Lou Reed Berlin
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Movie Reviews of Lou Reed Berlin
Movie Review: Pure Poetry.
Summary: 5 Stars
This is one of the top 3 best Music films I've ever seen. The performance is so masterfully shot and performed (I like it more than the original album). Anyone who is a true fan of music will be blown away.Movie Review: Excellent DVD, incredible sound (even if "Berlin" is not a favorite of yours)
Summary: 4 Stars
I'm going to assume that if you've clicked thru to this product description, you are at least familiar with Lou Reed's "Berlin" album, so I'll dispense with a critique of the album itself. While it was never one of my personal favorites in his catalogue (I favor "Transformer", "The Blue Mask" and "New York" over "Berlin"'s exceptional bleakness/depressing themes, but that's my own opinion), if "Berlin" IS one of YOUR favorites, then you should consider this review to be a five-star rating, and go out and get this DVD immediately. The reason I say that is that this DVD has not only a good-to-great performance, but the sound quality (in 5.1) has a ton of presence and sounded terrific on my home theater, and is extremely well-produced. Nice camera work, but the double exposure/projections sometimes rendered it a bit too arty for my tastes (though I `get' what they were going for, since there's a story here, so this was probably never going to be a `straight concert film' esp. with someone like Schnabel directing). Reed's band this time out is comprised of alumni of his band over the years, including Steve Hunter (wow!), Rob Wasserman, Fernando Saunders, and Antony Hegarty (who takes a nice turn on vocals on "Candy Says", which is also performed), Jane Scarpantoni, etc, so the chops are in the house, plus there are horns and a choir (so the songs are completely fleshed out). As I said before, the sound is excellent - but I would've expected no less from Bob Ezrin and Hal Willner (who have also previously worked with Reed) - excellent mix and you can really hear each instrument in sharp detail, so make sure you play this on a system that's worthy. Reed and band play "Berlin" in its entirety, then add on a couple of songs ("Candy Says", "Rock Minuet" and "Sweet Jane") for good measure. I guess one of the best things I can say about this (aside from everything I've already said) is that it has me reaching for my copy of "Berlin" on my shelf, to give it another spin/reconsideration. (There are also a couple of extras on the disc - the trailer, some tour footage, and a brief clip of Reed and Schnabel on Elvis Costello's talk show).Movie Review: Incredible Performance by Reed and His Band
Summary: 4 Stars
I've always had a sort of take it or leve it attitude towards Lou Reed's music. I could appreciate it but would not go out of my way to listen or find it. Much of that attitude has changed since I've seen Julian Schnabel's Berlin. I have now joined the initiated and feel that the music when properly presented is terrific.
Filmed over five nights at St. Ann's Warehouse in New York, Reed performs in its entirety his failed 1973 concept album Berlin. Berlin presents a 10 song cycle that attempts to tell the story of a couple living in 1970's Berlin before the wall came down. Caroline is a speed freak party girl who spirals out of control and eventually loses her children and commits suicide by slashing her wrists. Jim is left to pick up the pieces and try to figure out her motivation if any.
When released in 1973 the album came across as a gloomy concept work that did not have the commercial success that Reed felt it should. He shunned the material and did not perform it live for 33 years. The december 2006 concers which mke up the film presents the music as it should be heard. Reed's delivery is raw and emotional. The band led by guitarist Steve Hunter is spot on and there has been added the Brooklyn Youth Choir and a horn section to the mix.
The concert plays against a backdrop of films of Caroline's life shot by Schnabel's daughter Lola that add to the mood in a fuzzy out of focus sort of way. This is not happy material and it is not presented as such. It is emotional and raw.
The concert ends with a three song encore featuring Candy Says, Rock Minuet and Sweet Jane.
This is one of the best concert films that I have seen in years and easily ranks with such films as Scorsese's Last Waltz. Do yourself a favor and see this one and experience the music as it should be seen and heard.
Movie Review: One of Lou's best albums finally gets its due respect.
Summary: 4 Stars
Lou Reed brings his masterpiece Berlin album to the stage for all to appreciate. While the video aspects are respectful of Lou and his music with regard to professionalism, the dvd in no way comes off as a "movie" about the music. As previously noted in another review, the video clips that take over the screen during the concert add nothing to the music. In fact, they remove us from the intensity of Lou's performance and the excellence of his band and choir. He does talk through most of the songs, in contrast to his more singing style on the album though I'm not sure this is related to his voice deteriorating. Some might miss how in synch Lou's voice was with the music on the album compared to this video where he is repeatedly catching up to the music.
The sound quality is excellent with Lou's vocals being up front as they typically are on the album. I think most will find the highlight of this performance being the non-Berlin song, Candy Says, which Antony performs with Lou. It is quite moving and Lou acknowledges Antony after the song with a look of complete respect and appreciation.
While I do wish this would have been a standard video of his concert without the "film" aspects, it is a must buy for Lou Reed fans and all those that appreciated the Berlin album.
Movie Review: Finally!
Summary: 4 Stars
It's been nearly 40 years since the release of "Berlin." While the DVD does not capture the musical production as well as the original recording it is still a welcome addition to any DVD concert collection. It does capture the essence of Lou Reed and the despair which is "Berlin." If you are not familiar with the original recording, it might be best to check that out before viewing the DVD.