Rating: 
Summary: For Diehard Fans Only - Others Stay Away
Review: An interesting disc, and as a Mats/Westerberg fanatic, I felt like a kid on Christmas morning when I popped this disc in the player. This will not turn on new fans to PW, but for those of us who are tried and true fans and have not seen this side of the man, its essential.
Rating: 
Summary: Wunnerful! Wunnerful! (but be aware of both editions!)
Review: Finally! Westerberg's long-anticipated concert film/documentary does not disappoint. The entirety of this movie is simply slicker than a school-boy's sleeve! Buy two! In fact, after reading this, some of you may end up doing just that. You see, there were actually two releases of this DVD (the original edition was a cd-sized digipak available only at Best Buy stores on Oct. 21. The second edition was a regular DVD keepcase available everywhere as of Nov. 11). ...The second edition features additional footage not found on the original (specifically, live versions of "Skyway," and "Lush and Green."). I'm not sure why the DVD was released in this fashion, especially since the hardcore, early-bird fan is the one most likely to receive the "short end of the stick," so to speak.
In spite of that bit of confusion, either edition stands as a truly indispensable item that is pure "Manna from Minneapolis" for any Westerberg/Replacements fan.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Document
Review: I found this to be a very interesting documentary of Paul Westerberg's recent tour. You get a good glimpse of the man behind what has become a considerable collection of work spanning his career. His live performances are excellent and the sound is good considering some of the the on-location filming. It is no exaggeration to conclude that some of the performances are every bit as relevant as fellow Minnesotan Bob Dylan's representation on his own documentary Don't Look Back. You also get good insight of Paul's creative process recording and constructing songs in his crowded and cold basement. You get the sense that he has created himself a surrounding and vision that enables him to continue writing very good songs. Some may have taken his comments regarding former replacement Bob Stinson and Curt Cobain as somewhat cold, but I believe he was just recalling unfortunate outcomes and describing the irony of them. There was no malevolence intended. Taken as a whole, you get to witness a great performer and artist who lacks pretension, displaying a decent, moral, and often humorous character.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Document
Review: I found this to be a very interesting documentary of Paul Westerberg's recent tour. You get a good glimpse of the man behind what has become a considerable collection of work spanning his career. His live performances are excellent and the sound is good considering some of the the on-location filming. It is no exaggeration to conclude that some of the performances are every bit as relevant as fellow Minnesotan Bob Dylan's representation on his own documentary Don't Look Back. You also get good insight of Paul's creative process recording and constructing songs in his crowded and cold basement. You get the sense that he has created himself a surrounding and vision that enables him to continue writing very good songs. Some may have taken his comments regarding former replacement Bob Stinson and Curt Cobain as somewhat cold, but I believe he was just recalling unfortunate outcomes and describing the irony of them. There was no malevolence intended. Taken as a whole, you get to witness a great performer and artist who lacks pretension, displaying a decent, moral, and often humorous character.
Rating:
Summary: A terrific "rock-umentary"
Review: I suspect PW would dig the reference to Spinal Tap...Overall, this is a fantastic homemade film that follows Paul during a solo tour. The live performances are generally superb, although a little uneven at times (what do you expect). I was a little disappointed with the solo format; Paul solo is great, but seeing him with a band turned up to 11 is sublime. Interestingly, I stopped missing the band about 1/2 way through the movie. Specifically, the absolutely heartwrenching rendition of "crackle and drag" pretty much made me a believer that the solo format is as compelling as any live band. A pseudo-video for "what a day for a night" is pretty cool as well. Getting a peek at PW's creative process is worth the price of this DVD alone: freezing in a winter coat sitting in his basement, struggling to keep his cigar lit, unable to read his own lyrics, turning the tape machine on and off, etc. PW is arguably the greatest living songwriter alive; seeing him at work is amazing, disarming, and humbling. Is this really the wellspring, an unheated, cramped Minneapolis basement? Word association with Mats record titles (more interesting what is NOT said), brief comments about his father, the spectacular failure of the Mats, hanging out with fans on the steps of his tour bus in the alley, his preshow ice ritual,...what more do you want? This really is a fascinating look at a tragic, charismatic genius. Like a ghoulish carwreck, man, I couldn't take my eyes off of this movie despite myself.
Rating:
Summary: Paul Has Enough Money
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this DVD, but it's lacking in any overall narative tone. While it does follow a neat chronology, the lack of a 'story arc' keeps this from being a documentary in the strict sense. We get to see Paul in acoustic concerts, and are allowed into his basement for recording sessions (fun and fascinating).
However, there is nothing to reccomend this DVD to the non-fan. I loved it, loved watching Paul with fans and onstage. But the lack of a narrative, such as found on any VH1:Inside release or any of the classics like 'Dont Look Now' or even John Lennon's outtake film "Imagine," makes this no more than a wet dream for his fans.
That said, Westerberg is an amazing talent, and I highly suggest picking up 'Tim" by the Replacements as an intro full of hard, driving rock, or his solo debut, '14 Songs' for an introduction to his more sensitive side. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
Rating:
Summary: pretty good stuff from one of the greats
Review: I'll assume that everyone here is already a PW fan and jst wants to know if this is worth the money. YES Go buy it. Paul needs the money. Great live performance, Paul's word assocaition game with Replacements' albums, and the simple joy of Paul and his fans outside the tour bus. For some reason, the scenes of Paul talking with the fans brought tears to my eyes. Maybe it was that so many of us have been with him for the whole wild ride since the Replacements' days. Maybe because we stuck with him through the lean times. Maybe it's because we're stupid sheep following someone who can't be bothered to try and please us. (OK, maybe not that last one) Whatever it is, Paul Westerberg is the greatest songwriter of his generation, and you NEED this DVD. If for no other reason than "Crackle and Drag", or "Skyway", or "Unsatisfied" (For my money, one of the best songs ever written. By ANYONE.). It's the portrait of a man at ease with his art, comfortable with his fans, and not concerned about being a rock star. Dude just keeps on doing what he wants, and he takes what he gets. Even when he's at a record store promoting Stereo/Mono, and tells the fans that he doesn't remember the words to the songs they're shouting out, you just gotta smile. Vintage Paul. In a perfect world, Paul Westerberg would be famous, and idiots like Fred Durst would be slingin' fries. Oh well, it's an imperfect world, and Paul's an imperfect guy. As it should be.
Rating:
Summary: Paul Uncensored
Review: I'll assume that everyone here is already a PW fan and jst wants to know if this is worth the money. YES Go buy it. Paul needs the money. Great live performance, Paul's word assocaition game with Replacements' albums, and the simple joy of Paul and his fans outside the tour bus. For some reason, the scenes of Paul talking with the fans brought tears to my eyes. Maybe it was that so many of us have been with him for the whole wild ride since the Replacements' days. Maybe because we stuck with him through the lean times. Maybe it's because we're stupid sheep following someone who can't be bothered to try and please us. (OK, maybe not that last one) Whatever it is, Paul Westerberg is the greatest songwriter of his generation, and you NEED this DVD. If for no other reason than "Crackle and Drag", or "Skyway", or "Unsatisfied" (For my money, one of the best songs ever written. By ANYONE.). It's the portrait of a man at ease with his art, comfortable with his fans, and not concerned about being a rock star. Dude just keeps on doing what he wants, and he takes what he gets. Even when he's at a record store promoting Stereo/Mono, and tells the fans that he doesn't remember the words to the songs they're shouting out, you just gotta smile. Vintage Paul. In a perfect world, Paul Westerberg would be famous, and idiots like Fred Durst would be slingin' fries. Oh well, it's an imperfect world, and Paul's an imperfect guy. As it should be.
Rating:
Summary: Thank You Paul!
Review: If You are a fan...GO! No further! Buy this immediately and enjoy! At last, Paul Westerberg has risen from his visual shell and shared with us, some truly intimate moments from his past... and present. In true Westerberg fashion we are only allowed to watch this DVD in its entirety. Upon purchase, as I peeled off the shrinkwrap I was enticed by the offerings listed- new songs from the great "Come Feel Me Tremble" CD as well as hints from Replacements past..."Unsatisfied","I Will Dare" AND MORE...
Pop it in, THERE IS NO MENU! Grab your favorite libation and kick back to the most wonderful Westerberg journey. It begins in a choppy, patchwork fashion, that only grows to accomodate its purpose. Paul,in all of his humble glory. Giving us a great one word synopsis of every Replacements album, recollections of meeting Cobain, and CHOCK FULL of incredible one man show performances! The only true hint of his personal life is a poignant reflection of his Father and his new song "Soldier Of Misfortune". A variety of film types document different stages of this film. From the emotional graininess of "Crackle and Drag" to the Black and White simplicity of the fan appreciation tribute "Meet Me Down The Alley". This DVD is a must have for any true fan, and a great explanation for significant others that are trying to understand our infatuation. Paul comes off as an everyman, doing his job, with great nonchalant. My only reserve, he teases us with the simplicity of his live shows. I've been there, and after watching this DVD, I cannot wait to return. His so called "Video" performances look as if he works out of a second bedroom in ANY apartment. That's the beauty of it! Buy the "Tremble" CD, give it a good listen, then sit back and enjoy this DVD ride, Thank you Paul, for inviting us into your humbleness, and giving us a peek into your end of our world. Following you down the street, as you seek your way into your next venue, where we are so eagerly awaiting your arrival.
Rating:
Summary: pretty good stuff from one of the greats
Review: im a bit dissapointed that so many of his live songs are cut short. why not let us watch the entire song?
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