Lonestar:
Stevie Ray Vaughan 1984 - 1989 (2017/Chrome Dreams/MVD
DVD)/Marinoni: The Fire in the Frame (2015/First Run DVD)
Picture:
B- Sound: B- Extras: D/C- Films: B
Here
are documentaries covering a music legend and the maker of superior
bikes and a racer...
Lonestar:
Stevie Ray Vaughan 1984 - 1989
If
you're a fan of blues guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan, then you won't
want to miss this documentary that chronicles some of the later years
of his career upon his untimely death in a helicopter accident in
1989. A sequel to the previously documentary, Rise of a Texas
Bluesman: Stevie Ray Vaughan 1954-1983, this is an unofficial
piece that isn't associated with Vaughan's estate and tells the story
of a man who struggled and eventually got the fame that he so
desired. It also continues the excellent music releases from U.K.
documentary producer Chrome Dreams.
The
doc is pretty insightful and features rare film footage and
interviews with friends and family that knew him, as well as industry
professionals and photographs that have recently been unearthed,
making this a must see for fans. Seeing this film will make you
realize how much of an impact he had on the blues music genre and how
he certainly made his mark amongst other musicians who were also
clamoring to make their voice heard.
Presented
in 1.77:1 widescreen with a lossy Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo mix, the
presentation here is nothing too impressive but serves its content
fine on standard definition DVD. Running around 108 minutes in
length, the piece feels complete and thorough.
No
extras.
Marinoni:
The Fire in the Frame
The
fascinating new documentary on 75-year-old Quebec bike craftsman
Giuseppe Marinoni shows one man's passion to his sport. While having
to use a walker and aware of his limitations, there's nothing that
this man won't do to accomplish his dream. Planning to return to his
home country of Italy to compete for a world cycling record for his
age group, the documentary chronicles his journey and is sure to
charm anyone who dares to dream.
Directed
by Tony Girardin, I found this doc to be pretty enjoyable despite the
fact that I'm not an avid follower of the subject matter. I admire
the man's integrity and found the piece to be pretty moving overall.
There are some scenes that are pretty moving and its crazy to see
someone be so on their A game that they can continue to be athletic
at such a tender age. In addition to cycling, he works and repairs
his bikes as well, which I also found interesting.
Presented
in standard definition DVD with a 1.77:1 widescreen aspect ratio, the
colors are pretty standard throughout with nothing to crazy in terms
of presentation. The lossy Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo track is also
fine for the subject matter. Nothing groundbreaking in terms of
presentation but fine for the format.
No
extras except previews for other coming attractions from the label.
-
James Lockhart
https://www.facebook.com/jamesharlandlockhartv/