Critique du Library Journal

Among the Bob Dylan titles released in the music legend's 70th birthday year are the Blu-ray debuts of two essential films covering what many consider his most creative and influential period. Dont Look Back chronicles Dylan's 1965 solo acoustic British tour and is rightfully acknowledged as one of the finest music documentaries available. The cinema verite approach gives viewers a revealing look at the emerging star on and off the stage. Generous extras include a companion film of outtakes, commentary by director Pennebaker and Dylan friend Bobby Neuwirth, and a lengthy and entertaining exclusive new interview with Pennebaker and acclaimed critic Greil Marcus. All but the interview are available on the 2007 Tour Deluxe edition DVD (ISBN 9780767091565). The Other Side of the Mirror is a concert film comprising three Newport Folk Festival performances. Sets from 1963 and 1964 feature Dylan and special guests (e.g., Joan Baez, of course; Peter, Paul and Mary; the Freedom Singers) performing beautiful renditions of songs from his early folk catalog. The gem of the collection, though, is the legendary 1965 electric performance in which Dylan debuted his controversial new plugged-in sound with a blistering "Maggie's Farm." It is a must-see moment not only for Dylan fans but for anyone interested in the cultural significance of popular music. The bonus interview with director Lerner is also on the 2007 DVD release (UPC 886971446692). Both titles benefit noticeably from Blu-ray's sharper audio and video quality and are highly recommended for all collections.-Douglas King, Univ. of South Carolina Lib., Columbia (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.