Rating: Summary: feels like home again Review: As a veteran of "Rattle and Hum", U2's best performance yet, I was very relieved to find out, halfway through watching "Elevation", that I'm happy. After the mega-rock, industrial, mass audience performences of "ZooTV" and "Popmart", I felt as if U2 have lifted themselves to a stardom point so high it feels inaccessible to their faithful lovers. They were just too big for me to really, emotionally, get excited with. This DVD, however, certainly returns my faith in U2. Their performance, as always, is absolutely fantastic, but the feeling is very warm - almost family like. The song list is obviously composed of songs that the band likes to play, not just the songs the masses would like to hear. The immediate effect is that you can actually feel the band enjoying themselves, and you can't help enjoying it too. Our neighbourhood band is back.
Rating: Summary: Best Music DVD of the Year Review: Nothing much more to say. You will have to see it to believe it. If you have ever been to a U2 concert, this is a must have. If you do not own a DVD player, buy one. Bono, The Edge, Adam, and Larry are waiting for you. Pass this one up and you will never be the same.
Rating: Summary: Follows U2's historical pattern Review: I've been to at least one North American show of every U2 tour since 1981 (including THE Red Rocks show - best of the bunch), but this tour was the first one I missed. Looks like it was a pretty good show -- definitely the most intimate U2 performance since the Joshua Tree shows in 1987.I agree with the complaints about the MTV-like filmwork on this DVD, but the sound quality is excellent. Since I'll listen to it more than I'll watch it, the good sound quality cancels out the bad filmwork for me. I want to add my own $0.02 about the playlist, as many have complained about old songs that are missing or poorly done. The thing you have to understand about U2 is that they don't like living in the past. For this reason, when playing live, they usually do a fantastic job on the new songs, but they get experimental/sloppy/lazy with the older songs. Certainly there are exceptions to this rule, but if you keep this in mind, then you won't be disappointed when the old songs are either butchered or omitted from the show. True to form, this performance has great renditions of the "All That You Can't Leave Behind" songs, and pretty poor renditions of all the rest. "Elevation" and "Beautiful Day" absolutely rock, but "Sunday Bloody Sunday" is pathetic (get "Under a Blood Red Sky" for that one). The "Achtung Baby" songs are either weak or missing (get "ZooTV" for those). "Bad" is indeed bad in this performance (haven't had a good live version of that since "Wide Awake in America"), and the "Joshua Tree" songs are mediocre, at best (you'll need "Rattle and Hum" for those). In light of the above, let's all keep hoping that U2 will put "Under a Blood Red Sky," "ZooTV," and "Popmart" on DVD so we can all have great digital renditions of ALL their live music!
Rating: Summary: One of the best concert films--ever Review: This film raises the bar in the genre of concert filmmaking. After seeing this, audiences will no longer be content with straight-on or sideline shots of a band, with the occasional closeup or cut to the audience. This is more than a concert documentary; it is rather like a full-length music video. Director Hamish Hamilton gives the film a sweeping cinematic quality, while at the same time retaining the connection Bono and the band create to the audience. The seamless editing and camera work gives the view from multiple perspectives and manages to portray the intimacy of the show, in spite of the fact that it took place in a huge sports hall. U2 are indeed in top form. Bono, ever the showman, attempts to make a connection with everyone in the house, and the ecstatic fan reaction attests to his success in doing so. The Edge displays his prodigious talent more overtly, particularly when he sings with Bono on such songs as "Stuck in a Moment," "Stay," and "In a Little While". Larry Mullen Jnr and Adam Clayton are less obtrusive (as rhythm sections often are), and indeed, less camera time is devoted to them, but they get a little more recognition than usual when Bono introduces them as part of the "family business". Musically, the band exceeds expectation, pulling out perennial favorites, along with the rousing, sexually-charged "Elevation", the ecstatic "Beautiful Day", and the gospel-influenced "Stuck in a Moment..." Less-heard songs like "Stay" and "Kite" finally get some playing time, and they are beautiful additions to the concert. And it is perhaps a testament to U2's longevity that they can play a twenty-plus-year-old song like "I Will Follow" after "New York," a song released just last year. U2 may have been the "Band of the 80's," but this concert proves they have the staying power to be much more than that. This is definitely the DVD to watch if you want to relive the concert experience of Elevation 2001.
Rating: Summary: Good set list, and of course great DVD sound Review: If you are a U2 fan you will really like it, and the DVD audio quality involving a live concert is worth the price alone. Memorable versions of "The Fly," "Bad," "Gone," and even "Bullet The Blue Sky" (suprising, extended ending worth owning) stand out. "New York" is interesting live, hopefully that song continues to evolve live and become a staple of their tour sets. "Kite," "Walk On," "Elevation" and "Beautiful Day" all sound great but are ultimately just blips on U2's radar screen. It's also nice to hear "Stay" again and the omission of "Pride," honestly, was refreshing. It's just a terribly over-played song and deserves a break. The tone of the concert mirrored the times as usual, even before Sept. 11th, referencing this version of "Bullet The Blue Sky" again here, as you'll see. Unlike movies on DVD, music DVD's such as this are much more replayable and thus are a better value. Therefore paying $25-35 for this, ecspecially considering the excellent audio/video quality as well, makes it a must for even passive U2 fans. The conclusion to the "Gone" includes Edge in rare form, although funny, a must see. Two disc's, a nice cardboard box with sturdy, fold-out packaging, and a small booklet with some words and pictures come with this DVD. It is very well done as a whole. Thanks U2, now release Zooropa '93 from Sydney on DVD also mates!
Rating: Summary: Keep on rocki'n in the free world Review: When the end of 'I Will follow' is met by the intence military drum march of 'Sunday Bloody Sunday' and the whole arena is on its feet in raptures, you know you are seeing a very special musical moment. That is what Live From Boston offers. A bigger than life rock band tonning down their theatrics for an old school intimate (compared to their 40 000 plus Pop mart and Zoo TV tours) rock show. the new tunes are in here and are given a new zest, because after all, U2 have always been at their best live and the older songs seem like they are returning home after an expensive holiday. In fact 'Desire' and 'Stay' feel like they were ment to be played in a packed pub on a saturday night. But despite what recent reviews have said about the post September 11 shaows, this is U2 at their uttermost core. And that is a better than average rock band with a larger than life singer and an ability to transend emotional, political and racial boundaries purely through music alone. and when The Edge throws his guitar at the end of 'Gone' tou can see that the music is still just as important to Larry, Adam, Edge and Bono as it is to the still loyal following they have. This show captures everyting that is good about U2 and gives good evidence that these Irish lads are well placed amoungst such company as The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and R.E.M. and others as true examples of classic rock bands. Highly recommended.
Rating: Summary: Still Living The Experience Review: I was lucky enough to have tickets to see U2 in Albany, New York, on the first leg of their Elevation 2001 Tour. I've been to see a lot of concerts - from the Stones, to Led Zepplin, Pink Floyd, Neil Young, Tom Petty, to Eric Clapton and many more to even mention. Never before did I have such an incredible experience with such strength and power of emotion...but seeing U2 at this concert was beyond what words can describe. I've watched the video of the Boston concert at least a dozen times in the past month and each time I'm able to re-live the experience. So many people seem to complain about the quality, the sound, the camera work, the directing....I say "Who Cares?" I think anyone who experienced them on this tour - especially anyone who was fortunate enough to see them in Albany - will realize that a video or a dvd will never compare to the real thing, but at least it's a reminder of a powerful experience. If you are a U2 fan, you'll want this one for keeps.
Rating: Summary: U2 Live, in your Home! Review: I was lucky to find this gem for [a small amount]!... Worth the money if you are a fan at all of U2. This is the way any band should do a music dvd and I hope more of my favorite artists come out with concerts on DVD.
Rating: Summary: It will Rock your world! Review: I didn't get to see them on this tour, but after buying this DVD and watching it on my surround system, I'll be seeing them live forever. This concert (on DVD) will rock your world. The band is polished and perfect. The entire band just simply ROCKS! The audience is off their feet (jumping up & down) for (almost) the entire show. You'll see an energy that no other Rock and Roll show can emit. This DVD (2 disk set) is worth alot more than they're charging, believe me. Every song on it is just perfect. Buy it! You won't regret it
Rating: Summary: Buy This If You Attended The Elevation Tour Concert Review: I have read other reviews regarding "U2-Live From Boston" and I agree that this is not the Best. "Under a Blood Red Sky" is better than this, but is not available on DVD. The director makes too many quick camera takes and makes the concert seem like one long MTV Video. However, the sound is superb and on a couple of songs like "Desire" and "With Or Without You" the director minimizes the camera takes and allows the viewer to get stuck in the moment that you can't get out of; no pun intended. Overall a good Documentary.
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