The Making Of Heaven & Earth is much in the style of the classic album series of DVDs that have proved so popular over the last few years and, whilst the parent album may not be a million plus seller, it is, in this reviewers humble opinion,  a bit of an undiscovered classic. Originally released back in 1998 by Now and Then/Frontiers in Europe it was re-released by the band's own Black Star imprint a couple of years ago and has consistently received glowing reviews. The DVD tells the story, via interviews with nearly all concerned, of how the band was formed, how they got their original record deal and how the songs written and recorded.

Heaven & Earth's music, for those who don't know, can best be described as classic blues hard rock, very much in the Rainbow, Deep Purple, Bad Company and Whitesnake vein,  which comes as no surprise when you learn that guitarist and main man Stuart  Smith is both a fan of and a friend of Richie Blackmore.

The interview segments of the disc appear in a fun, entertaining fashion and, of particular interest, is the discussion of the new song that turned up on the album's re-issue, namely Life On The Line, which features Bobby Kimball on vocals. But, I hear you say, I’ve heard the album, bought both versions so why should I buy this. Well head over to the live performance section where the bulk of the songs also appear but with the addition of some special guests.  On the downside the quality of this footage is not the best, but given that Stuart admits this himself during the intro, and the fact that the film was only intended for personnel use means this can be excused. Indeed the fact that Smith is allowing less than perfect film to be released makes a pleasant change from some of the over processed, air-brushed and re-recorded discs that so often hit the shelves these days.

So in the main, a pretty damn good DVD. There are of course a couple of downsides. The lack of an interview and prolonged footage of Riche Sambora, who guested on the albums stand out track 'When A Blind Man Cries', is perhaps the most glaring omission but the  main menu control system is also a bit unusual and takes some getting used, but once you've figured out it works well enough.

The Making Of Heaven And Earth is an excellent overview of Heaven and Earth, the band, and a good place to start for those new to the music of Stuart Smith. However the package as whole will equally appeal to more established and ling time fans of the band thanks to the many extras included. Without doubt one of the best “making of” DVD’s around. Aided by the addition of the live footage, anecdotes and outtakes which take the disc up to nearly four hours in length, VFM is assured. Considering this reviewer has recently been ill, 'The Making Of Heaven & Earth' has helped pass the time very nicely thank you - and that perhaps is the biggest compliment.

The Making Of Heaven & Earth DVD is available direct from the band's website at:

www.heavenandearthband.com/DVD_page.html

Let us know your views on 'The making Of Heaven & Earth'

 Material

Introduction
How it all Began
Getting the Deal
How Everybody Met
The Songs
Bonus Material