DVD Review: Rare 'T.A.M.I. Show' restored to original rock 'n' roll glory

“The T.A.M.I. Show” (Shout Factory)

The uncut version of the first and rarest concert film of the rock ‘n’ roll era is finally available for viewing for the first time since its initial theatrical release in November 1964.

Aside from the five rock bands, all the performers are backed by the band known in the history books as “the Wrecking Crew,” which played on all the Phil Spector-produced hits under the baton of Jack Nitzsche, with future stars Leon Russell on keyboards and Glen Campbell on guitar.

Here’s the Beach Boys playing note-perfect renditions of “Surfin’ U.S.A.,” “I Get Around” and “Surfer Girl” (with Brian Wilson singing in crystalline falsetto just two months before retiring from touring after a nervous breakdown). The surfer dudes’ segment, cut from the film shortly after its initial release for some contractual reason, is restored here for the first time in 46 years.

The Stones (with the late Brian Jones) roll righteously through “Around and Around,” “Off the Hook” and “It’s All Over Now. The Miracles, Supremes, Gaye and especially Brown nearly steal the show with stellar performances, and Gore proves what a great belter she really was. Available only piecemeal on bootleg or low-quality tapes or laser discs until now, this complete, remastered DVD is a must-own for young and old rock fanatics alike.

— Gene Triplett