After achieving stardom by taking over the lead vocals of Genesis from Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins released his first solo album, Face Value, in 1980. This installment of the Classic Albums series explores the making of th... more »is album in a one-hour documentary film, with Collins himself providing the bulk of the insightful commentary. From his home studio, he discusses how the lyrics to "In the Air Tonight" wrote themselves after his painful divorce and why a drummer would ever use a drum machine. Also interviewed are engineer Hugh Padgham, producer Ahmet Ertegun, Genesis colleagues Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford, and many of the studio musicians. Songs such as "Behind the Lines," "I Missed Again," "The Roof Is Leaking," "This Must Be Love," and of course "In the Air Tonight" are excerpted in both home and concert footage (some of it previously unreleased), and Collins accompanies himself at the piano in a wrenching "Please Don't Ask," which was cut from the album. In the two decades between the original album's appearance and this 1999 video production, Phil Collins has gone on to become an international solo star, but many still consider Face Value his finest album. This excellent documentary shows you why. A rare and welcome insight into Phil Collins' prodigious musical talent and the fascinating story of his first solo record. Collins first enjoyed international success as the drummer of Genesis and then as lead singer after Peter Gabriel left the band. In 1981, however, Face Value launched him as a solo artist and remains, in many ways, his most exciting and unusual music offering. Face Value was immediately a worldwide hit, entering the British charts at Number 1, spending almost six years in the Top 75, and selling in excess of 12 million copies. The album went on to make the U.S. Top 10, earning a gold record. This documentary includes several previously unseen performances, as well as rare home movies, unique photographs and documents from Phil's own privat« less
"This is a must for all true fans! I have watched it 7 times in a row and can't get enough of it. It's almost like being part of making the album. If you ever wondered what the origional title of "I Missed Again" was, you will get a chance to hear a bit of the origional demo tapes. If you want to hear "Hand in Hand" being played backwards on a track of "Tommorow Never Knows" this is it! There is so much detail! Hugh Padgham, the Engineer, sits with Phil and plays back individual tracks from the original tapes...and they explain how it was done. Includes guitar by Eric Clapton and strings by Ravi Shankar! It even has a previously unrelaesed full length music video of "If Leaving Me is Easy" as well as a clip of Phil at the piano doing "Plaese Don't Ask"...so emotional he almost cries! If you want the standard music videos watch VH1. If you want to really know how one of the greatest albums of the 20th Century was put together, GET THIS DVD!"
Little Music
Michelle Hensley | 02/20/2000
(3 out of 5 stars)
"If you are looking to find out all about Phil Collins and how he became a star then this is what you want. If you buy this DVD hoping to be treated to a great concert then absolutely forget Face Value"
Very well done
A. Herzman | 04/06/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"An excellent production that has Phil (in very high quality recent footage) walking us through how the famous "Face Value" album was put together. Comments from most of the session musicians featured. Very high quality production, much better than I expected, well worth it for any Phil Collins fan who thinks the first album was in many ways the best. Recommended."
Understand The Potential Phil Collins Once Had
Michelle Hensley | Heart Of The Midwest | 01/21/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Face Value is a classic album and this shows why. I loved the way the whole documentary was put together. The insight into tunes like 'The Roof Is Leaking' and others was a thrill for this long time fan. Unfortunately, one also understands why this album will never be topped. Most major artists have their own 'White Album' - timeless and risky. Face Value was Phil's."
The first is still the best!
matt bogers | North Carolina | 02/16/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This documentary is a very insightful look at Phil Collins' first solo album. It is a rare look into the events surrounding the writing and recording of this "classic album." It includes candid interviews from the musicians who played on the album and Phil's own comments and memories of the session. No, it is not a collection of music videos, but if you are interested in the real story behind Phil's greatest work, it is a must!"