Rating: 
Summary: I bought an all-region dvd player for this thing...
Review: And now we've got it here in REGION ONE. I seriously love this thing, it shows the band very early during a new york show in 1981, still very joy division. Then it jumps to the Reading 1998 show and you see the same, yet totally different band. The interview is great too. Like I said, I went through the trouble of getting an all-region DVD player for the euro version so that has to say something.It's fun to watch Temptation played in 1981 and then see it in 1998 and watch how big Barney has become over the years...
Rating:
Summary: Forgive the inclusion of "World in Motion"...
Review: and you'll love this DVD! I picked it up yesterday, hesitently scanning the disc to check for any audio problems like those that were present when I tried to watch "511", the other New Order DVD release. the Finsbury gig sounded like "snap, crackle, pop" coming out of my TV speakers, and I still don't know if it was the DVD, my TV, or a combination of both. But I digress...apart from a few "hissing" incidents on the "Taras Shevchenko" gig (18 November 1981, an essential live document for diehard NO lovers), 316 was pitch perfect audibly and, more importantly, visually, as the grainy effect of the original videotape is stripped away for a crisp, clear visual of the nervous survivors of Joy Division trying to work their way through the death of lead singer Ian Curtis and find their way musically. No funnier moment has been captured on film from a NO gig than the moment where Bernard Sumner ("Barney" to devotees of the group) is almost shocked by a "hot" microphone. The Reading gig in 1998 is justifiably famous, as it saw the first reunion of the group in five years. Following the tumultuous recording of 1993's Republic album, the individual band members took a break from one another, starting side projects and groups (and in the case of Stephen Morris and Gillian Gilbert, a family). Their reformation for the UK's biggest summer music festival is an oppertunity to revel in their past accomplishments. The hour-long gig features energetic retreads of favorites like "Temptation", "True Faith", and "Blue Monday", but also a look at their Joy Division days with "Isolation" and other classics. All in all, the show is about as close to perfect as New Order tend to get, and any fan worth their salt should seek out this release for Reading alone. The one sour note is ending the gig with "World In Motion", their nauseating and lyrically-inane tribute to World-Cup Football. Maybe the appearance of Keith Allen didn't help things much, but it was still a less-than-welcome show stopper for at least this longtime fan (on the plus side, it could have been worse: they could have chosen "Shellshock") As for the interview section...well, that seems to have fallen victim to my continued DVD-audio problems, but I suppose you can't get everything right. A good buy, from a great band, the best band of their generation, who "rock the fookin' house!"
Rating:
Summary: Classic New Order Footage
Review: As a relatively hardcore NO fan, I loved 511 (especially for the 5.1 sound). This one, while in stereo only, bests that dvd by a nose simply for the Taras Schevchenko footage from 1981. This is the New Order I would have loved to have seen. They are the epitome of cool at this show: the strange stage with the moody lighting and bizarre picture of (I assume) the aforementioned Taras S. suspended above. The band are completely aloof (Hooky plays with his back to the audience for the majority of the show). Not a single word is spoken to the audience and the band don't even talk to one another. It begins with a very long (and silent) montage of images of the theater itself before the music begins. The highlight of the DVD in my opinion has got to be the very first track (mislabeled as 'ICB', it is in fact 'Chosen Time'). Totally blew me away. The keyboards are much higher in the mix than on the album 'Movement' where they are more or less drowned out by the guitar and bass. It's one of my favorite songs by the band after hearing this live version. Makes me wish the mix on 'Movement' were better. I considered only 4 stars for this dvd oweing to the audio being in stereo only, but that early footage is just too good. The Reading gig, while enjoyable, isn't much different from 511. Get this dvd for the 1981 show and the interesting interview with the band. Crank up the volume on this one. You won't be disappointed.
Rating: 
Summary: Here are the young men (and the middle-aged men too...)
Review: As one of the relatively few (compared to later larger venue shows)persons who attended the '81 show, i am thrilled to have that show on DVD now so i can put away my VHS copy. DVD makes it much easier to find myself in the crowd(depressing though it is to see myself when i wasn't as follicly impaired as i am today)++SIGH++ 5 stars simply for reminding me where I was that night. Now to go to the basement and search for the poster i took from that show.
Rating:
Summary: i can now 'retire' my VHS copy
Review: As one of the relatively few (compared to later larger venue shows)persons who attended the '81 show, i am thrilled to have that show on DVD now so i can put away my VHS copy. DVD makes it much easier to find myself in the crowd(depressing though it is to see myself when i wasn't as follicly impaired as i am today)++SIGH++ 5 stars simply for reminding me where I was that night. Now to go to the basement and search for the poster i took from that show.
Rating:
Summary: Here Are The Young Men, Here Are The Old Men
Review: Following the disappointing "Retro" box set from 2002, the Warner Music Group compensated U.S. fans with the domestic release of both this DVD and "511" ("316" has been available in the UK since 2001). Of the two offerings, "316" is the more interesting, providing two live performances by the band from very different stages in their career. The first set dates back to 1981, when the band organized a gig at the Ukranian National Home in New York. This concert was originally released by Factory Records (produced by their video subsidiary, IKON) as "Taras Shevchenko" (catalog FACT 77/IKON 4 for you Factory neophytes). Prefaced by a silent montage of artily manipulated stills of the venue, the set was comprised of early singles and tracks from the band's first post-Curtis album, "Movement". Looking and sounding a bit unsure at times, New Order were definitely still finding themselves at that point in history, making this performance a significant historical artifact for fans. Of particular note is the final track, an early rendition of "Temptation" - prior to its proper studio recording - wherein Bernard Sumner almost seemed to be making up lyrics as he sang. Contrasting with the 1981 concert is New Order's 'comeback' appearance at the 1998 Reading Festival in England. The band had been on hiatus for a couple of years and their ongoing status was in question. However, this brilliant show put all fears to rest - New Order sound incredible and really looked to be enjoying themselves. Most suprising is that, amidst anthems like "True Faith" (a reworked version based on Paul Oakenfold's 1994 remix) and "Blue Monday", New Order also performed - for the first time in many years - several Joy Division songs (after reforming in the wake of Joy Division, the group had consciously decided to not play any old material in an effort to establish themselves as a new musical entity). While Sumner's voice does not ideally mesh with those selections, it was a welcome return of such classic tunes in a live setting. If you've ever seen New Order perform live, you may have been: (a) only moderately entertained, or (b) somewhat disappointed. I've seen them twice (1989 and 1993) and felt that they were upstaged by the support acts on both occasions. Only many years later was I able to appreciate these experiences, after gaining a new perspective on the band. Few people are aware of, or understand, New Order's work ethic when it comes to touring. As with every other aspect of their professional career, New Order perform on their own terms. The bandmembers aren't always going to give their best every night. Some might view this as a lack of respect for the audience, but this makes the band more realistic and human in my estimate. Whereas most artists will adhere to rigid setlists, New Order have often performed entirely different songs from one night to the next. There's never been any costume changes, elaborate stages or backdrops, gimmicks or props, mind-bending light shows, or other superficial theatrics during a New Order tour. The members of New Order are among the most down-to-Earth individuals you're likely to meet. This uncompromising, ... attitude has sustained New Order for 25 years, making them a truly unique and highly influential group without compare. The final section of the DVD contains excerpts of an interview with the band conducted by journalist Miranda Sawyer in 2000. This is somewhat of a special treat, as the band are notorious for avoiding the press. I was most impressed with the quality of the audio and video on this release throughout both concert sections. Considering that the earlier performance was taped over 20 years ago, the picture is very sharp and the sound has been mixed exceptionally. With most DVDs, I usually have to pump up the volume just to get a normal listening level, but the output on "316" is comparable, if not superior, to that of an audio CD. However, the sound tends to be lower and less consistent during the interview section - some of Peter Hook's responses are difficult to hear. But this is hardly a significant problem. I don't usually appreciate live CDs or videos, but this release is one of those rare exceptions. The content of "316" makes it a must-have item for fans, and the very reasonable retail price is even more cause for celebration.
Rating:
Summary: Memory. Creation. Change.
Review: I saw part of this Reading concert on TV once and had wanted it ever since. When I found out that you also get a 1981 concert on the same DVD, I knew I HAD to own this immediately. I think I must have been shown the best part of the 1998 concert (the part of the set from "Bizarre Love Triangle" to "Blue Monday"). And yes, they are undeniably great here. But viewing these two concerts back to back has given me a very different feeling. -- (Cue tacky sound bite from Fleetwood Mac's "Rhiannon": - "what you ha~d, and what you lost...") The 1981 concert was held at a venue called the Ukrainian National Home in NYC. Its stage just happened to have a portrait of Ukrainian national poet Taras Shevchenko hanging above it, so they took advantage of this rather bizarre combination by naming the concert after him. The concert begins with some overly-long shots of various posters in the lobby written in Ukrainian. (Ooh look, it's words written in Cyrillic!") I guess particularly in 1981 at the height of the Cold War they must have seemed quite exotic, but the shots dwell too long here, and combined with some cheesy early video effects, this is the only part of the concert that really looks dated to me. The performance itself is pure brilliance from end to end. The band's sound still retains the dark intensity of Joy Division that I LOVE, and Sumner's voice seems to hold an echo of Ian Curtis. And on some songs we even get to see Gillian strap on a guitar and rock out with the boys. How I miss those days, and what a versatile performer! The moody lighting also enhances the magic of this concert. Fast forward 17 years, and we have the now veteran group playing to a packed stadium. They are by no means bad here. The drumming is every bit as dead-on and inventive as 1981, and Gillian is great as always. So what is it that bothers me here? Hook has grown crustier though the years, and with experience has developed a bravado for playing to the audience. But at the same time, I can't help feeling I detect a tinge of "rock star" to him completely absent from the 1981 concert, where the band was completely unpretentious and totally absorbed solely in the task of bringing their music to the people. Sumner in particular seems to have changed his singing style over the years, and while it is perfect for their later hits, I had to cringe when they performed a few old Joy Division songs. While he could easily have pulled it off in 1981, Sumner's voice is just too sweet now, and I found myself wishing they had given Hook the vocals on these instead. Sumner also seems to have picked up a habit of throwing random "whoops" into his songs, which he over-uses till it becomes annoying, especially on songs like "Touched By the Hand of God" and "Paradise", which I did not enjoy at all. And he has also acquired a habit of striking a typical "rock star" stance with right hand held aloft, which he again over-uses throughout the concert, making me long for the sparsely expressive and earnestly intense band of 1981, which seemed the diametric opposite of such stadium-rock posturing. The absence of surround sound on the 1998 concert is missed, but I felt it did not affect my enjoyment enough to warrant taking off a star. The band interview segment is interesting, but the sound level is too low, and combined with the band's accent (-- not to demean the way any of our British brothers and sisters speak, but --), made it difficult for me to understand at times. But thankfully Rhino has included optional subtitles here, and I found I understood about 50% more with them turned on. Reading this review, people may mistakenly assume that I did not enjoy the 1998 concert. This is not true. I loved many songs, even including their much-maligned soccer stadium anthem "World in Motion" (--which I never even realized was a New Order song till I saw this concert, its sound being so different from what I think of as the N.O. sound). But perhaps it is fitting that the second concert ended with this song, as it truly brought home to me the distance they have come from their early roots. While I do indeed love their more recent dance-oriented songs, seeing the first concert really reminded me of how, --once upon a time--, they had been so, soooo infinitely much MORE than just a great dance band. I am so thankful we have this precious record of their early days on the boldly risk-taking and experimental cutting edge available to us today. I hope that more concerts from the years between '81 and '98 will become available to us on DVD too (as well as their music videos and ANY Joy Division stuff, please~!!!). In the meantime, I'm going to go and check out "511" as well to see how they fared without Gillian.
Rating:
Summary: Memory. Creation. Change.
Review: I saw part of this Reading concert on TV once and had wanted it ever since. When I found out that you also get a 1981 concert on the same DVD, I knew I HAD to own this immediately. I think I must have been shown the best part of the 1998 concert (the part of the set from "Bizarre Love Triangle" to "Blue Monday"). And yes, they are undeniably great here. But viewing these two concerts back to back has given me a very different feeling. -- (Cue tacky sound bite from Fleetwood Mac's "Rhiannon": - "what you ha~d, and what you lost...") The 1981 concert was held at a venue called the Ukrainian National Home in NYC. Its stage just happened to have a portrait of Ukrainian national poet Taras Shevchenko hanging above it, so they took advantage of this rather bizarre combination by naming the concert after him. The concert begins with some overly-long shots of various posters in the lobby written in Ukrainian. (Ooh look, it's words written in Cyrillic!") I guess particularly in 1981 at the height of the Cold War they must have seemed quite exotic, but the shots dwell too long here, and combined with some cheesy early video effects, this is the only part of the concert that really looks dated to me. The performance itself is pure brilliance from end to end. The band's sound still retains the dark intensity of Joy Division that I LOVE, and Sumner's voice seems to hold an echo of Ian Curtis. And on some songs we even get to see Gillian strap on a guitar and rock out with the boys. How I miss those days, and what a versatile performer! The moody lighting also enhances the magic of this concert. Fast forward 17 years, and we have the now veteran group playing to a packed stadium. They are by no means bad here. The drumming is every bit as dead-on and inventive as 1981, and Gillian is great as always. So what is it that bothers me here? Hook has grown crustier though the years, and with experience has developed a bravado for playing to the audience. But at the same time, I can't help feeling I detect a tinge of "rock star" to him completely absent from the 1981 concert, where the band was completely unpretentious and totally absorbed solely in the task of bringing their music to the people. Sumner in particular seems to have changed his singing style over the years, and while it is perfect for their later hits, I had to cringe when they performed a few old Joy Division songs. While he could easily have pulled it off in 1981, Sumner's voice is just too sweet now, and I found myself wishing they had given Hook the vocals on these instead. Sumner also seems to have picked up a habit of throwing random "whoops" into his songs, which he over-uses till it becomes annoying, especially on songs like "Touched By the Hand of God" and "Paradise", which I did not enjoy at all. And he has also acquired a habit of striking a typical "rock star" stance with right hand held aloft, which he again over-uses throughout the concert, making me long for the sparsely expressive and earnestly intense band of 1981, which seemed the diametric opposite of such stadium-rock posturing. The absence of surround sound on the 1998 concert is missed, but I felt it did not affect my enjoyment enough to warrant taking off a star. The band interview segment is interesting, but the sound level is too low, and combined with the band's accent (-- not to demean the way any of our British brothers and sisters speak, but --), made it difficult for me to understand at times. But thankfully Rhino has included optional subtitles here, and I found I understood about 50% more with them turned on. Reading this review, people may mistakenly assume that I did not enjoy the 1998 concert. This is not true. I loved many songs, even including their much-maligned soccer stadium anthem "World in Motion" (--which I never even realized was a New Order song till I saw this concert, its sound being so different from what I think of as the N.O. sound). But perhaps it is fitting that the second concert ended with this song, as it truly brought home to me the distance they have come from their early roots. While I do indeed love their more recent dance-oriented songs, seeing the first concert really reminded me of how, --once upon a time--, they had been so, soooo infinitely much MORE than just a great dance band. I am so thankful we have this precious record of their early days on the boldly risk-taking and experimental cutting edge available to us today. I hope that more concerts from the years between '81 and '98 will become available to us on DVD too (as well as their music videos and ANY Joy Division stuff, please~!!!). In the meantime, I'm going to go and check out "511" as well to see how they fared without Gillian.
Rating:
Summary: Thank God I grew up
Review: New Order was too "bizarre" for me as a high school kid and I want to say: I was wrong, I missed out, and Thank God for DVD that I get to see them performing in 1981, their first year as New Order. Bernard Sumner is so unbelievably cool, the guitar sound and other experimental sounds they brought into their music is so light-years ahead of its time. Happily on this DVD the 1981 New York show is not plagued by the ridiculous quick-cut editing that marred so many concerts that MTV ran in its early days. Happily the editor is content to stay with one band member for longer than two notes and it views much like I would watch a live show. Anyway I was immature and not musically adept when New Order made their arrival-- They left me in the dust. Sorry it took so long to catch up. New Order could release many more concerts (and I'm hoping for a comprehensive video clip DVD, remixed in 5.1) and I would get them immediately.
Rating:
Summary: I wish I'd been there in '81...
Review: There are two concerts on this DVD, one from '81 and the other from '98.
While both are good, the '81 concert is truly something special. While I must admit it's funny to see Peter Hook in an ultra skinny "new wave" tie and Gillian with HUGE hair and Siouxie-esque makeup, the intensity of the band at that time is incredible to see. They're focused and absolutely pound out their early tunes with a fervor that just doesn't come across in their studio albums.
Seventeen years (and thirty pounds) later, the band's outdoor Reading concert was good, but lacked the tension and pensiveness of the earlier show. The insecure, wound-up band of '81 had given way to a confident but less serious band in '98. Bernard Sumner goes from practically leaning on the microphone for support in the earlier show to doing aerobics, jumping and leaping about whilst they play songs from their late '80's "Low-Life" album heyday in the later one. I really wish they had a concert from that time period instead of circa '98, but hey, I'm grateful just to be able to see these guys again.
There's also a "documentary" that's actually just an interview of the band with flashbacks of their old videos and some concert footage. It isn't really a documentary and comes off as an afterthought.
It may not sound like a rave review, but for New Order fans, a flat out five star rating.
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