Actors: Roger Daltrey, Keith Moon, John Entwistle, Pete Townshend,

Written and Directed by: Jeff Stein

It’s true that half of its members may be dead and its leader may be keeping a low profile, but the Who remains enormously popular. Devotees, who haven’t seen this thrilling, self-mocking 1979 documentary about the group, shouldn’t wait another minute now that the film has been restored to its theatrical-release length from original elements. The sound is clearer than on previous video releases and we’re talking about VHS tapes, the images more crisp and color-rich, and adjustments in tape speed make the Who sound like themselves again, particularly in vintage television performances and filmed club dates from as far back as the bands sonically thrilling, early R&B period. It’s great that we now have large TV screens to watch this kind of a film, unlike years ago when it was a 21” TV. It’s a pleasure to see the band in all their finery, doing what they loved doing, smashing guitars, destroying hotel property and lots more.

This film gives you a view into their development from wild pop band that wore mod clothes into the classic rock icon they are today. The interviews are interesting as they jump from era to era from their early years, beginning with My Generation to the recording of Who Are You. It's interesting to see how they never slowed down on stage, but the music became much heavier and progressive. The footage from the Woodstock show is amazing and something to cherish.

Take a look at the antics of Pete Townsend's playing especially on the last track, his jumping around, guitar riffs, and his stage antics. Add to that, rare footage of Keith Moon, and of course Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle who was with The Who in the early years.

The film has no narrator, no conventional interviews, and no intimate confessions of artists reflecting back on a life of music. Stein pulls his portrait almost exclusively from archival sources – concert footage, TV appearances, skits, talk show interviews. He slips back and forth through their career from 1965 to 1978, contrasting the nerdy-looking boys energetically performing early hits on pop programs like Ready, Steady, Go! and Shindig with the dangerous rockers charging up the crowds at Woodstock and Monterey Pop and the rock legends pumping out Baba O’Reilly in 1978 with the dynamism of veterans transformed by the power of their own music.

All the songs are here, and it all comes packed with performance clips, many of which appear in their entirety. The Who’s most famous Pinball Wizard, Won’t get fooled around again, plus a live-in-the-studio clip of Who Are You,

‘The Kids Are Alright’ is a necessary purchase for any fan of The Who. There isn’t another rock documentary in the world like ‘The Kids Are Alright’. This is no familiar biographical narrative or historical overview talking about their generation, but a scrappy, vibrant musical portrait painted in the bold colors of rock itself: impassioned lyrics, power chords, crashing drums and smashing guitars.

Director Jeff Stein dedicated himself to capturing the essence of band through performance, onstage and off and believe it or not, he has done a magnificent job of it.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira