This looks at Green's transition from hugely successful soul singer to gospel artist and fundamentalist preacher. Filmed in concert in Washington, D.C., in rehearsal in his recording studio, in a service at his Memphis church, and in an extended interview, Green reveals himself to be an electrifyingperformer, whether singing love songs to women or spiritual ones to God.

Directed by Robert Mugge

The soulful story of an R&B legend

"A powerful vocal spectacle . . . James Brown times ten." --Los Angeles Herald-Examiner
"A revelation. Pure musical electricity." --The Boston Phoenix

Al Green was a soul singer with a million-dollar career when he awoke one day in a hotel room praising God. Full of this new spirit, he became a gospel singer and a Pentecostal preacher. Award-winning filmmaker Robert Mugge (New Orleans Music in Exile, Sonny Rollins: Saxophone Colossus) examines Greens life and music in intimate interviews, passionate performances ("Lets Stay Together," "Free at Last," "Amazing Grace"), and a sermon both spoken and sung--a fiery crescendo of conviction, inspiration, and joy. Filmed in the recording studio, in concert at Bolling Air Force base, and at Greens church in Memphis, Tenn., powered by his energy, honesty, and incandescent smile, this is an indelible portrait of an artist who takes you higher.

DVD SPECIAL FEATURES INCLUDE90-minute audio interview with Al Green, reflections by director Robert Mugge, concert excerpts, extended song, extended audio excerpt of church service, original theatrical trailer, and discography.

Review

Now that's filmmaking! Grade: A- --The A.V. Club / The Onion

Rich with solid storytelling. --MovieWeb

The interviews are note-worthy and the performances are often electrifying. --DVD Talk

[The Gospel According to Al Green & Sonny Rollins: Saxophone Colossus] give Mugge and we viewers the greatest gift: the outpourings of their immediate, fully-committed inspirations --Jazz Beyond Jazz blog

[The Gospel According to Al Green & Sonny Rollins: Saxophone Colossus]blend insights and splendid, rare performance footage in a manner that distinguishes them from basic concert or documentary items. --Nashville City Paper

[The Gospel According to Al Green & Sonny Rollins: Saxophone Colossus]hold up well as vital profiles of their subjects at turning points in their lives, each combining a concert film with a journalistic backstory. --The Wall Street Journal

Supreme craftsmanship --All Movie Guide