Tales From A Golden Age: Bob Dylan 1941 – 1966

 

Picture: C+     Sound: C+     Extras: C     Documentary: B-

 

 

Here at the site, we see our share of unauthorized documentary programs on all kinds of music artists.  Usually, they are by the companies issuing them and are often better than you would think.  In the case of Tales From A Golden Age: Bob Dylan 1941 – 1966 (2004), this early look at Dylan may be missing any original Dylan music, but has plenty of interviews with people who were there and facts laid out in a solid, chronological order.

 

Part of this has to do with the fact that a Dylan fan club was involved, specifically, Isis.  This is the name of the International Bob Dylan magazine and is a piece fans can appreciate.  There is nothing too controversial, though the lack of any outside music being discussed robs this of any context.  Despite this, it is a good, basic opening look at one of the most important music careers in American Music and one fans will particularly enjoy.  It will also answer some questions you might not have known to ask.

 

The 1.33 x 1, full frame image has been taped and may have originated in the PAL format.  It is clean and most of the footage is recent, so that does not hurt.  The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo is basic and simple, with no surrounds of any kind.  With no original music, this is not as much of a problem, making for an adequate performer.  Extras are all text, including stills plus text on all his official album and singles releases until 1966.  Most interesting and valuable of all, there is a much longer list of many bootleg releases of his music, something fans go for, but is never an ethical thing.  However, the variety of them is shocking, with the fact that Dylan’s home label of Columbia Records does not release more of this themselves.  Oh well, maybe now that they have so many of his albums out on Super Audio CD, this might be the next step.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo