I bought this DVD out of curiosity, being a Gibson Les Paul guitar player that I am. The film opened up immediately by introducing you to Les Paul in his home getting ready to do a gig in Manhattan. Of course, I wasn’t sure if I should be surprise that his home was messy with guitar parts and gadgets all over the place? Or the fact that being his age (at the time of the film) that his house wasn’t more of an organize and clean. Either way, I guess it’s safe to say that you shouldn’t expect it to be organize and clean coming from someone who’s constantly looking to change and innovate the guitar/music world.

The film actually does focus on Les Paul and his accomplishment. But to hear the beginnings of his work from the man himself is like sitting in the room with him and feeling history. Lets not forget, the man can still play even in his late age. More importantly you can see and hear it in his music.

Now I have to say that this film is NOT a biography about Les Paul. But it does give you a brief insight to his humble beginnings from a small town to his working relationship to Mary Ford and eventually marrying her. (Which the film did not really cover. A fact that I learn only through the historic video that was included in the film.)

What’s great about this film was that it does illustrate how much of an inventor Les Paul was. I was truly impress with his early works in developing a 4-track recording system, which took the size of a small room. What was really cool was that he did it all on vinyl records, some kitchen tools, and scrap metals. (No kidding! It wasn’t like there was a Radio Shack at the time!!)

But the highlight of the film was when Les Paul walked into his bedroom, you can see literally hundreds of guitars neatly stacked along the corridors and walls. I doubt that is the same bedroom he sleeps in, but nonetheless, it was quite impressive. However, what I was waiting for was really to see that first log guitar he had built.

Throughout the film, there were plenty of great guitarists talking about Les and playing with Les. I was totally excited to see a younger BB King on stage ripping with Les. It was like a double whammy, because I think this was the first time I’ve ever seen BB King standing and jamming. But to top it off with Les… WOW!!!

Overall, this is definitely a great DVD to own, regardless if you’re a Gibson lover or a Fender lover. Cause there was bit in the film that did discuss the rivalry between the 2 companies. (Fender Les Paul…? Nah!!) Either way, regardless, the film does justice in giving you a broad view of how the music industry had changed over the decades, in both tone and technology. Without innovative thinkers and people who’s constantly looking to chase that sound, where would music be today?