Bee Gees: In Our Own Time [Blu-ray]

Brought back wonderful memories!

It is very difficult to gauge this latest release of Bee Gees history. Probably 2/3 or more has been seen or heard before. All the clips of the late Maurice Gibb are deftly placed at the appropriate spots, and Barry and Robin have plenty of space to share their feelings. The DVD begins with a good amount of history of the early years in Australia and how they became famous in England. The DVD is full of new and old musical clips from shows and concerts that add resonance and feeling to the progress of this renowned group of brothers. However, it seems less than complete.More than most of the concert footage, whether new or old is fuzzy or out-of-focus. Even the more recent concerts (in the last fifteen years) seem old. Maurice's clips are fair quality while Barry and Robin are crystal clear. The time difference is obvious. The story-line of First Fame in the sixties to the doldrums of the early seventies is portrayed. The excess and success of the later seventies is also fairly discussed in equal time, but nothing is truly new. The eighties are glossed over with very little of the brothers individuals works being mentioned other than what they produced for other artists. There is some new and fascinating stories about `You Win Again" from Maurice and the nineties being a new period, accompanied by some new rare clips on television concert appearances. Still, something is missing. The sound mixing can be chosen in DTS Digital Surround Sound, Dolby Surround 5.1 or Dolby Stereo. However, the two surround choices are uneven. Some clips are clearer than others while many are dulled or inadequate for true surround experience. In most cases the only difference is the lack of vocals in the rear speakers, even with the concert clips.The other DVD's covering their history, such as  This Is Where I Came In - The Official Story of the Bee Gees  and  Bee Gees - One Night Only / The Official Story  are almost better in quality and excitement with many artist contributing their opinions and inspirational learning's. The only true new information is when the modern Barry and Robin appear to discuss their family's history. This is one of the first times that one gets a real sense of acceptance and personal growth. The discussion of Andy's passing is heartfelt and the loss of Maurice is heartbreaking. Closing the show, Barry and Robin join for a closed session of, "To Love Somebody" and "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart", two of the most appropriates songs for this show. The final conversation between Barry and Robin is a real eye-opener. Robin unabashedly praises Barry for his achievements and expresses his honor in being his brother. Barry responds as a real gentleman. The viewer gets the feeling that maybe, finally something new will happen. But then again, this show seems like another chapter not yet quite finished. It satisfies the viewer and makes one wonder, what can possibly be next?

The DVD begins with a montage of the Bee Gees performing You Should Be Dancing over the decades - not a chronological montage, but one that moves back and forth through time. This really captures many aspects of the brothers: talent, showmanship, professionalism, timelessness... It was a great way to begin a DVD with this theme, "In Our Own Time" - something that is more autobiography than history, actually.Prior biographies came from someone else's perspective; this one focuses on the brothers' perspective. Thus, "our own" time. It is written while events are still unfolding, and two of the brothers are still alive and active. Thus, "in our... time". Years from now, there will be a time to look back historically; this is the time to hear and preserve their thoughts and feelings in their own words and from their own perspective and while they are still active.True, there are many clips that can be seen in other biographies. How could it be otherwise when the subject is a very famous singing group? But there are clips that are unique. I especially enjoyed seeing them in the recording studio, coming up with the "explosion" sound in Tragedy: the entire moment was shown from idea to perfection of it.Each segment has its own revelations and/or special moments. However, I was most moved by the final one about the loss of Maurice onward. The special scene of Mo and Yvonne together, looking out over the water, reminds us of the deep personal loss of the husband, father, and brother. The two brothers discussing the loss itself and how they dealt with it differently (etc) was very moving. This ends with Barry and Robin singing How Can You Mend a Broken Heart (first verse and chorus). It brought tears, for phrases like "I was never told about the sorrows" have such gut-wrenching meaning when sung by someone who has lost his TWIN brother, and you've just heard him and Barry share about that loss. Yes, they did indeed struggle with "how do you mend a broken heart" and they eventually have come out of that dark time and are closer to each other than ever before. One can't put into words what one sees as one watches this segment, but it is the most heartfelt and deep segment in any biography about them that I have seen.My copy has none of the problems some have mentioned (regarding quality). Some computer programs in digital players of varying types and sources may be more compatible with specific media. All I know is the quality as I viewed this DVD was excellent.

I have to say I disliked the Bee Gees back in the 70s/80s (was that when the disco stuff was?). But I think what I hated wasn't their music so much as that whole Studio 54 mentality. They, themselves, are pretty normal--not like some groups whose names I won't mention-- the ones that care little if nothing for the music, it's all about the chicks, drugs, partying, etc. that they're after, and it shows. But I sat down the other night and watched a two-hour program on Biography called "In Our Own Time" and, little by little, I became fascinated with them, as composers and muscians and people. Barry Gibb is like "The Miraculous Pitcher"-- he never runs out of songs. He's got to be one of the most prolific rock composers. (Robin too, of course!) That and their sometimes-haunting, sometimes dance-til-you-drop melodies really bowl me over. They're gifted and truly, deeply creative. What a kick to see them all when they were just little boys. I am drawn to the clarity of their voices and the really amazing way they have of effortlessly slipping into harmonies as if it were the most natural thing. All my favorite groups use harmony and I think it's such a beautiful sound-- it gives a resonance nothing else can. The Bee Gees, apart from having five songs in America's Top Ten at once, actually had five number One singles in 50 years of music-- once for each decade.  This Is Where I Came In - The Official Story of the Bee Gees Now that is truly fantastic!

I first fell in love with Andy Gibb in the early seventies, as soon as I became aware of pop music, I fell in love with his big brothers within weeks. So yes I am a huge and dedicated fan of everything the Bee Gees have ever done. This DVD only goes to confirm what I already knew, not only are they the best composers of music and the best artists the world has ever seen but it once again shows what wonderful human beings they were and Sir Barry still is. I know all the stories and all the songs from a lifetime of being a fan but I never get tired of hearing them talk about their life and each other with the honesty and true feelings that only the Bee Gees seem to have shown consistently over their very long successful music career. I enjoyed every minute of this DVD and will watch it again and again in the future. The early deaths of Andy, Maurice and Robin was a huge loss to the world and I miss their music enormously, I don’t know how Sir Barry manages to carry on but he does and with all the talent and style that goes along with the name of Gibb. If you like the Bee Gees at all then buy this DVD, it’s a wonderful tribute to the late Gibb brothers and makes me realise how lucky we are to still have Sir Barry and the wonderful music that he is still writing and performing, I hope he will go on for a very very long time. Excellent DVD !

I so wanted to love this dvd as I adore and have always adored the Bee Gees, but the truth is the quality of this dvd is awful.When they are playing the songs, or at least the majority of them, it isn't so bad, but when it comes down to the interviews both the picture and sound quality are dreadful. On occasion more than one person speaks at the same time,making it difficult to hear on an already bad quality disc.At the same time I puchased this dvd I also bought Robin in concert with the Danish National Concert Orchestra and thoroughly enjoyed it,it was by far the better of the two.

This is an interesting insight into the sheer talent of these three very talented people. Lots of information on the way they bring an idea to fruition. It covers the early days and disco era right up to the soulful ballads that they are well known for. Watching this DVD shows how serious and dedicated to their proffession they all were. They wanted only the best and were driven in acheiveing this. They proved that they were the best trio by their success over many years and their music is still played worldwide.

In our own time is a brilliant DVD to watch. Riveted to my TV set watching every move. Great album to buy.

It was brilliant would recommend it