Yardbirds - The Story of The Yardbirds (2008)

Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page (II)

Originally released in 1992 as The Yardbirds: The Most Blueswailing Band, this documentary (which was previously issued on DVD in 2003 as The Yardbirds: For Your Love) has been given a simple presenta... read more tion on DVD in this edition from HiQ Entertainment. The Story of the Yardbirds has been transferred to disc in its original full-frame aspect ratio of 1.33:1, and while the image is on the soft side, the material looks fine and the rare archival television material is rare enough that most fans won't quibble about occasional flaws. The audio has been mastered in Dolby Digital Stereo, retaining the original monophonic sound mix, and the quality of the new material is good, while the archival footage varies in fidelity but is never less than adequate. The interviews are in English, with no subtitles or multiple language options. As a bonus, this edition includes a four song, fourteen minute Yardbirds performance taped in 1967 for the German television series Beat -- Beat -- Beat, with Jimmy Page showing off some of the violin-bow guitar work he'd use to greater effect in Led Zeppelin. The Story of the Yardbirds is a concise but well-assembled collection of interviews and rare performances that does justice to one of the most important British rock bands of the Sixties, and fans of the band should be pleased with this release. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi