DVD Review: Shine a Light

DVD Reviews

By June L. Aug 1, 2008, 12:58 GMT

It doesn’t matter if you are a longtime Rolling Stones fan, or if you have just discovered the most incredible Rock ‘n Roll Band in the world, this is one amazing show!

In a dream combination of the Stones performing and the direction of filming by Martin Scorsese, this DVD is simply a must have for anyone who appreciates the best of the best.

The film begins with something resembling an homage to the old “behind the scenes at the concert” type movies. Filmed bits in black and white, with jerky motions, strange sound, quirky moments, and of course communication mix ups between the director and the performers - it makes you chuckle. For those who are on the mature side, you will most likely have flash backs to other concert movies and the revelations of difficulties involving performer’s idiosyncratic behavior, not to mention the wealth of problems both technical and artistic encountered while putting on a show. Martin Scorsese grouses a lot about not having a definite play list for this performance, and the Rolling Stones just laugh it off. They know that even after all these years of live shows, their music depends on a degree of spontaneity that can’t be pinned down to a set routine. In spite of Mr. Scorsese’s worries about catching the action on film, each performance is so very good, you forget you are watching film. It truly is like a front row seat, Blu-ray or not!

Shine a Light is not a group of old guys who can still make music. This is the Rolling Stones as they were, as they are, as we hope they continue to be - the consummate performers. Guest stars Jack White, Buddy Guy and Christina Aguilera are good, but seem to be just that, guests performing with the owners of the venue. There are old songs, lesser known songs and a surprise or two. Tucked in amongst the performances are vintage interviews with the band members, which does not make you feel sentimental or long for the “good old days.” The old footage serves to illustrate the fact that the Rolling Stones are still the Rolling Stones, and not shadows of their past. They are vibrant, charismatic and best of all still enjoying making music together, and that infects the audience and completely enhances the performances.Shine a Light is presented in widescreen format with a playing time of 121 minutes. Special features included are four songs that were not shown in the theatrical release, but are fan favorites. There is a special Behind-the Scenes featurette which made me laugh even more than the prologue to the film, even as it revealed some great information. This is good music, great showmanship and an excellent way to have a primo concert anytime!

Shine a Light is now available at Amazon. As of yet, there is not a release date for the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.

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DVD Review: Shine a Light

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