The Beach Boys Pet Sounds, Blu-ray (2016)

by | Sep 23, 2016 | DVD & Blu-ray Video Reviews

The definitive authorized story of the early Beach Boys and “Pet Sounds”.

The Beach Boys Pet Sounds, Blu-ray (2016)

Cast: The Beach Boys, various talking heads
Studio: Eagle Vision/Universal  EV8335479
Video: for 16:9 screens, HD 1080i color
Audio: English, DTS-HD MA, PCM stereo
Subtitles: English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese
Extras: Additional interviews (30 min)
Rating: ****

This documentary explores the beginnings of the Beach Boys and preparations for their acclaimed 11th studio album, Pet Sounds. Brian Wilson, the brains behind The Beach Boys, had quit touring about a year before in order to concentrate on writing and recording in the studio. The documentary features archive footage and exclusive interviews, looking at the relationships in the band at the time and the creative process behind what many consider to be one of the most influential albums of the ‘60s.

Brian worked in the studio while the rest of the boys were out touring, and he created multi-layered compositions with painstaking attention to details, utilizing orchestration, sound effects and unusual instruments. The band then returned from touring and added their trademarked complex vocal harmonies, with several singing falsetto. The band was highly affected by The Beatles’ Rubber Soul album (as I and others were) and this one is universally regarded as one of the finest albums from the pop world of the ‘60s and therefore merits its place in this Classic Albums series. Most of the band thought the band’s visit to the zoo with a photographer for the cover was silly.

—John Henry

Related Reviews
Logo Pure Pleasure
Logo Crystal Records Sidebar 300 ms
Logo Jazz Detective Deep Digs Animated 01