Cream's legendary status is extraordinary, given that the three musicians, Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker, were only together from 1966 to 1968. This music video collector's DVD tells the story of that intense p... more »eriod from Cream's inception as a blues band through psychedelia to their place in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Rare archive performance footage of complete tracks (notably from their 1968 appearance at the Revolution Club in London) are linked by Ginger, Eric and Jack telling the story afresh in interviews filmed in April 1993 exclusively for this production. Songs: Spoonful, I Feel Free, Tales of Brave Ulysses, We're Going Wrong, Anyone for Tennis, Sunshine of Your Love, I'm So Glad, Politician, White Room, Toad.« less
Great as an introduction to Cream or as a rememberance
11/18/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is a documentary, with old footage interspersed with more recent interviews of all three band members. Instead of being an encyclopedic record of the group, instead there is a basic outline of its history, combined with interesting anecdotes and live versions of most of their biggest hits.Most enjoyable for me were the several live songs filmed in a live-without-audience setting (similar to the Pink Floyd in Pompeii video) which capture the band playing just for the sake of the music.The other compelling portions were when the band members focused on their feelings back then, about their partipation in the group and what it meant to them.The one downside of this video is that it is only about 75 minutes long, and one will likely not want to see the interviews over and over, as much as one will want to see the live performances, which, of course, is an even shorter portion.But, given the age of the material (over 30 years old) and the short lifespan of the group, it seems reasonable to expect that not much remains intact, so I guess the short length is to be expected.Also, some of the songs are not full versions (although all are thankfully free of voiceovers).In short - recommended to aficianados of 60's rock music."
Comprehensive & enlightening, with great footage
Michael R. Lachance | Maine, USA | 12/20/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Ive been a Cream fan for well over 15 years, and this Video (or DVD) is a great source of info on the band and it's short but powerful history. I was very glad that there was not much footage of the Albert Hall Concerts as they really were very poorly filmed (camera and post production went overboard on special effects) and the band just did not have much drive by that point. The footage that is included is impressive. As could be expected, you wont be getting THX or SurroundSound or much of a digitally remastered experience here though. Accept this as the most definitive to-date documentary on Cream out there. The interviews were very well timed and inserted with a bit of taste and appropriate moderation. The only thing id like to see more would be an entire live concert from start to finish with no narraration or heavy handed editing..."
The Making of Fresh Live Cream
Martin Baker | UK | 04/18/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I just signed on to ALO & found the reviews for my video version of "Fresh Live Cream" - delighted that you guys liked it, can't tell you how extraordinary it was for me to make the video, find the lost footge & clear the band - God was totaly on my case for that one - I also make a TV verson, including 2 x tracks from Hall Of Fame Reunion, which I prefer to the video as more narrative, the distrbutors decided to release DVD without my knowledge, which is a shame as I would have added loads of more stuff - anyway it was fun & one day I will recut my own multimedia version to tell more of the 'true' story. Peace & Love. Martin Baker"
Cream of the Cream
KCB | Santa Clara, CA United States | 01/27/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Fantastic DVD. A real tribute to the band, their music, and their effect on rock and roll, even though they were only around for 2 very short years. A very nice job of interlacing archival footage of the band with interviews from all 3 members in 1993 to cover the entire history of the band. The live video footage must be accepted for the time in which it was recorded. Even still, knocked my socks off. Actually adds to their historical impact. Almost all of the live songs are full length. A nice treat. They all talk about wanting to reform the band after playing at their induction into the rock and roll hall of fame. Maybe someday... A must have for any Cream fan, and anyone else interested in the roots of modern times rock and roll."
Probably the best documentary on Cream Ever.
KCB | 11/17/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This documentary is better than Strange Brew because it provides a complete history of Cream: From the Yardbirds/John Mayall/Graham Bond Organisation days to the Royal Albert Hall Farewell show. I'm glad to see clips other than the Albert Hall show. Watch out for "Anyone For Tennis" on the Smothers Brothers show. It is a howl."