The Ventures: Stars on Guitars

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!

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!

As a local Seattle -Tacoma music blogger, I felt this documentary gave a fantastic insight into part of our music history. I love the more intimate insights given from people who knew them well, and loved their music. I am SO blessed to have watched a preview of this movie with one of Don Wilson's daughters. An absolute honor to be able to hear firsthand stories.

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.