Reviews (144)

The greatest Rock N' Roll Film of all time.
From start to finish this film captures everything that is, or was, rock n' roll.You have Blues with Muddy Waters, Eric clapton and Paul Butterfield.You have Rockabilly with Ronnie Hawkins. You have Countryfied rock with Neil Young ,Joni Mitchell and Emmylou Harris. Then there is the soul of The Staple Singers and Van Morrison.The singer/songwriting of Neil Diamond.Last but not least, Bob Dylan.Who shows up at the end of the movie to put it all together with the stars of the show, THE BAND.All the styles mentioned above can be found in any given BAND song. I highly doubt that if you are reading this that you are unfamiller with the music of The Band. MArtin Scorsese does a great job of capturing the raw emotion that could take place at a real rock n' roll show. I could go on forever, but I won't. The main reason I'm writng this is to say that Robbie and Mr. Scorsese are finally getting together to work on the DVD Version of this fantastic document. No word on when it is to be released, but I will be one of the first persons to buy a copy and you should be too.

ONE WORD - AWESOME
This film's music has had a lasting effect on me from when I first saw it with my father at the movie theater as a young teenager, through the time I could not wait to get back to the states from my summer vacation to listen to the LP again, to this day as I order the DVD.

A few highlights; 1. Rick Danko's soulful and honest singing of "It Makes No Difference", "Stagefright" and many others. God bless his soul. 2. Levon Helm's "americana personified" singing on "The Night They Drove Ole Dixie Down" and his perfect drumming. 3. Dylan's God-like presence and powerful performance. 4. Vann Morrison's deep and electrifying performance that raised the hair on my arms. 5. Neil Young's sincerity with a haunting behind the scenes Joni Mitchell singing "Helpless, Helpless". 6. Clapton showing his usual class by letting Robbie outduel him in their guitar solos. 7. Robbie Robertson's guitar on Van's song "Caravan" and many others. 8. Garth Hudson's unique keyboards and Richard Manuel's spirited piano and singing.

[Forget] the imperfections, this is a musical masterpiece, showcasing many of the greatest musical talents of the last 40 years. The Band are simply one of the greats of all time. John X. Condos

Presentation overshadows music
I must say I'm not a huge fan of The Band, but I like "Before the Flood". However, I was amazed at how poorly The Band played, and sang even worse, in this, their farewell concert. It is hard to believe they had played together for 17 years.

Even the guests, such as Bob Dylan, seemed to use their worst voice. Only Eric Clapton was really any good, though Van Morrison was acceptable. Otherwise, fairly embarrassing musical performances. At the end, *everybody* is onstage singing "I Shall Be Released" - killing an otherwise nice song.

Obviously Scorsese got all the good film people and photographers to work on the project, and it was well done. So well done that the presentation outshines the music.

There are some nice extras, including multiple commentaries. Hard to recommend it unless you are truly a Band fan.

Not bad for a fiver
I got this DVD at my brother's recommendation for a fiver in Heathrow Airport, and it was good value at that. Good American music and a very well shot concert movie (well, it is Scorsese!) The interview sequences are intersting and as a Chaucer fan I delighted at the intro to the Canterbury Tales being read out. I was unfamiliar with the group's music before seeing this, and whilst they aren't a patch on Creedence Clearwater Revival I still admire their music. An interesting insight to a little segment of rock history.

when the best rock band and movie director collide ...
It's a worn-out formula nowadays. Bob Dylan did it, Chuck Berry did it, and Luciano Pavarotti does it all the time. They also do it every time somebody dies, and in this case you don't even have to be a musician. Yeah, I'm talking about that dreary event, the celebration concert with guest musician buddies. But there are exceptions to the rule, and this is definitely the case here.

To celebrate that they were quitting the 'god---n impossible' life on the road after 16 years, The Band gave a farewell concert in San Francisco, on Thanksgiving Day, 1976. To join them, they invited artists who represented the rich and varied array of styles that went into their musical melting pot: Rock'n' Roll, Blues, Folk, New Orleans R'n'B, Country, Gospel, Rockabilly ... who would sing their own numbers backed up by them. They, noblesse oblige, brought in their first mentor, Ronnie Hawkings, a man who sure knows how to entice a teenager into joining a rock'n'roll band, and Bob Dylan, of course, (who had just released Blood on the Tracks and Desire), Joni Mitchell (The Hissing of Summer Lawns and Hejira her most recent albums), Neil Young (Tonight's the Night and Zuma were his latest solo efforts), Muddy Waters (who would release Hard Again, his best late day work the following year), and many, many more I have no space here to mention. All top-notch and in their musical prime. Well, and Neil Diamond.

The result was a concert that can only be described as dazzling and magical. The Band do ecstatic versions of some of their best songs and the guest appereances are also amazing, Van Morrison does what's probably the best version ever of Caravan, Muddy Waters proves why he is the M-A-N, chile, The Staple Singers send a shiver up your spine that can rend you comatose for life, and Robbie Robertson and Eric Clapton bring the house down with their scorching six-strings and then they burn the ruins to ashes. All this just to quote a few. But I have a minor complaint here, the movie only features one song (The Shape I'm in) sung by Richard Manuel, one of the most soulful and moving singers that ever walked the face of the earth. This gives the newcomer a somewhat off-balanced account of how vocal duties were shared in The Band, as one can deduct that Levon Helm sang almost everything with a little help from his friends Rick and Richard. And Levon is darn good, but Richard is the shhh ....sheer top of the heap.

Casting these trifles aside, the movie is a masterpiece. Direcrted by a Martin Scorsese in a state of grace (those were the days of Taxi Driver and Raging Bull), and beautifully darkly photographed by Michael Chapman (Taxi Driver, Raging Bull), Michael W. Watkins (later X-Files direcror and producer), and Vilmos Zsigmond (Close Encounters of the Third Kind, The Deer Hunter, Heaven's Gate), this was to be more than your average rock concert documentary.

The filmmakers were set on an ambitious goal, to show what it is and what does it feel to play great music. And they achieved it in such a way that we mere mortals get to feel what it is to be up there on the stage, enraptured, playing that great music to an enthusiastic and receptive crowd. The featurette that is one of the DVD bonus add-ons shows how Scorsese had these sheets of paper with the lyrics of each song to be played written down in one column, the main moments of each performance in another (when a singer would join in the chorus, or the guitar solo was to begin, or a special part of the lyric would be sung, etc), and the camera shots and movements for each moment in a third column. This is called making the best of the means of your art instead of just doing anything that would do, and it shows on the screen in a way that leaves you breathless. Watching Scorsese frantically directing the movie like a tightrope walker with no net to fall down on must've been worth another documentary. They had only one take for everything, mind that, and I guess that's what might have attracted such a brave and audacious director as Scorsese: Jumping into the unstopping swirling midst of life and trying to extract art out of it with just spotlights and cameras. Souns enticing, isnt't it? And for no money nor any promises of getting more you-know-what than Frank Sinatra. ... Read more

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Although it could have been twice as long, this double-DVD set effectively captures over three hours of highlights from one of the most comprehensive and diverse collection of guitarists ever assembled for a single event. Recorded over three days in June of 2004 to benefit Eric Clapton's Crossroads Center in Antigua (as do the sales of this set), the show is not surprisingly heavy on the rootsy blues and country that comprise Clapton's primary inspirations. But it also includes folk (James Taylor), gospel (Robert Randolph & the Family Band), fret-shredding rockers (Steve Vai who delivers a dazzling performance), jazz (John McLaughlin), and, most interestingly, Indian classical music (a stunning piece from Vishwa Mohan Bhatt).

Most compelling are the rare and sometimes unusual collaborations. Joe Walsh and Taylor clown around on "Steamroller Blues," and Booker T. & the M.G.'s back both Joe Walsh on a rollicking "Rocky Mountain Way" and Los Lobos' David Hidalgo tearing into a sizzling "The Neighborhood." Clapton and J.J. Cale share the stage as do Clapton and Carlos Santana, and a show-stopping blues summit with Robert Cray, Jimmie Vaughan, Hubert Sumlin, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, and Clapton is a treat for all involved.

There are some shortcomings. The event isn't presented in chronological order--different stages, days, and backing bands are shuffled with Clapton's own set scattered throughout--ZZ Top's closing is a bit anticlimactic, and there are many omissions due to time constraints. But every act rises to the occasion, and this expertly recorded and shot DVD gives the viewer a front-row seat to a once-in-a-lifetime experience.--Hal Horowitz ... Read more

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This laid-back, live, intimate session featuring Eric Clapton's bluesy guitar playing is quite enjoyable--if a bit limited in scope. With little lighting and frills and a small group backing him up, Clapton picks up his acoustic guitar and leads the listener downmemory lane. Clapton is clearly on his best behavior as he engages in minimal small talk with his audience and lets the music speak for itself. The erstwhile Yardbird and former member of Cream and Blind Faith riffs through some dozen-plus songs including "Before You Accuse Me," "Tears in Heaven," "Walkin' Blues," "Alberta," "San Francisco Bay Blues" (in which Clapton thankfully cuts loose a bit), and his great hits "Layla" (written for his ex-wife, Patti Boyd Harrison) and "Old Love," a standard that garnered big applause. But the simple set and sparse stage can barely contain the energy that fills the arena when Clapton launches into "Rollin' and Tumblin'," a raucous, rousing bit of blues that Clapton is certainly still up for. This video is primarily for Clapton's most ardent fans, providing some heartfelt, soulful instrumental prowess in addition to an aging British rocker singing the blues as well as a white guy can. --Paula Nechak ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Songs are great, video encoding was done so-so
I'm a fan of Eric Clapton. The latest "with friend" concert DVD is well done. For this one, it's also a classic but if you own the latest gadgets (DTS, DRC TV, etc), then... probably could wait for a DTS version :)

Unplugged - plug it in!
A must have for fans and non-fans alike! The music is phenomenal, classic Clapton. For you guitar players out there, this is an exceptional learning tool. Trying to figure out those intricate licks that the sheet music leaves out? Watch the DVD in slow motion, see all the hand positions and picking,again and again as needed until you master these songs! An excellent addition to any guitar players list. 3 thumbs up!

SIMPLY, THE BEST!
Back in 1997, when dvds were introduced into the US market, "Eric Clapton - Unplugged" was one of the first ones on the shelves. And, there can be no doubt why. This is a gem, among gems. Knowing, the immense notoriety this performance has gained, it's funny to think EC originally didn't want to release it, because he thought that his fans would not take to it. He said that he always enjoyed playing these classic, blues numbers on his acoustic guitars at home, but never realized that other people would find them of interest. Well, being that this is probably, the most popular 'Unplugged' performance from the series, I guess he was wrong. In fact, this is what inspired him to take on his next project, "From The Cradle". As good as this dvd is, I hope that Warner/Reprise will see fit to release an updated edition, which adds a DTS track, as well as extras, that include the MTV interview and unreleased tracks, such as, "My Father's Eyes" and "Circus". Both of those tracks were reworked and released on "Pilgrim", but the original, raw, acoustic versions are priceless! Incidentally, I was wondering if anyone else noticed they reversed the names of his backup singers in the band section?? Yes, Tessa is the caucasian woman. Duh!! I hope, for their sake, they corrected this on later editions! Anyway, go out and get this one. You won't be sorry!

ERIC CLAPTON UNPLUGGED IS GREAT
WOW, eirc clapton is G-D...WOW, he is the greatest guitarist ever. Unplugged is awesome, clapton is amazing in concert. BUY THIS DVD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Very educational
I got this DVD for educational purposes. Even though I really love EC's unplugged album, it's so much better watching him perform.

Where can I find a tabs for the unplugged album exactly as he plays on this DVD? The tabs I have supposedly is the accurate transcription...the Hal Leonard one (not the easy one). But it's different from the way he plays on the DVD. I play the DVD in slow motion and try to see how he does it. It's great.

They do show a lot of close up shots of him playing, but I wish there were more. And I want to hear him playing solo more :) Not a duet and not with piano accompaniments etc..

The quality isn't that great, akin to that of a video tape. Minus 1 star for the quality. ... Read more

Description

Eric Clapton has achieved the seemingly impossible, becoming more popular in his most recent 10 years onstage than in his first decade in the spotlight. His 1997 Live In Hyde Park home video documented a triumphant concert of the previous summer that followed his massive "Tears In Heaven" hit a few years earlier. This is classic rockin' and guitar-wailin' blues-is-king Clapton, from new versions of his Derek and The Dominos' "Layla" and "Have You Ever Loved a Woman" to Cream's "White Room" and "Badge" to his solo hit of Bob Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff" to B.B. King's "Every Day I Have the Blues." Added to the original home video's lineup is Clapton's rendition of the Muddy Waters electric blues "Hoochie Coochie Man" and the blues standard "It Hurts Me Too," which Clapton reprised on From the Cradle. Other tracks include: Wonderful Tonight; Five Long Years; Tearin' Us Apart; Old Love; I'm Torn Down; Holy Mother. 89 minutes. ... Read more

Reviews (32)

Hyde Park in the same league with Fillmore and Albert Hall
This concert video is for those people who think that the Clapton of the 90s has lost his guitar skills. The reason why everyone does not know how great he is, is because in the mid to late 90s Clapton's best work, especially live, has been blinded by todays teen pop. I have listened to every live album of Clapton's I could find. Eric Clapton is one of the greatest live performers and in my book the greatest guitarist, technically and for me emotionally. I have looked sincerely into countless guitarists and solos. Old love and I shot the sherriff in this concert are among the best solos i have heard ever. Five long years is great too, if you have patience. And those of you are wondering why this old, skinny white guy with glasses who did that slow song about his son is revered as one of the best guitarists in the world, this video is for you. Great music today has to be searched for. And if you are reading this review, you have found it.

In a word: Brilliant
Well, any doubts about Clapton's ability to crank out awe-inspiring blues guitar are put to death here. This video takes you through an entire Clapton concert from the summer of 1996, and EC is definitely on-target. ALL of the songs are played terrifically, although the standouts to me are "Have You Ever Loved a Woman" (for the solo), "I Shot the Sheriff" (again, great solo), and "Badge."

The set list also includes "Wonderful Tonight," "Five Long Years," "Tore Down," "White Room," and the acoustic version of "Layla," although when buying this video I had hoped it to be the original version. Still great, though.

I never tire of watching this tape. I'd be interested in how it compares to the 24 Nights video; I'm sure they are very similar. Hard to believe, though, how one man can play the guitar so well for so long and still manage to come up with new and inventive material for his solos show after show. This is a must-have for all EC fans.

As good as it gets
With the exception of the dvd not being in wide screen format, This is a great DVD. Music is tight and song selections are wonderful. Buy it!! Eric is at the top of his game at this concert.

Coffee & Clapton!
I only view this one when I arise on Saturdays, and holidays. It is a glorious, outdoor concert that opens with the acoustic version of "Layla", and finds him predominantly accompanied by players that are not regularly part of his usual touring ensemble. He has a horn section, and a marvelous harmonica player in tow. It all comes together immediately with a great show of Clapton classics that include the only version of "I Shot the Sheriff" that he has yet released on DVD. Eric grins as he glances back to Steve Gadd's drum kit during his impressive improvisational solo during this number.

I have all his releases to date, but this one just seems to be the perfect way to start a weekend, or any day with Clapton's always professionally presented sampling of his many hits, and blues standards. It never gets better than this!

Clapton At His Best!!
If, like me, your favorite Clapton album is "From The Cradle", than this is most definitely the dvd for you!! In fact, he plays about four songs from that album. Demonstrating his ability to jazz-up a classic number, EC starts the concert wih an acoustic version of "Layla". But wait! Suddenly, there's a horn section that kicks in. (In fact, they're called "The Kick Horns" - Simon C. Clarke, Tim Sanders, Roddy Lorimer, Jim Keltner) They add a real classy element to the concert. I love Roddy's trumpet solo on "Layla". Than there's "Hoochie Coochie Man", a rockin' tune which EC adds his well-seasoned, angst-driven voice to, quite nicely. Later, Clapton switches out "Old Blackie" (his signature, Stratocaster guitar), and really get's into "It Hurts Me Too". Moving on to my favorite performance, "Five Long Years"... Eric and his band go deep into the blues. - "Lord, I finally learned my lesson. Should've a long time ago. Next woman that I marry, she's gonna work and bring me the dough." (What lyrics!!) One thing I have to say about EC, is that he doesn't try to hog the spotlight by completely out-shining his fellow bandmates; even though, he very easily could. No, everyone in the band is given equal opportunity to showcase their talents. It's great to see EC's former keyboard player, Chris Stainton back and playing his heart out. And, Jerry Portnoy's outstanding harmonica playing makes you feel like your sitting at some hole-in-the-wall bar in N'awlins (New Orleans), just taking it all in. Almost a tie for my favorite track is definitely "Everyday I Have The Blues", in which, again, the whole band just blows it wide open - Horns, Harmonica, Drums (Steve Gadd), Backing Guitar (Andy Fairweather Low) and of course the man himself!! Another great performance, is a duet with Katie Kissoon on "Tearing Us Apart". I enjoyed this much more than the original EC recorded with Tina Turner, because Katie's style is much more energetic and her vocal range far exceeds Tina's. I think I've mentioned everyone in the band, except for Tessa Niles, who had obviously lost some weight and was lookin' oh, so great! This is definitely a dvd that won't collect dust in your cabinet. As far as the audio is concerned, I would highly recommend opting for DTS. Simply put, DTS is uncompressed audio, thereby giving the listener a fuller, richer sound that Dolby Digital can't compare to because of the lossy (Yes, that's spelled correctly.), digital compression the latter format employs. ... Read more

Reviews (81)

A Truly Amazing Experience
Rattle and Hum is one of my two favorite U2 DVD's out there, tied with the excellent Best of 1990-2000.
While technically considered a documentary, Rattle and Hum is really a concert film, each song filmed during one of their live shows on their tour for the Joshua Tree album. But Rattle and Hum is a real movie, (it even has an MPAA rating). The directing is unbelievable, especially for a concert film. Instead of setting up cameras in the crowd and using a zoom lense, director Phil Joanou uses swooping cameras all over the stage, and it makes you feel as if you're on stage with them. Most of the film is in artsy black and white and it really brings out the emotion in the music, although there are three songs filmed in color.
The picture quality is very good, and although I won't claim to be an expert on sound quality, it sounds very good.
U2 are incredible live performers. These live versions of 'Exit, 'Where the Streets Have no Name', 'Sunday Bloody Sunday', and 'With or Without You' may very well be superior to the already excellent studio cuts. They even perform 'I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For' with a gospel choir, and it is absolutely amazing. If you are a fan of U2's older stuff I suggest you purchase this immediately. Otherwise, it's definitely still worth checking out.

U2-The Birth of a Super-Band
U2--nothing more nothing less. This is U2 at it's best. No video screens. No Zoo-tv. No props whatsoever. Just a band that knows how to rock. And rock they do from the beginning with a version of The Beatles "Helter Skelter". They take you on a journey thru America in 1987 and 1988 during the Joshua Tree tour--perhaps the bands best years. Highlights include a version of "Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" with a Harlem chior, and the recording of "Angel of Harlem" at Sun Studios in Memphis--same studio that Elvis used, and a blazing version of "Desire". Perhaps the most moving moment is the chilling version of "Running to Stand Still". Along the way Bono tries to educate, from the problems in Northern Ireland ("Sunday, Bloody Sunday") to the problems in Nicaragua ("Bullet the Blue Sky"). During one such moment, Bono uses one of the best lines I've heard in a long time when talking about money-hungry evangelists--"The God I Beleive in Doesn't Run Short of Cash". If you missed this defining moment, this is a great catch-me up.

a must
raw, powerful, u2 at their uninterupted best...clearly defines u2 as one of music's best live bands...a peek into their experiences on tour in the US...if you are a u2 fan you already have this, if you dont then you are not really a fan....

A Masterpiece
This is one of the ultimate rock movies for me. It ranks alongside The Beatles "A Hard Day's Night." It doesn't really have a story though. It's closer to a concert video, but instead of showing a single concert, it puts together some of the best performances of U2's Rattle and Hum tour. There are quite a few masterpiece performances in the movie. Of particular note is "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" which takes place in a Harlem church with a full choir. It's a very moving performance. Also I really loved "Angel of Harlem" which was performed in the Sun Studio in Memphis. It's the use of these kinds of unique performances that make this special. For fans of U2's 80's songs, this is the ultimate collection. It's a must have for every U2 fan.

Rattle and Hum
Looks like I have finally found what I was looking for...
Rattle And Hum on DVD is what every U2 afficionado cannot and will not do without! A travelogue of sorts for the irish band in the US, Phil Joanu's film captures the band's essence in the 80s, when they were essentially basking in the glory of Joshua Tree. Loads of attitude (Check out their interviews) but no pretensions here, its just the band at their musical best, as ordinary people who can be dazzled by the splendour of Graceland and get excited jamming with B.B. King and amidst their bantering admire with all honesty a roadside blues guitarist and do an impromptu session with a Church choir for I Still Havent Found What Im Looking For. In between all this is the exemplary courage shown by Bono to go public against the IRA in one of the bands concerts. If I had to look in perspective, this DVD serves as a perfect window to see the band as who they were and what they would be [As seen in Zorropa] before their radical Discotheque days. Right at the start of the film, you are treated to an exquisite vocal rendition by Edge of a song thats hauntingly familiar [I dont remember the name]. Gloria was not how I expected it to be, but in the larger scheme of things, it hardly matters. Though the entire format is in black and white, I would say this is an excellent decision taken by the director, because in a certain way it has added a subtle surreal atmosphere. All in all an hours worth of pure music fidelity... Sit back and enjoy... ... Read more

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If you have even a passing interest in Stevie Ray Vaughan's peerless mastery of urban blues guitar, you must own Live at Montreux 1982 & 1985. Spaced almost exactly three years apart, these concerts (60 and 93 minutes, respectively) represent the Texan blues god at his fiery best, with Double Trouble (drummer Chris Layton and bassist Tommy Shannon) laying the solid foundation upon which SRV built a Fender-driven sound as fierce as it was perfectly refined. The '82 show was truly "success in disguise," because despite booing from a festival audience lulled by a day of acoustic blues, and the stunned dejection that SRV felt after persevering through a uncompromising set, this was the turning point in SRV's career, leading to post-show encounters with Jackson Browne and David Bowie, who proved instrumental in bringing Stevie's music to an appreciative global audience.

When Stevie, Chris, and Tommy returned to Switzerland three years later, with organist Reese Wynans adding rich new dimension to the Double Trouble sound, the Montreux crowd was primed for a rip-snorting set, and SRV's jubilant response is a joyous thing to witness. One of SRV's favorite bluesmen, Johnny Copeland, appears for a three-song triumph in a set that's uniformly superior and ecstatically energized. Basic three-camera coverage is all you need, although guitar students--for whom this DVD is a godsend--will surely wish for more emphasis on SRV's picking and fretwork. Recording quality is superb in the Montreux tradition, with 5.1-channel remixes that surpass the original masters. A splendid 23-minute documentary features retrospective interviews with Layton, Shannon, Browne, and John Mayer, and the accompanying booklet includes a heartfelt reminiscence from Bowie. Stevie Ray may be gone, but Live at Montreux ensures that his gold-standard legacy will endure. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

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If you've ever wanted to hear Jack Nicholson sing (or try to) or marvel at the sight of Ann-Margret drunkenly cavorting in a cascade of baked beans, Tommy is the movie you've been waiting for. As it turns out, the Who's brilliant rock opera is sublimely matched to director Ken Russell's penchant for cinematic excess, and this 1975 production finds Russell at the peak of his filmmaking audacity. It's a fever-dream of musical bombast, custom-fit to the thematic ambition of Pete Townshend's epic rock drama, revolving around the titular "deaf, dumb, and blind kid" (played by Who vocalist Roger Daltrey) who survives the childhood trauma that stole his senses to become a Pinball Wizard messiah in Townshend's grandiose attack on the hypocrisy of organized religion.

The story is remarkably coherent considering the hypnotic dream-state induced by Russell's visuals. Tommy's odyssey is rendered through wall-to-wall music, each song representing a pivotal chapter in Tommy's chronology, from the bloodstream shock of "The Acid Queen" (performed to the hilt by Tina Turner) to Nicholson's turn as a well-intentioned physician, Elton John's towering rendition of "Pinball Wizard," and Daltrey's epiphanous rendition of "I'm Free." Other performers include Eric Clapton and (most outrageously) the Who's drummer Keith Moon, and through it all Russell is almost religiously faithful to Townshend's artistic vision. Although it divided critics when first released, Tommy now looks likes a minor classic of gonzo cinema, worthy of the musical genius that fueled its creation. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (68)

Ann-Margret in a Rock Opera? I guess so!
A visually spectacular and colorful adaptation of The Who's 'rock opera,' Tommy features an all-star cast including some of the greatest names and performances in rock music and a score written by Pete Townshend that was released six years prior to the film's release.

he story is about a young boy named Tommy (Roger Daltrey) who sees his father (Robert Powell) killed by his stepfather (Oliver Reed) while Tommy's mother (Ann-Margret) watches in shock. After the incident, Tommy's mother and stepfather tell him in song, "You Didn't See Anything, You Didn't Hear Anything." Traumatized by witnessing this horrendous deed, he becomes psychologically blind and deaf i.e. His brain won't let him see or hear. In the course of growing up, he proceeded to become a "Pinball Wizard" of the world and had a strong following of admirers. During this time, he endured years of manipulation and abuse by his family. Eventually Tommy breaks "free" of his world of silence and darkness and becomes aware of the world around him, his mental capacity has only evolved to that of a child. At the end of the movie, Tommy's followers finally realize that they have been brainwashed by him.

'Tommy' opened with critical acclaim from virtually everyone who saw the film. The film, costing three and a half million dollars, was produced by Robert Stigwood (of 'Jesus Christ Superstar' and 'Grease' fame) who took a backseat in the publicity of the film to director Ken Russell (of 'The Boyfriend' and 'Lisztomania' fame). Russell was commended for bringing the rock opera to life by using spectacular visuals and special effects to enhance the re-recorded soundtrack. "Technically the film is astounding...Russell has fused a kaleidoscope of images that pulsate with the incredible precision of a rock drumbeat in visual counterpoint to the music." (Newsweek March 24, 1975) This is the first of two reasons for the film's appeal. The second is the fact that the film used popular rock stars in cameo appearances to attract the 20-24 year old audience, who already had an awareness of the rock opera in its original form. Those who were not aware of it were wooed via promotions on the radio using the rock stars names such as Elton John, who was at the peak of his success. The rock stars had produced more interest in the film than the already established stars such as Ann-Margret and Oliver Reed, but by using these stars it gave "...the project more legitimacy among movie fans without dulling anticipation amount rock purists significantly..." (Variety February 26, 1975)

The film utilized the two different parts of the entertainment world, rock music and established film stars and used their talents to the fullest making the film appealing to the older audience as well as the younger one.

After reading various glowing, positive reviews and watching "Tommy" I found myself neither liking nor disliking it. By using songs and no spoken dialogue is a most effective and creative way to tell a story. The characters must express in song feelings of joy ('It's a Boy'), the covering up of a crime ("You Didn't Hear It'), joyous holidays and the sadness of Tommy's problem ('Christmas'), the evilness of relatives ('Cousin Kevin' and 'Fiddle About'), a story about one of Tommy's fans ('Sally Simpson'), Tommy breaking out of his world of silence and darkness ('I'm Free'), and the realization of being brainwashed ('We're Not Gonna Take It'). The film also contained great renditions of The Who's songs such as Eric Clapton as the Preacher ('Eyesight to the Blind'), Tina Turner ('The Acid Queen'), Elton John ('Pinball Wizard') and Jack Nicholson as the doctor ('Go To the Mirror Boy'). The use of special effects and colorful visuals helped to relay the story to the audience who only had envisioned it while listening to the original record by The Who.

The one fault I found with this movie was the use of Ann-Margret. She does not fit into this rock-opera or any rock opera for that matter. Her vocal ability does not permit her to sing these songs and consequently she screams them out, for example "Do I Smash the Mirror?" Her voice is very soft and sings some of the other songs without feeling like "Christmas" and "Tommy Can You Hear Me?" Ann-Margret's voice "...works better after you've seen the film and have an image to associate with the sounds." (The New York Times March 21, 1975). After viewing this film several times, it is still difficult for me to associate her with The Who's music and I feel someone else should have been chosen for the part.

**cdk

A bizarre and wonderful film
Tommy is easily the most disturbing movie I've ever seen, and I've seen a lot of disturbing movies. It chronicles Tommy's life from birth to the death of his father to his traumatic adolescence and spirtual entry into adulthood. The scene where Tommy endures sexual abuse (at the hands of Keith Moon, no less) is a particularly unsettling one. While the cause of him being "deaf, dumb, and blind" is never really explained, along with other unanswered questions, Tommy is definitely a work of art.

The cameos by Eric Clapton, Tina Turner, Elton John, and Jack Nicholson are brilliantly done. Ann-Margaret, whom I had previously dismissed as just another singing piece of eye candy, shows incredible acting skill as Tommy's mother. The only flaws in the film (besides Tommy's miraculous change from a brown-eyed boy to blue-eyed Roger Daltrey) are the ambiguity between symbolism and reality, which can make the story hard to follow, and the last quarter of the movie, in which Tommy becomes a Christ-like figure of worship. The movie really should have ended with Tommy's final realization of himself, at least in my opinion. However, a child rock star in this sequence eerily resembles Marilyn Manson circa 1996, which should entertain music fans.

Keep in mind, though, that just because this movie is rated PG does not mean it is suitable for children.

COUSIN KEVIN IS DA BOMB!!!
Why doesn't anyone mention him? This DVD is worth the price just to see that scene!!! I love everything else too but I like to watch the Cousin Kevin scene over and over again. The movie version is WAYYYY better than the dull, slow version on the album!!! Same thing goes for many of the songs. All in all, this is one of the most entertaining and enjoyable musicals of all time!!!

Unique, but as senseless as Tommy
When I first read of Tommy, I found the premise intruiging. A "rock opera" based on music by The Who... starring Roger Daltrey? I knew that the term "cult classic" would be applicable here. And being a fan of rock music, and 60's rock/pop in particular, I knew that I had to see this film. One mediocre review in a newspaper didn't put me off: I felt the combination of The Who and 70's cinema would make for great entertainment. How wrong I was.

With the opening sequences of "It's a boy", an embarrasing and awkward singing performance by a nurse, I was left with my jaw hanging open that this material was not destroyed by a later Government order. Songs often collapse into repetitiveness (I'm Free) just as they border on the great. Potential is repeatedly wasted - and at times, you can almost feel how good Tommy's music COULD have been - but alas, each song, without exception, feels both overblown and underwritten at the same time. It's a shame.

Not that the movie is devoid of artistic talent - it isn't. There are visually stunning sequences everywhere. Set peices become gradually more and more impressive (the Marilyn Monroe idols, Tommy's religious land) and special effects, crude as they are, are used to music video effect - an impressive precursor to MTV.

But the plot is loose, very loose - and scattered. Tommy's plight, his childhood trauma, and the theme of religious exploit all earn marks for originality, and maturity. But there really is very little continuity going on - and though the theme of Tommy's degredation becomes quite dark, his exploitation becomes repetitive. And tiresome. That said, the film's most energetic peak, "Pinball Wizard", is a colourful, memorable and bizzare game of pinball featuring Tommy and Elton John playing head to head before a theatre audience. Even the music shows flashes of inspiration. Without a doubt a proud climax for any film.

But at the end of it all, Tommy cannot be saved by a single scene, and with a plot so light and music so abominably poor (sorry, but it is), the film is rightly one of the smaller cult classics. The imagrey is good, but in the end, it all seems rather pretentious. Perhaps it needs to be, to fill the huge, gaping holes in the story. Yes, I "get" the film, and no, this is not the first musical or rock movie I have seen. Tommy displays both maturity and style at times - but neither are ever subtle, and that is the film's downfall. Only through the rose-tinted view of a fanatic could Ann Margret wallowing in baked beans ever be worth watching. Yes, I know that this is slander, and 0 of 37 people will find this review helpful as a result, but I can't help my honest opinion.

It has Elton John. In 10ft platforms. But this alone is Tommy's entry into rock history.

Bring on the special collectors edition!
The five star rating is purely for the content of this marvelous and sometimes misunderstood masterpiece from director Ken Russell. But in the U.K. right now (June 2004) they are being treated to an amazing 2 disc collectors edition DVD! The Superbit DVD with DTS sound is fantastic but we want extras!!! Please, Columbia Home Video! Let us Americans have it too! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Three songs by Howlin' Wolf are the highlight of this second set of blues performances recorded in the 1960s, when an extraordinary lineup of musicians (among the 18 tracks here are tunes by Lightnin' Hopkins, Willie Dixon, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee, and Big Mama Thornton) toured Europe, thrilling (among many others) the young Englishmen playing in bands like the Rolling Stones and the Yardbirds. As with Volume 1, the monaural sound and black-and-white video are superb, making the release of the footage four decades later even more welcome. And Wolf? He was still in his prime in '64, perhaps equaled only by Muddy Waters (who appears on the first volume). "Did you ever been in the groove?" he asks at one point. "Well, I'm gonna put you way down in the woods." That he does, and blues fans will be only too happy to tag along. --Sam Graham ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Unique archival footage; better than you thought possible
While a few tracks are merely good, most are excellent, and some are simple amazing. The Howlin' Wolf tracks are the best footage I've seen of him to date. He was still healthy enough here to get on his feet; very intimidating stuff. Admittedly, T-Bone Walker's backup band sometimes seems to be in a different city on his one track; but T-Bone himself sounds great. For archival TV from that era, audio-visual quality is unexpectedly high. Very crisp B&W. Very slight grain/white spots occasionally, but only if you're looking for it. Be sure to go to the bonus tracks by Magic Sam; the last of these is clearly from some alternate universe. A special thank you to those who preserved, and who rediscovered this material; they are creating a DVD Golden Age.

howlin' wolf - unfathomable greatness
the howlin' wolf footage on volume 2 is probably the greatest live singing, of any kind, that i have ever seen. it's not even fair to compare him to mortal men. if you can't imagine it being as great as his greatest records, believe me - it is here.

anyone know of any little walter footage in existence?

The blues that created the British sound & British Invasion
These two DVD's are rare treasures. Shot on a new format for the 60's called video tape. Incredible. I had never heard of these tours. Supposedly Jimmy Page and Mick Jagger saw some of these shows and the rest is history. The jewel here is Magic Sam playing Earl Hooker's guitar on the bonus tracks.

Take a trip back to the 60's
Great performances, sound quality is very good better than most new music cd's. You can't go wrong with this DVD. If you like the blues at all this will become one of your most played.

"second volume is as good if not better ~ Blues lives on"
Are you ready to watch some classic footage of great blues, from the legends to the modern masters of acoustic to the electric featuring essential performances covering the last half-century of blues. Some of the greatest of the great blues performers doing what they do best...BLUES! When you watch this video the feelings come through loud and clear. The sound and performances are picture perfect, very collectible to all the blues fans out there.

"American Folk Blues Festivals 1962-1966 Vol. 2", featuring Willie Dixon, John Lee Hooker, Memphis Slim, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Big Mama Thorton, Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf some of the legends that put it on the line and then some. Each performer playing side by side and giving their all. Sit back and enjoy as each cue is dead on, with detailed liner-notes and a little history of their background and accomplishments. This DVD is proof that once and for all Blues is very much alive and well. If you enjoyed this volume, then volume one is another winner...gotta love it!

Total Time: 80 mins ~ Hip-O Records 602498604137 ~ (8/26/2003) ... Read more

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On October 20, 2001, this now-historic concert took place at Madison Square Garden, a mere six weeks after the horrific terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. Thousands of firefighters, police officers, survivors, families, and fans witnessed a once-in-a-lifetime event as, in the space of nearly six hours, many legendary musical performers donated their time and their talent to one of the greatest causes ever, in the process giving their audience an unforgettable burst of pure emotion.

Organized by Sir Paul McCartney, the Concert for New York City was an overwhelming experience that deserves to be saved for posterity. The two-CD audio recording is crammed with dozens of superb performances but doesn't give a sense of the whole show that this two-DVD set certainly does. Not only can we relive such seminal performers from that evening as the Who, David Bowie, John Mellencamp, and Sir Paul himself, we can see the charming and personal short films made for the occasion by such New York filmmakers as Woody Allen and Martin Scorsese, or the dozens of celebrities and unsung firefighters and police officers who immortalized that day with their stories and musical introductions.

There is one quibble: the Goo Goo Dolls' "Iris," one of the blues standards Eric Clapton and Buddy Guy played, and McCartney's "From a Lover to a Friend" and "Lonely Road" are all missing, which seems curious, considering that the entire show could have easily fit onto two DVDs. So don't erase that videotape you made of the concert the night it aired, because that remains the definitive version. But this DVD (with very good Dolby 5.1 surround sound) comes close. --Kevin Filipski ... Read more

Reviews (37)

POWERFUL
I preordered my dvd in early january, i was not fortunate enough to see this event live. Why buy this? You could cop out and only say: Mc Cartney, jagger,keif, elton john, james taylor etc. etc.. You could buy this to feel the emotions of the firefighters and police who lost so many. Listen to politicians who represent the emotion that we felt at the time. Not fighting for a partisan but for the people. Toss in a few entertainers who can make us laugh and cry. Still you have not gotten to the point of why to buy. This may be the most powerful dvd you can ever buy. You cannot watch washington cross the delaware or see lincoln give the gettysburg address. We have watched the towers be struck and tumble again and again. This concert is the beginning of the healing. We cry with our great servicemen and women We sing along to the songs that we have grown up with. We cannot, will not forget sept. 11th and if only one penny from each item purchased goes to help someone who lost a loved one. Then it is a penny well spent. GOD BLESS AMERICA and may god bless new york city. Thank you for a great piece of history and an even better night of entertainment

Heart and Soul of New York
This concert exemplified the magic of music as the background for Americans coming together to grieve collectively. Watching this concert will show you raw emotional energy rarely seen on television. It is a sad concert and there are many times where you can see individual instances of personal grief among the music of many different superstars. It is a long concert and well worth a viewing. Among other things, I thought Paul McCartney was cheesy and his song "Freedom" was a situation where you had an amazing song writer reacting to bad circumstances but with poor results. The Who in my opinion, stole the show and then some, they were amazing as always. I don't think Jay-Z was placed at the right time when he came out. Billy Joel was everything New York as he always has been.
The ultimate point for you, is that you should own this DVD as it is a recorded reminder of music's response to an American tragedy with an audience showing us the rawest and most powerful of human emotions out for the world to see. Some may say it was convenient for superstars to show up and act really concerned and to use their fame as a pulpit to try and relate to everyday people; however, those people are uptight, why else do you go to concerts?, to be taken away from everyday routines and tragedies of life, so a concert of this magnitude after 9/11 was exactly what the country needed.

The Best Concert Ever...With a Few Exceptions
Overall, 99% of this concert is very good. David Bowie, the Who, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Paul McCartney and Elton John all played fantastic sets here. But I have a problem with some of the other music. Eric Clapton plays "I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man," totally unreated to 9/11. Jay-Z also had no business appearing at this show, especially if the only piece he can come up with is "H to the Izzo." My other complaint is that this DVD is incomplete. Two Paul McCartney songs, one Eric Clapton song, one Goo Goo Dolls' first song, and a good cover of "With a Little Help From My Friends" are all missing. The entire 6-hour concert could've easily been released. But what's here, for the most part, is very good. So on the whole, this is a good buy.

The Concert That Proved New York Is Still Number One
It was a night of healing. It was a night of reconcilliation. It was a night for firefighters, policeman, paramedics, musicians, actors and "Saturday Night Live" alumni alike to join together and prove New york did not grow weak after 9/11. It grew stronger and this 5 - hour concert showed those shems in the Middle East right.

Disc 1 is chock full of memorable moments. For me, the highlights were Billy Joel doing "New York State Of Mind", Eric Clapton and Buddy Guy doing a scorching rendition of the blues standard "I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man" and Adam Sandler reviving Operaman. But as just about every reviewer pointed out, The Who blew everyone away. I think it was "Won't Get Fooled Again" that stood out. It was also a spectacular swan song for the band's bassist, John Enthwistle. This was his last live appearance ever. He died suddenly in June 2002.

Disc 2 is even better. My favorite performer here is Elton John, who delivers a powerful version of "Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters". Mick Jagger and Keith Richards do great versions of "Salt Of The Earth" and "Miss You", though I would have liked it if all of The Rolling Stones were onstage. Jimmy Falon does an interesting medley of 1980s' hits that includes "Who's Johnny", "Der Komisar", and "I Just Died In Your Arms Tonight". Paul McCartney brings down the house at the end. I really enjoyed it when Richard Gere got booed. He was asking for it.

Overall, a great concert.

Support a Good Cause
Just a reminder that proceeds from the sale of this video still go to the Robin Hood Relief Fund. ... Read more

Reviews (27)

CLAPTONS BEST
This DVD is prob. my favorite music DVD. Eric Clapton was such a great guitarist for an example his 1990 and 1991 tours were his best years ever. I love listening to Eric Clapton expesically this DVD titled 24 Nights. I bought this in Fye music a while ago I was suprised how great the format on this DVD was it goes from Claptons band, Blues Band, 9 Piece Band, to the final Orchastra Band. The segments on the DVD are great some of my favorite songs on this DVD are White Room, Sunshine Of Your Love, Bad Love, Wacth Yourself, and Bell Bottom Blues. Also there are alot of special guests that are featured on this DVD some are Buddy Guy, Robert Cray, Phil Collens, and many others. I think this is the best Clatpon DVD release yet the music is the best part its interesting listening to the 9 piece band and the orchastra band with Clapton the music though went 100%. I was mad when I read other peoples reviews on this DVD saying it sucked and giving it 2 stars they are so wrong dont read reviwes that will make you change your mind on to buy this or not I know for a fact this is a must have for anybody I am a guitarist, and a classic rock fan I know what the real music is about. So 5 stars it is with the best performences at The Royal Albert Hall Eric Clapton 24 nights. Was this review helpful to you>?

FANTASTIC MUSIC. CLAPTON'S PLAYING WILL LEAVE YOU BREATHLESS
THIS IS THE BEST CLAPTON VIDEO OUT THERE! IT HAS A DEPTH AND A BLUESY MOOD ALL TO ITSELF. I THINK THIS IS ESSENTIAL IF YOU ARE A CLAPTON FAN AND LIKE MOST OF HIS POPULAR SONGS AS THIS COVERS 'RUNNING ON FAITH', 'WHITE ROOM', 'SUNSHINE OF YOUR LOVE', 'HAVE YOU EVER LOVED A WOMAN' AND 'BAD LOVE'. THE SONGS ARE ACTUALLY TAKEN FROM VARIOUS CONCERTS THAT CLAPTON PERFORMED AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL OVER 24 NIGHTS (GEDDIT?!) AND THEY'VE TAKEN THE BEST BITS OUT OF THE ROCK NIGHTS, THE BLUES NIGHTS, THE NINE-PIECE NIGHTS AND THE ORCHESTRAL NIGHTS. I JUST THOUGHT I'D MENTION THIS INCASE YOU THINK THAT IT'S ALL ONE CONCERT AND CLAPTON HAS GIVE HIMSELF A HAIR-CUT IN BETWEEN THE SONGS! hehe

Don't Listen to the Gregory Costa review !!!
I am a professional entertainer, guitarist and recording engineer since the mid 1960's.
I could not stand by and let somebody with NO recording expertise bash this recording.
He says, "No choice in sound selection", No surround sound?".
That's right Greg ! There is NO WAY to make a quality surround sound recording if it wasn't recorded that way originally.
Stereo recordings are generally superior after many years of serious development, and don't rely on " sonic gemicks" and " audio trickery".
Most of the people have given Eric's DVD a good recomendation for good reason. BUY IT ! Be careful who you listen to.
Thanks, DKW

Awesome!!!!!!!!
One of the best concerts, I have ever seen! It's Clapton at his best. Quality is good, considering it's from early 90's. Wish I was there live, but this is next best thing.

Change of heart on this one... UPDATED 7-02-04
Well, I'm not going say "24 Nights" is my favorite dvd by EC... However, upon further reflection of this compilation, I feel as though my previous review was a little unfair. I had stated in it that I was not happy with the fact that the audio was not remixed into DTS or Dolby Digital. I concede that perhaps I am not as knowledgeable as others who may have worked in the recording field. But, if someone would be kind enough to explain to me how concerts originally recorded in 2-channel stereo, such as "Roy Orbison's Black & White Night", can be remixed into the aforementioned formats and sound spectacular, I'd surely be interested in knowing. The concert material itself is pretty good though. If Mr. Clapton and his label, Warner / Reprise ever find it in their hearts to do so, I would love to see one night from each of the different band arrangements released on dvd. (Especially the orchestra and blues nights) Anyway, if you want to experience Clapton's versatality, pick up this release. OK, Mr. Widlake, you can update your review now. ... Read more

Amazon.com

They called 2003 "the year of the blues," but any year that sees another release in the American Folk Blues Festival series is one worth savoring. There's no lack of star power on this, the third volume (the first two were released in, yes, '03) taken from the European tours organized for American blues musicians between 1962 and '69; two fiery tunes by Muddy Waters are included as bonus tracks, Joe Turner is well known from his days with Count Basie, and the finale brings together such estimable perfomers as vocalist Helen Humes, pianist Memphis Slim, guitarist T-Bone Walker, bassist Willie Dixon, and longtime partners Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee. If names like Skip James, Bukka White, Dr. Isaiah Ross, and Son House (all playing in the acoustic Delta style, a sound that's about as raw and real as the blues gets) ring a bell only with serious blues fans, no matter. The performances (including what's purported to be the only extant audio-video footage of harmonica legend Little Walter) are uniformly strong, and the black & white images and strikingly clear sound are once again extraordinary. But this footage is not only a treat in and of itself. It's also music that changed our culture forever, as members of bands like the Rolling Stones, the Yardbirds, and Led Zeppelin were there to witness it in person.--Sam Graham ... Read more

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Jimi Hendrix's appearance at Woodstock may have been one of his most celebrated performances, as the producers of this DVD put it. But it would be a stretch to call it one of his greatest. By the time the guitarist finally took the stage, weather and endless logistical delays had pushed the show to Monday morning, a day after the festival was supposed to have ended. By then, the audience was too tired, hungry, wet, and stoned for Hendrix's set to be the expected apocalyptic finale. Hendrix himself was reportedly so wasted that he collapsed from exhaustion as soon as he left the stage.

Woodstock was the first gig by the Gypsy Sun and Rainbows band, a cross between the song-oriented focus of the original Experience (with drummer Mitch Mitchell) and the jam-happy Band of Gypsys (with bass player Billy Cox). Three other musicians, a rhythm guitarist and two percussionists, were on hand as well, but they are virtually inaudible in the audio mix and all but invisible in the film. That's not all bad; what we get instead are many close-ups of the guitarist at work, including shots of his enormous hands effortlessly navigating the frets and strings of his Stratocaster. And this is Jimi Hendrix we're talking about here, still the greatest rock guitar player ever. So while some of the set--a combination of familiar hits ("Fire," "Purple Haze," "Red House"), newer material "(Izabella"), and several jams--is perfunctory, there are moments of brilliance, like the blazing white noise he musters up on "Voodoo Child." In the end, any footage of Jimi Hendrix is worth having, as there isn't all that much of it around. But from a strictly musical standpoint, there's plenty of better live Hendrix out there, including on the four-CD box set The Jimi Hendrix Experience. --Sam Graham ... Read more

Reviews (41)

Nice dvd to own if you like concert dvd's
This is an excellent dvd, judged on it's own terms.

The only problem is, it is only around an hour and only contains about half of the songs that are included on the cd set of the same name... This dvd leaves off some of the best songs from the cd...

Having said that, it is worth it to actually see Hendrix play at Woodstock, and the sound is pretty damned good. There is just enough footage of the hippies and the festival itself to give a flavor of the event, but nothing to intrude on the music. If you want more of the flavor of the festival, rent the director's cut of "Woodstock". This dvd is nice because it doesn't have any documentary crap to interfere, it's just pure Jimi. Worth having.

For once the ENTIRE Hendrix Woodstock Performance on video
July 11, 1999: At last, we can see the mezzmerising performance of Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock in 1969, without interruption, in its entirety, and in full glory since it is uncut. His "Woodstock Improv", Villanova Junction" which until now was only available on audio, can be seen and we get the full impact of how much Hendrix dominated the entire rock and roll world in his time. The video is long overdue. Too many of his documentaries are spoiled with interruptions by people being interviewed and saying how great he was.. we all know how great he was, now we can watch his entire spectacular performance with no interruptions. The sound quality and image quality are superb thanks to the efforts and generosity of the Hendrix family who have made this and all of their other releases a labor of love. Anyone who loves Hendrix or the electric guitar should have this video.

Sept 3,2002: Just to set the record straight, this DVD apparently doesn't contain the entire Hendrix performance. It does, however contain all of the songs (in their entirety, unabridged), that over the years we got in bits and pieces through albums, movies and so forth. I guess I would have to say it is the most complete version of his performance at Woodstock yet produced - I have never seen or heard all of these songs together in any other album or movie. So, I was in error in proclaiming it was his entire performance. Sorry for any confusion, in my enthusiasm for this treasure.

Gypsy Sun In The Garden
This is certainly Jimi's most famous performance with the exception on Monterey in 1967. Again re-inventing himself he becomes the Gypsy Sun, psychedelic leader and captain of the rag-tag outfit of musicians known as the Rainbows. I've been to the concert site in Bethel several times and you can still feel the electricity Jimi and the other artists and 500,000 members of the Woodstock Nation created that famous weekend on Max Yasgur's farm 35 years ago. Although a lot of this concert is experimental jamming, Jimi absolutely goes into the stratosphere on the best version of "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" I ever heard (or in this case heard AND saw!). Watching him take flight on the long solo is purely the sickest thing I ever heard. Nobody should be so gifted to make it look THAT EFFORTLESS! The blistering solo alone makes this trip to Yasgur's farm well worth the price of admission. Of course THE most famous moment of all is the bombastic rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner," in which the Gypsy Sun made his very own. "Purple Haze," "Red House," "Izabella" and "Fire" are among the more well known numbers Gypsy Sun And Rainbows delivers to the remainder of the Woodstock Nation early that Monday morning. The only bad thing about the DVD is that it's not the complete set. However, it sure does deliver and never fails to take me "back to the Garden" and feel the real spirit of what it was like to wake up to the Gypsy Sun And Rainbows and take a soaring ride to rock n' roll's most famous event.

Experience the Experience if you never had the chance
Ok, I doubt it accurately portrays the energy of the show, but it is still amazing. There is nothing exceptional about the camera work or production quality. It is all about average. The reason the DVD is so good is simply because it's Jimi playing. Anyone that has a respect for the guitar will love it. It is simply amazing what he is able to do with the electric guitar. Just watching this DVD provides a feeling of how amazing of a player he was and how revolutionary he was. If you love bluesy rock type music, you'll love watching Jimi Hendrix play his guitar.

No cliche about it... Hendrix is the best guitar player EVER
Being a guitarist as well as someone who is appreciative of music written and played by Hendrix, I purchased this DVD with the intention of learning more about the man. I had seen other footage of Hendrix, usually in some documentary form and even then he was shown only in fast clips. This DVD contains footage that is quite the opposite.

Within the first few seconds of watching Hendrix play, my heart rate increased noticeably. At home, by myself, watching this DVD, I heard myself audibly mentioning my disbelief of his skill countless times. The man played the guitar like some mutated extension of his own body, and at one point I wondered if he had systematically gone up every fret on every string and memorized every note and its exact location, so that when he played he could run through his library of tones in random but orderly fashion.

The camera swoops across the crowd on occasion. It is the end of Woodstock, and there are only a few people left... blankets and debris litter the field behind them (it is then that I realize that my experience at various Lolapaloozas was not truly unique). At the beginning of the Hendrix set, most of them look bored. I can't help but wonder if half of them are still there because they don't have a ride home, or if they are so exhausted from the past few days that they don't know what else to do. They couldn't possibly know that they had just taken part in a truly historic event, so the significance of the Hendrix closing set (with his hastily named "Band of Gypsies") was probably lost on them.

But the crowd changes quite a bit as the show goes on. At first, Hendrix seems as if he is some crazy showboating guitarist with a knack for rockin' out the blues. But then it intensifies with unceasing persistence. Mitch Mitchell, the drummer, is banging out incredible rythms while looking like he has just run a marathon, but he keeps going, feeding off Hendrix. Hendrix falls in and out of solo-induced trances - or possibly trance-induced solos - while occasionally looking to his band mates for signals to fall back into verse. At one point he drifts so far away he is lost in minutes of feedback-ridden wailing and crunching when he suddenly pops out of it and decides to introduce the rest of the band, as if he regretted his apparent selfishness of sound and wanted to give his colleagues a chance. By then, there are people in the crowd that are bouncing about with limp arms in that way that is so utterly hippie. There are a few young men with thick-rimmed glasses watching Hendrix with mouth open, moving ever so slightly to his every string-bending note.

And then he falls into Voodoo Child, a fast paced version full of 4-5 mintue jams that put Phish to shame. By now the show is at full intensity, and at one point Hendrix says "You can leave if you want to... we're just jammin'." He falls in and out of the song, collapsing into The Star Spangled Banner. I've heard the audio of this before, but the film changed my entire perspective on it. On the verse 'And the rockets red glare', Hendrix starts ripping random tones out of the Fender that I suddenly recognized to be launching rockets, followed by sounds of 'the bombs bursting in air'. Amazing. And *then* he goes into Purple Haze. I was so absorbed I forgot where I was and I felt light-headed. And then he is lost again, playing with the guitar as if he was at home in his basement, experimenting with tones and chords, and they fall into a jam from it, where somehow everyone in the band knew when and where it would start and end.

Phenomenal. I've had the "Who is the best guitarist ever" debate before. I've gone back and forth from Santanna to Clapton to Page to Hendrix. No more. I have decided. It is Hendrix, and I don't care if anyone thinks it is cliche. The man was an anomaly... someone who knew the guitar like his own hands, and never thought twice about it. So the reader of this review is asking: "Should I buy it or not?". I say: "Buy it. View it. Be glad that even though you weren't at Woodstock, you at least have this to give you some idea of what it was like." ... Read more

Product Description

Born on the plantations of the Mississippi Delta, the blues is America's root music. Few performances of the early masters were ever captured on film, but those that were are profoundly insightful and entertaining. On this DVD, enjoy these blues masters: Son House, Leadbelly, Bessie Smith, B.B. King , Billie Holiday, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Big Joe Turner, Mamie Smith, Roy Milton with June Richmond, Jimmy Rushing with Count Basie, Ethel Waters with Count Basie, Big Bill Broonzy, Ida Cox, Jimmy Witherspoon, and Joe Williams with Jimmy Rushing. Approx 103 min. ? ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Music&the Struggle
the best thing about any Documentary is when it goes the extra mile to fully capture not only the subject matter but also the time period&this Dvd collection hides nothing&comes correct on the time period&the creative people behind the music&the powerful element it took.the Music is a Heaven for the Oppression that was happening at the time.you feel the Notes&the strength all rolled into one here.the Blues means different things to people but this Dvd gets it right from start to finish.School is in Session here&it's time to take notes.

Black history , beautifully told!
This documentary does what so many others on Black Music failed to do, it discusses the music in the context of black struggle in America. The reason this DVD was such a breath of fresh air to me is because I purchased it after returning a documentary (American Roots Music) that did the exact opposite. Where American Roots Music teases the viewer with one or two seconds of it's "rare footage", Blues Masters shows rare sessions with Son House, Leadbelly, Bessie Smith and many more virtually uncut. Where American Roots Music attempts to handle the music as if it exists in a vacuum; Blues Masters doesn't separate the music from the people who created it. The latter even makes mention and shows footage of self-determined Black leaders such as Marcus Garvey and Father Divine, who both were very influential among common Black folks of the time. It discusses the "Racist Regime of America" and it's deep mistreatment of Blacks and alludes to the fact that this deep seated oppression and pain had to be an element of what actually drove Black folks to create the blues in the first place. This DVD is a must have. Buy two copies, just in case one of your friends decide to borrow it and never give it back. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The parade of splendid blues on DVD continues with the 2004 release of Blues Legends: Memphis Slim and Sonny Boy Williamson Live in Europe, a compendium of performances alone and together by the two American bluesmen from the mid-1960s. The 48-minute program, mostly recorded in Brussels before a serious bunch of black-clad hipsters, has lots in common with the excellent American Folk Blues Festival series. It’s nicely packaged, well annotated, presented with startlingly good audio-visual quality, and, most important, chock full of great performances (including two by Slim that were recorded on the AFBF tours but unreleased until now). Pianist-singer Memphis Slim (original name: Peter Chatman) is a fine musician, certainly the more stately and clean-cut of the two; Sonny Boy Williamson, a great harmonica player and singer who was known as Aleck Ford and Rice Miller before he co-opted the name of a well-known predecessor, plays music that was more unpredictable, darker (with his pointy goatee, he even bears a resemblance to the common depiction of Satan!), and thus often more compelling–-even his three 1964 tunes backed by two Swedish musicians are top-notch. Anyway you slice it, there’s nothing whatsoever here for blues fans not to like (three songs by pianist Otis Spann and the Muddy Waters band from 1960 are added for good measure), and lots to treasure. --Sam Graham ... Read more