Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet [DVD]

I love documentaries and bought this based solely on the 5* reviews here. Not my genre of music - and to be honest I had never heard of Jason Becker - but that is irrelevant. This is simply an amazing film. Jason Becker is a truly gifted musician and his life story is mind-blowing and truly inspirational. It is a beautifully constructed and intimate film that will make you feel privileged to have discovered Jason Becker.

You could get mad when life hands you lemons. I, in fact, do on the thankfully few occasions this has happened to me personally. Jason Becker probably did too. But his supply of lemonade shows no sign of running low. This is a truly uplifting, heart-warming documentary about one of the most razor-sharp guitar virtuosos there will ever be. He SHOULD have been as big (bigger?!) than Vai or Paul Gilbert, but his talents were cruelly robbed way, way, way too early on by the onset of crippling ALS. Parts of the DVD made me want to cry before I remembered how Jason doesn't waste his time weeping. He's incredible. Great, great DVD.

There are few words,if any,that i can add to the other reviews....but here's goes!! Regardless of your tastes in music,you have to see this film. Jason becker is a extraordinary human being blessed with an unbelievable talent,driven by a desire to develop his technique,focused on making his dreams come true...struck down by a devastating terminal illness. This film doesn't wallow in self pity,of how jason should be considered a great,it just enhances his reputation as a truly unique human being and musician. The fact he continues to create music defies belief and the love of those close to him emphasises what love can do!! This film highlights that life can be an absolute bastard to people who dont deserve it....but even when this happens,hope never dies!! A very touching documentary that not only drags you in but will also leave you blown away. This is a must see film

Jesse Vile’s 2012 documentary about a young emerging rock guitarist just getting his big break as Steve Vai’s replacement in David Lee Roth’s band may start out as a standard biopic with lots of early school and concert footage shot in grainy home video, but it soon morphs into something much more. Diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease at the age of just 19, Jason Becker was told he would never make music again and had a life expectancy of single-digit years. 22 years later, unable to move or speak Becker is still composing music – via complex and draining technology which leaves you in awe for both his courage and the patience and love of those around him. The documentary does not shy away from the frustrations and resulting artistic flounces from its’ subject as he struggles to create and the effect on those around him – and partly through this, and partly through the indefatigable spirit of its’ subject the film avoids tragedy and any sense of mawkishness, instead finding warmth, and even humour at times. With 75% of the film’s budget raised through online crowd-funding, the movie was a festival success on its’ release. Whether you know the subject, or like the music, if you can get past the first twenty minutes of music heavy footage, it’s really a film for everyone.

It is not a film about music or a genius guitar player, but it is all about love and caring. But the story is belong to a very talented one, whom most of all who grew up in the eightees into music know very well.

Being a guitarist and a huge fan of all things shred I've been wanting to "see" Jason for a while now. This DVD is as amazing as the person it's about. A humbling and grounding watch this film follows the life of a prodigy through good times and bad , but always having a positive attitude and hope. A must watch for any fan of guitar as well as anyone with an open mind willing to follow a remarkable man in his efforts to make music in the face of adversity.

An Awe inspiring beautifully made film that also serves as a tribute to a prodigy and musical genius, it really does make you feel humble, what a lovely human being with strength and courage beyond comprehension , but get the tissues ready it's so heartbreaking life is so unfair . Super fast delivery.

What can I say other than if you ever find yourself wondering if you can still carry on in life watching this will make you realise that almost anything is possible.

This may not be the best edited or most 'professional' of the professional documentary films, but the story needs none of the over dramatic things that come with big documentaries. This is an honest story and a fascinating one. Being of that period and owning the Cacophony CD's and some of his solo material, it floored me when I read what had happened in his life and when. Its astounding that life can literately be taken away through no fault of your own or no clear reasoning. Its like your ticket was called and you are left to be a statistic. Me, personally, would want to just end it. I don't have the courage or appreciation for life that I would need to overcome such a tragic fate. I would take the easy way... Then you see a guy like Jason himself. STILL trying to make things happen with only vision to send his message. Nothing else. EYES!!! After such a huge start in life and having so much success, he is left to his own mind, that is still in perfect condition, to get through his days. Not only does he do it, but he does it with a sense of humor, pride and come up with an amazing way of creating his own compositions with a pure love and respect for life. What an incredible story. What a strong family. And best part is, no over dramatic crap, just the real story. And the story is told not in a 'woe is me' manner, only a fraction is actually about how the disease effected HIM, Its about how he has carried on in such a great way. It is told with real humanity. Jason is an inspiration more now than with his legendary Guitar. The only thing I wish is that everyone would see this, buy it and help this family get through a financial burden that has had to be taking its toll. But they don't hit you over the head with that either in this Doc. Just another way to see the class of this family. Not just for Guitarists. All should see this and re-evaluate what we call 'problems' in our own lives. Our problems are nothing. Jason accepted this and has overcome not only living, but has overcome what we all should want to overcome. Our own vision of life and what it truly means. Money, fame, politics, racism, guns, materialism is all BS in reality. Life is deserving of respect unto itself. Buy this NEW and support the family if you can, through Jason's web site. Anything would help I am sure. They may get a small piece of a sale of this DVD so don't buy it used. This is truly real and inspirational stuff.

Ein Film für Leute, die etwas erfahren möchten über diesen Ausnahmegitarristen der späten 80er, der durch die Krankheit ALS jäh aus dem Erfolg gerissen wurde. Viele Zeitzeugen werden gehört, Eltern, Kollegen, Freunde. Und immer wieder sieht man auch Jason Becker heute und damals. Warum wurde ausgerechnet er so krank? Warum diese Krankheit, die genau das angreift, was er am besten kann? Diese Fragen habe ich mir unweigerlich gestellt, als ich den Film schaute. Der Film beantwortet diese Fragen nicht, kann er auch nicht. Trotzdem berühren die Bilder, Gesichter und Worte zwischen den Zeilen etwas Tieferes. Gerade dann, wenn man sieht, wie Jason und seine Familie bis heute an dem Schicksalschlag wachsen, den Ball aufnehmen und weiterspielen, sich der scheinbar unlösbaren Aufgabe immer wieder neu stellen. Ein wichtiger Film für Gitarristen und Musiker, Künstler.

chi conosce Jason Becker sa benissimo che grande chitarrista è stato, e cosa sarebbe potuto diventare se non avesse contratto la SLA. Il DVD, oltre a raccontare la vita di Jason e la sua vicenda, è qualcosa che ti fa pensare moltissimo. Trovo incredibile la voglia di vivere e la forza di volontà di questa persona che vive per la musica e nonostante non possa esercitarla fisicamente, riesce a comporre comunicando soltanto con gli occhi. Ti rendi conto di quanto sei fortunato a poter fare certe cosa che sembrano scontate. Fortunatamente Jason è circondato da una famiglia fantastica che lo ama a lo supporta. Non mancano le interviste di grandi artisti come Marty Friedman, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Richie Kotzen e altri, che danno il loro contributo e testimoniano che grande uomo e artista sia Jason.

Lástima que no venga con subtitulos en castellano (aunque con un nivel de inglés normal, se entiende casi todo) y la escasez de material disponible con que está hecho. Por lo demás, una joya

英語は分かりませんが、貴重な映像が盛りだくさんで、それを観れるだけでも価値があると思います。 悲しい事実は変わりませんが、多くの人が応援しています。 いつかギターを弾く姿を見せてくれることを心から祈っています。 願わくば「End of the Beginning」を。