Studio: Sony Music Release Date: 09/10/2002

Average Customer Review: ( 46 customer reviews )
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This video is an intimate, engaging look at Pearl Jam in the studio rehearsing and recording the Yield album (and if I had to pick a favorite album that would possibly be the one). The members of the band speak individually about the songs' inceptions, life in the studio, life as a member of Pearl Jam, how things were and how they are. It's like getting to spend an hour or so just hanging out with the guys.

I am a musician, trying to get my own band started, and personally I found watching this to be inspirational to my causes. Everytime I watch it I get this urge to jump up, go take out a loan so I can buy up some studio time and just do it.

Surprisingly, at no time does Vedder take center stage here. Equal time is spent focusing on all five of them. My favorite insights arfe those given by bassist Jeff Ament about the intensity of playing music that you know is better than anything you've ever done before, and about the psychological power of music.

It's not the typical let's-watch-the-band-get-drunk-backstage video. It's intelligent, intimate, and most of all modest, which is a true rarity among rock and roll bands of this noteriety.

15 of 15 found the following review helpful:

I'm not trying to make a differenceDec 24, 2005
By Brett Corkins
Pearl Jam's Single Video Theory isn't what the title implies. There's no videos or any talk of videos, what this film is however, is a glimpse into what the members of PJ think of the songs off of the Yield release. Yield is one of my favorite CDs by Pearl Jam so to hear each song at least partially performed is gratifying enough. Hearing each member talk about the songs is something that I like about this DVD, I also like the fact that it's not just Ed talking, if anything Mike, Stone, and Jeff get more camera time. To know there's no real power struggle going on is a good pick-me-up. The sound quality is as if you're simply listening to the CD and Ed nails every lyric. To hear every song off Yield played was good because most of my favorites aren't songs I've ever heard PJ play live. Take No Way for instance, they don't play this song very much at all so to hear even the part of it they do play is good enough for me. Same goes for Brain Of J. Two of the songs played best were All Those Yesterdays and Given To Fly but those songs are always played with such emotion that it's hard to screw them up. I really like the way the band describes Given To Fly, I feel it gives the song that much more meaning. In Hiding has an interesting backstory to it and is played in full much to my delight. In Hiding is one of those songs that doesn't really take off till the chorus, so I'm glad they did the song justice and played it in it's entirety.

If you're expecting some stellar live footage, don't count on it, Pearl Jam is playing the songs in a studio. If you're expecting to hear some landmark songs that they've made over the years, don't count on it, Pearl Jam only plays the songs from Yield. If you're a fan of PJ then you're sure to see the beauty in this extremely minimal release. And if you like Yield, then you're bound to love it. I was surprised with what I was given with this DVD but by no means I disappointed. Single Video Theory is no Touring Band 2000, but it gets the job done.

13 of 13 found the following review helpful:

It's Evolution BabyJul 20, 2000
By Matthew Moore
This edition of Pearl Jam's Single Video Theory is a bit different from the VHS versions, though not drastically. For any fan though, it is a must have for its improved sound quality, better video quality, and little features which are not in the VHS version.

8 of 8 found the following review helpful:

Album recording and interviews from a truly amazing bandJan 29, 1999
By mywaves7@aol.com
"Single Video Theory", the long awaited home video from one of the most amazing bands of our time. It's a glimpse at their recording process for their latest record "Yield", as well as live studio recording of those songs, candid interviews with band members, Jeff Ament, Stone Gossard, Jack Irons, Mike McCready and Ed Vedder. I recommend this video for any fan of Pearl Jam or music similar to theirs; you'll recieve the truth behind this well-rumored band.

7 of 8 found the following review helpful:

Yield to a great rock DVDMar 16, 2006
By Mark Privett
Shot entirely in their soon to be demolished (2006) practice studios during the rehearsals for their "Yield" album, "Single Video Theory" shows you Pearl Jam at work. This is a treat, not just for PJ fans. See a band at the top of their game collaborating, jamming, and shaping a great rock album. Highly recommended.

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