It Might Get Loud

This entertaining doc from the makers of An Inconvenient Truth is more a celebration of three rock stars than an ode to the electric guitar. Jimmy Page, the Edge and Jack White represent three generations of music, but their mastery of rock's signature instrument loosely unites this film. To add a layer of depth, director Guggenheim delves into their influences (skiffle for the post ward Page, punk for the Edge and Delta blues for working class White) and explores their lives before they hit stardom. The Edge revisits the public school where his teenage band, U2, played their first gig. White rolls through rundown Detroit, which used to scorn guitarists in favour of DJs and turntables. Page revisits Headley Grange, the English workhouse where Led Zeppelin recorded their legendary fourth album. We also see rare clips of an adolescent Page playing on British TV, and a baby faced Edge swooning for the camera (for the only time ever) in one of U2's first TV performances. Fine research and intimate access save this film from becoming another "clip job." The DVD contains many extras. The commentary with the director and his two producers opens a door to the production of this movie (an Oscar nomination helps), though now and then they lavish too much praise on their rock god subjects. The press conference at the 2007 Toronto International Film Festival is a refreshing surprise, allowing the three guitarists to comment honestly about the film, but also their craft. Page steals the 11 deleted scenes, playing "Four Sticks" on acoustic, explaining the genesis of "Kashmir" and making sound waves on the Theremin. Altogether, this DVD adds up to a fine package that should be played loud.