-family performance in Pensacola, Florida, which I was lucky enough to attend. It features scenes that I've never seen before, such as an acoustic version of "Long Distance Runaround" and studio work for "Awaken" and songs from "Tormato." You cannot go wrong with this video, no matter which band members you like the best. They are all here, old and new. This is definitely the gift for the YESfan that has everything else already."