Ashes of American Flags
|
List Price: Our Price: $8.39 You Save: $11.59 (58%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $7.45 (click here) Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
Movie Reviews of Ashes of American Flags
Movie Review: Not perfect, but highly captivating
Summary: 4 Stars
A preface: I just saw this film on the Sundance Channel so I'm only reviewing the film portion (not the bonus materials that are apparently available on the DVD).
After recently seeing this film on the Sundance Channel I'm planning to purchase it. In fact, I essentially made that decision during the film's first song, "Ashes of American Flags." The setting -- soundcheck inside the vacant Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa, Okla. -- and the photography are beautiful and captivating, and set the tone for the rest of the film. I was hooked. The fact that this documentary features three songs from the fantastic Ryman Auditorium show I attended on March 2, 2008, was the clincher.
As a photographer, I loved the nicely composed footage -- the strongest of which comes from passing landscapes and roadside cutaways. (The still photo featured on the DVD cover is taken from one of the most glorious shots in the film.) The documenting of Wilco's musical performances is great too, if not quite as jaw-dropping visually. The music itself is of course a highlight.
The only real drawback for me is the fact that some of the included interview subject matter makes the film at times seem more like a band's electronic press kit (pre-packaged video productions that labels send to the press to introduce a band) rather than a documentary film. I'm thinking particularly of the John Stirratt background material early in the film. I didn't get the same EPK feeling from 2002's "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart," which I enjoyed as well. Maybe this won't be an issue to others or even to me on later viewings, but such material did strike me as a bit off-tone during my initial viewing. Other scenes, meanwhile, fit smoothly into the documentary framework, like the band members backstage using ice packs to recuperate from injuries sustained during shows.
Obviously Wilco fans are a best fit for this film, but I personally feel that there is enough here to hold the attention of newcomers as well. All in all, it's a very well-executed film that I would recommend to others.
Movie Review: Good Music, Great Lyrics
Summary: 4 Stars
I saw this film on The Sundance Channel. I knew nothing about Wilco, but had heard lots of chatter about the group for a long time so when I ran across this for free on Sundance, I stopped and listened. I was glad I did. I'm a jazz fan (and the father of a jazz musician) first, so I appreciate and understand music and musicians. These guys are excellent musicians who play off one another quite well (reminding me a little of a jazz band). The music itself is not terribly complex, but riveting nonetheless; it's Tweedy's lyrics, however, that set this music apart from anything I've heard in quite some time. They are brooding and personal; at first I compared the lyrics and guitar work to The Who's, but let me not get carried away with that comparison. Suffice it to say that whatever fame and whatever fortune these guys have gained is very, very well deserved. I understand how proud Tweedy's father is of his son.Movie Review: Great Perfomances
Summary: 4 Stars
The concert itself is great, the video/sound quality are top notch and the Wilco lineup shown here is incredible. The reason I gave it four stars instead of five is simply because I don't think it's really a "documentary", there are some interviews and behind the scenes stuff but these feel like an afterthought. Having said that there is a half hour of "bonus" live footage and you can download the audio tracks for free. This dvd is well worth the money and since I've seen them live a few times I can say it is a very good representation of their live shows. It is definately a must have for Wilco fans and if for some reason you don't already own the "I am trying to break your heart" documentary by Sam Jones I would buy the two together... you will probably get free shipping that way:)Movie Review: Best live sound and visuals
Summary: 4 Stars
I have seen Wilco live several times and even saw the tour that is covered in this DVD. The quality of the sound and visuals of the band are great. You can hear every part. The only thing I would say I didn't enjoy was all of the tight shots of the band members and especially Jeff Tweedy. I wanted a concert in my living room and for the most part I got it but there were moments they needed to take in the whole band.
Great shows, great sound and well worth the $$.
Movie Review: Beautifully filmed
Summary: 4 Stars
Great music and beautifully filmed scenes of American countryside. An eyeopening view behind the scenes of the band and the strain of going on the road! Shows that there is a lot more involved than the excitement of performing.