Product ReviewsThe Van Halen Story - The Early Years (DVD, 2003)

Good short documentary but don't expect too much

I purchased a copy of "The Van Halen Story - The Early Years" because I've been a big fan of this band for most of my life, so needless to say, I'm always on the lookout for interesting pieces of memorabilia and live footage, etc. This covers a lot of the early years from childhood up until David Lee Roth left the group in 1985. There are a lot interviews with former roadies and security guards sharing some inside fun facts and stories and such and several audio recordings of interviews with members of the group. you get to see former members too. The one big problem I have with the DVD is you don't hear or see ANY Van Halen music! It was a big let down when I realized I wasn't going to see any footage from live shows or listen to any studio recordings. Its a decent buy for any serious fan or collector, but i don't recommend spending more than a few dollars on it.Read full review...

DO NOT BUY THIS!!!!

This is an obviously "unauthorized" biography of VH early years. They quite deftly string together a limited number of old VH still photos (not owned by the boys in VH), and take old interview cuts, and string everything together with VH-like rock & roll soundtrack. About a half hour into it, I noticed something disturbing:

Not one, I repeat, not one iota of live "motion" footage of the band playing. Not a single note of live or recorded VH music in the whole thing. This would be a fantastic DVD if VH would authorize release of old video if any exists (old VH appears to be the "anti-Kiss") and allow their music and live interviews to appear. I'd pay $50+ for that DVD!!! Thanks goodness I only paid $10 for this one. Worth $10 to a devoted VH fan.Read full review...

LIVED IT VAN HALEN ONE oF THE BEST BANDS EVER

Tru life moments Rock music at its best

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: tom-dog33

Van Halen The Early Years DVD

An average documentation of the Roth days with the band. The highlights are Roths old manager/bodyguard Ed Anderson and the old guitar player from Snake (Mike Anthony's original band) He still looks like he is in shock from seeing Edward play back in '76! Don't waste your time or your money. You are better off buying bootlegs from collectors! Only behind the music (VH1) knows how to make these kinds of videos.Read full review...

VH have started more than realised, they rule!!!

Their sound is definitive, dynamic, technical, proffessional & smacks with an amazing party vibe. All members are from humble, basic beginnings & it's proven in this DVD. via interviews with friends close to them, if you dig Van Halen you will enjoy this thoroughly like I do.
Just like the old Van Halen vinyl, put it on & turn it up- you won't be disappointed- but if you're new you maybe shocked & impressed!
ENJOYRead full review...

damaged case

I recieved the item but it looked like someone ran over it. The case was crumbling. I looked at the dvd and it had a minor crack but it seems to play. I replaced the case with one of my old dvd's. Maybe it should be packaged differently to avoid this.Read full review...

Pretty weak content, but still interesting.

Not as much content/commentary from the actual band members as I would have expected. Still fun, if you can get it for a good price.

Good Title - you know what you're getting

I love anything vanhalen - which is why I bought this DVD. Really, nicely put together video w/interviews w/all the players and the "music people" in their lives @that time. Also liked how the "places" they talked about were included in the video.Read full review...

Not an authorized version.

The music that you here on this DVD, isn't even Van Halen music. Don't waste your time, or your money on this one. This is a cheaply done knock-off.