Rating: Summary: Family Rock Review: David Byrne's white tennis shoes easing onto the stage give a subtle hint of the athleticism pervading this outstanding concert movie currently showing every night for our 10 and 5-year old boys. Thoroughly intrigued and entertained by Byrne's droll spookiness and aerobics-inspired dancing, they emulate whatever they are able as the Talking Heads lead them through what have become classic rock songs, many of which were remembered by my wife when she waitressed at Amsterdam's on New York's Upper West Side in the mid-80s. She says Talking Heads played on the jukebox every night but she never knew who the group was. There is really nothing to fault on this DVD; in technical terms, 3 choices of sound (PCM and 2X 5.1 - I recommend the former), excellent visuals and some interesting extras, including a hilarious self-interview by Byrne. But in pure artistic terms, this movie is a high-water mark for this genre - unforgettable songs, dynamic, get-up-and-dance rhythms, no time wasted on chat and almost invisible camerawork. Even though I saw this movie at a theatre in about 1986, it still seems very fresh and the music is still infectious. It may not be Disney's idea of good, clean, family entertainment but in our family, it's at the top of the charts!
Rating: Summary: Perhaps the Greatest Concert Film of the 80's Review: Great to see this one back on video and DVD. As far as other concert films of the 1980's are concerned, I'd give Jonathan Demme the edge over Taylor Hackford's magnificent "Chuck Berry Hail! Hail! Rock and Roll" simply because Linda Ronstadt and Julian Lennon don't turn up. Great music from the Heads, great cinematography, and as much exciting action as your average Joel Silver or James Cameron flick. "Stop Making Sense" belongs in the distinguished company of "Woodstock", "The Last Waltz" and "Gimme Shelter."
Rating: Summary: All I could say when I first saw this was WOW! Review: My baby brother forced me to watch this video because I only knew the 2 songs that were most popular. He wanted me to see what "Talking Heads" were really about. Thanks Bro! This movie changed my music world forever. Fantastic! I learned that every song they did was synchronized and truly unique. They have no superiors.
Rating: Summary: 5 stars for the no-nonsene filming & 3 for the concert. Review: Hope no-one here minds if I put in a different opinion. At this stage the Heads seem to be going through the motions. If your favourite Heads albums are from the mid-eighties then go ahead. Their performances at this stage were ... safe. If you're a fan of "Fear Of Music" and "Remain In Light" (or the earlier albums), however, don't expect to see them at a time when they were at the cutting edge.
Rating: Summary: The best rock-concert movie ever.....official. Review: An absolutely electrifying performance from Talking Heads captured by Jonathan Demme and what looks like 50,000 cameras. For the uninitiated, it's an exhausting movie that leaves one exhilarated, the way an actual concert should do. Wisely, audience shots are avoided and, even more wisely, the band are brought out one at a time. The film opens with David Byrne's feet, a boombox, and an acoustic guitar. We get a brilliantly minimalist version of "Psycho Killer" complete with frantic dancing and a vaguely New York hip-hop beat. By the time "Burning Down The House" is started (an appropriate song for the atmosphere that has been built up), the stage is bustling with activity. It's a terrific experience, both musically and cinematically. The DVD features are also astonishing. With his characteristic eccentricity, Byrne interviews himself, there are extra tracks, trailers, commentary (from the now-disbanded heads and director Demme), and the whole proceedings are complemented perfectly. A film ideally suited to the DVD format, and to anyone who enjoys great live music. Astounding.
Rating: Summary: Same as it ever was: a masterpiece! Review: This film is, by far, the greatest concert movie ever made! The Talking Heads, especially the brilliant David Byrne, have an unbelievable stage presence. Thank goodness director Jonathan Demme left the concert alone. He added no special effects, camera tricks, etc. So, if you're a fan of the Talking Heads, seeing this movie will be an exhilirating experience; it includes 16 fantastic songs (plus two bonus tracks). And even if you never liked the band, "Stop Making Sense" will definitely convert you!
Rating: Summary: Byrne-ing Down the House Review: In these remix of Jonathan Demme's 1984 film "Stop Making Sense", the Heads performance is so full of Byrne-ing energy, it's a legitimate alternative to "aerobic exercise" videos. Choose an audio mix: Feature Film 5.1, Studio 5.1 or Stereo...Turn it up...Hit play! Bet you can't sit still! Demme's story line is subtle but "pause" it when you go to the...you won't want to miss a second. Audio and video quality are top-notch. The DVD "goodies" are icing on the cake. Fortunately, you'll stay slim and trim as you dance to the music.
Rating: Summary: Hey, why can't I choose 6 stars? It Deserves it! Review: I saw this movie in a theatre in Phila, PA in 1984 and was enthralled. When the album was released, I bought it. As soon as the VHS came out, I bought it too. When I got around to buying a CD player, I bought it again. Now it's on DVD and yup, I bought that too! Rest assured, I will buy whatever the future media may be! This is the best music movie ever made. The sound is outstanding and the performance is terrific. I do have one negative comment though. It's too short! They should have included every song the band ever did. 19 songs just isn't enough.
Rating: Summary: Why God Invented DVD... Review: ...and reviewers like me. You will toss that ol' worn out "Stop Making Sense" audio CD away and wanna see all your favorite performances on DVD. This came out in eightysomething, but with all the reprocessing and remastering, it sounds and looks great, the editing is excellent and by the time it gets to the Tom Tom Club performance and the big suited "Girlfriend is Better" you'll be outta your seats dancing to the music, guaranteed. Love Al Green's "Take Me To the River". Get it on DVD, now! (PS, For true funkateers it also shows P-funk keyboardist Bernie Worrell in action).
Rating: Summary: Timeless Review: The Talking Heads, and this movie, had a major impact on my life in high school. I have not seen this movie for about ten years now and it is the "same as it ever was"; brilliant. If this band or movie played any role in your life... then you have to buy this DVD. Great film and sound transfer, however the "bonus tracks" seem like an afterthought that was implemented right before production... might as well be watching a VHS tape! I would have to say that Stop Making Sense and Frank Zappa's Baby Snakes are easily the best concert films... ever.
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