Rhino presents

Yes: Greatest Video Hits (1991)

"Return to hear your wonderous stories.."- Jon Anderson

Stars: Jon Anderson, Steve Howe, Chris Squire, Rick Wakeman, Alan White, Trevor Rabin, Trevor Horn, Geoff Downes
Director: various

MPAA Rating: Not Rated for (nothing objectionable)
Run Time: 01h:13m:32s
Release Date: 2005-07-12
Genre: music

Style Grade	Substance Grade	Image Transfer Grade	Audio Transfer Grade	Extras Grade
B+	B+	B-	B+	D

 

DVD Review

Originally released in 1991, Rhino is finally making this collection available for the US market with a new cover, as the DVD has been available elsewhere for some time. A compilation of the band's music videos, spanning the 10-year period from 1977 through 1987, this collection sees many of the changes to the lineup following the classic early seventies era. Band members introduce each track, taken from footage shot while on their reunion tour.

By 1977, the band had produced seven studio albums, and with releases like The Yes Album, Fragile, Close to the Edge, Tales From Topographic Oceans, and Relayer had vaulted themselves to the top of the hierarchy of the progressive movement. After a time off to compelete solo projects, Yes (Jon Anderson-vocals, Steve Howe-guitar, vocals, Chris Squire-bass, vocals, Rick Wakeman-keyboards, Alan White-drums) returned to the studio for Going for the One, whose first single, Wonderous Stories is included here.

"It is no lie, I see deeply into the future..."

Its successor, Tormato, while still a fine album, is considered by many to be the low point in the band's career, however with Don't Kill the Whale it demonstrated the band's awareness of the environment, long before it became fashionable. Anderson's classically inspired Madrigal is also included. The album also marked the end of one chapter of the band's career, with the departure of keyboard legend, Rick Wakeman, and vocalist John Anderson.

The next stage in the evolution of Yes came with the addition of Trevor Horn (vocals) and Geoff Downes (keyboards), collectively known as The Buggles (who trivia buffs will know as the first band to have their video, Video Killed the Radio Star performed on MTV in 1981). Two videos from this lineup are included, Into the Lens and Tempus Fugit, both mock performances.

Although Yes had seen measurable success in its career, the release of 1981's 90125 catapulted the band into the video generation, and a new level of popularity. This incarnation was helmed by Trevor Rabin, replacing Howe on guitar, but more importantly, bringing a rebirth of the band through technology and catchy songs which didn't quite have the same ethereal nature as Anderson's lyrics, but proved effective nonetheless. Tony Kaye, who had played on the band's first two albums prior to Wakeman's arrival, returns to the fold on keys, with Trevor Horn moving to the production department. Videos for Hold On, Leave It, It Can Happen and the album's biggest hit, Owner of a Lonely Heart usher Yes into their renaissance.

The lineup returned for Big Generator, with singles Rhythm of Love and Love Will Find a Way to be found here. Still heavily dependent on Rabin's influence, the '80s Yes sound continues.

Concluding the set is a live rendition of I've Seen All Good People, which features the Rabin lineup. Interestingly, Steve Howe introduces this installment, but isn't in the video.

Although it is disappointing that the earlier stages of the band's career were not well documented in a traditional video sense (aside from the odd live performance), this collection is worth owning for fans of the group. Most who are old enough to remember the 90125-era will also recall the videos from that day, which were staples on MTV, although a few of these now seem fairly dated due to their then ground-breaking visual effects, which also date some of the earlier pieces. The interview segments are interesting and provide some insight into the songs, but aren't all that elaborate, so those with great familiarity with the work may not find as much value in them as others. It is still nice to see the band talking about these pieces, and Wakeman gets a humorous segment to close the disc.

Rating for Style: B+
Rating for Substance: B+

 

Image Transfer

	One
Aspect Ratio	1.33:1 - Full Frame
Original Aspect Ratio	yes
Anamorphic	no

Image Transfer Review: The image quality varies with the age of the segment, with the older songs looking the worse for wear. Shot on video, they exhibit the typical problems associated with the format—a general lack of definition, color blooming, aliasing, and sometimes murkiness. Color saturation and fidelity is respectable for the most part. All of the degrading factors are attributable to the source. Considering the technology used to capture these performances, I am fairly happy with the presentation, although they are far from perfect, especially the pre-90125 installments.

Image Transfer Grade: B-
 

Audio Transfer

	Language	Remote Access
DS 2.0	English	yes
Dolby Digital 5.1	English	yes

Audio Transfer Review: Audio is available as either 2.0 stereo, or 5.1 surround. The surround track is basically the stereo mix with ambience in the rear channels, which does give a larger feel to the track, but also makes it less focused. Audio quality is quite good, again taking into consideration the age of the material.

Audio Transfer Grade: B+ 

Disc Extras

Full Motion menu with music
Music/Song Access with 12 cues and remote access
Packaging: generic plastic keepcase
Picture Disc
1 Disc
1-Sided disc(s)
Layers: single

Extras Review: Housed in a clear keepcase, the set includes writing credits and website info on the back side of the cover.

A Play All feature plus individual song chapters are included.

Extras Grade: D
 

Final Comments

Rhino presents the long overdue domestic release of this Yes video compilation. For fans who haven't already purchased the import version, this collection should be a welcome addition.

Jeff Ulmer 2005-07-14