The concert of a lifetime

In 1971 George Harrison agreed to help his friend, legendary sitar player Ravi Shankar, find a way to assist the refugees from war-torn Bangladesh. What resulted was the first large-scale benefit concert. The concert, held on Aug. 1, 1971, featured many influential musicians and friends of Harrison all playing under the direction of the late formal Beatle.\nThe two-disc DVD set, released on Oct. 25 includes the entire concert set of this legendary performance, a making-of documentary as well as previously unreleased rehearsal and sound check footage.\nHarrison starts off the concert quietly introducing Ravi Shankar. The soft-spoken Shankar does well to stress the severity of the problem in Bangladesh and expresses a heartfelt appreciation to the crowd for attending. Shankar then leads a brief Indian music section before Harrison and company take the stage. This striking instrumental sets the stage nicely for the rest of the concert.\nThe crowd erupts as Harrison takes the stage, flanked by other famous musicians such as Eric Clapton, Leon Russell, Billy Preston, fellow Beatle Ringo Starr and later in the set, Bob Dylan. Harrison then goes into a series of three of his own songs before Billy Preston performs one of his original songs "That's the Way God Planned It." \nThe performance jumps from one artist to the next with each player getting a chance to shine. This format is what makes the concert a diverse musical experience. Whether it's the soul of Billy Preston or the folk style of Bob Dylan, each member brings his style to the mix. \nThe concert is also highlighted by some of Harrison's most famous songs written during his time with the Beatles: "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," "Here Comes the Sun" and "Something." Harrison tops off the momentous night by playing "Bangla Desh," a song he wrote specifically for this occasion. \nAlthough the film quality of the concert is dated, the sound quality is above average, save one instance where Clapton takes a faint solo. The extras on the second disc are a nice addition. The previously unreleased performance of Harrison and Dylan's duet, "If Not for You," is particularly interesting.\nOverall, the DVD release captures the emotion and importance of this significant event in rock history. The concert itself helped not only raise more than $250,000 for immediate relief for Bangladesh refugees but also raised much awareness of the growing problem. The proceeds from the DVD release are being donated to the George Harrison fund of UNICEF, which continues to help with poverty programs in Bangladesh.