Rating: 
Summary: Hands down the best telethon concert ever
Review: I bought "A Tribute to Heroes" on DVD and CD. I didn't have to stand in line for two hours, but I would have just to have this great concert.
I just rewatched it again, still the best concert I ever saw on TV. My only complaint is Enrique Iglesias, the first 30 seconds of his song was too mushy and out of character for the rest of the show -- loser. Regardless, I am still amazed at the high quality and diversity of the rest of the show, everything else was 110% talent. When the "worst" performance (other than Iglesias) is Paul Simon doing "Bridge Over Troubled Water" you know you have winner collection. Actually, Simon missed out on my ranking only because he was slightly off key - but who really cares? the emotion still came through - a winner.
Best songs, Springsteen "My City of Ruin" (fantastic!), Neil Young "Imagine" (best choice for a song), Faith Hill "There Will Come a Day" (check out the lyrics you Christians!), Goo Goo Dolls with others "Wish You Were Here" (a killer acoustic version of Pink Floyd with violin?!), Celine Dion (of course) and many more.
Most improved song on the second listen is Tom Petty "I Won't Back Down" -- I was disappointed the first time around because of a certain lack of "punch". I better appreciated the toned down approach on the second listen, although Petty also still gets my vote for "weirdest performance" with Sheryl Crow a close second place in that category. And of course you have great performances by Billy Joel, Dixie Chicks, Eddie Vedder, Dave Matthews, Sting and Wyclef Jean (who wins the Bob Marley sound-alike contest).
Well, what else can I say, I really liked this show. I'll just say it seemed honest, whatever that means. I liked the fact that I didn't know many of these artists and each performance was heartfelt. They say this year is one of the absolute worst ever for movies. Just when it seems like Hollywood "product" has once again triumphed over "quality" you get a concert like this one. Almost restores your faith in the lost art of "artistry" for the sake of art. At the very least it most certainly restored my faith in Americans.
Rating:
Summary: I wish I knew who masterminded this program
Review: I have to say that the telethon was one of the most amazing things I can remember seeing on TV. It was moving without being sentimental. Unlike almost ALL telethons, egos really were checked at the door. There was NO posturing whatsoever by any of the artists. They weren't introduced, their names were not revealed. I wish I knew who was on the behind-the-scenes team: It had a wonderfully consistent tone to it, just the right amount of mourning and the right amount of looking ahead to recovery. Great "art direction" for lack of a better word. And, with so little time to plan it, it went off with hardly a hitch. Then, to boot, are some extraordinary performances. With only a couple of debatable exceptions---top notch.
Rating:
Summary: Spectacular!
Review: I missed the original telethon airing, because I was one of the operators accepting donations for the United Way September 11th Fund. I am proud to now be able to own the DVD release, and further contribute, as proceeds of the DVD sale go to the Fund. This is not just an awesome DVD simply because so many great entertainers offered their time to help, but also because so many people responded and offered assistance. The true spirit of America can be seen here. Take home a piece of American history. Dedicated to those lost in the tragedy of September 11th, 2001.
Rating:
Summary: It refreshes me, everytime I watch it.
Review: I owned this DVD just to keep the sprit alive. I have watched this program from this DVD, a couple of times. I believe that sprit, which I had felt during the live telecast, is going to refresh me everytime I watch it in lifetime.
Rating:
Summary: Stellar Moments captured in the wake of Senseless Violence
Review: I saw this on TV and said at that moment...I'm buying this if it ever comes out on DVD. So glad it did. It really helps mark a moment in our history that should never be forgotten. You will find some unique and rare performances presented. The good news is the quality of the audio/video, which exceeded my expectations.
Alicia Keys solo on the piano is a must have in itself. She is a rare talent...and this song fully presents the gift of music that God has blessed her with. Not to be insensitive, I only wish they would have provided a way to play just the music (minus the speakers inbetween). Not that their words aren't touching and important...its just that after the first few viewings, you won't need/want to hear the speeches. A minor gripe, but one that should have been anticipated and accounted for. Enjoy. Remember.
Rating:
Summary: Beyond stunning
Review: I saw this telecast live, and was literally stunned. There were performances that I really got into, some that were awesome, and a few that didn't do much for me. But the music was the secondary part of this performance, really. The sheer depth of emotion shown by the speakers made it very clear that this was NOT just a commercial extravaganza.
Most potent of all was Clint Eastwood - he literally sent chills thru me. He is never a glib guy, and is always in control, but he wore his emotions all over this night. From his "Unforgiven" coat to his words. Especially his words. He almost rambled, almost babbled from the overpowering rage he felt. Sheer, utter emotional honesty.
This DVD is beyond compare.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding and moving DVD, but let's not confuse the issue.
Review: I saw this the first time it aired on television, yet was surprised to find myself almost equally, if not more emotional watching it the second time around. The powerful, albeit somber, performances are outstanding, particularly those by Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Sting and Paul Simon. It's a little surprising and ironic to see many of the celebrities involved in this project now being so outspoken in their anti-war scentiments. Sheryl Crowe, George Clooney, The Dixie Chicks and several others seem to have been quick to rally around America for the purpose of this video, but when it's time to put lives on the line to defend our nation's freedoms and the security of our citizens, they've apparently sold out in favor of an avoidance strategy. It's really too bad. Much of the commentary in this video speaks of patriotism, courage, unity, and bravery. Anyone needing a jolt of reality and a little reminder of the unity Americans felt following 9/11 should watch this video. The songs are beautiful, but the quotes and stories of bravery and heroism are especially touching. I would recommend it to anyone, including the hypocritical singers and actors who participated in the project. We could all benefit from a reminder about what it means to be a unified America.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful...and a powerful reminder
Review: I saw this the first time it aired on television, yet was surprised to find myself almost equally, if not more emotional watching it the second time around. The powerful, albeit somber, performances are outstanding, particularly those by Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Sting and Paul Simon. It's a little surprising and ironic to see many of the celebrities involved in this project now being so outspoken in their anti-war scentiments. Sheryl Crowe, George Clooney, The Dixie Chicks and several others seem to have been quick to rally around America for the purpose of this video, but when it's time to put lives on the line to defend our nation's freedoms and the security of our citizens, they've apparently sold out in favor of an avoidance strategy. It's really too bad. Much of the commentary in this video speaks of patriotism, courage, unity, and bravery. Anyone needing a jolt of reality and a little reminder of the unity Americans felt following 9/11 should watch this video. The songs are beautiful, but the quotes and stories of bravery and heroism are especially touching. I would recommend it to anyone, including the hypocritical singers and actors who participated in the project. We could all benefit from a reminder about what it means to be a unified America.
Rating:
Summary: Instant Media Classic!
Review: I saw this with a group of ten or so friends when it originally aired. We sat there in awe for two hours. I think it was the power of the people who spoke and of those who performed. The DVD was on my wish list nearly immediately after. Their selection of songs, was nearly impeccable. I didn't care for Iglesias mostly because it was more a love song, but maybe it was appropriate to others. The highlights for me were Neil Young doing "Imagine." That alone is worth the admission. Also the appearence of Dennis Franz and Jimmy Smits of "NYPD Blue" standing together like partners again, and talking, appropriately enough, about the cops who risked their lives, and died saving others. Limp Bizkit with Johnny Rzeznik (of Goo Goo Dolls) doing Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" was equally awesome. Fred Durst looked to me like he was talking to us as he sang many of the lyrics. The Boss, Billy Joel, Eddie Vedder (with Neil Young on the organ), Sheryl Crow, Bon Jovi (a spectacular rendition of "Livin' on a Prayer") round out the cream of the crop musically. Superb speeches by Tom Hanks, George Clooney, Jim Carrey, Will Smith and Ali, and many more strike a chord both uplifting, and I think heart-breaking at times. It closes out with awesome speeches by Robert DeNiro (wow!) and Clint Eastwoood (wow! wow!) along with a performance of "God Bless America" by Celine Dion and a moving performance of "America the Beautiful" by Willie Nelson, with backup by everyone present. WOW! is the least I can think of to describe it as a whole. GOD BLESS the USA!
Rating:
Summary: My Most Anticipated DVD Purchase
Review: I was not able to watch the show live, but I did see it a few weeks later, and not from the beginning either. I came in just after the Dixie Chicks had performed. But from that point on, I was held transfixed. Performances that stood out include Wyclef's version of "Redemption Song", the excellent acoustic version of "Livin' On a Prayer" by Bonjovi, the entire appropriate "Hero" by Mariah Carey, and Sting's "Fragile". But then even the performances by people I hardly knew were good as well. I mean what I say next in a positive way: this was the most manipulative piece of television I have ever seen. By this I mean that it totally achieved its objective, to make me feel sympathiy with the victims of the events of 9-11, and to make me want to do something about it. The first thing I wanted to do is get a friend's copy of the show on VHS. And the second thing was to get the DVD. I fully intend to. God bless America.
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