The Ventures: Stars on Guitars

If you want to know how it all started with the Ventures and what the guitar driven wave of their career was like, this wonderful film by Staci Layne Wilson immerses you in the men, the woman, and the music that took the world by storm. Chock full of delicious guitar licks and fabulous interviews and recollections, Stars On Guitars takes you there and you're glad you went.

The story of the rock group, The Ventures, is extremely well told in this documentary, even though it's a relatively low-budget production. This is because it manages to have the stuff most viewers want in a flick like this. First, it has actual interviews with nearly all the members of the band. A few of these interviews were done long before the film debuted....and someone fortunately thought to record all this for posterity. Second, it features lots of inteviews with folks in the music industy and who knew the rock group...not folks waxing philosphical about folks they simply never knew (an annoying problem I have seen in some similar films). Third, it manages to infuse the film with an excitement and appreciation for the group. So, if you aren't a fan, you'll likely be checking Spotify or Amazon Music or some other service to hear more of their music. Fourth, it helps you draw connections to other groups and genres to show you how The Ventures and their music affected so many in the industry. Overall, extremely well made and never dull...this is the sort of documentary I wish they made for all rock 'n roll legends.

Stellar documentary honoring one of the most influential rock bands the world over, The Ventures. Its a breezy, toe-tapping delight jam packed with star-studded interviews, archival footage and eye popping animations. Oh and killer music of course. Don't miss it!

You will be too! The Ventures are a band you may not know of, but don't know that you already know. Ya know? Well, Stars on Guitars gives you all the insight of them and more. And, it's a fun film! Very entertaining, funny, and heartfelt. The band that has such a history and outsold the Beatles -something I never knew! I have watched this documentary several times and what I love about it is that I discovered something new every time that I had missed in my prior viewings. That's what makes this film entertaining, you learn so much from it. All the way down to guitar playing techniques and details of making certain sounds. Don Wilson's daughter -the stylish Staci Layne Wilson- shows all the sides of the bands. The highs and lows, tribulations and triumphs in a respectful and nostalgic fashion. The animation also adds a fun flow and the film is not a sugarcoated documentary. Their story is a ride of ups, downs, and sideways, but The Ventures: Stars on Guitars leaves you with a smile -yours!

Well-done musical documentary, very entertaining as well as educational. Loved Billy Bob Thornton's take on things as well as many notable rock stars. You don't have to particularly be a Ventures fan to enjoy this film--although you might be surprised how many of your favorites where actually done by them. Highly recommended!