Rating: Summary: Beautiful footage, sound quality is lacking Review: Unfortunately, it's impossible to capture Rory's talent and genuine character completely in an 80 minute film, but this comes very close. The concert footage is spectacular...Rory at his finest. No frills, no gimmicks, just the man playing his heart out, getting the crowd moving, and enjoying every minute of it. But the highlight of the film wasn't just the concert. Rory as a person comes across as humble, down to earth and extremely reserved (that is unless you were a fan who wanted to chat or get an autograph). The lack of groupies, drugs (if you don't factor in the cases of Guinness), and VIP big-shot rock stars was refreshing and I can't put into words how I felt watching him play in Belfast, considering that the city was a war zone at the time. How can you not love the guy? I can't overstate my praise for "Irish Tour '74" but, I must criticize the sound. Concert footage was fine, but you could barely hear the interviews without changing the volume on your TV drastically. Anyway, I digress... You want a kickin' rock show, a guitar virtuoso and a working class hero? Get this DVD.
Rating: Summary: Intimate and rocking! Review: We Roryfans know precious little about the thoughtful and private man whose music we love so well. For now this long-delayed (on this side of the ocean) and oft-bootlegged Tony Palmer feature will do nicely to educate and entertain and for others it will serve as a terrific introduction. The personality and philosophy of Rory as well as his incendiary talent are on full display here, the concert performances, the backstage moments, walking the streets in Cork, Dublin and Belfast. A marvellous monument which in its own way rivals his blistering Rockpalast 1976 show. HIGHLY recommended whether you're a novice or long time Roryfan.
Rating: Summary: A wasted opportunity....amazing gig....terrible editing Review: What a dilemma! This DVD contains footage from some immensely brilliant playing by Rory, however the editing is an absolute TRAVESTY. The person who edited the concert footage is quite clearly oblivious to the reason why people liked Rory. The guitar is NEVER in shot during ANY of the exquisite, intense, immaculate, blinding soloing! Seriously, NOT ONCE! This is the most ridiculous and irritating waste of time as far as I'm concerned. Surely I'm not the only one whos noticed this? Why wasnt it re-edited from the original footage?? Some of the footage is priceless though. Rory demonstrates different styles of playing in an interview for example...and YES the guitar IS in shot for once. The doc demonstrates what a down to earth man Rory was, but as a visual demonstration of his unique style this dissapoints severly. Why is there no option to watch the whole gig for example. C'mon this should have been a LOT better. The Video at the Cork Opera House is therefore far superior, (even though I dont tend to like anything recorded in the 80s) and is recommended instead of this. An absolute waste of what should have been the ultimate footage of an incredible talent. 5 stars if it had been reedited and the whole gig was here as it is ...2 stars.
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