Brian Wilson, genius songwriter for The Beach Boys, has been through a lot in his life but this DVD shows he has put his troubles behind him. This DVD was originally used to promote his album, Imagination, and includes the title song, some other new songs and some old Beach Boy classics.

The disc is a combination of interviews with Brian, his wife, and some other celebrities who have been influenced by Brian's music. They include such notables as Eric Clapton, Peter Buck of R.E.M., Stevie Wonder, Elvis Costello, Jimmy Buffet, Barenaked Ladies, and an interview of Brian by Sean Lennon. The concert, interspersed between interviews also includes guests helping Brian out on stage. They include Timothy B. Schmit of The Eagles and Poco, Jimmy Buffet, Christopher Cross, and Bruce Johnston of the Beach Boys. Full length songs included are: California Girls In My Room(with footage of the Beach Boys in 1963) South American (with Jimmy Buffet) She Says That She Needs Me Your Imagination Cry (about a near breakup with his current wife) Lay Down Burden (a song composed after Brian learned that brother Carl was dying of brain cancer-it also features home movies of the brothers growing up, which plays on huge screens in the background as the song is performed) The concert closes with the hopeful classic Don't Worry Baby Brian is backed up by a 20 piece orchestra for most of the numbers consisting of strings and horns. His new songs sound like he never left off and have a great , sophisticated Beach Boy quality. After all this time, with bouts of depression, misguidance by a psychological guru, the abuse by his father, and the death of his brothers, Brian is a survivor and has a great optimism about his future. He is an individual who is completely honest about his past; at one point he laments that he wasn't a good father to his now famous daughters and regrets it very much but music helped him get together with them once again, as they teamed up for a recording. You have got to admire the guy for getting his life back together.

Picture-Image has put a lot of effort in its recent music releases and this is no exception. The video portions of the concert are sharp and clear throughout and the interview sections have the same great quality. Skin tones are natural and the camera work is well coordinated and fits the music and its tempo. The camera moves quite a bit, not really focusing on Brian much, as we see the joy on the other musicians faces just to be harmonizing with this musical genius. They are totally thrilled to be involved and its a real tribute to Brian and his music. Sound-A 5.1 Dolby sound mix is standard on the disc which has wonderful separation for the harmonies but most of the information is centered in the front channels, with crowd applause and echo reserved for the rear channels. The sonic range is outstanding and the orchestra and band instruments are well balanced in the mix. Certainly, Image is raising the standard for DVD music videos with its current titles, such as this disc, Peter Frampton, and Steely Dan's new DVD.

Beach Boy music lovers will find this disc comforting, knowing the surviving Wilson brother is alive and well and still making great music. Brian is humble about his musical abilities and a lot of credit must be given to his new wife and family. He lives in Illinois and records his music in a small studio right in the house, which is how he wants it. After all, he has seen it all and gave it up years ago for a quieter life. His new music reflects is new attitude and that his recovery from his mental difficulties is complete. This DVD shows the respect he has earned throughout the music industry. The DVD is enjoyable; the old songs sound fresh and new ones are right on the money. The album makes his fans want more but I don't think Brian is in any hurry.