Instead, you get a movie that's enjoyable enough, but leaves you feeling like it could have been much, much more.

Fanciful, disturbing, and wildly original, it announces the arrival of a fresh, bold voice in American cinema.

This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

The late Gorge Harrison was labeled "The Quiet One" among the members of the greatest rock group the world will ever know. The iconic songwriting team of John Lennon and Paul McCartney blasted The Beatles into the highest stratum of eternal superstardom during the 1960's. But the music of Harrison was often every bit as substantial and enduring as his uber-talented band mates. And at times, it was simply better.In honor of what would have been Harrison's 75th birthday last month, the 2003 documentary film "Concert for George" was re-released in theatres. And what a stunning tribute it is to the man who not only mastered the guitar but could also expertly play a staggering TWENTY-FIVE other instruments, as well. Even at over two hours I found I wanted this show to go on and on, having become thoroughly immersed in the magic of the music and spellbindingly captured by the unfiltered passion with which it is expressed.Longtime confidante Eric Clapton co-organized the mega-event with Harrison's widow, Olivia, and also served as Musical Director. The grand performance was held at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in London on November 29th, 2002, one year to the day that George had passed away due to complications of multiple-cancers at the age of just 58. The set list of "Concert for George" is transcendent. From Clapton's other-worldly lead guitar virtuosity on The White Album's spiritual rocker "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" (with a little help from his friends, ex-Beatles Paul on piano and Ringo Starr on drums) to the sublime silliness of "I'm a Lumberjack (and I'm OK)" by the ground-shattering British comedy troupe Monty Python (one of George's all-time faves), these brilliant renditions of historic Harrison classics (or tunes he adored) are uniformly delivered with moving respect and power. But most of all, they are all born of love, pure and genuine. Precisely as George would have it.

On the 29th November 2002, one year to the day that George Harrison died, his closest friends gathered to celebrate his life in the only way they knew how - by playing his music. The first half of the show provided an insight into George's spiritual self as Anoushka Shankar and a 16-piece orchestra of Indian musicians performed a special composition by her father and George's mentor, Ravi Shankar. The piece was entitled "Arpan", which means offering. Within the piece Ravi expresses aspects of George's moods and spiritual aspirations. "Arpan" includes Eric Clapton playing a haunting acoustic solo.The second half gave the audience a rare sighting of members of the Monty Python team performing some of George's favorite skits, including participation from a surprise guest. This was a tribute to George's well-known sense of humor.The night then moved to Eric and friends giving the performance of their lives singing George's songs. All the musicians that George worked with over the years, from The Beatles to the Traveling Wilburys, dedicating their time to learn the songs and perform them as a tribute to their dear friend.Eric Clapton led the band with Jeff Lynne singing "I Want To Tell You", "Inner Light" and "Give Me Love". Jools Holland and Sam Brown gave "Horse To The Water" it's first live outing. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers gave a particularly resounding performance of "Taxman" as well as "I Need You" and the Wilbury's number, "Handle With Care". Ringo Starr caught everyone with a tear in their eye with a rendition of "Photograph", a composition he wrote with George, which seemed to sum up how everyone felt. Paul McCartney, fresh from his world tour, treated everyone to a little bit of Ukulele - one of George's favorite instruments and joined Eric and band for "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" and "For You Blue". Billy Preston had everyone out of their seats and singing along with "My Sweet Lord". The band then came together to give a rousing version of "Wah-Wah".Joe Brown closed the evening with the old standard; "I'll See You In My Dreams", a loving and appropriate sentiment. It was a great show for one of the most loved men of our generation. We will remember George and this evening forever and hopefully we will see him in our dreams.Exceptionally moving but not the least bit sentimental, Concert for George is a splendid tribute to the late George Harrison, whose contributions to the Beatles were so often hidden in the long shadows of John Lennon and Paul McCartney.The performances of these great songs are truly heartfelt and emotional.Although this is unlikely to join the ranks of the great concert tributes,it does provide both deep musical pleasures and a touching farewell to the former Beatle.

The lineup of artists on this DVD is worth the price just to hear the emotion of the crowd when Paul McCartney appears. Try swallowing the lump in your throat when Paul starts singing "Something". Every artist has a song to commemorate the great George Harrison but it is Eric Clapton who drives this concert to the max. If you are a Beatles fan this one is for you and even if you are not, there are many other reasons to buy this one. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are simply sensational. Dhani's appearance is really quite spooky at times because he resembles his father so much BUT it doesn't overshadow the event. Ringo's 2 song tribute is simply wonderful. Great entertainment all round and a very moving tribute to a another great muso.

Unfortunately destined for quick release to DVD, it is worth almost any effort that The Concert for George be seen initially in the theater. Any decent home rig will provide for an enjoyable experience, but the in-theater experience will set the tone--no pun here--for extended treasure of this event.Its musical quality, artist interpretations, continuity, sense of humor(right up George's alley), along with the camaraderie and "familial" love among the artists are inspiring to behold, and it is no less the event to see young Dhani Harrison's physical resemblance "bring his dad back to the stage."It was a bit sad to see on opening night only some ten or twelve other patrons in the theater and, some five days later, see it unlisted for the same screen. More is the pity for this, but for those in touch with the mid-and-later-20th century musical phenomenon, DVD will far surpass a complete miss. A copy would compliment anyone's library.