This new DVD/CD definitely has its selling points. As most things do, it’s got some negatives, too. First, a little background is needed. Before Shania Twain became a country cross over superstar, she was a struggling singer named “Eilleen Twain.” During those early years she was involved with a show called “Vegas North.” This documentary focuses on that formative period in her career.

The documentary itself feels a little amateurish to me and the narration is a bit cheesy. That said, this is still worth checking out. For one thing, it’s an interesting story. For another it includes rare early footage of Twain that’s worth the price of admission all by itself. The final piece of the puzzle is the bonus CD that includes a lot of early Shania Twain recordings. These things have been released on various labels over the years, but for those who don’t already have them, it’s icing on the cake here. Mind you, don’t expect the country superstar stuff. The music falls closer to the pop rock sound that was so popular in the 1980s. It’s obvious from the performances, though, that stardom was the natural progression for Twain. She showed talent in that format, too. All in all, this is a blemished, but still worthwhile set.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2014  Volume 2 at lulu.com/strangesound.