The Smiley Smile Message Board

Not terribly surprising considering they put a lot of "Soundstage" shows out on DVD, but the website for the "Soundstage" show mentions that you can "reserve" (meaning simply joining a mailing list to be notified when it's available) the DVD. It has artwork for a DVD cover, so I'm thinking it's likely to happen.

Note that the "No Pier Pressure" cover behind the DVD appears to just a case of the website offering the CD for sale as well ("bundles" I would think are likely as well).

The site also mentions, again not surprisingly, that the DVD will feature "bonus" material.

I hope a Blu-ray release happens as well. It would be a shame to shoot the thing in HD and only put it out in SD on DVD.

(http://interactive.wttw.com/sites/default/files/ss15_combo.png)

The little bit of info is here: http://interactive.wttw.com/soundstage

Yes! ;D

Agreed about the blu-ray - given the recent advances in the quality of television screens, I currently see the DVD format like I saw VHS 10 years ago...very outdated.

Regardless, as long as the sound is good I'm very much looking forward to this either way. Thanks for the heads-up!

something weird with the zip code field at the site

Great news.  Thanks for sharing that!

Yep, something is glitching out on the site it seems.

No big deal; it seemed like a lot of info to have to enter anyway just to be "notified" about a future release.

I think the sound should be good. As I've mentioned in other threads, I have several other "Soundstage" DVDs and Blu-rays, all done Joe Thomas, and they sound great. Plus, while the fidelity on YouTube has limitations, the clips from the show on YouTube sound just fine as well in terms of mix, and there doesn't seem to be any overt post-production trickery or anything either.

Ah, and I get who it is now reserving the product for you - the Chicago local PBS station arm that is "for profit."  I was wondering if it was another creepy up-start collecting our email addresses, but they are legit enough, it appears.  And yes, the zip code field is screwed up, so...

I gave them my info, ending by typing "16" for the zip code, and they took it. 

Good point. Looks like this'll definitely be a good one to own then.

Just reserved my copy... or gave them my info with the ZIP Code of 16... 

Ditto that. Oh well.

Hi Debbie,

Our local PBS station (WTTW) produces Soundstage for distribution to other PBS stations that buy it from them. They often make DVDs of the shows and sell them or use them as a premium/gift during fundraising events. They are trying to recover some of the production costs, they're on the level. You are correct.

I hope that's not the final cover.  The Impact font makes it look like a bootleg.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh... splendid !

:pirate

Perfect -  Thank Jim!  I happily give money to any PBS station.  Now, if only I could make that faulty zip code field work, I'd be signing up to be able to buy it.  I think I'll try it again.  Hooray, it worked this time for those of you who had the same problem earlier.

As with the L&M release details I'm struggling to find details,of a Uk release for this.....grrrrrrrr!!

Great news, and it looks to be a far better production than the C50 coverage... speaking of which, one day we need RAH presented as raw and unedited as possible! Until then i'll just be jealous of you London folks and this'll do and be great to trigger smug nostalgia: "yeah I was sitting right..." (freezeframe) "...there!"

Does this mean the special will first air interspersed with appeals for pledges and offers of totebags? Well as long as they mail the discs out quick, telethon away!

Great news!  Just "reserved" a copy.  But I'll be really bummed out if they don't release it in Blu-Ray.

Good.  I signed up for the notification/reservation, but haven't gotten word yet to place the order.  What was the price?

Debbie, Unfortunately I don't have a clue what the price is.  That's why I put quotes around "reserved" - it's really a notification, since they say "Reserve your DVD and/or CD today by filling out the form below. We’ll contact you very soon to let you know how to order."

Just looking forward to ripping the concert's audio to my iPod.  Instant live album!

Looks like they're now taking orders on the website for the DVD (as well as other packages including the CD, live tickets, etc.)

The website seems strangely light on details. For instance, you can buy ticket packages, but it just tells you get two tickets in a certain price tier, and that's it. No details on where the seats are, no details on *how* you get your tickets, etc. It has an "autographed DVD and CD." Are both autographed, or only one? Which one?

I undertstand, the idea is to contribute to public television. But a bit more detail would make me feel more at ease ordering anything.

I'm also curious if the DVD is actually ready to ship, or if they're just taking orders for some unspecified release date.

I don't think it's a scam or anything. But I don't want to order the DVD from them and have it take weeks or months, only to find it's available to buy elsewhere in the meantime.

Don't think you can expect that.  PBS will most likely be the only supplier of the DVD for a specific period of time and will most likely be available elsewhere only until after they've completed promotion with it during an upcoming pledge drive.  That's how it was with the Paul Simon DVD they released a few years ago.  PBS had dibs on it for about a year before it was available everywhere.

Bummer, as I was hoping for a quick mainstream release mainly for the possibility of a Blu-Ray release. Not sure why they're not offering one out of the gate here.

I do have to correct myself a bit on the issue of the ticket packages they are offering. A FAQ gets into the details, although the details basically amount to “we have no idea which seats you’ll get”, only the tier.

Another FAQ asks when one’s tickets, DVD, and/or CD would arrive, and they say within 2-3 weeks prior to concert dates. But is this just for ticket packages, or will I get just a simple DVD order only two or three weeks before concert dates?

I put in a few questions to them, but haven’t heard back yet. I asked if the DVD is available now or not, and also which of the DVD and CD area autographed (or if it’s both?).

This is available now--the email I received claims it is a Blu Ray-DVD combo package! Even better, if you buy the package with the NPP CD for $40 (With shipping) your DVD set is signed by Brian Wilson. Just bought a copy.

Hopefully Amazon and other retailers will be carrying it.  I'm not paying 10 bucks for shipping from that website.

I see the e-mail as well. While I would presume this means all video copies are Blu-ray/DVD combo packs, the website still simply refers to it as a "DVD." No mention of Blu-ray. I'm also troubled that the e-mail has several typos in it (the track "Summer Gone", and misspelling the name "Casey Musgraves").

The website also says the CD will have "16 tracks", but then the tracklisting for the CD in the "FAQ" section shows the 13-track version.

As I've said before, I'm sure this is on the up-and-up. I just don't have a lot of hope regarding their customer service and attention to detail. It has been over 24 hours since I e-mailed them as well, during which time they've found time to send out that additional e-mail.

I'll pay the (inflated) $10 shipping, but it would be nice if they could just answer whether they have the stuff in hand.

Yeah, definite causes for concern on that site, but I am being lenient on them since it's a on-profit deal, and since they are throwing in a Brian Wilson autograph.

Yeah, the site says noting about Blu-ray, but the email, copied below, says there's a limited quantity of autographed Blu-ray DVD dual packs plus CD.

I'd assume that means that if you get the DVD by itself it's also a Blu-ray DVD dual pack, but it's possible that's not the case.  For anyone interested in the DVD it's worth considering that the autographed Blu-ray DVD dual pack plus CD is just 11 bucks more than the unautographed DVD by itself.

Yes, the shipping is expensive, but it's all part of a PBS donation, and from what others have said it may be quite some time before this is available from mass market retailers.

Dear Brian Wilson fan,
 
Public television secured a limited number of autographed Soundstage® Brian Wilson and friends Blu-ray and DVD dual packs, plus Brian’s new CD, No Pier Pressure, available now for a $29 contribution (plus S&H). The Blu-ray and DVD includes 27 songs, including bonus performances of Pacific Coast Highway and Summer Gone, and interviews with She & Him, Nate Reuss, Casey Musgaves and Sebu not seen in the public TV broadcast. Please go to www.wttw.com/soundstage while supplies last.
 
Thank you,
 
WTTW Chicago
5400 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60625

$40?  I'm in!

yeah, I wanted to buy it, but my computer wouldn't let me; had to run down to the library to place my order.

Got two copies of the autographed DVD (one for me and one as a gift). 

At least this shows an actual product unlike that PBS Beach Boys C50 DVD that never happened. 

Plus, the prices are fairly reasonable.  When Maryland Public Television produces a DVD, they usually try to get a pledge of at least $60 for a copy of a one hour long DVD. 

I suppose us Brian Wilson fans will ensure Big Bird has a home for a little while longer.  (Not to be confused with "Little Bird") 

I still haven’t heard back on my (now several) e-mails to the website, but (dare I say possibly in reaction to my emails?) it appears they have updated the website descriptions a bit. While all the buttons and item descriptions on the order form still say “DVD”, the description of the item next to where you click on it does say “Blu-ray DVD” (which still is ambiguous; I don’t know if that means a combo pack of both or if they are using the incorrect term “Blu-ray DVD” to refer a Blu-ray disc).

Still no info on if it’s “ready to ship” now. But elsewhere on the website it does say that the Blu-ray/DVD is exclusive to PBS until November. So that’s enough info for me. I know there’s no other way to get it before then, and I would certainly hope they’ll ship it to me well before November, so I went ahead and placed an order. Hopefully it will go relatively smoothly.

I did get a confirmation e-mail for my order as well, though the “item description” is kind of vague and doesn’t match the “item description” at check out. I’m sure they have proper item/bundle ID numbers and whatnot. I guess I’ve just been ordering from Amazon and places like that too much; I’m just weirded out a bit by the kind of home-brew style of this PBS Soundstage website. 

done.  Wait til November?  Don't think so.  They have added lots of new information since yesterday.  I'm sure it didn't say Blu-ray.  I looked at that Chicago site yesterday, while looking for show-times in my area.  I don't think it is going to show here.  My Time-Warner cable only has WNET out of New York.  I remember the Paul Simon Special mentioned.  It only ever screened on WLIR.  I've never seen it.  The same thing happened with The Moody Blues Hall of Fame DVD.  My brother-in-law paid $200 for that on PBS show night!  Yeah, he's a big Moodies fan, and maybe had one beer too many.  That was fifteen years ago.  PBS made it sound like that was the only way it would ever be released.  I waited a year and bought it for twenty bucks.  My biggest disappointment came with the Steve Winwood soundstage DVD.  They added three tracks, but put them in the "extras" section instead of where they played in the show - and you didn't get the whole set.  Guess that's what will happen with this Brian disc.  27 songs.  That's the whole show, right?  Have to go look up that thread later.

Starbuck's held up the release of the second Simon and Garfunkel live set, Live 1969 Cd as well - sold out quick with no second pressing.  I got that when it came out a year later on Columbia/Legacy.  They make a game out of it.  How bad do you want it, and how much are you willing to pay?  This is Brian.  I'm not waiting.  At least they are giving you the Blu-ray.  Winwood's and some of the others are buy again later to get the Blu-ray.  I'm probably going to miss the tour unless they swing by Albany again.

I didn't have any trouble finding the Target No Pier Pressure yesterday.  I paid $17 for that, so I don't think PBS is asking too much for a Blu-ray and Cd.  I hope if it's just one signed, I get the DVD with a big B.Wilson scribbled across the cover.  They did not ask my preference when I ordered.  This deal with keeping the customer in the dark has become common, especially with box sets.  You'll see when we ship.  There was page after page of speculation at Hoffman's on what would be on the last Kinks box, the UK and American editions were in the end different.  Then my UK version came with an error on one of the discs... hmm - doesn't every box come with a problem?.  Collecting has become very difficult online.

No shipping to Canada???  Sad.  I was at the vegas show and really would love to have a copy of this but it doesn't allow for shipping to Canada.  Any US fans wanna help a Canadian fan.  Bgas, Mikie...  Anyone???

You got any proof you were really there?  

 Informed sources tell me that those not in the USA that want to purchase from the site should write Elizabeth here: soundstage@wttw.com and express your desire.

She was also nice enough to tell me that all orders will be shipped as soon as they are placed ( I'm presuming maybe a 1 day lag) as the fulfillment house has everything ready

Rich, if you still need help with this, inquire within.

Forget paying back Bgas - He has pocketfuls of cash for Ebay auctions, he can afford to eat the cost of the sound check.

I also got a reply that the Blu-ray/DVD (which they re-confirmed is a combo pack) and CD are available now and shipping as they are ordered. (Although, as mentioned above, I'm assuming a few days of processing is likely).

I should also mention that aside from all the nitpicky stuff about the website, I'm really looking forward to this, especially now that they are putting this on Blu-ray. The clips of the show on YouTube look and sound great. I think this will be an awesome Blu-ray. I'm not always enamored with the Joe Thomas production ethos in the studio (oboes, plinky guitar, plinky bass, plinky percussion, low key jazzy guitar parts, etc.), but his work in the video realm is top notch. I have several other Blu-ray discs of his "Soundstage" show, and they look and sound great. Simple and effective direction too (I think Thomas usually directs the episodes too); not a bunch of quick cut crap.

Thanks to HeyJude and others for your efforts.  By going the extra mile and sharing the replies you received, I was eventually reasonably assured enough to pull the trigger on the autograph package.

From the clips we've seen, the show looks (and sounds) fantastic.  The blu ray would have been a day-one purchase for me whenever it was released, anyway, so I'm happy to get it done. 

Even better, this will be my first BW autograph.  I know evidence has been shared in the past that suggests Brian doesn't sign everything that is purported to be legitimate, and it would be a real bummer to get a 'not-Brian' Brian autograph.  Fingers-crossed that these will be the real deal.  I'll share a photo of the signature when it arrives and hopefully we can reach some kind of consensus on that front.

Wait:  Looking back at the link, it just says "Autographed Brian Wilson and Friends: A Soundstage Special Event Blu-ray disc and DVD and No Pier Pressure CD."  It doesn't actually say "Brian Wilson autographed" or "Signed by Brian Wilson."

Uh-oh.  See, I should have been more careful before clicking 'buy.'

I think autographs from the "No Pier Pressure" promotions are more than likely legit. He signed some "NPP" CDs for "Looney Tunes Records" that were up for sale (mentioned via Facebook), and they showed a pic of that CD and it looked enough like a BW autograph to me.

You can also go back to a thread I started last year where I found a Gershwin CD with a really sketchy looking autograph in a used CD bin for like 10 bucks or something, and the actual consensus seemed to lean much more towards it being legit. One of the big takeaways from that discussion was that confirmed, in-person legit autographs can even look quite different. This one looked all spidery. Mixture of whatever was Brian's signing style that day, along with literally a bumpy CD cover to sign, and what appeared to be Sharpie running out of ink.  :lol

The PBS e-mail response I got also mentioned that the signature is on a "card" (whether a white blank card, or the "insert" for the Blu-ray, or some other card, I don't know) inside the Blu-ray rather than on the cover of the Blu-ray or CD itself. Makes sense. They probably sent Brian bunch of the cards to sign rather than hauling boxes of Blu-rays for him to sign.

This is how my e-mail looked. While awkwardly phrased, I think their intent is clear:

Subject: Limited number of Brian Wilson autographed DVDs
Dear Brian Wilson fan,

Public television secured a limited number of autographed Soundstage® Brian Wilson and friends Blu-ray and DVD dual packs, plus Brian’s new CD, No Pier Pressure, available now for a $29 contribution (plus S&H). The Blu-ray and DVD includes 27 songs, including bonus performances of Pacific Coast Highway and Summer Gone, and interviews with She & Him, Nate Reuss, Casey Musgaves and Sebu not seen in the public TV broadcast. Please go to www.wttw.com/soundstage while supplies last.

So if they're not signed by either the Beach Boy or the former Giants closer, they are definitely misrepresenting what they are selling.

It also states that the Blu-Ray and DVD are separate discs but in one combo pack--they haven't exactly made that clear, either, but again, it's awkwardly presented on the website.

I contacted the soundstage store after I got the first email to clarify whether or not it's a Brian Wilson autograph since the email just said "autographed DVD." 

Soon after a second email went out that said "Limited Number of Brian Wilson autographed DVDs." 

There's a picture of him on Facebook signing some vinyl copies of NPP, so I'm hoping they do the same for the concert. 

I would say out of all of the ambiguities, the issue of what name will appear on the autograph isn’t one to worry about too much. That part is pretty implicit. Look at it this way; if it’s one of the *other* guest stars who sign it instead, you can probably eBay the autograph for a few bucks!

I think they’d be asking for a slew of complaints if the thing is only autographed by Craig, the intern who is stuffing the envelopes.

It is interesting that they continue to update the verbiage on the website in apparent response to fan questions. Those website people are probably uber-annoyed by us by now!  :lol

Ha ha, yeah, they sure have--but, I think everything has been cleared up now, so that's good.

One of the e-mail and/or website blurbs mentions the Blu-ray/DVD includes 27 songs. It appears 31 were performed at the live gig. We know at least two of the 27 will be the in-studio Deschanel tracks, and there probably be another non-live Musgraves track. So we might be looking at 24 of the 31 live show tracks being used.

The 17 confirmed tracks from the TV airing are:

1. Our Prayer
2. Heroes and Villains
3. Good Vibrations
4. This Beautiful Day
5. Runaway Dancer
6. Don't Worry Baby
7. Wild Honey
8. Sail On Sailor
9. Half Moon Bay
10. Saturday Night
11. Hold On, Dear Brother
12. On the Island (studio)
13. God Only Knows (studio)
14. The Right Time
15. Wouldn't It Be Nice
16. Help Me, Rhonda
17. Fun, Fun, Fun

The following songs are also in the trailer:

18. Sloop John B
19. Sail Away

We also know that the two “Radio” suite songs should be on there:

20. Pacific Coast Highway
21. Summer’s Gone

Is it safe to assume we’ll probably get an in-studio video for the Musgraves track?

22. Guess You Had to Be There

That leaves five slots for the following 12 tracks from the live show:

Dance Dance Dance
Then I Kissed Her (Al)
She Knows Me Too Well (Ike)
Marcella
Don’t Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder) (Isham)
California Saga: California (Al)
Darlin’ (Ruess)
God Only Knows (Ruess)
California Girls
All Summer Long
Barbara Ann
Surfin’ USA


This all assumes the citation of 27 tracks is correct, and that all of the “bonus songs” they’ve mentioned so far are contained within that 27 track count.

Jude,

If you click on the FAQ link at the order site, there's a picture of the back of the DVD (and obviously we hope Blu-Ray, as advertised, as well) with the included song titles:

Our Prayer
Heroes and Villains
Sloop John B.
Dance, Dance, Dance
Good Vibrations
This Beautiful Day
Runaway Dancer
Don't Worry Baby
Marcella
Wild Honey
Sail On Sailor
Sail Away
Half Moon Bay
Don't Talk
Saturday Night
Hold On, Dear Brother
Darlin'
On the Island
God Only Knows
The Right Time
Wouldn't It Be Nice
Help Me, Rhonda
All Summer Long
Fun, Fun, Fun
Guess You Had To Be There

Bonus Songs:
Pacific Coast Highway
Summer's Gone

(27 total)

Bonus Features:
She & Him Interview
Nate Reuss Interview
Kacey Musgraves Interview
Sebu Interview


FWIW, I ordered the combo pack early this morning, myself. And while my CC was immediately charged (coming through as "Paypal"), I never received the confirmation e-mail.

Thus, I'm hoping it'll be processed.:)

Worth it for the live versions of PCH and Summer's Gone.  (Can't believe they did these two without From There to Back Again).

Thanks! Not sure how I missed that before.

Interesting, so it looks like the following are cut:

Then I Kissed Her (Al)
She Knows Me Too Well (Ike)
California Saga: California (Al)
God Only Knows (Ruess)
California Girls
Barbara Ann
Surfin’ USA


Cutting the Ike track isn’t surprising, and the extra Ruess track would be repetitive. Kind of a bummer they cut two more Al songs, especially since we don’t really have an officially released video iteration of those tracks. Surprised they cut those last three obvious “hits.” While I wish we would have had those extra two Al tracks, I have to commend them overall for not only the show’s setlist, but for keeping in most of the interesting stuff. Cutting “Barbara Ann” and “Surfin’ USA” but including “Hold on Dear Brother” and a trumpet version of “Don’t Talk” is pretty impressive.

Also interesting to see the two “Radio” suite tracks presented as bonus material. I’m curious if perhaps they used a rehearsal/soundcheck performance instead of the live show versions? I’m trying to think of why else they’d present it apart from the main program.

It’s also possible the deletions are to some degree arbitrary due to budget. It’s very expensive to clear the publishing for videos (rather than the flat rate for CDs), so the fact that they cleared this many is pretty cool. Though, I can’t imagine something like “California Saga” would cost more to clear than some of those classic BB tracks.

It looks like God Only Knows is on the DVD list. 

With the amount of footage you can put on a DVD or BluRay, I still don't understand why we can't get the full concert. 

While the cuts aren't as bad as The Beach Boys 50 Live DVD, it's still a little frustrating.

It's probably the in-studio version with She & Him from the TV special, not the version from the concert with Nate Ruess singing lead.

Anyone know whether this DVD/Blu-Ray product is region coded, please?

You said it!  Having live renditions of these two in superb quality will be wonderful.  :hat

And didn't they sound-check FTtBA prior to this show (or, at least sometime very recently)?  It sure would have been suite to have all three.

Looks like a few of us bought this Blu-ray/ Cd combo.  They charged my bank account on the 9th, but I still have no shipping notice.  They won't answer the 3 e-mails I sent, and I've talked to them twice.  That 800- 633-5633 phone number is just a sales connection. 

Anybody heard from them?  I've never been charged before day of ship.

Pretty much same thing here

My CC was charged immediately. Yet, I never received an e-mail confirmation as it said I would when the order was placed. So, I thought I would send a quick message using the contact form just to confirm that my order was indeed received. No response. Then, I decided to give the phone number on the site a call for the same reason. Someone there took my "order inquiry" message down and said that they would forward it along, noting that someone from Questar would contact me. Again, no response. That was last Friday.

So, at this point, I guess it's just hope and wait. At the very least, all I'm looking  for is some sort of confirmation that my order was indeed received. Auto charges to credit cards, by themselves, don't exactly fill me with confidence. Order confirmation numbers do. :)

And, same here...promises a 48 hour reply.  None several days later.

Coming out of lurk-mode just to say that all of your stories regarding great customer service inspired me to give them my credit card number as well.   ;D

Ultimately, the autograph package is too cool to pass up even the chance to get it.  Here's hoping!

I just placed an order and immediately got a confirmation email.

Public Broadcasting doesn't seem to be too great with communication in general. 

I asked a question about the autograph package over a week ago without a reply. 

On another note, last week, I emailed a question to my local PBS station regarding some DVDs in their shop.  I was basically saying "I have money I want to give up if you just answer this question."  One week later, no reply. 

There's an actual product being released, so I'm hoping this doesn't turn into something like the C50 DVD fiasco. 

It would especially be nice to know about the DVD shipping date as I'm hoping to have it in time for a gift in June. 

On the issue of charging the card prior to shipping, I don’t think that in and of itself is problematic. I’ve ordered many items where they charge immediately but still take days or weeks to ship out.

But the lack of response to e-mails is unfortunate (I’ve sent a couple myself). I did get the e-mail confirmation once I placed an order. The confirmation had very little info. As I mentioned previously, the item description was very general and didn’t match any description on the website. There also wasn’t, as far as I can tell, any order number associated with the order.

It all seems pretty consistent as far as how that website operation seems to be run. I’ve sent four or five e-mails and only one time got a response (and that response was to a general e-mail I sent before placing an order; the two e-mails I’ve spent asking about my order have not been answered). Also, keep in mind that it was only in the last few days that Brian’s Facebook page alerted fans that the Soundstage site was up and running and selling stuff. The website has probably received much more traffic and orders in the days *after* some of us on this board placed orders. They were already barely responding to e-mails before that potential deluge of orders.

Just to clarify...

In my particular case, it really isn't a matter of me being concerned that my CC was charged; I'd expect that to be done automatically by their order software.

What concerns me is is that it might be a twofold process where the folks who are filling the orders need to *see* an actual order and that order's details from a customer -- independent of the auto charge process. And without any sort of confirmation on my end with the specifics of what I actually ordered or where to ship it  -- the autographed combo in my case as well -- I'm not positive that they have. That is, I just want to make sure that I don't slip through the cracks on the order fulfillment end of things. Unfortunately, and even though my CC was also automatically charged, that *has* happened to me in the past with another, unrelated company [And, in that case, by the time I pointed out to them that my CC was charged, they apologetically told me they were out of what was a limited edition item. For whatever reason, the order fulfillment department apparently had no specific record of my order and weren't even aware of the automatic CC charge.].

Not saying that's gonna happen this time, but the fact that some people got order e-mail conformation of their placed orders, however basic, while others didn't.....does concern me a bit. Hopefully, it's just a glitch in their software. On the other hand, the lack of communication following several inquiries kind of sucks.

Definitely all valid points. I can only hope that the longer the website is up and taking orders, and the more people place orders, the less likely it is that the whole thing is a big clusterfudge at least in terms of people getting what they ordered at some point.

The communication issue is the big issue. I’d be fine if they wrote back and said “Orders will take 1 to 2 weeks to process.” Even that would already be kind of misleading considering both the website verbiage and a personal e-mail I got specifically said the stuff is “in stock” and ships out as soon as it’s ordered. But some sort of communication would be nice.

Indeed. I've never been a big fan of "silent limbo." In any aspect of life...lol.

This is why I haven't ordered mine yet.  Doesn't seem organized at all.

Normally, I would have waited as well. But if they’re at least being accurate when they say this is the only way to get it until November (other than, I would presume, eventual pledge drives through PBS stations), then I would say it’s worth it since there’s no alternative and the wait will be same either way.

I certainly would have a very tough time biting the bullet on purchasing one of their “ticket packages” for $250-$300. That seems even more sketchy and vague.

Anybody tried calling the 800 phone number on the website? I haven’t yet.

Ordered mine from the nice lady Bgas Merioneth a few days ago. She sent a very sweet email instructing how to go about placing an international order and advised that she's oversee it personally. So I ordered and forwarded the confirmation email subsequently received directly to her, along with delivery details.

Heard nothing since.

Mikie would probably suggest that Bgas and the nice lady are now in Rio, partying … but I have faith. I think.

Si, I did. My own experience:

http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,20216.msg511797.html#msg511797

I sent off a quick email asking whether my order has shipped.  They promise a response in one business day.  We'll see.

Hey John Manning,

I did exactly the same thing as you.  I was told the same thing.  Have heard nothing since as well.  I am sceptical but holding onto hope.  I was at this concert (sitting beside BGas funnily enough) and really want to have this in my collection.  If is see pics of BGas with a new tan or some new rare vinyl, I might start to get more suspicious though.  ;-)

If it's of any help, I ordered mine a week ago, got the confirmation mail and nothing since. Sent a reply to that email today; not expecting anything in reply by tomorrow( 1 day)  based on all others' experiences. But if I don't hear anything, I'll call and let you know... 

Having ordered from PBS on a number of occasions, whether during fund drives or not, I'm not really concerned about the lack of email response.  They aren't exactly noted for timeliness or replies.  Eventually (usually when I've finally forgotten about the order) the stuff arrives.  No worries.

How about this.  Has anyone ordered it while a pledge drive is going on?  Like in Chicago, where this offer seems to be coming from.  Hasn't WTTW already showed it?  I won't have that opportunity, since it will not air in my area.

I wrote to WTTW yesterday...still no response.  If writing doesn't work by Friday, I will try to call them.  As said, the 800 # is a sales only connection to soundstage@questarentertainment.com  or soundstage.questarvideo.com/autograph.  The company seems to be real - you can key them in at Amazon and DVDs pop up for sale.  Yesterday I even talked with someone, Romina, who claimed to be a supervisor.  She did the same thing the saleslady did - take my information and give it to Customer Service.  I've been waiting for Customer Service to get back to me, by phone, since last Saturday.
  

It's too bad the way this is being handled--clearly they were not mailing orders as they came in or a lot of us would have had it by now. I also received a confirmation e-mail after order, but that is the extent of it. I don't really mind, I'm in no huge hurry although I am looking forward to it, but don't tell people you are shipping them immediately or you get people like us concerned!

Did anyone get this yet? Mine just came about an hour ago. Brian's signature is there in a separate card tucked in a special slot in the sleeve just for it. The CD is the 13-track version.

It says on the bottom of your post that you live in Baltimore. 

I do too, so hopefully I'll have some good mail when I get home. 

Very good news! I'm on the west coast, so I'll probably waiting at least a bit longer. But good to know they are sending them out! Their fulfillment service quality may be better than their customer service quality!

Weird question: Is the Blu-ray/DVD combo in a Blu-ray case (the shorter ones, usually with blue plastic), or in a regular sized DVD case? The media nerd in me likes to have Blu-rays in actual blu-ray cases, but I’m guessing based on the artwork on the website that it’s probably going to be a DVD case that houses both the DVD and the Blu-ray disc.

It's DVD-sized, but it's not in a plastic (is "Amray" the correct term?) case. It's a cardboard-based booklet-like design. Inside are two discs - one DVD, one Blu-Ray, nested on top of each other.

Ah, thanks. I hadn’t thought of the possibility that they would do a sort of digi-pak or cardboard sleeve sort of packaging. Makes sense I suppose as a cost-cutting measure. Too bad they couldn’t do with blu-ray case height so it would match blu-ray cases at least in height. I don’t say this as purely an aesthetic thing; some of my shelves are just tall enough for blu-ray disc cases.

Anybody here up to designing some appropriately-sized Blu-ray case artwork? I wish I was better with doing that sort of stuff. With this it would be relatively easy; resizing the front and back covers to match a blu-ray front and back cover, and then designing a new spine so it’ll work in a blu-ray case.

Yes, that’s how much I like keeping all the blu-ray discs together in one spot! If someone is really up for the redesign, that would be awesome!

We are all elf-possessed once in awhile...

And I was about to get on the phone and go there.

Now I won't.  Patience, Will... the mail gets here soon.

thanks for posting Catbirdman.  You get your mail at 9:30am?  I'll be lucky if he gets here by 4pm.

I'm Stoked!

No package in today's mail in Missouri

Stoked!

https://youtu.be/MuqKZnuAdoQ

bgas - Yeah, might have to wait til tomorrow, but at least we know they are in the mail.

Bee-line buzz to upstate New York!  Go!

I ordered mine the first day it was available and got it today via mail in Rochester NY

My mail already came today...and nothing for me. I'm here in Ohio.

Curious: Just so I'm clear. Is there anyone else here who had their CC charged but *didn't* get the confirmation e-mail after ordering? That would go a long way in figuring out whether my situation is an anomaly. :)

TIA.

I ordered mine within a couple of days - soon as I heard it was to be Blu-ray, on the 8th.  Dave, I got only the simplest of "thanks for ordering" type e-mail.

CJS, you are really upstate, and closer to Chicago.  I'm in Ulster, they call it upstate, but it's not really - only 90 miles from NYC.

My mail hasn't come yet...  I'm like the Target shopper, waiting, waiting... open, open, open.

It might screw me up for tomorrow, Record Store Day.  Want to make the rounds of stores near me.  Hoping I can get one of the 1,500 Brian 10 inchers vinyls.

Wait, Doorbell!  Yes!  Got mine!

I'm glad it's with the 13 cut Cd version.  Looking forward to listening to it that way, without troubling to re-program my 18 cut Target Special every time I stick it in.

There's been such long waits between Brian's solo records.  This is the best I've felt since the excitement of the BAD tour.  Always been there for Day of Release, but this new one is really special to me.  Working on a review, but after only a dozen plays still trying to figure out how they got Brian's voice to sound like it's 1965 again.  I don't care how they did it, just glad to hear him sound like that again.  I'm all for the "process."

The 3 I ordered arrived today in Kansas City (MO), so I guess yours will probably come tomorrow, bgas...

I got mine in the mail today. I didn't see any signatures on the outsides of either the CD or the DVD, and both still looked sealed. Were yours sealed?

Hoping the answer is a yes, so that if I open mine, I'll find a signed card (or cards, if there are signatures with both items ... figured it was just DVD).

Just received a copy in the mail now that I'm home from work.

Yes, mine was sealed, and had I not opened it I would have seen no visual evidence of a signature. So you can breathe easy on that front.

Looking at this package, including the seven logos having to do with playback formatting, there is absolutely nothing indicating that a BluRay disc is enclosed. If I had come across this package in a store the apparent lack of a BluRay disc would have been a deal breaker for me. 

For those concerned about region coding, the good news is that the package is labeled All regions NTSC.

Oh, that is such good news! Thank you!

My shipment has arrived. I'm in California, so I think it's probably just down to various elements of the postal system as far as shipping speed.

I agree that it is kind of odd that there are no Blu-ray logos on the packaging itself. Perhaps the addition of the Blu-ray disc was a last-minute (and excellent) decision. I would imagine this will be fixed when/if it hits retail. I actually think it might be against Blu-ray association rules to not have the Blu-ray logo on the packaging, but I'm just guessing on that.

Here are some quick pics. Apologies for the mediocre quality:

(https://scontent-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtp1/v/t1.0-9/11138668_1573315169605174_9106287858646014706_n.jpg?oh=66ebafe722857993a8682302ef844609&oe=55A3CB0B)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xtp1/v/t1.0-9/11109434_1573315199605171_8581847297063090267_n.jpg?oh=5d3c26fb34f95b0c87e20eb3c9bfbdb9&oe=55DD3001&__gda__=1436238119_d9f4d42143be21f34166a22b2b753c4d)

Good news indeed, much appreciated. I took the plunge anyway ;D

Record Store Day is Saturday; that's like tomorrow's tomorrow where I live!  

I think a lot of the RSD stuff is meant to be collectible from the off. Otherwise there wouldn't be much incentive to pile into the store on that date, and to be frank the goods wouldn't be quite so must-have. RSD is a promotion after all.

sh*t, who am Intalking to about collectibility! And anyway you edited your post ;)

yeah, I moved it around to the pertinent threads....

Just watched the majority of the Blu-ray. Looks and sounds good. In a few bits, it momentarily is slightly out of sync. This seems to be merely an editing thing I think. On very rare occasions for a few brief moments, the picture also gets a tiny bit jittery. I think that's just video/mastering stuff. It seems to occur when the background stuff on video screens ramps up. I'd give it a solid 9 out of 10 for audio and video quality. Couldn't be much better I have to say.

Thoughts on the show:

Al just kicked ass on "Wouldn't It Be Nice." Unlike C50 where Foskett kept singing over him, here you can actually hear Al on his own singing it. Ike and/or Matt are doubling in a few spots still, the falsetto bits. But I don't think I've heard Al sing in such a high register and kick ass in eons.

Not a big fan of the music of Ruess, and not super into his voice. But his voice is in the perfect range to nail all the songs he sang on this show. "Saturday Night" sounds good, and he sounds great on "Hold On Dear Brother." He's good on "Darlin'" too, but I don't like how he does the current trendy thing of breaking syllables up in a few spots ("pick me up when I'm feeling saa-aad" with a stutter in the middle of "sad"). But apart from the other BB's in the show, he's the most effective guest star.

The band sounds really good here, and I don't see or hear a bunch of obvious tell-tale post production things tacked on.

Isham's tracks are fine. Sebu's fine too. His "Don't Worry Baby" was similar to Ruess' "Darlin'" in that it was pretty faithful and in the correct key and everything, but in just a few little spots he added vocal inflections/riffs that reek of what a bunch of stuff on the radio sounds like. But that's tiny stuff.

Blondie is awesome. He was really just backing Ruess up on "Hold on Dear Brother", so I would imagine we won't see that in the upcoming tour setlist unless one of Brian's backing guys takes the lead.

For super completest nerds, it's worth noting that the beginning of "Runaway Dancer" has Sebu talking over it in a quick interview clip. I believe the intro is "clean" on the YouTube clip version.

I knew some sharp eye would catch my mistake!  To lazy to change it when I noticed later.  I think, notice said not sure, but hasn't it always been on Friday in previous years?  Just you wait...those brain cells really start to go after about 55.

Anyway, it's a long shot with the '64 sessions vinyl - have a few other things to look for.  I don't believe some of the very short supply titles make it to the shelves.  They always tell you they had one that morning, but...

although we have three stores in a twenty mile radius, they're all small - so a line forms.  Of course "friends" are always let in the back door.  Me?  I'm just a customer with a bit of cash.  Woodstock will be my first stop, that's a crazy place on Saturdays.  Then a drive to New Paltz, home of Rhino Records and Jack's.

bgas, you probably know more than me, doesn't the rare stuff triple in price the day after RSD on Ebay?  I got what I wanted last year.  It's all about luck.  Today I was lucky to put the Blu-ray behind me.  Saturday?  Who knows.

Oh yeah. the really desirable rare stuff goes thru the roof!

Alright all of you BW experts, what's the opinion on this autograph?

Real-deal?

Oh, and HeyJude, how were the suite numbers?

I received mine in the mail today as well. I was happy to see that they kept in the chair falling over when BW gets up after "Fun, Fun Fun"!  :lol

Ordered April 8th, received today (April 16th) in south Florida.

Mine arrived today, too, in Pittsburgh, PA.  :p

Looks great. I'll watch it this weekend.

The autograph looks right. I wouldn't doubt it anyway. I got Brian's autograph on my 'Love You' Japanese box. The 'Brian' is right on. When Brian signed in front of me in Pittsburgh the 'Wilson' was a squiggly line. The 'Wilson here is broken up but I have no doubt this is Brian. My own signature changes through the years.

I got a little nervous when I couldn't find the autograph. Thanks to HeyJude for helping out!

Nice job by Soundstage! Thanks Brian!!!!

Decided to go ahead and order it.  Can't wait!

me too.

don't want to waste a thread, but do you fellows have something called "live audio"?  I just got it as a software update on jambox and it's blowing my mind listening to NPP. It sounds way better than my Bose bluetooth speakers, which does not, I don't think, have that technology.

I didn't receive my copy here in Omaha. :( I'm such a spazz that I saw some kid walking up the street with a plain brown envelope of sorts and now I'm worried he robbed my mailbox as it is right on the street. Once in a while, it does happen around here, sadly...

Like I said, I am a spazz, I am sure it is on the way. My post office typically runs a day late on delivering packages for some reason.

I got both of the copies I ordered in the mail today. 

:)

I hope yours arrives, I too know the pain (and thus, the paranoia) of having stuff lifted from my stoop.

Omaha? Nice! Does Homer's do anything for RSD? One of my favorite record stores when I'm in the area. My folks used to live in Council Bluffs, so I spent quite a bit of time playing around in Omaha.

 I just noticed that there is a USPS Tracking number on the label of the package. I'm sure the sender (Soundstage) will have those tracking numbers on file with your order. If you don't receive your package/DVD I'm sure you can call customer service and they can look up the tracking number. I'm sure they'll give you the tracking number so you can see if was delivered to your residence.

The USPS offers 'signature confirmation' which requires a signature from the receiver. They won't leave it at your residence unless you are there to sign for it. They'll leave a note for you to pick it up at the post office. I don't know if the sender (Soundstage) would take the time to do that for you (might cost a bit extra) but it shouldn't be that difficult. If you explain your situation I'm sure they would do it. This doesn't help now but you can request this on future orders from whoever you may be ordering from.

Since there is a tracking number and IF it is missing notify the post office so they can investigate.

Let us know if your's arrives!

Got my DVD/Blu-ray combo last night.  Skimmed through most of the concert.  Overall, not a bad performance. Brian's performances are somewhat autopilot but passable (for Brian at least).  All the special guests make up for it.  Interesting song selection.  Kind of odd that they get "Good Vibrations" out of the way early.  One thing that is a tad annoying is they cut to several interviews introducing the new stuff that covers the live performances.  Considering I ripped the audio this was frustrating.  Fortunately it only happens a few times.  One interesting tidbit is that the audio track on the DVD is 24-bit, which is usually uncommon on DVD's since it takes up space on the disc.  Not complaining at all though.

The suite numbers sounded just fine. They're from the actual show, not a rehearsal or anything, so I'm not precisely sure why they are presented as "bonus" songs. Weirdly, Al isn't on stage for "Pacific Coast Highway" but then joins in on "Summer's Gone." The tracks sound nice with the addition of the cello and violin player.

For me, the vocal intro to "Pacific Coast Highway" is the best single moment on the TWGMTR album. There has been a lot of talk about what does or doesn't "sound" like the BB's on that album. But that moment on the album sounds like them, like you can almost even imagine Carl in the vocal stack. You can pick them all out. Al's in the middle there. Mike's bass vocal is there. It's them. *That's* why the full band not staying together sucks.

Anywho, I mention that to point out that on this live version, the band pulls off the vocal intro quite well. But it doesn't sound like the BB's. (If they had thrown Al into the vocal mix it might have helped). I'm curious if we'll get these "suite" tracks on the tour, perhaps with Al's "From There to Back Again" added in. Probably not, especially since they'll probably be doing some stuff off the new album.

Ya'll were right, mine came today.
Now, knowing it's got the autograph card, have to decide whether to open the package or leave it sealed for the collection...

I went ahead and put my review of the Blu-ray up on my blog. It probably repeats some of what I've already blabbed on about here, but here it is:

http://beachboysopinion.blogspot.com/

I've also got a Facebook component to the blog up now as well, so please feel free to "like" it so I know someone else is reading.  :lol

https://www.facebook.com/beachboysopinion

I would order this but they don't take paypal.  >:(

Still no delivery today. I also put in another call yesterday to that 800 number, where a CSR again took my info down and promised someone would get back to me. That hasn't happened yet either. That's two calls and an e-mail with no reply for anyone keeping score.

If I don't receive it by Monday, I'm calling my bank to dispute the charge. In light of never receiving the original order receipt like everyone else did, all I want is some kind of confirmation that my order was indeed received, beyond the immediate auto charge. Too much to ask?


Sorry for the rant....but total clowns in how they operate.

The signature is the real deal! ;D

Cheers bgas for the email address.

I have emailed asking if they will post to the UK.  I would really love to have this.  Here's hoping.

Package arrived today in Colorado, signature real deal, and managed to get pretty good seats for the concert in Broomfield in July, just about a mile from my house. Definitely been a BW kind of day around here...

I think I am going to come in for that show, and build our family trip around it. Waiting on the wife's okay... ;)

Got it today! No need for my spazzing, as per usual. Awesome set, really grateful to get it with the added bonus of Brian's autograph. I'm not a big autograph guy but it's cool when you get them added in on packages like this I think.

Yep, Homer's does it up pretty big! I have never gotten into vinyl (I'm in my 30s so it was fading out as I was getting into music and I'm not cool enough to start now) so I don't go as vinyl is definitely the focus of RSD now, but I do love the store. And I do mean singular store--they're down to only one now, which stinks, but I think it is hanging tough.

The Beach Boys did a free show in Council Bluffs two years ago, that was fun!

I wish I could get the DVD with the autograph without having to buy the CD again.  Not that I regret buying the CD already, the 18 track version is the way to go.  What are these guys thinking that a Brian Wilson fan who would want a video of his concert and his autograph would settle for the non-deluxe CD?

Watching tonight. Wow! Blondie and Ricky Rockin'out on 'Sail on Sailor'. Love Blondie's guitar at the end! Fantastic!

Runaway Dancer: Brian and Sebu singing together....Sounded a little like Phil Collins and Phillip Bailey singing together on 'Easy Lover' which is a compliment.

Sail Away: Really, really nice song. Nice hearing the guys sharing lead vocals. wow.

What a great concert DVD.

Anyone know why Soundstage didn't get the call to do the BB50 tour? Lost opportunity.

I'd love to see Soundstage do the upcoming Beach Boys Pet Sounds Reunion Tour.  :o  >:D :angel: ;)

Pass it on to a friend. Or a stranger. Or a Beatles fan.  >:D

I hear you. Target got the super deluxe release rights.

This concert is a must-own.

As someone who was a huge fan of The Format and love alt-country music, it's a little surreal to have a copy of Nate Ruess singing Hold On Dear Brother. That might be the highlight of the concert for me. Little parts of the performance, like Blondie pointing to Nate and then hugging him at the end, and when the camera focuses in on Brian looking at Nate are really cool. Probyn Gregory's guitar work is fantastic to boot.

I like the performances of Sail Away and Saturday Night more than the album versions. They're not extraordinarily different or anything, it just gets rid of the gloss from the production of NPP.

Anything that features Blondie or Ricky is really special too. The grit that Blondie brings vocally and with his guitar work contrasted with the note-perfect performances of Brian's band is really interesting to hear and watch. It makes me wonder why The Beach Boys or Brian haven't been utilizing Blondie more over the years. His voice still sounds top notch and his guitar work is fantastic.

I will say, some of the vocals on This Beautiful Day sound extremely similar to the vocals on the album version, and it tended to happen on extremely wide shots.

I thought Brian sounded great, though. This might sound condescending, but he's really figured out how to sing with his "new" voice. He's singing softer now, which seems to allow him to hit higher notes with greater ease. The shouting is nowhere to be found, and while his voice isn't as strong as it once was, it sounds very good. Brian also seems very natural. Perhaps shots of him were from the soundcheck and not the live performance, but he seems comfortable. There's a few times when he's just sitting there smirking where he looks exactly as he did when he was 24 years old. Wide smiling never seems natural for Brian during performances.

Al, of course, sounds fantastic throughout the concert. (And having a teleprompter certainly seems to help  :-D)

I would have preferred to hear Nate's version of God Only Knows over She & Him's, but I thought Zooey sounded good. Nate sounded very good on Darlin'.

I thought Matt and Ike sounded good together on falsetto. It was strange that Matt wasn't out for the whole concert, though.

All in all, well worth the money and wait.

DVD/Blueray combo arrived in upstate NY today.  Watching it as I type and really enjoying it.  As many have stated, it's a very good concert disc, far superior to the C50 video.

Jim

Board Members who are interested are invited to my Reuminations blog for my review of the new Soundstage Brian Wilson and Friends Blue Ray and DVD set. It can be found at blogspot.com. Thanks!

I'll check it out Peter!

Well, I just realized that I didn't order enough of these, so just got #4 and #5 of this video.  Essential gifts for friends and myself, and another viewing party hopefully scheduled soon.  I love the quality of the video in addition to the performances.  The bonus songs and interviews are essential, as well.

Sounds awesome, thanks for the reviews so far!

Any advice on how us Europeans can get one of the Blu Rays?

I'm thinking read the whole thread

Can anyone help me out in Australia?

Quick update for anyone who's been following my trials and tribulations with the Soundstage order, or for anyone else who might be having issues...

As a last resort, I e-mailed Elizabeth at the WTTW e-mail address today (thanks Bgas for that addy!) after previously using the order site contact form e-mail address and 800 phone number (twice!). She must've forwarded it to Questar because about an hour ago I finally received an e-mail from "Jonathan" there, stating that he would personally look into the situation.

And then, 5 minutes ago, I received a phone call from him stating that while, yes, my credit card was indeed automatically charged initially, they were having problems with their new order software, and, as a result, somehow, my order never was received for processing. He apologized emphatically, took my address down again, and told me it would go out in the mail tomorrow (fingers crossed). Bottom line: Good thing I stayed on this, or I would've been waiting for nothing.

So, if you have problems...keep on it. :)

I have to add that I have just received a brief email from Elizabeth informing me that my package has been mailed.

I have faith! Keep the faith!

Just heard from Elizabeth giving me the instructions on how to order.  Here's hoping! ;D

I placed my order on April 9, with my credit card being charged the next day.

I sent off a quick email on April 15, just asking whether they had had the opportunity to ship my order yet.  Though the site promised a reply within one business day, I've not yet heard a word.

More, I've read of more than one fan here who hails from roughly the same area (Upstate NY) and who have long-since received theirs.

So yeah, I suppose I'm beginning to feel a tad... uneasy.

Not sure whether I should try to contact them again (or if it would even do me any good, considering I never heard back from them)?

I would try again, or even call--you absolutely should have had it by now.

I don't know if you saw any of my earlier posts, but your situation seems similar to what I went through. I also ordered late night of the 9th. Ultimately, it took an e-mail to Elizabeth at soundstage@wttw.com (who then apparently forwarded it to Jonathan at Questar) for me to get any sort of response/results.  The "Contact" email form and 800 number were useless for me.

And while I still haven't received my order, I was assured with a follow-up e-mail that it shipped out this past Wednesday, 4-22. They said 3-10 days to arrive.

I ordered the DVD/CD combo (autographed) on 4/20/2015, immediately received a confirmation e-mail, and received it in the mail yesterday, 4/24/2015.

The DVD is bitchin'. Review will be forthcoming.

Thank you both for your replies.

I very much appreciate your advice (which I decided to take and sent an email to the soundstage@wttw.com address).

Thanks again! :)

My pleasure. Hope it gets worked out soon.

I'm also wondering if, due to the proximity of our initial orders, we were both victims of the same software glitch. That is, a temporary bug in their system. I was also charged immediately and, in my case, I never received the order confirmation e-mail. Could all be similarly related.

Thanks Bgas for posting the e-mail adress but a week later still no reply. Anyone willing to help out with the Blu ray?  :) 

I wrote to both email addresses, the newer one give here just today. Got the initial email confirmation and nothing else.

Ordered last week. Received the confirmation email (which strangely does not include the order number). I haven't heard a word since.

Gettin' worried. I gotta find me an email.

 :o :-\

I got mine 2 weeks after ordering it.  I never got anything after the original confirmation email.

Thanks. I guess I'll be patient another week.

It's too bad they can't just send e-mails out with USPS tracking numbers. That would fix a lot of the problems. Once you know it has a tracking number, you know it's in the mail and can get an idea of when it will arrive.

The funny thing is, even though they're not giving anyone tracking numbers, they are using them on the packages.

Their shipping outfit is pretty amateur but hey, I guess it's in the budget.  :3d

I received my signed Blu-ray/DVD package today.  I ordered it following instructions from Elizabeth (thanks bgas). It took about a week from when I placed the order to arrive from the US to the UK! I am impressed.

Not only that but the price was great and I wasn't charged international postage.

The Blu-ray plays on my machine.

Oh, and Brian's signature is a lot better now that Jeff has left!  I paid £75 UK pound for the C50 signed program from the official online shop and got a 'fake' Brian signature. This package cost me less than £30 and the signature is the real deal.  Classy all round. ;D

Well, I made my order April 9, and have started sending emails every day since Saturday the 25 asking for... anything.

Still no reply.

Ordered on the 22nd. Got mine today. Phew!

professor got his saturday--watch tonight. never a word in response to email however.


quote author=pixletwin link=topic=20216.msg514434#msg514434 date=1430354659]
Ordered on the 22nd. Got mine today. Phew!
[/quote]

If I placed an orer such as you did and KNEW my credit card had been charged, I'd either call my card company and dispute/cancel the charge ( and then chance a re-order)
OR I'd quit wasting my time on emails and use the telephone

friends, I hope everyone who is facing a delay and a confusing silence from the company will soon get the product. I was anxious going through the phone calls and also considering having the charges disputed. but please pardon me if I mention now that I am watching the show and that I am absolutely spellbound because it is wonderful in spirit in feel and sound and look and choice of personnel and of songs and is all around just so wonderful. Of course my regret is that David is not playing with them and my regret is that the Beach Boys did not do a show like this. there are no shots of the idiotic audience, and the production is so much better.

My bank records show a successful charge on the 10th of April. :)

Seems the telephone is my next route.  From the replies here, it seemed the email was the avenue getting results, but I'm just not getting anywhere.

Unfortunately, their 800 telephone number, "we'll take a message and get back to you in one day" routine is useless as well. At least it was in my case. Twice. So, if all avenues of communication are exhausted to no avail, a CC dispute would indeed probably be the only way. FWIW, I also called the general help line at WTTW...who simply gave me the 800 number again!

As noted before, for me, the *only* response I finally got was when I e-mailed "Elizabeth" at WTTW, who then forwarded my message to Questar. After apologetically acknowledging that they neglected to see/fill my order at all (even though my CC was charged immediately as well...way back on 4/10), they said they would finally be shipping it out on 4/22 ,and that it should take 3-7 days [note: I believe I incorrectly wrote "3-10 days" in a previous post].

As of today, seven days later, I still haven't received it. So, I'm really hoping it arrives in the next day or two (I live in Cleveland). I think I've watched that YouTube clip of "Wild Honey" on my Smart TV about 30 times already as a temporary salve...lol.

The ironic, double whammy part is that they charged $10.95 for S&H.

I ordered mine on the 20th and got it on the 24th.  Glad I waited to order it.

I've watched it a few times now and think it is fantastic!  Though there are a few moments when the instruments are too loud in the mix, or it could just be the possibility of Brian not singing loudly enough into the mic.  That is my only complaint.   

Just a quick update (as someone who had a problem with his order)...

My copy finally did arrive today, 4-30.

Looking forward to watching it tonight!

Great Dave.  Tell us if you agree with the Professor that GOK is the only clunker. . . . .just a terrible tin pan alley arrangement.

I'm not exactly sure. I think I may have been too busy admiring "the She"...........in HD.   :angel:


It's known to cloud judgment.

I'm happy (and relieved) to report that my order finally arrived yesterday.  Apparently, one of my daily emails must have finally been attended by someone, but the utter lack of any response, whatsoever, is still a little head-scratching.

I'm a patient guy and had I received even one single reply from anyone (whether it was a shipping confirmation or just a simple acknowledgement that I had been heard), I would have been content to wait patiently while things had been sorted-out on their end.

As it stands right now, though, I'd probably feel a little reticent about ordering through these folks again.

Anyway, I know this thread is about the show, and I'll share my thoughts on the complete performance at another time (also arriving at my door yesterday was a new novel, so I'll be busy having fun over the next two days, or so).


Mostly, though, I wanted to take the opportunity to thank the likes of Dave Modny, ArchStanton, bgas, HeyJude, the professor and everyone who has been helpful in sharing their experiences, providing contact information and/or offering their encouragement.  

Thanks again!

Glad it finally worked out!

And, I totally agree with you: The whole lack of customer service was really starting to get frustrating and exhausting for me as well --  continually ignoring e-mails, calls and contact forms is simply inexcusable. While I do understand that glitches can occur in any type of online sales transaction, they simply need(ed) a better mechanism in place for dealing with mishaps on *their* end.

It also sucks when folks like us have to derail threads like this with "order/shipping horror stories" in order to seek out and get any results. So, my sincere apologies to all on that front.

I thought the first verse was wonderful, but from then on it was pretty much unbearable. I think Zooey does a wonderful job, in particular I love the way she sings "what good would living do me?" But I can't take that drum beat in the 2nd verse and beyond. I agree with you.

"God Only Knows" is actually my favorite part of the DVD.  I'm curious though what Nate's version sounded like.  Wish they'd included it as a bonus.  Speaking of bonuses, love the two TWGMTR songs but can't understand why they weren't included in the main feature.

the songs from radio were very weak with the other Beach Boys voices missing. al was singing some background, but he missed the opportunity to sing Mike part in summers gone for some unknown reason. Those sounded like soundcheck  rehearsals that were not fully arranged or conceptualized. Brian should have told Al what parts to sing.

quote author=Rocky Raccoon link=topic=20216.msg514947#msg514947 date=1430682642]
"God Only Knows" is actually my favorite part of the DVD.  I'm curious though what Nate's version sounded like.  Wish they'd included it as a bonus.  Speaking of bonuses, love the two TWGMTR songs but can't understand why they weren't included in the main feature.
[/quote]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFCLeXk4P6A

ThankS!

yes, that's much better than the tin pan alley version. Nate has a sweet voice like young Carl. . .charming

I thought the lack of Mike on Summers Gone was rather poignant... And probably intentionally so.

[/quote]

I think this was the first ever live performance of PCH.  And the first time Brian's band did Summer's Gone.  I know Summer's Gone appeared on the setlist at the very end of the C50 Tour, but I think it was only for the closing shows in the UK. 

So, I'm thinking if PCH/Summer's Gone are in the set for the tour (fingers crossed, with From There to Back Again please), that they'll be a little more fine tuned. 

Brian’s band did do “Summer’s Gone” at least once (and probably a few times) during the short string of summer 2013 dates with Al and Dave. These were longer shows than the later tour with Beck, and they did some interesting stuff in the “BAD” configuration for the tour like “Summer’s Gone”, “That’s Why God Made the Radio”, a few Brian solo tracks (“Your Imagination” and “Goin’ Home”).

Last Saturday I had a viewing party at a friend's home for "Soundstage: Brian Wilson and Friends" and "No Pier Pressure," last Saturday.  There were about 12 people aged early-20's to 60's.   Interestingly, the youngest group happened to be fans of both Brian and Nate Reuss, and everyone is planning to see L&M when it's released.  It was a great day in the countryside.  Now I'm off to ship another copy of the Soundstage dvd to Ireland.  I think people are buying me drinks all over the UK and Ireland on my next visit after this past month of sending off items that aren't available in the UK.  These are good times for people who love BW's work, and there are a few more after last Saturday.

 I'm not certain I understand how the DVD isn't available in the UK, when all you have to do is direct these folks to the Soundsatge website so they can order it themselves.

They seem to be having problems, so I'm sending them the dvds.  That's the best answer I have bgas...I'll have to ask the details of their problems, as they've all offered to pay me for them.  However, I prefer to collect payment in drinks once I get to the UK this fall.

I have to say, Joe Thomas did a fantastic job on this release.  Definite five stars.  Almost makes up for his hatchet job on the Beach Boys live CD.  Almost. ;) 

Brian has released a lot of DVDs, some of them very good but this is the first one that really recreates what it feels like to be at one of his concerts.  And I like how it also doubles as a sort of visual companion to No Pier Pressure.

.

You're awesome.  :hat

A lovely program, all told. Brian is singing in a much lower-intensity way, and it sounds good. Not his usual concert voice at all.

That being said, it sounds like some of the studio "Beautiful Day" is being ghosted over the live performance. And I would love to see just a few more numbers with BW taking the lead.

Thank you for the soundstage email info, bgas - I emailed the contact address on the ordering page to ask how I could get the dvd as I am in the UK ... no reply to three emails. I have now sent to the address you mentioned and my fingers are firmly crossed. Wait until November? I think not.

Did any Brits ordering this set via Elizabeth receive their copies yet?

Nate Ruess on Hold On Dear Brother may be the greatest thing in existence.

That is one awesome performance of HODB!

Two weeks ago, I programmed my Comcast xFinity DVR to capture any program with Brian Wilson listed anywhere in credits. Earlier this week, I sat down to watch another recorded program, and low and behold, right there on my DVR was this Soundstage program. It aired on the AXS cable channel during the day earlier this week.

I must say I was pretty damned impressed overall.  I already knew from hearing FUN that Nate Ruess had one hell of a voice. But, I didn't have any idea how versatile until I heard HODB. Wow.

What a surprising and pleasant find that came out of nowhere on my DVR.

Of the clips shown in the trailer, it was probably that song that excited me most.

Looking forward to getting a copy and seeing the whole thing.

Hi John,

I got mine.

http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,20216.150.html

Thanks mikeddon, appreciated. I guess I need to start making enquiries!

Have there been any updates on when the DVD / Blu-Ray will be available in wide release (not just PBS pledge drives)?

Would be happy if his initial release arrived. It's becoming a long story…

Possibly sold out now, looking at https://soundstage.questarvideo.com/dvd.

The initial DVD/cd/blu-ray pack with Brian's signature is sold out. How"d I know? Cos the one I ordered back in April never arrived and when I contact the company to ask it was I received an apology stating the combo had sold out, and offering me a Brian-signed L&M poster instead, as well as the Cd/DVD/Blu-Ray triptych. That then took another month to arrive but I'm satisfied as the poster is gorgeous and as a further apology they included an extra set of the combo so I could "share the music with a friend". Kind of overlooked the issue of increased customs fees on the additional contents of the mailing but a generous offer nonetheless, if a tad naive. (Call me ungrateful…)

Communications with the vendor were deeply, well, abysmal, but I got the package in the end.

The show itself I found, well, to be a cure for insomnia…!

(One for 50 clams:    http://www.amazon.com/Brian-Wilson-Friends-Soundstage-Special/dp/B0115GL96Q )

I loved the setlist.  The video was great.  The vocals were wonderful.  But the band seemed buried in the mix.  Nothing at all like seeing Brian and his group live. 

When they were selling the set on that website, they mentioned it would be an exclusive until November. So it's certainly possible a more mainstream release is coming at some point. Nothing on Amazon so far (apart from third party sellers gouging on the price of sets purchased from PBS).

It'll be interesting to see if they alter the packaging for a mainstream release (e.g. splitting up the combo pack, using a standard case versus digipak, make the Blu-ray case actual Blu-ray size instead of DVD size, actually put a Blu-ray logo somewhere on the package, etc.).

I would expect separate releases for the DVD and BluRay.