BILLY JOEL And So It Goes 2 DVD Set DELUXE EDITION (Documentary 2025) plus EXCLUSIVE BONUS MATERIAL Billy Joel: Extraordinary with Fareed Zakaria (Documentary 2022) OVER 5 HOURS!

Description

The documentary “Billy Joel: And So It Goes” is described as an expansive portrait of the life and music of the superstar musician, exploring the love, loss, and personal struggles that fuel his songwriting. With unprecedented access to never-before-seen performances, home movies, and personal photographs, along with extensive, in-depth one-on-one interviews, the documentary intimately explores the life and work of Joel, whose music has endured across generations. Among those reflecting on Joel’s career are Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Sting and Garth Brooks. It has been generally well-received by critics and fans, offering a comprehensive and insightful look into the life and career of the iconic musician. Here’s a summary of the key aspects highlighted in reviews: Synopsis an electrifying, deeply personal portrait of one of New York’s greatest legends. Directors Susan Lacy and Jessica Levin weave rare, never-before-seen archival footage with candid, soul-baring interviews to chart Billy Joel’s meteoric rise—from humble Long Island roots to international superstardom. In Part 1, the film pulls back the curtain on Joel’s private world with unreleased performances, intimate home movies, and behind-the-scenes moments that have remained locked away until now. Featuring timeless anthems like “Piano Man,” “New York State of Mind,” and “Just the Way You Are,” this unprecedented chronicle celebrates the enduring genius of the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and 23-time Grammy Award winner. Titled after one of Joel’s most personal songs—written during a tumultuous love affair—the film captures a singular voice whose music became the soundtrack of a city and a generation. There’s no better way to open the festival than with a night dedicated to a true New York icon.

“I believe this two-part film is both a revelation and a surprise,” shared Lacy, who also led the documentary Jane Fonda in Five Acts. “I was drawn to his story as someone who knew little at the outset, and was astounded at how autobiographical his songs are and how complex his story is.”

DISC 1 of 2

1. Part One Original Air Date July 19th 2025: Joel looks back on a childhood as the son of working-class parents on Long Island, the loss he felt at the age of eight when his father left the home, and his entry into the business of music. Acknowledging the mistakes he made along the way, Joel put everything he lived through into his music. As he went from keyboard player in local bands to striking out on his own, he discusses the love affair and first marriage with Elizabeth Weber that became the fuel for his early songwriting hits, such as “Just the Way You Are” and “She’s Always a Woman.” His collaborators and peers illuminate his musical gifts, and Joel delves into the business deal he made that led to the writing of “Piano Man.” After signing with Columbia Records, his career took off and years of hits and record-breaking tours followed, as he continued to channel his personal experiences into his music. While he chafed against the critical response to his music, struggled with his relationship to alcohol, and navigated a complicated personal life, a near fatal motorcycle accident impacted his ability to play piano and left his future unclear. How would he rebuild his career and move forward with his life? Duration Disc 1: 2 Hours 27 Minutes

DISC 2 of 2

2. Part Two Original Air Date July 25th 2025: With his eighth studio album, The Nylon Curtain, Joel changed his musical focus by reflecting the grit and aspirations of the Everyman with songs such as “Allentown” and “Goodnight Saigon.” He recounts his complicated reunion with his long absent father and discovers the secret story of how his Jewish grandparents survived Nazi Germany which he distilled into his philosophical ballad “Vienna.” Recovering from years on the road, Joel vacations in St. Barths where he meets his future wife, supermodel Christie Brinkley, who would become the mother of his first child and the inspiration behind the hit “Uptown Girl.” Dedicated to his craft, but uneasy with fame and the spotlight, Joel persevered through romantic and professional setbacks, choosing to reinvent himself time and time again. Later, with the support of his third wife Alexis Roderick Joel and their children, and through his collaboration with Elton John, a return to his classical roots, and his historic residency at Madison Square Garden, he continues to find a safe space in his music. Duration: 2 Hours 25 Minutes

BONUS MATERIAL EXCLUSIVE to THIS “DELUXE EDITION”

3. Official Trailer Duration: (2:26)

4. Billy Joel: Extraordinary with Fareed Zakaria Documentary Original Air Date 08/20/22: Billy Joel has sold more than 150 million records and received the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song from The Library of Congress. From his home in southern Florida, Zakaria and Joel talk the inspiration behind Joel’s megahits, and more. Perhaps you’ve sat through some of the same interviews and documentaries that I have — ones that barely scratch the surface or cover the same rehashed information that most of us know. Especially when you’re a fan of an artist — and particularly if that artist has been performing for many years — it can be difficult to find fresh perspectives.  Fareed Zakaria, a longtime Billy Joel fan, asks deeper questions about the legendary singer-songwriter. In a relaxed setting, sitting by the piano, Billy Joel gives us a window into his creative process.

Concert footage is interspersed throughout the interview, providing long enough clips to give illustration without overtaking the interview. The interview also touches on history — his personal history and that of the United States and music. I found the entire program fascinating. Even if you’re a lifelong fan, you’ll appreciate the opportunity to learn some new things. While you’re discovering new facts, what you really become to understand through this documentary is his thoughts, feelings, and insights into his creative process.

He plays early versions of “Movin’ Out” and “Only the Good Die Young.” Surprisingly, the latter was originally a reggae tune. I find it amazing to watch someone as talented as Billy Joel in action, able to convey his thoughts musically. He demonstrates musical dissonance as he plays the chords to his beautiful song “And So It Goes.” He plays “Uptown Girl” in the style of Mozart to show how foundationally similar they are. He also shows how music can either complement the lyrics or be a contrast for them. Duration: 42 Minutes

Duration Disc 2 including Bonus Material: 3 Hours 9 Minutes.

Total Running Time including Bonus Material: 5 Hours 36 Minutes

• Comprehensive Portrait: The film is praised for providing an expansive and in-depth look at Billy Joel’s life and music, including his personal struggles and successes. It covers his journey from his early days in local bands through his rise to fame and beyond.
• Emotional Depth: Reviews emphasize the film’s emotional gravity, going beyond a superficial overview to explore how Joel’s personal life fueled his songwriting.
• Rare Archival Material: The documentary offers viewers unprecedented access to never-before-seen performances, home movies, personal photographs, and in-depth interviews. This provides a unique and personal glimpse into Joel’s world.
• Honest and Reflective: The film portrays Joel in an honest and comprehensive manner, acknowledging both the highs and lows of his life and career, including topics like divorce, homelessness, depression, suicide, and alcoholism.
• Masterful Storytelling: Joel himself is recognized as a masterful storyteller, and the documentary effectively captures his ability to connect with audiences through his music and personal anecdotes.
• Highlights Key Relationships: The documentary gives significant attention to Joel’s relationship with his first wife and manager, Elizabeth Weber, and her role in his career.
• Peer Recognition: The film features insights and praise from other notable musicians like Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, and Nas, highlighting Joel’s influence and artistry. 

• Length and Repetition: Part One of the two-part documentary is noted as being lengthy (2 hours and 27 minutes) and some reviewers found the recounting of events by Joel and his cohorts to be occasionally repetitive.
• Focus on Early Career (Part One): The first part primarily focuses on Joel’s rise to fame through the early 1980s, ending with his “Glass Houses” album and personal challenges like a motorcycle crash and divorce.
• Less Focus on Creative Process: While exploring the emotional core of his work, the film doesn’t necessarily offer a deep dive into the technical details of his creative process.