VHS
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An instant classic when released in September 1971, John Lennon's Imagine was the
ex-Beatle's solo masterpiece, and its musical legacy is matched here by priceless footage
of Lennon's creative process, independently edited from original 16-millimeter footage by
producer-director Andrew Solt with the hands-off approval of Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono.
Incorporating footage from John and Yoko's original film Imagine (clips of which
were previously included in the 1988 documentary Imagine: John Lennon), Gimme
Some Truth presents Lennon, Ono, coproducer Phil Spector, and a host of gifted
musicians in a fluid context of conflict, community, and craftsmanship. Bearing witness to
every stage of the recording process, this 63-minute documentary succeeds as a visual
diary, a study of familiar music in its infancy, and a revealing portrait of the
then-30-year-old Lennon--from witty clown to confrontational perfectionist--at the peak of
his post-Fab Four inspiration. The film's horizons expand with a casual montage of Lennon's celebrity lifestyle, including New York party footage (by film theorist Jonas Mekas) featuring such guests as Miles Davis, Andy Warhol, and Jack Nicholson. Excerpts of a 1971 BBC interview reveal John and Yoko at their most thoughtful, discussing socio-sexual issues that remain compellingly relevant (and the entire 35-minute interview is included on the DVD edition). But the true value of Gimme Some Truth remains in the creation of music at the Lennons' estate at Tittenhurst Park, Ascot, England. The ballad "Imagine" is followed from rawness to completion, and the track-by-track progress is highlighted by "Jealous Guy" (after which Lennon playfully compliments Spector's studio wizardry), and especially "Gimme Some Truth," which alternates between full mix and isolated vocal track. With George Harrison on guitar, Lennon freely admits that "How Do You Sleep?" is a deliberately "nasty" criticism of Paul McCartney, but this remarkable film never dwells on negatives. A precious record of John Lennon's time on earth, Gimme Some Truth is as honest as it is entertaining. And while purists may object to the DVD's remastered sound--which was carefully remixed for Dolby Digital 5.1-channel stereo at Abbey Road studios--few would deny that this film is an important and illuminating document that any John Lennon fan will cherish. |
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This feature-film biography of the legendary rock musician includes previously unseen footage from Lennon's private archives, as well as interviews with his first wife Cynthia, second wife Yoko Ono and sons Julian and Sean. Film is narrated in Lennon's own voice. | |||||||
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This video documents the historic 7 day bed-in for peace which John and Yoko staged on their honeymoon May 26, 1969 in Montreal. Conversations with Timothy Leary, Tommy Smothers, Al Capp, Murray the K, among others are included. | |||||
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A five-tape retrospective of John and Yoko's guest stint as daytime talk show hosts on "The Mike Douglas Show." Includes interviews with such varied personages as Bobby Seale, Ralph Nader, and Chuck Berry. | |||||
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Shot in 1968, this concert film (conceived and organized by Mick Jagger) was made in London over a two-day period. The show was literally set in a circus-like atmosphere, with the rock bands dressed in colorful costumes, and acrobats, clowns and other big-top acts performing between sets. The film captures such groups as the Rolling Stones and The Who at the height of their creativity, providing unforgettable entertainment for fans both young and old. Includes Lennon performing "Yer Blues". | |||||
DVD
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An instant classic when released in September 1971, John Lennon's Imagine was the
ex-Beatle's solo masterpiece, and its musical legacy is matched here by priceless footage
of Lennon's creative process, independently edited from original 16-millimeter footage by
producer-director Andrew Solt with the hands-off approval of Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono.
Incorporating footage from John and Yoko's original film Imagine (clips of which
were previously included in the 1988 documentary Imagine: John Lennon), Gimme
Some Truth presents Lennon, Ono, coproducer Phil Spector, and a host of gifted
musicians in a fluid context of conflict, community, and craftsmanship. Bearing witness to
every stage of the recording process, this 63-minute documentary succeeds as a visual
diary, a study of familiar music in its infancy, and a revealing portrait of the
then-30-year-old Lennon--from witty clown to confrontational perfectionist--at the peak of
his post-Fab Four inspiration. The film's horizons expand with a casual montage of Lennon's celebrity lifestyle, including New York party footage (by film theorist Jonas Mekas) featuring such guests as Miles Davis, Andy Warhol, and Jack Nicholson. Excerpts of a 1971 BBC interview reveal John and Yoko at their most thoughtful, discussing socio-sexual issues that remain compellingly relevant (and the entire 35-minute interview is included on the DVD edition). But the true value of Gimme Some Truth remains in the creation of music at the Lennons' estate at Tittenhurst Park, Ascot, England. The ballad "Imagine" is followed from rawness to completion, and the track-by-track progress is highlighted by "Jealous Guy" (after which Lennon playfully compliments Spector's studio wizardry), and especially "Gimme Some Truth," which alternates between full mix and isolated vocal track. With George Harrison on guitar, Lennon freely admits that "How Do You Sleep?" is a deliberately "nasty" criticism of Paul McCartney, but this remarkable film never dwells on negatives. A precious record of John Lennon's time on earth, Gimme Some Truth is as honest as it is entertaining. And while purists may object to the DVD's remastered sound--which was carefully remixed for Dolby Digital 5.1-channel stereo at Abbey Road studios--few would deny that this film is an important and illuminating document that any John Lennon fan will cherish. |
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This Fall, 1969 concert brought John, Yoko, and the Plastic Ono Band to Toronto's Rock-and-Roll Revival Festival--introducing Yoko to the heroes of her husband's childhood: Bo Diddley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, and Little Richard. | |||||
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This feature-film biography of the legendary rock musician includes previously unseen footage from Lennon's private archives, as well as interviews with his first wife Cynthia, second wife Yoko Ono and sons Julian and Sean. Film is narrated in Lennon's own voice. | |||||
| Beatles For Sale | Beatles Video | Lennon Video |
| McCartney Video | Harrison Video | Starr Video |
