Product Details

• Released on: 2001-11-13
• Rating: Unrated
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Formats: NTSC, Import
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English
• Running time: 120 minutes

From Amazon.com
Paul McCartney's account of his second famous rock band only glosses over his personal and professional life during the 1970s, clocking in at 88 minutes. Still, choice footage and photographs, along with a McCartney interview by daughter Mary interspersed throughout the program, make this an entertaining history of an often unfairly maligned group. Wingspan is also a valentine to McCartney's late wife, Linda, who was always by his side, in and out of Wings. On his insistence, Linda became part of the band, went on tour as nominal backup singer and keyboardist, and even sang lead on a song called "Cook of the House," which didn't endear her or Paul to feminists. The fact remains, though, that their marriage, which some pointed to as contributing to the Beatles' breakup, lasted far longer than either of Paul's bands. --Kevin Filipski

Additional Features
The choicest DVD bonus is 22 additional minutes of interview footage cut from the program; much of it is McCartney's fascinating discussion of how songs materialize, with "Picasso's Last Words," "Mrs. Vanderbilt," and "Let Me Roll It" played as examples. Three videos are included: "Rockestra" immortalizes an historic session involving dozens of musicians, while "Jet" and "Let 'Em In" are taken from McCartney's concert film, Rockshow. --Kevin Filipski

Video Details
Wingspan is the inside story of how Paul and Linda McCartney dared to follow the Beatles with their rock band Wings. The story of Paul and Linda McCartney's early years together is intimately shared through series of candid conversation with their daughter, Mary. Home movies, family photos, and rare footage draw viewers into a very personal story of love and family. Combined with the against-all-odds success of Wings, Paul and Linda prove that there is life after The Beatles. 90 minutes.

Customer Reviews

It's A Family Affair
For this "rockumentary," Paul McCartney is interviewed by his daughter. He is very playful and relaxed, given his familiarity with the interviewer. At the beginning of the program we witness the dissolution of the Beatles and the marriage of Paul and Linda. Interestingly, none of the other Beatles were in attendance at the hastily arranged nuptials. Later, Paul wonders if he can make it as a solo artist. After releasing a couple of solo albums, he decides to form a new band. His wife Linda would be a member of the group, even though she had little musical experience. Paul admired Denny Laine's guitar playing and singing with the Moody Blues. Denny was asked to join his new group Wings. As it turned out, Denny Laine was the ONLY member of Wings to stay with the group from start to finish, other than Linda. However, his musical contributions - what songs he wrote and sang on, or contributed a guitar solo to - are never discussed. Mr. Laine was not interviewed for this DVD, nor are any clips of old interviews with him included. Other band members are only mentioned in passing although, to be fair, most only lasted with Wings a short time.

As Paul said near the end of the program, he proved that he could have major hits and successful world tours with another band after the Beatles. After Paul's infamous drug bust in Japan, he felt that it was time to give everything a rest. Thus Wings ended, not with a bang but with a whimper. Surprisingly, there is no booklet or even an insert included with the DVD. The extras include complete live performances of two songs - "Jet" and "Let 'Em In" - as well as the studio session for the instrumental "Rockestra." The discography contains mistakes; when you click on the song list for "Wings Over America" it displays the song list for "Wings At The Speed Of Sound." A little more attention to detail and interviews with other band members could easily have made this a 5 star DVD.

Paul McCartney was and is one of the top performers in music
I agree that this Wings documentary may place to much spotlight on Linda. But heck, he loved her as did their children -- and they are the ones that put this together...and right after her death. I hazard to say that many people would be in the tribute mode after such a terrible tragedy.

I think it does capture what Wings really were: It was Paul, his wife and a bunch of changing employees that made up Wings.

I think to many people try (including Paul himself at times) and push Wings as a band much like the Beatles.

Wings had the same sort of success as The Beatles --- stayed together longer --- but this was not a band like The Beatles with its three very talented musical minds --- this was Paul McCartney and a rotating group of his employees. (...)

At any rate....any look into Paul McCartney and his music is well worth the cost of the DVD to me. I look forward to another in the future.

A Dream Come True For This Fan
The first album I ever bought was Venus & Mars - I'm a diehard Wings fan and always will be. I love this DVD. Yes, there could have been much more (the Back To The Egg videos, Kampuchea, Goodnight Tonight, Midnight Special, etc.) but I judge this release on what it is. Wonderful interview with Paul. I adore the man. He is just so charming and its obvious he enjoys telling these old stories. Some of the old news footage is amazing -especially regarding the drug bust in Japan. There wasn't much in the news here when that happened. The home movies are touching to say the least. Highly enjoyable. Not to be missed by Macca's fans, and would easily be enjoyed by casual fans. Hugs and kisses Paul!