The Ventures: Stars on Guitars

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.

Terrific history of the Ventures with lots of famous musicians contributing commentary. Enjoyed it overall, but was disappointed that there was so little actual footage of the band actually performing! Not one complete song! I realize that the footage is available elsewhere, but I was really expecting to see some of it here.

Great to hear Don Wilson reminisce along with all the others - just wished they played a bit!

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!

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!

I was very lucky to have been given a preview of this documentary. I say lucky because it is packed anecdotes from the band members along with samples of music by those fabulous Ventures. Just as entertaining are the testimonials by dozens of top performers who have, through nearly six decades, been influenced by the official "World's No. 1" Instrumental Group" and their phenomenal output of recorded music. The number of these famous guitarists and bands influenced by The Ventures is surprising and staggering to say the least, and thrilling to hear what they say about the days when they were just getting started in their own musical careers. I can't wait to see Stars On Guitars again when it will no-doubt be shown on the PBS networks, and maybe even on a major network such as ABC.