AllMovie

MCA's The Who's classic 1979 movie documentary, The Kids Are Alright, contained countless awe-inspiring clips of the band in concert throughout the years, confirming the legendary quartet as the greatest live rock act of all-time. Besides being responsible for composing many of rock's greatest songs/albums ("My Generation," Tommy, Who's Next, etc.), the Who were the first band to actually put on a show for the audience and not just stand still on stage. Images of Keith Moon thrashing his drum kit, Roger Daltrey twirling his mic high up in the air, and Pete Townshend windmilling his arm while playing guitar (and eventually smashing it to bits) will be forever etched into the minds of rock fans everywhere. The 2 1/2 hour compilation is a smorgasbord of The Who in full flight concert mode, from their early years to their 1989 reunion. A must-have for any serious Who fan, the whole special is one long highlight, intercut with interviews with the 3 surviving members. Along with The Kids Are Alright, Thirty Years of Maximum R & B Live is essential viewing.