Bruce Springsteen — Road Trip: 40 Years Of The Boss

Don't let the title of this DVD fool you. This is neither a live document of New Jersey's favourite son, nor does it tackle any of the material he's produced since his Born In The U.S.A. peak. This two-disc affair chronicles the Boss' career assent through the '70s and offers a critical appraisement of his recorded output running up through his disbanding of the E Street Band.

Road Trip is one of the growing number of DVDs to examine an oeuvre without the artist's consent. So, due to legal issues, the filmmakers weren't allowed to use any of Springsteen's music. They got around this not-so-slight technicality by using archival live footage and the odd interview. But to truly appreciate this film, a certain level of familiarity — say knowing more than "Born To Run" and "Dancing In The Dark" — is required.

Viewers who fit these criteria will enjoy insights from noted music critics like former Village Voice editor Robert Christgau and Rolling Stone's Anthony DeCurtis, as well as an informative series of interviews from Springsteen's formative years playing in bands along the Jersey shore.