An Intriguing Look at George Jones

Wide-screen format versions of Madonna and Elvis Presley movies are the two essential pop laser discs released so far this year, but a George Jones documentary from Pioneer Artists is close behind.

While most pop laser collections are built around either an artist’s video clips or live concerts, Jones’ “Same Ole Me” is a more ambitious and generally satisfying venture. We hear Jones reminiscing about his life and career, as well as comments about Jones from more than a dozen performers and business associates who have worked with him over the years.

Lots of the remarks from the likes of Johnny Cash, Randy Travis and Loretta Lynn are simply tributes to Jones, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest singers ever in country music.

But there is a dark side to the life of Jones, a Texan who for years followed the fast-livin’, hard-drinkin’ model of his greatest hero, country legend Hank Williams. And the interviews touch on this. Footage of a snarling, out-of-control Jones being arrested is a frightening look at just how dark things got.

But “Same Ole Me” isn’t tall talk. There’s also some classic footage of Jones on stage singing a variety of songs, from the ‘60s novelty of “White Lightnin’ ” to the ‘70s soulful expression of “He Stopped Loving Her Today.”

Here is a list of the best of the pop laser discs for the first quarter of the year. They are rated on a scale of one star (poor) to four stars (a must):

**** Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock.” (MGM/UA Home Video, $34.99): Though previously available in laser disc, this is the first time Presley’s rousing ‘50s film has been released in the letterbox format with the original theatrical trailer. One of Presley’s best movies, “Jailhouse Rock” is in many ways the ‘50s equivalent of Prince’s “Purple Rain”--a sentimental story that is remarkable only because of the raw energy of its star and its lively music.

*** 1/2 Madonna’s “Truth or Dare.” (Miramax/Live Home Video, $34.99): Despite the much-publicized squabble between Madonna and some of her dancers over this 1991 documentary, the extensive interplay between Madonna and the dancers is the weakest part of the teasing look at one of pop’s most fascinating figures. The film, in fact, is more interesting when she is involved with anyone else--from family members to an old school chum to camera-shy Warren Beatty. While far from an anything-goes portrait of Madonna, the film is absorbing as a look at power and fame. It’s revealing for which images the star wants to share with us.

*** 1/2 George Jones’ “Same Ole Me” (Pioneer Artists, $24.99). This isn’t the exhaustive examination you’d expect from a full-fledged, big-budget documentary. Within its limits, however, the video is a far more revealing glimpse of an artist than is usually supplied by pop videos.

*** Eric Clapton’s “24 Nights” (Warner Reprise Video, $34.99): Clapton’s music over the years has gone from some almost unequaled highs to uninvolving lows, but he was in peak form during this remarkable 24-night stand at London’s Royal Albert Hall, working on various nights with everything from a four-piece band to an orchestra.

*** Emmylou Harris’ “Emmylou Harris & the Nash Ramblers at the Ryman” (Warner Reprise Video, $34.99): Harris recorded this concert video at the old home of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, and there is a warm sense of country tradition throughout as she and her acoustic band move through a wide range of sometimes surprising tunes, from Steve Earle’s “Guitar Town” to John Fogerty’s “Lodi.”

*** “The Best of MTV: 120 Minutes” (Pioneer Artists, $24.99): Though probably impractical, it’d be nice to have a whole “best of” series from MTV’s weekly “120 Minutes” so rock fans could build a library of classic videos by favorite college/alternative attractions. You can always put together your own tape from the TV show, but that doesn’t give you the superior laser quality. Best moments range from Sinead O’Connor’s “Mandinka” to Sonic Youth’s “Kool Thing.”

*** Neil Young & Crazy Horse’s “Weld” (Warner Reprise Video, $34.99): Like Clapton, Young has gone through career low points, but he is in top form again--and this captures it. On songs ranging from “Tonight’s the Night” to “Welfare Mothers,” Young bobs and weaves around the stage so much that it’s hard for the camera to keep him in frame.

** 1/2 Tina Turner’s “Simply the Best” (Pioneer Artists, $29.99): The video clips that account for most of the 90 minutes here remind us of just how quickly most videos start looking out of date. The live footage--including a duet with David Bowie--is consistently more striking.