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Summary: U2-The Birth of a Super-Band
Review: 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.
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Summary: U2's great & misunderstood rock film comes to DVD
Review: I have always loved U2's "Rattle and Hum", both the movie, and the acompanying soundtrack album. Both managed to catch U2 at what I consider to be the height of their artistic powers. Now that this film has come to DVD, I now appreciate it even more! The sound and picture quality is superb - in fact you should listen to it through a good set of headphones if you can! While some have complained about the "grainy" black and white photography that dominates most of the movie, I find that it really sets a mood and adds a unique dimension - a song like the dark and imposing "Exit" just would not be same filmed with bright colors and flashing lights! The interview segments are nice, especially when we get to hear drummer Larry Mullen Jr. speak about his hero Elvis, but it is the music that is the rightful focus of the movie. Songs from "The Joshua Tree" are heavily featured, including an emotional version of "Running To Stand Still" that surpasses the studio recording. Ditto for the aforementioned version of "Exit"...Wow! Other highlights include the "Angel of Harlem" recording sessions at Sun Studios, a live performance of the anti-aparthied anthem "Silver and Gold", a powerhouse version of "Desire" taken from the tour rehersals, a dark and menacing concert version of "Bullet the Blue Sky", and an emotional re-working of "Sunday Bloody Sunday", which is perhaps the esential version of that song! Bono is an engaging presence throughout the film, and it is obvious that he really poured his heart and soul into these performances. (I really wish that Bono would take himself this "seriously" again, rather than performing that "rock star parody" character that he has taken to in recent years) If you love the music of U2, then just ignore the critics and buy this movie! Those narrow-minded critics simply didn't understand the premise of this film, or the band who inspired it! "Rattle & Hum" is the story of four guys who loved rock-n-roll so much that the dedicated their entire lives to it...it's a simple as that!
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Summary: Great DVD for a fan who's never been to a U2 concert
Review: U2 is at its best live. Speaking as a fan who's deprived enough to never have been to a U2 concert, this DVD makes a good substitute. There are some tracks that I skip past, such as Freedom For My People/Silver and Gold, Angel of Harlem, and Love Comes to Town. However, the rest of the DVD more than makes up for the tracks that I personally am not too fond of. The best version of Sunday Bloody Sunday I've ever heard is on here. Other fantastic tracks are In God's Country, Bad, Where the Streets Have No Name, With or Without You, Bullet the Blue Sky, and Pride (In the Name of Love). What I'm about to say next some might consider blasphemy. At one point, before I had discovered the greatness of U2, I would have been apalled to hear someone say this. U2 does a cover of Helter Skelter that sounds better than the Beatles. All in all, I highly recommend this DVD to any fan of great music.
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Summary: not perfect, but worth a look and a listen
Review: Although "Rattle and Hum" was much maligned in the press as presumptuous and pretentious upon its original release due to the fact that the band appears to ingratiate themselves with rock 'n' roll gods like Dylan, Elvis, and BB King, there is still some great music on this album. Take a look at the live recordings of "With or Without You", arguably the best live version of that song, and the rousing "Sunday Bloody Sunday" if you aren't sure. U2 usually fare better whilst performing their own works, but their cover of Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower" is energetic and effecting. Of course, some of the songs are forgettable and trite, such as "Angel of Harlem", which could have done better justice to Billie Holliday, but you may be pleasantly surprised. For instance, viewing how "When Love Comes To Town" came to be makes the song slightly less annoying; at least you may grow to appreciate it on a purely artistic level, even if it still does not appeal to your taste, as is my case. The cinematography is baffling at times, such as when it suddenly shifts from black and white to color. (Perhaps they ran out of B&W film on the road...) And other times, you might wonder why certain scenes were not edited from the film. Some merely provide a mildly interesting backdrop for some of the songs, such as "Heartland". But if you are a die-hard U2 fan like me, none of this really matters, and you'll buy it anyway because you love the band.
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Summary: trying the american dream
Review: for anyone expecting u2 to be sincere,forget it.This is u2 at ther bombastic and patronising worst.if you want to see u2 at ther live best get the superb zooropa vid otherwise watch u2 be a walking,talking jookbox
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Summary: FAIR WARNING: devoted U2 fan is reviewing...
Review: Let me preface my review with this sentiment: U2 could sing the phone book and release it as a CD, and I'd buy it. Now that you have a clear picture of my feelings for the group, let me say this: I don't recommend this video to everyone. I say this because this production could have been SO much better, could have better illustrated U2's ability to play any kind of music they choose. There's no question that the music is excellent, but the actual film is lacking. There's no real interaction of the director and the group, and when the video was originally in theaters, it was billed as a rockumentary. He only talks to the group in one or two places, and when he does, he gets nothing from Bono, which is really unusual. I get the sense that U2 was annoyed with his presence, and in the hands of another director, this might have been a success. Die-hard U2 fans (like me) won't really care about the lack of non-musical input. The video does succeed in showing one simple fact: U2 has remained successful because they've always been willing to take a risk and explore new styles, effects, and themes. And it is because of that one fact that U2 will always be a part of rock 'n roll history. Skip this video if you're a new U2 fan; their music today is nothing of what it was in their younger days. If all you listen to is newer U2 music, then this video will bore you.
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Summary: All I Want Is U2 Extras!
Review: Fan disclaimer: I'm a die-hard U2 fan, so it's impossible for me to dislike this movie. In fact, I LOVE it! As for the DVD release...<Rant mode ON> While I appreciate the folks at Paramount finally releasing this on DVD, I wish they could have tried a little harder on the extras. One theatrical trailer just doesn't cut it these days -- especially when such a wealth of material is available! Check out the One Tree Hill outtake on "Best of 1980-90". And Phil Joanou is still breathing, isn't he? Maybe some director's commentary? What about the BOATLOAD of (admittedly) raw footage floating around out there? Come on, people, put forth some effort! [Note to Phil Joanou: Hey, Phil! How about a Director's Cut with bonus footage, commentary, etc.? Quit hoarding all the good stuff!] <Rant mode OFF> Anyway, the movie's great, the sound is amazing, and U2 is the best band there is. Hey, I said I was a fan -- what did you expect?
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Summary: How long have I waited.
Review: First I purchased the audio cd. It was pretty good. Then I purchased the vhs tape. It was really good! Unfortunately, some of the best tracks of the movie never made it onto the cd. For years I scoped around for a 2 CD set of the album...How could I have know years ago that I would have the entire show on one disc! A must have for any U2 fan!
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Summary: Beautiful!
Review: If I ever had to defend rock'n'roll in front of a grand jury, I'd submit this DVD as "Exhibit A". A stunning Dolby Digital 5.1 channel masterpiece. Play it with a good sound system. Crank it up. I have to admit that I really like U2's sound so I unashamedly admit that this review is biased.
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Summary: u2 on dvd is pure heaven
Review: finally! u2 on dvd! when will the rest be available! this dvd was fantastic. i want to watch it again and again and engulf myself with u2.the sound and clarity are amazing. give me more!
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