Blech!!! Why in the hell didn't they wait until 1977 to capture Genesis in all of their on-stage glory - as well as a view of them being comfortable on a large stage with a massive laser show? This film is so stupid and pretentious, certainly NOT because of Genesis, but because this director decided to include corny-stupid-arty-fart little films to go along with some selections from "A Trick of the Tail." It can be absolutely nauseating to watch at times. However - for fans and historians alike, it's great to watch Phil Collins long before he became an accomplished performer in his own right. He's very rusty and nervous as he goes through the motions - and that's a part of Phil that can be so fun and so interesting to watch - he's so young and undeveloped. Yet, just one year after this - Phil had full command of the stage, the audience, and his incredibly good voice.
You've been warned - watch at your own discretion (like, around 3a.m. when no one else in the house is awake and about....
By the way - the band members, themselves, have expressed their own disgust for this film and seem to even - gulp, detest it! From all of the press I've read about the premiere, the band found it all too embarrassing when they attended. The premiere happened to include, of all people, Princess Anne. It seems the Princess was quite a fan. But look - if the members of the band are even embarrassed by this - then you know what your in for when you watch it. However, no fan of this era of Genesis should miss it - warts and all! The music is fantastic - a great listen to the new line-up, still rough around the edges - as mentioned earlier. It's also wonderful to hear a full concert of Bill Buford's interpretations. I only wish they would have waited a year to capture their stunning "Wind and Wuthering" tour, when they were much more secure about themselves and playing much more tightly with Phil up front. By the time of "W&W," Genesis' performances were flawless. My vote is 2 out of 10 - disliked the film, but loved the music, and I still love the band! My $0.02....
