Cream: Classic Artists

There might not be much on Cream: Classic Artists that will come as a surprise to serious Cream fans (the fact that guitarist Eric Clapton found himself serving as an intermediary in the constant battles between bassist Jack Bruce and drummer Ginger Baker is hardly a revelation), but to see the trio in separate interviews candidly discussing the band's short and rocky history is a treat. While the program features a handful of concert clips, the real focus here is on the band's amazing story: their impressive beginnings (recording all-time rock hits such as “Sunshine of Your Love,” “White Room,” “Crossroads,” and “Badge”), quick flame-out (just over two years after forming), and long-anticipated reunion performances, all of which are covered in exhaustive detail here through archival footage and stills combined with interviews of the band members and others (the film also features some fascinating material on each member's pre-Cream days). Some things haven't changed much over the past 40 years: the irascible Baker and the charming little Scotsman Bruce are still tossing barbs at each other (Baker admits he nearly packed it in after the first of three 2005 Madison Square Garden reunion shows because Bruce was playing too loud), with the ever-eloquent Clapton still caught in the middle. DVD extras include additional interview footage and a bonus audio CD with Swedish radio sessions and five previously unreleased tracks. Highly recommended. Aud: P. (M. Moore)