Reviews (30)

Heavenly Description of After-Life Accomodations and Romance
This Compelling movie brings much Understanding to the concept of "Life After Death" and gives us a few clues about how to get-around when we do not have bodies, anymore! This movie also shows that you do not just Quit doing all of the things you love...you simply have a Lot More Time to do them! If you have ever questioned dogmatic beliefs or had "Lucid" dreams that foretold an After-Life that contradicts what you have been led to believe...this movie is for you. If you are a person who seeks Knowledge about Spirituality, this movie is a great addition to your personal collection of images, data and theories. Or....if you are just a Romantic person, who enjoys a Great Love Story! Get your box of tissues ready and delve into this Highly Under-rated film. I would give it 5 stars, if it were a little faster-paced...but, that's just my Opinion. Most women Love this film (and guys should give it a try)! "Made in Heaven" is difficult to find, where I live, so I wonder how many people know about this Great Movie. There are many surprising scenes in this film and I believe it should be considered a Classic.

Beautifully woven story:love, heaven, earth, rebirth, death
The opening credit of the film "The story you are about to see could be true. You may even know some of the people." sets you up for and helps you ponder the story line of the movie. There are questions which we all ask ourselves and things we all wonder about. Where does inspiration come from? Did you ever notice that when you meet some people you just click? How about all of the seemingly small, insignificant things which have happened in your life. Things that had they not have happened, your live would be drasticaly different? All of those things that struck a chord but only later did we realize the significance. The lyrics of the title song "We've Never Danced" by Neil Young tells the story in itself: "Between heaven and earth, there's a ballroom glow, where couples glide in the evermore.......I hope it's not too late, we were more than friends, I can hardly wait, til we meet again." Some of these questions and mysteries are presented within a beautiful and moving love story. As you'd expect, the answers can't really be put into words, without trivializing them. So all we can do is experience the magic of the story and at the end, know that we have experienced part of the connection between heaven and earth. I highly recommend that you seek out this video and experience the magic.

Great story, cinematography, and music
This is one of those rare movies that takes the subject of life after death and gives the viewer layers to ponder. Do souls go on? Are there new souls as well as old ones? Can we really talk to G*d that smokes and wisecracks? I felt the use of color was particularly done well and the cinematography was exceptional. Then there is the sound track, one of the best I have ever heard. I would love to meet whomever picked these songs, they are perfect. Next to "Streets of Fire", this is about the best music from any movie that is not a musical. I wish they would release it on wide-screen DVD. PS- the small part casting is great, watch for Neal Young as a truck driver!

A Maid In Heaven Movie
If you believe in love, if you believe that their is only one special someone for you, if you believe that the love you share with your significant other was "Made in Heaven," this is the movie for you. Timathy hutton plays the all American nice guy who dies after rescuing two kids from drowning. In heaven, he meets the love of his life played by Kelly Mcgillis. As they are about to marry, her soul is sent to earth. Timathy's character asked to be sent to earth to find her. He is given thirty years to do so. This sweeping story is nothing short of mesmerizing. You can't help but route for these two people. You want them to find each other and you care about the things they are going through. This film makes you believe in the "L" word in it's true sense. Even if you are not one who can grasp or understand the notion that love made in heaven is a possibility, you can't help but get caught up in this little story about these two love struck souls. I highly recommend this movie to every romantic at heart person out there. If you ever find yourself in the arms of your loved one on a lazy, rainy Sunday afternoon, this is the movie to cozy up with. Yes, it's a "Chick's Flick" but sometimes, they can be good too.

Great Feel Good Movie
This is a really great rainy day movie....I love to watch this movie when feeling glum....this movie makes you believe again...take the time and watch it...you'll love it! ... Read more

Amazon.com

In Neil Young's world--to paraphrase John Lennon (who was quoting HarryNilsson)--everything is the opposite of what it is. The fragile is epic, theepic is personal, the personal is a collective dream. Young's best songs arelike Tennyson's poems, somehow always shimmering under scrutiny, somehow allthe more soulful for evading fixed points of meaning. While there was nothingevasive about Young's negative opinions of MTV in the 1980s, both he and thecable channel had broad enough shoulders to collaborate on anUnplugged installment in 1993 featuring Young and a few of hisfriends. The result was one of the best events in the innovative series, astrong but relaxed, sharp but dreamy acoustic performance with several ofYoung's best live recordings in the '90s. Starting with a couple of folk-rockmysteries--the sorrowful "The Old Laughing Lady" and eerie classic"Mr. Soul"--Young lumbers beautifully from the fantastic, hippie elegy of"Pocahontas" to an unlikely psychedelic spin on "Like a Hurricane" (soundinga bit like "Strawberry Fields Forever").

The second half of the show finds a few other musicians strolling in,including Young's old ally, Nils Lofgren, with accordian, guitar, andharmonies at the ready. Young's unequivocally nongrungy sister, Astrid, andthe late Nicolette Larson sweeten the vocals and add warmth to theinstant-community atmosphere. Together, everyone reshapes thenever-quite-on-the-money CSN&Y classic "Helpless" into a taut, privateprayer, teases the tenderness and fun out of "Transformer Man," and makes"Harvest Moon" sound so delicate that anything else on the radio seemsslightly obscene. The program ends with an encore performance of "From Hankto Hendrix," which, in this MTV context, comes across as a nonsubtle pleafrom a rock godfather to beware the momentum of time and change on popularmusic, to "still get it together" despite the pressures of fashion. A verysatisfying experience all around. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Very Fine Acoustic Concert!
When this MTV Unplugged concert of Neil Young originally aired on MTV, I made sure to tape it, as Neil Young is one of my favorite musicians. When I recently went to watch it, I found that it had been taped over with cartoons! (I thanked my son for that!) I really wanted a copy of this fine concert, so was very pleased to find it on Amazon.com. To me, it shows Neil Young at his purist-accompanied only by acoustic instruments. I love hearing songs like "Long May You Run" and "Pocohontas" done in an acoustic vein. The song "Stringman", which is a beautiful song, is only found on this video. I was very pleased to have a copy of that!
I highly recommend this video of Neil Young. I have my fingers crossed that one day a DVD version is released.

Almost perfect
This video is a perfect example of why Neil Young has survived 3 decades at the top of the music industry; timeless classics ranging from his Buffalo Springfield days with "Mr. Soul", to his more recent "Harvest Moon". It is truly an essential for any Neil Young fan. ... Read more

Album Description

Widely acclaimed director Jim Jarmusch's 1997 film about Neil Young & Crazy Horse on an NTSC videotape. 107 minutes long, it contains live performances, never-before-seen backstage footage and interviews spanning more than two decades. Includes Neil's classics 'Like A Hurricane', 'Tonight's The Night' and more! 1997 release. ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Finally...................but could be better.
Finally a film about Neil Young and Crazy Horse, but I have to agree with 'Young and Disjointed' (previous reviewer). I LOVE Crazy Horse. Neil and the Horse are by far one of the greatest live bands ever. But these are nowhere near their best performances. This movie seems to have been filmed mainly during the 1996 Broken Arrow tour. The band seems bored and Neil appears to be already moving on to the next thing but is stuck finishing this tour. There are some great moments but not enough to make this a GREAT film which it could be if performances from every era of Neil and the Horse were shown, such as some Danny Whitten gigs, Tonights the Night tour, Rust Never Sleeps tour, more of the Zuma tour. How come the great footage of 'Like a Hurricane' from 1976 all of a sudden cuts to the end of the 1996 live version just as the 1976 version starts to mesmorize? It's things like that that make the film disjointed. It could be so much better, and I think Neil knows it.

Crazy Horse & Jim Jarmusch: the wierd turn pro. . .
For the Rusties and anybody who wants to see what ordinary guys who happen to work in Rock & Roll do for a living this is a fine film. Jarmusch has inveigled himself into the band and comes off as one of the strangest people in the film (albeit that a groupie/fan/nutcase in one clip clearly is a brick shy of a load).

This is an avant garde film of working-man rockers and it shows what 30 years together means to these men ... if only by scratching the surface. Neil & Frank (Pancho) come across as very human and, quite frankly, I believe that this film contains about as much information about their lives and personal business that anybody outside the group ought to have access to. I know that these men have worked hard to stay honest to their muse, they don't back down from nobody and they do get up in the morning.

this is a masterpiece
One bandmate jestingly complains that some artsy filmmaker from NYC can't get to the essence of Crazy Horse (and what they've gone thru for 30 years) , but Jim Jarmusch gets as close to it as you can in 107 minutes. The band members open up, each individually interviewed in a basement with a washing machine in the background, in their hotel rooms, and on the tour bus. And the concert footage from different eras is often stunning. Some of the complaints below are essentially that the film is non-linear but these critics miss the point because this is an artists depiction of fellow artists and the artists he's depicting are masters of the psychedelic experience. It's NOT supposed to be linear. My favorite parts were Jarmusch's visual dipictions to go along with the music (far better than any MTV videos), they are simply stunning compositions, they are as true to the music as can be, they add to the music. This is a must for those into the artistic psychedelic experience. Roll one up, have a few bottles of wine, strap yourself in and enjoy the trip!

By the album instead
Although die-hard Neil Young fans will no doubt embrace every song in the movie, casual fans may become a bit bored. The song selection here does offer a few choice cuts that are not on the live Neil Young album of the same name, such as the rarely heard "Stupid Girl". And that's a good thing. However, a couple of cuts on this video, such as the the brash and tired "F*&kin Up", may make you reach for the remote.

As for the "documentary" side of things, the interviews between the songs tend to quickly become dull. Fans will learn nothing new, and casual viewers may be confused as to who these people are that are being referred to. The guitarist Poncho states snidely (and I am paraphrasing here), "You think you can learn everything about this band from this short documentary?" Then the camera cuts away leaving the viewer with nothing at all. Later in the film, he says almost the exact same line to the camera, perhaps forgetting that he said it before. The answer clearly is, "No, I won't learn very much at all from this documentary."

A saving grace for the video comes in a few short clips of documentary footage from the '70's and '80's. These clips show the band sometimes unaware of the camera, sometimes hamming it up. They're a great depiction of Neil Young and his band in their prime. They also represent everything a documentary film should be. Sadly, there are too few of these moments in this film.

The director does manage to sneak himself into the picture several times, along with the name of his production company (I think they're even in the trailer.) This should make it easier to avoid his documentaries in the future.

Buy the DVD "Rust Never Sleeps" if you want a concert movie, or buy the album "Year of the Horse" to get the music from this film instead.

Amazon betrays its buyers again
The video is fine. But Amazon's "marketplace" provider, a company in Canada, sent me a FRENCH version. When I pointed out the order had specifiec ENGLISH, they apologized for their error. Per their instructions, I return-mailed the FRENCH video June 28, almost 9 weeks ago. They claim the mail hasn't arrived and refuse to send me the correct ENGLISH version until the mail gets through Amazon won't do anything to help, nor will they let me post my "feedback" on the transaction. They claim I'm not allowed to post feedback after 60 days pass. I love Neil Young, I hate Amazon. I'll never shop here again. Watch out for the "A-Z guarantee." It's worthless. Their customer service employees probably used to work for Enron. ... Read more

Reviews (33)

Don't Buy It
The silly antics of the dancing Roadeyes, who are over this DVD, detract greatly from this concert's impact. Neil singing the first two songs from on top of the huge speaker also detracts. Frankly it's all "sophomoric" and not worthy of a great performer. The contrasty stage lighting and the almost complete lack of any crowd shots also detracts. For me, an excellent concert was ruined by all this stuff. I do not agree with the other reviews on this site (except for the two who also said the stage antics were silly). A lot of reviews say if you are a fan, you will love this. That is NOT the standard. If you are a fan, you'll love anything by a group. The standard is if you merely have an interest, you'll love it. There are many excellent concert DVDs (and VHS tapes) out there. Check out some of the "favorites lists" by other Amazon contributors (posted on amazon.com) for ideas and buy something else.

The concert has such a massive impact, it will make you rust
When this concert/film was finally released on DVD, I was absolutely stoked that it could be viewed with a sharp picture and high quality sound it so deserves to almost put you in a seat next to one of the lucky Neil Young fans that would have definately been overwhelmed to be there.

Neil's idea of having roadies as 'road eyes' and sound technicians dressed as 'doctors' pottering around the stage during set breaks, while original themes from the 1969 Woodstock are being played really shows a lot of natural talent went into the whole concept.

While Neil starts off the show looking rather small against the enormous backdrops of illusive amplifiers and roadie cases, it's hard to comprehend that the power of his soft vocals and overtones of the harmonica will push you back into your seat as he bellows out some classic acoustic numbers like 'COMES A TIME', 'THRASHER' and 'THE NEEDLE AND THE DAMAGE DONE'.

The first set that contains some of Neil's best songs comprising of both acoustic, harmonica and piano is like an elaborate lead up to the stage enterance of his long time friends and band members.
Enter 'Crazy Horse' who together with Neil display a magnificent tight musicianship performing excellent songs such as 'WELFARE MOTHERS', 'SEDAN DELIVERY' and 'LIKE A HURRICANE'.

Their flowing musicianship literally makes me 'RUST' back into my chair 'NEVER' wanting to 'SLEEP' while they are playing and it takes me to a place far removed from this western society that we scratch around in.

The Bishop on the keyboards is a real buzz too!!

If you've seen Pink Floyd's 'THE WALL' or Led Zeppelin's 'THE SONG REMAINS THE SAME' and so on, then this DVD is a must see.

Great performances, poor concept
The song performances are great. In Neil Young fashion, they include mistakes and all (ex- NY messes up the last part of the lyrics in acoustic My, My, Hey, Hey). My favorite parts were Powderfinger and Cinnamon Girl.

Unfortunately, this video is the definition of pretentious. All the "Road-Eyes" and giant representation of stage gear is rediculous, and Young actually seems really serious about all of it.

So, in conclusion, this is a great collection of songs and has great performances. Just make sure to keep your fast forward button handy. Or, alternately, you could buy the album Live Rust, which is the same concert on CD without all the crap.

One of the BEST concert videos of all time...
Nuff said. OK, when is 'Weld' coming out on DVD?

Great show, terrible recording
While the music is vintage Neil, the sound quality and video production are poor at best. This one is for the hard core Crazy Horse fan. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In Made in Heaven, Timothy Hutton plays a young guy in 1946 who's just been dumped by his girl and decides to go to California. On his way, he rescues a family from a car that's driven into a lake--and drowns in the process. Of course, he finds himself in Heaven, and there he meets Kelly McGillis, a soul who's never been born on Earth. The two fall in love. Just as they're about to get married--just for the fun of it, since by the rules of Heaven they're already married--McGillis gets sent to Earth to be born. Hutton pleads with Emmett, a figure who may or may not be God, who finally agrees to give Hutton 30 years on Earth to find her and continue their love. This 1987 Alan Rudolph film teeters on the edge of absolute cheesiness and steps over that edge at moments, but mostly it miraculously maintains a delicate, sweet, and affecting tone. McGillis is good, but Hutton is superb, demonstrating an honest charisma that makes him engaging even when he's being a jerk. The depiction of Heaven avoids the patronizing, overdone joyfulness that too many movies fall into. Though the idea sounds like pure saccharine, Made in Heaven consistently sidesteps the obvious and comes up with something genuine. Rudolph is a prolific but erratic director (his stronger movies include Choose Me, Trouble in Mind, The Moderns, and Afterglow), but this is one of the ones worth seeing. Made in Heaven features Debra Winger and an uncredited Ellen Barkin, as well as cameos by rock stars Neil Young, Ric Ocasek, and Tom Petty. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Heavenly Description of After-Life Accomodations and Romance
This Compelling movie brings much Understanding to the concept of "Life After Death" and gives us a few clues about how to get-around when we do not have bodies, anymore! This movie also shows that you do not just Quit doing all of the things you love...you simply have a Lot More Time to do them! If you have ever questioned dogmatic beliefs or had "Lucid" dreams that foretold an After-Life that contradicts what you have been led to believe...this movie is for you. If you are a person who seeks Knowledge about Spirituality, this movie is a great addition to your personal collection of images, data and theories. Or....if you are just a Romantic person, who enjoys a Great Love Story! Get your box of tissues ready and delve into this Highly Under-rated film. I would give it 5 stars, if it were a little faster-paced...but, that's just my Opinion. Most women Love this film (and guys should give it a try)! "Made in Heaven" is difficult to find, where I live, so I wonder how many people know about this Great Movie. There are many surprising scenes in this film and I believe it should be considered a Classic.

Beautifully woven story:love, heaven, earth, rebirth, death
The opening credit of the film "The story you are about to see could be true. You may even know some of the people." sets you up for and helps you ponder the story line of the movie. There are questions which we all ask ourselves and things we all wonder about. Where does inspiration come from? Did you ever notice that when you meet some people you just click? How about all of the seemingly small, insignificant things which have happened in your life. Things that had they not have happened, your live would be drasticaly different? All of those things that struck a chord but only later did we realize the significance. The lyrics of the title song "We've Never Danced" by Neil Young tells the story in itself: "Between heaven and earth, there's a ballroom glow, where couples glide in the evermore.......I hope it's not too late, we were more than friends, I can hardly wait, til we meet again." Some of these questions and mysteries are presented within a beautiful and moving love story. As you'd expect, the answers can't really be put into words, without trivializing them. So all we can do is experience the magic of the story and at the end, know that we have experienced part of the connection between heaven and earth. I highly recommend that you seek out this video and experience the magic.

Great story, cinematography, and music
This is one of those rare movies that takes the subject of life after death and gives the viewer layers to ponder. Do souls go on? Are there new souls as well as old ones? Can we really talk to G*d that smokes and wisecracks? I felt the use of color was particularly done well and the cinematography was exceptional. Then there is the sound track, one of the best I have ever heard. I would love to meet whomever picked these songs, they are perfect. Next to "Streets of Fire", this is about the best music from any movie that is not a musical. I wish they would release it on wide-screen DVD. PS- the small part casting is great, watch for Neal Young as a truck driver!

A Maid In Heaven Movie
If you believe in love, if you believe that their is only one special someone for you, if you believe that the love you share with your significant other was "Made in Heaven," this is the movie for you. Timathy hutton plays the all American nice guy who dies after rescuing two kids from drowning. In heaven, he meets the love of his life played by Kelly Mcgillis. As they are about to marry, her soul is sent to earth. Timathy's character asked to be sent to earth to find her. He is given thirty years to do so. This sweeping story is nothing short of mesmerizing. You can't help but route for these two people. You want them to find each other and you care about the things they are going through. This film makes you believe in the "L" word in it's true sense. Even if you are not one who can grasp or understand the notion that love made in heaven is a possibility, you can't help but get caught up in this little story about these two love struck souls. I highly recommend this movie to every romantic at heart person out there. If you ever find yourself in the arms of your loved one on a lazy, rainy Sunday afternoon, this is the movie to cozy up with. Yes, it's a "Chick's Flick" but sometimes, they can be good too.

Great Feel Good Movie
This is a really great rainy day movie....I love to watch this movie when feeling glum....this movie makes you believe again...take the time and watch it...you'll love it! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Neil Young's 1982 comic mess of a feature left many faithful fans baffled andwas otherwise unappreciated at the time of its release.But with the benefitof hindsight and shifts in pop culture in the last couple of decades, much ofHuman Highway now feels warm and funny where it once lookeddisastrously undisciplined. Nostalgia helps: gilded memories of Devo'sdecadent antics long ago now make their recurring role in this film (asnuclear plant workers bathed in a suspicious red glow) almost sentimentallyappealing. Similarly, Dennis Hopper's role as a chattering nutcase andshort-order cook named Cracker looks sharper and more laughable now, and DeanStockwell's perfectly timed performance as a slimeball businessman is evenmore entertaining knowing the former child actor was on the threshold of acareer revival. (Stockwell is also credited as a writer and codirector ofHuman Highway.) The story, such as it is, concerns the goofy goings-onat a remote diner and gas station just down the road from a disintegrating nuclear plant. Stockwell's character has inherited the failing, ramshackleeatery and is crafting secret plans to torch the place. Meanwhile, Young'scharacter, a dorky mechanic, swoons in the presence of a favorite waitress(Charlotte Stewart), bickers with his boyish partner (Russ Tamblyn), anddreams of playing music to an audience. Much of the film looks spontaneouslyconceived, but the players are all so good they know exactly where the laughsare. Influences are easier to spot now, too, particularly the freewheelingset-ups of Paul Morrissey and John Waters (though without their perversity).The hyperreal sets and backdrops actually anticipate Tim Burton by a coupleof years, and overall the direction is more sure than most of us could see atthe time. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (17)

A brilliant "inside joke". Parody and satire at its best.
Neil Young is the enigmatic "godfather of grunge." DEVO defined themselves as a representation of "de-evolution" ... whatever that means. The fact that these two forces would combine to produce "Human Highway" makes a whole lot of sense.

It's just a quiet day in a little one horse town, occupied for the most part by the workings of the diner, the garage and the thermonuclear power plant on the hill. Something goes wrong at the diner, the mechanic has a personality crisis triggered by a head trauma, and ... oh, yeah ... there's a leak at the power plant. "Barrel go boom," as the power plant worker so succinctly puts it.

"Human Highway" is NOT a laugh-a-minute. It really only seems to "work" on repeated viewing. The satire of the rock music scene is as funny as the goof on nuclear power. The psychedelic flashback segment is done with affection.

Though the film introduces Neil's music into a DEVO-esque scenario, and includes songs from different points in his career, this is NOT a "rock and roll" movie per se.

The traditional folk song "It Takes a Worried Man (to Sing a Worried Song)" appears twice in the movie, and is really what sets the tone. The DEVO take on Dylan's "Blowin' In the Wind" has me in stitches each time I hear it.

Overall, I think you should give this strange little film a chance. Neil fans can add a star. Hardcore DEVO fans can add to stars.

It really DOES take a worried man!

Very interesting spoof-type movie!!!
Neil has always been known for his strange diversions of character and music. This is no exception. This is perhaps the strangest spoof type movie I've seen. However there's something to it. Sure, the movie was obviously low budget--Sure, the scenery and props were inspired by Neil's Lionel train collection. But, you have to look past this and really not take the film too seriously.

There is some twisted satire in this film.. some funny hidden comedy by Neil, Dennis Hopper and Dean Stockwell. I think this movie is best watched more than once.

I truly appreciated the dream sequence..when Neil's character, Lionel Switch (what a name huh?) dreamed of being a rock star.. then suddenly it diverts to a strange camping/outing/POW WOW scene.. with the background music of "Going Back.." from his "Come A Time" album.. it's done in pyschedelic/neo-80 sytle that truly, in my opinion, is beautiful..

I've always appreciated Neil's interest and concern of the Native American welfare.. this movie touches on that too..

No, this movie is not "Saving Private Ryan" and it wasn't made for film recognition or Oscar awards.. it's done in the name of fun and to perhaps convey a message.

And.. you know what? Perhaps I'm a little biased (being such a big Neil fan and all) but Neil came across as a pretty good actor too..

Rent it.. add it to your collection.. and enjoy the music..again, particularly the dream sequence...

I hope Neil relives his Bernard Shakey director pseudo-role and comes out with another film.. He always keeps things interesting!

A very mixed bag
Just because you like ice cream and tomato sauce doesn't mean you should mix 'em together. I think that's what happened here. I couldn't imagine not liking a movie with Neil Young, Devo, Dennis Hopper, Dean Stockwell, etc.... well, live and learn.

The pieces of this movie don't hang together well. It's like there were two different films and someone just mashed them together with no regard for whether or not they would fit. On one side we have the somewhat didactic Devo pieces, with Booji Boy in a role similar to the chorus in a Greek play; he's like a court jester, who gets away with speaking ugly truths because he's too silly to take seriously.

On the other side we have Neil Young's surreal pseudo-story. Despite some interesting snippets of dialog, no particular thread is developed far enough to inspire any real interest in the story, and no character is developed enough to make us care what happens to them. Which, in a way, is probably Young's point - the tiny events of our little lives just aren't as interesting as we think they are, and they don't matter. But that doesn't make for engaging storytelling.

But, between Devo's solid personification of doom and Young's dreamlike depiction of everyday life, there is one amazing performance which, in my opinion, redeems the movie. It's their joint rendition of "Hey Hey My My." This lengthy, frenzied, and apparently spontaneous studio session is the only honest moment in the entire movie. All the campiness, tongue-in-cheek lecturing, and coyness that candy-coats the film's depiction of our shallow, ugly civilization is put aside for a straightforward primal scream. The speeches and the dreamy videos are nice, but the wailing fury of this number is a catharsis of disgust, contempt, and disillusionment. Young and Devo work together as if in a trance, and no one seems to want to break the spell. It's genuine and moving.

One Fine Day In Linear Valley
Apart from "Dr. Strangelove", I think this is the only pre-apocalyptic comedy I've ever seen. Young's film, however, takes a warmer approach; most of the characters are likeable and the ending is softened quite a bit from what you would expect. It was interesting to see some of these folks playing against their own public images: Neil Young plays himself, a dorky garage mechanic, and a crack-smoking crooner who looks like Wayne Newton. Charlotte Stewart ("Eraserhead", "Twin Peaks", "Little House On The Prairie") plays Young's cute waitress girlfriend, Russ Tamblyn plays his equally-dorky friend Fred who falls down a lot, and Dennis Hopper plays a genial, loudmouthed chef (a bit like Ralph Kramden). The members of Devo appear in the film as well (along with their mascot Booji Boy, who has a great surreal conversation with Tamblyn); they play a snide group of nuclear waste-disposal guys whom no one likes except Hopper's character, who thinks they're the hope of America. They tend to act as a sort of harbinger of doom, along with a crow who also seems like a bad omen whenever he shows up...
The film really has no story; it's just a series of incidents that continue on until the movie ends, but the incidents are fun to watch and sort of bittersweet in retrospect. And the music is good too!

Human Highway
One of the elements that sets this apart from a "B-rated" film is the fact that there are quite a few notable actors in it - not to mention Devo. It might help if you are a big Neil Young fan to appreciate it, but I know people who don't know Young well, and still enjoyed the film. The plot and chronlolgy / significance of some scenes may be a bit difficult to determine the first time through, (particuarly the opening after the nuclear meltdown) but there are still a lot of funny scenes and lines. Overall, a very enjoyable film, especially for college students. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Brilliant Effort by Alan Rudolph and Superb Cast
Alan Rudolph takes a mystery and turns it inside out, with the help of great acting. Tom Berenger as the crusty, savvy detective. Elizabeth Perkins as the hapless but lovestruck detective wannabe. Ann Archer at her radiant and amusing best. And Neil Young (yes, THAT Neil Young) in a delightful cameo role as a heavy who gets what he deserves. A small film it may be, but the script is excellent, the photography impressive, the familiar theme of mistaken identity is well played, so this is in many ways Rudolph's best film.

Alan Rudolph's Best Film
Those unfamiliar with director Alan Rudolph should not hesitate to buy this video. It's a carefully crafted mystery with a wry sense of humor, visually exciting, and well-scripted. Tom Berenger is at his best, well complemented by Elizabeth Perkins, Ann Archer (at her steamy best), and yes, a cameo by Neill Young (yes, that Neill Young) that is bound to please. This is a small film but one that aspires to greatness through its noir plot, crisp dialog, and excellent acting by all. The larger theme of identity seems, in a way, Hitchcockian, but the movie is not at all derivative. When it came out in the 1980s it received good reviews but went quickly to video, though it deserved wider recognition. Note: although not billed as a "family" flick, the absence of gratuitous violence et al is a welcomed relief. So when is the DVD coming out? It's about time. Until then, buy and enjoy the VHS tape. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Martin Scorsese's 1978 capsule history of the Band is mixed with footage of the group's allegedly last performance (certainly their last performance as a quintet) in this particularly stylish concert film. Scorsese shoots the players and their sundry guests with the same flair and enthusiasm one can see in the later The Color of Money or Goodfellas. He also proves a good interviewer with Band members, particularly Robbie Robertson, whose sleepy-sexy good looks make a star-caliber impression in close-up. But the film's real hook is the stage show, which features a rotation of rock legends (Van Morrison, Joni Mitchell, Paul Butterfield, Bob Dylan, and so on) playing with the Band before a wildly appreciative audience. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (144)

The greatest Rock N' Roll Film of all time.
From start to finish this film captures everything that is, or was, rock n' roll.You have Blues with Muddy Waters, Eric clapton and Paul Butterfield.You have Rockabilly with Ronnie Hawkins. You have Countryfied rock with Neil Young ,Joni Mitchell and Emmylou Harris. Then there is the soul of The Staple Singers and Van Morrison.The singer/songwriting of Neil Diamond.Last but not least, Bob Dylan.Who shows up at the end of the movie to put it all together with the stars of the show, THE BAND.All the styles mentioned above can be found in any given BAND song. I highly doubt that if you are reading this that you are unfamiller with the music of The Band. MArtin Scorsese does a great job of capturing the raw emotion that could take place at a real rock n' roll show. I could go on forever, but I won't. The main reason I'm writng this is to say that Robbie and Mr. Scorsese are finally getting together to work on the DVD Version of this fantastic document. No word on when it is to be released, but I will be one of the first persons to buy a copy and you should be too.

ONE WORD - AWESOME
This film's music has had a lasting effect on me from when I first saw it with my father at the movie theater as a young teenager, through the time I could not wait to get back to the states from my summer vacation to listen to the LP again, to this day as I order the DVD.

A few highlights; 1. Rick Danko's soulful and honest singing of "It Makes No Difference", "Stagefright" and many others. God bless his soul. 2. Levon Helm's "americana personified" singing on "The Night They Drove Ole Dixie Down" and his perfect drumming. 3. Dylan's God-like presence and powerful performance. 4. Vann Morrison's deep and electrifying performance that raised the hair on my arms. 5. Neil Young's sincerity with a haunting behind the scenes Joni Mitchell singing "Helpless, Helpless". 6. Clapton showing his usual class by letting Robbie outduel him in their guitar solos. 7. Robbie Robertson's guitar on Van's song "Caravan" and many others. 8. Garth Hudson's unique keyboards and Richard Manuel's spirited piano and singing.

[Forget] the imperfections, this is a musical masterpiece, showcasing many of the greatest musical talents of the last 40 years. The Band are simply one of the greats of all time. John X. Condos

Presentation overshadows music
I must say I'm not a huge fan of The Band, but I like "Before the Flood". However, I was amazed at how poorly The Band played, and sang even worse, in this, their farewell concert. It is hard to believe they had played together for 17 years.

Even the guests, such as Bob Dylan, seemed to use their worst voice. Only Eric Clapton was really any good, though Van Morrison was acceptable. Otherwise, fairly embarrassing musical performances. At the end, *everybody* is onstage singing "I Shall Be Released" - killing an otherwise nice song.

Obviously Scorsese got all the good film people and photographers to work on the project, and it was well done. So well done that the presentation outshines the music.

There are some nice extras, including multiple commentaries. Hard to recommend it unless you are truly a Band fan.

Not bad for a fiver
I got this DVD at my brother's recommendation for a fiver in Heathrow Airport, and it was good value at that. Good American music and a very well shot concert movie (well, it is Scorsese!) The interview sequences are intersting and as a Chaucer fan I delighted at the intro to the Canterbury Tales being read out. I was unfamiliar with the group's music before seeing this, and whilst they aren't a patch on Creedence Clearwater Revival I still admire their music. An interesting insight to a little segment of rock history.

when the best rock band and movie director collide ...
It's a worn-out formula nowadays. Bob Dylan did it, Chuck Berry did it, and Luciano Pavarotti does it all the time. They also do it every time somebody dies, and in this case you don't even have to be a musician. Yeah, I'm talking about that dreary event, the celebration concert with guest musician buddies. But there are exceptions to the rule, and this is definitely the case here.

To celebrate that they were quitting the 'god---n impossible' life on the road after 16 years, The Band gave a farewell concert in San Francisco, on Thanksgiving Day, 1976. To join them, they invited artists who represented the rich and varied array of styles that went into their musical melting pot: Rock'n' Roll, Blues, Folk, New Orleans R'n'B, Country, Gospel, Rockabilly ... who would sing their own numbers backed up by them. They, noblesse oblige, brought in their first mentor, Ronnie Hawkings, a man who sure knows how to entice a teenager into joining a rock'n'roll band, and Bob Dylan, of course, (who had just released Blood on the Tracks and Desire), Joni Mitchell (The Hissing of Summer Lawns and Hejira her most recent albums), Neil Young (Tonight's the Night and Zuma were his latest solo efforts), Muddy Waters (who would release Hard Again, his best late day work the following year), and many, many more I have no space here to mention. All top-notch and in their musical prime. Well, and Neil Diamond.

The result was a concert that can only be described as dazzling and magical. The Band do ecstatic versions of some of their best songs and the guest appereances are also amazing, Van Morrison does what's probably the best version ever of Caravan, Muddy Waters proves why he is the M-A-N, chile, The Staple Singers send a shiver up your spine that can rend you comatose for life, and Robbie Robertson and Eric Clapton bring the house down with their scorching six-strings and then they burn the ruins to ashes. All this just to quote a few. But I have a minor complaint here, the movie only features one song (The Shape I'm in) sung by Richard Manuel, one of the most soulful and moving singers that ever walked the face of the earth. This gives the newcomer a somewhat off-balanced account of how vocal duties were shared in The Band, as one can deduct that Levon Helm sang almost everything with a little help from his friends Rick and Richard. And Levon is darn good, but Richard is the shhh ....sheer top of the heap.

Casting these trifles aside, the movie is a masterpiece. Direcrted by a Martin Scorsese in a state of grace (those were the days of Taxi Driver and Raging Bull), and beautifully darkly photographed by Michael Chapman (Taxi Driver, Raging Bull), Michael W. Watkins (later X-Files direcror and producer), and Vilmos Zsigmond (Close Encounters of the Third Kind, The Deer Hunter, Heaven's Gate), this was to be more than your average rock concert documentary.

The filmmakers were set on an ambitious goal, to show what it is and what does it feel to play great music. And they achieved it in such a way that we mere mortals get to feel what it is to be up there on the stage, enraptured, playing that great music to an enthusiastic and receptive crowd. The featurette that is one of the DVD bonus add-ons shows how Scorsese had these sheets of paper with the lyrics of each song to be played written down in one column, the main moments of each performance in another (when a singer would join in the chorus, or the guitar solo was to begin, or a special part of the lyric would be sung, etc), and the camera shots and movements for each moment in a third column. This is called making the best of the means of your art instead of just doing anything that would do, and it shows on the screen in a way that leaves you breathless. Watching Scorsese frantically directing the movie like a tightrope walker with no net to fall down on must've been worth another documentary. They had only one take for everything, mind that, and I guess that's what might have attracted such a brave and audacious director as Scorsese: Jumping into the unstopping swirling midst of life and trying to extract art out of it with just spotlights and cameras. Souns enticing, isnt't it? And for no money nor any promises of getting more you-know-what than Frank Sinatra. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Neil Young's biorhythms have led him to the brutal crucible of Crazy Horseevery so often since his second solo album, giving him the opportunity to,um, weld chaos and familiarity into a precarious ritual that perhaps the Who,more than anyone, best understand. This concert video, compiled from snatchesof performance shot during a long tour somewhere around 1990, is the visualaccompaniment to a double-CDpackage (also called Weld) of livematerial released in 1991. If you were at one of the shows, you'll instantlyrecognize the streak of surrealism surrounding this production, includingenormous Marshall amplifiers on the stage (props, though the show is loudenough to make one believe they're real) and an odd preface featuring asalt-of-the-earth farmer type dragging an oversized microphone (with stand)while Jimi Hendrix's version of "The Star-Spangled Banner" blares through thearena.

Young and Crazy Horse instantly get down to business, however, with one oftheir searing takes on "Hey Hey My My (Into the Black)," followed by amuscular "Crime in the City" and a cover of Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in theWind." The latter, a haunting, (mostly) solo performance by Young, soundslike the echo of a long-ago clarion call from the optimistic 1960s, and itgoes a long way toward refining this show's unspoken theme: building atemporary bridge to a ghostly past. Young and the band do just that,repeatedly and in different ways as the concert progresses from a strangelyfragile but exuberant performance of Young's early hit, "Cinnamon Girl," tothe mirage-like "Cortez the Killer" and its layered elegy for the Woodstockgeneration, to the shatteringly beautiful ode to a forgotten young man'sultimate sacrifice in "Powderfinger." By the time Young brings us back to thethen-reality of the Bush years in "Rockin' in the Free World," one can't helpbut feel robbed by the cruel vicissitudes of history. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Start Here
I didn't expect this to be so good. After sampling many bootlegs and the Rust Never Sleeps video, I expected this to be a mid-level collection item. Nope. It's great! The best of the lot - better than any NY DVD's or other VHS available so far. Enjoy!

Shoot the director
He's obviously not an NY fan.

The video was shot at the same time as the CD was recorded. The music is great - Young at his electric best, but surely better to see him stretching the srtings, teasing the harmonics or cranking out those rocking rhythms rather than long shots of matchstick men or the crowd mouthing the words.

We all know the words but we've paid to see Neil play.

Neil Young- Weld
I think this is an excellent video showing one of the greatest musicians in an unimposing and raw show. Great for any Neil Young fan.

Excellent rockin' - pity about the audience shots
This is the video to go with the "Weld" CD. It has the same songs as the 2 CD-set except the classic "Like A Hurricane" and "Farmer John" - it does have an interesting introduction featuring the infamous Roadas (roadies dressed as Jawas) as Jimi Hendrix's rendition of the Star Spangled Banner is played.

All the music is electric and justifies why Neil is called the godfather of grunge by many people. There is a lot of juicy distortion.

The album features many classic Neil tunes such as "Hey Hey My My", "Welfare Mothers", "Cortez The Killer", "Powderfinger", "Tonight's The Night" and "Roll another Number for The Road". There are also newer classics such as the ultimate rendition of "Rockin' In The Free World" (forget Pearl Jam's!)

Obviously the music sounds better from a CD-quality recording than a VHS tape.

It's very enjoyable to watch Neil and the Horse play, especially on his rampaging solos and thrashing of his guitar.

My only complaint is that the camera focuses too much on the audience and there are some real freaks in there!

Powerhouse rock at its best
If you like the "electric" side of Neil Young ... this is a absolute must see (and hear)

No Acoustic numbers on this one....feedback galore and power from the first note to the last... ... Read more

Amazon.com

This one is for Neil Young completists. A little gathering of music videos topromote Young and Crazy Horse's Ragged Glory album, this shortcollection consists of productions by video wizards Rusty Cundieff (Fearof a Black Hat) and Julien Temple (The Filth and the Fury). It'shard to know if the world needs two different promotional videos to support"F*!#in' Up," but they're both here, just in case, and each features Youngplaying a doofus to entertaining effect. Meanwhile, "Farmer John" quicklygets traction, "Over and Over" paraphrases A Streetcar Named Desire,and "Mansion on the Hill" boasts the improbable sight of the band in church.As with all music videos, these are a mixed blessing, with scores of shots ofthe band in motion and canned Neil Young tunes on the soundtrack. --TomKeogh ... Read more

Reviews (3)

piece of ...
Stagey performances , poor sound, repeating songs, every wretched excess in the "music video" style with jerky camera cuts, sexy babes for no reason, Not what I expect from Neil.

I've been a fan since '66 and this video is very disappointing , especially if you have seen "Rust.." and "Year of the Horse"

Not Neil's Best Effort...
This is an fairly entertaining set of Neil videos from the album, kind of done in the same manner as his film "Human Highway" (slightly irritating)...The album itself is much stronger than the video...Leave the television off and crank up the stereo!

Interesting collection of videos from Ragged Glory album.
A must have for any die-hard Neil Young / Crazy Horse fan! Collection of videos that I had never seen before, professionally fimed, from the Ragged Glory album. Includes Piece of Crap, Love and Only Love, Mansion on the Hill (2 versions) and Country Home. Good video, just know that this is a short, 30 minute collection of videos only! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

If you like Neil's acoustic stuff then you'll love this!
This concert finishes alot stronger than it starts. Songs include Crime In the City, Too Far Gone, Ohio, After the Goldrush, Rockin' In the Free World, and This Notes for You. He does a wonderful job with Rockin' In the Free World (A much better cut than that of the album). You'll see the same Martin guitars that you saw in Unplugged. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

THESE ARE "LIVE" PERFORMANCES FOLKS!
Because this was filmed in a studio, some people may have overlooked this video. These are "LIVE" performances folks! If you taped it off VH-1 you're missing some great sound. Buy this video if only for the sound quality. The performances are fabulous. Crazy Horse "ROCKS", and Neil is in great form. The version of "Change Your Mind" is worth the price of admission. Because of it's short running time, it may have been a little cheaper, but it's stll well worth the fifteen bucks. This one is for the true fan. ... Read more

Product Description

This DVD captures the last show of Young's European tour. The Berlin show features the Trans Band, comprising Ralph Molina, Ben Keith, Joe Lala, Bruce Palmer, and Nils Lofgren, and consists of ten songs, including the classics "Old Man" and "The Needle and the Damage Done." Other songs performed include: Cinnamon Girl * Hey, Hey, My, My * Computer Age * Little Thing Called Love * After the Gold Rush * Transformer Man * Sample and Hold * Hurricane Berlin. ? ... Read more

Reviews (16)

neil in outer space
A must-have concert for Neil Young fans, this video features rare live footage of the rock legend filmed in West Berlin, Germany. The 1983 show was the last stop of Young's European tour and included several of his earlier hits, such as "Cinnamon Girl" and "Old Man," along with songs from his 1982 Trans album, which featured synthesized vocals and sci-fi musings. Young is accompanied by the Trans band, including sidemen Ralph Molina of Crazy Horse, Ben Keith, Joe Lala, Bruce Palmer (formerly of Buffalo Springfield), and Nils Lofgren. This DVD version features 5.1 audio. Review from Rhino Records

NEIL YOUNG AND THE TRANS BAND LIVE IN WEST BERLIN
NEIL YOUNG AND THE TRANS BAND LIVE IN WEST BERLIN ORIGINALLY RELEASED IN 1982 IS ONE OF THOSE CLASSIC LIVE NEIL YOUNG PERFORMANCES NO TRUE FAN SHOULD BE WITHOUT. ONCE AGAIN NEIL ASSEMBLES AN INCREDIBLE BAND WITH THE LIKES OF JOE LALA, BEN KEITH, BRUCE PALMER, LARRY CRAGG, JOEL BERSTEIN, CRAZY HORSE MEMBER RALPH MOLINA AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST NILS LOFGREN WHO DURING SONGS LIKE "TRANSFORMER MAN" GOES INTO A DANCE THAT MAKES HIM LOOK LIKE A REJECT FROM SOUL TRAIN!!! HOWEVER, THE MUSIC WHICH VARIES FROM SUCH YOUNG CLASSICS AS "OLD MAN", "NEEDLE AND THE DAMAGE DONE" AND AN INSPIRED VERSION OF "CINNAMON GIRL" TO TECHNO TUNES LIKE "SAMPLE AND HOLD", "COMPUTAGE" AND PROBABLY THE BEST VERSION OF "TRANSFORMER MAN" YOU'LL EVER HEAR IS AS STRONG A LIVE GIG YOU'LL EVER SEE AND HEAR NEIL PERFORM, WITHOUT CRAZY HORSE OF COURSE! IT'S WORTH THE PRICE OF THE DVD JUST TO SEE NEIL WITH OL'BLACK IN HAND ATTACKING THE BERLIN RUNWAY ON "HEY HEY MY MY". EVEN THOUGH THE VIDEO QUALITY IS A LITTLE ROUGH THE QUALITY OF THE AUDIO IS OUTSTANDING! DON'T PASS ON THIS ONE.

reclusive Neil Young,pls. wake up, you're loosing Control !
While this DVD of Neil in Berlin is visually absolutely superior to the 1983 video it is surprising that Neil who always exerts so much control over sound quality messed up this time. Because of his present state of reclusiveness he has allowed the sound mixers to do the stangest things to his sound. There is an overdosis of heavy low sound, most likely of drums and bass which were either shuffled more to the foreground and/or were remixed at much lower tone levels and increased volume levels. This doesn't sound like Neil Young
anymore.I played both the DVD and the 1983 Video various times, next to each other, simultanuously, switching from one to the other and there is NO doubt, the video sound is far superior and the DVD sound is simply very strange! Also very careless is the omission of Hurricane from the songlist!!
Wake up Neil !! Don't continue to hide in lonely reclusion, Red Rocks live and Greendales! Give the Fans what they are looking forward to; A Neil Young not going back to Silver&Gold but progressing to Heavy Metal, see the riffs you tried on Rockin' in the free world. THAT is progress on the garage sound and grunge sound of Live Rust, Ragged Glory and Weld. Wake up Neil Young, don't let those soundmixers take control and change the sound of YOUR music.

In Transition
For a variety of reasons, this video is a must-own for avid fans of Neil Young. The setting is the final show of Young's 1982 European tour preceding the December 1982 release of 'Trans'. In contrast to other Neil Young video recordings, the European venue offers a minimum of crowd noise (unlike Red Rocks Live) as well as an opportunity to watch Neil and Nils Lofgren work the runway jutting into the audience. And, thankfully, we have only a few shots of audience members, often an editing nightmare threatening to destroy the integrity and impact of the performances (see 'Weld'). One also wonders if Young ever wore a tie on stage again, after watching him competing with it to pillage the six strings of Old Black on 'Like a Hurricane'.

The sound quality is excellent, while the film quality is very good... spoiled by today's standard, you will notice times when the filming blurs a bit, or the camera moves too fast to manage the light. Nevertheless, there are several stunning images captured that more than make up for the deficiencies of 1980's technology. In particular is a hypnotic 'drummers-eye-view' scene during 'Hey Hey My My', looking out over Neil's back as the audience throbs to the numbers incessant driving beat. Neil's personal appearance is as 'clean-cut' as you will ever see him... quite a contrast to his overriding 'Grandfather of Grunge' image.

The personnel surrounding Young, and the song selection make this video quite unique. Nils Lofgren brings an unbridled energy to the visual performance that is simply priceless. Ralph Molina, Bruce Palmer and Joe Lala are an unassuming, solid backbone of rhythm for Lofgren, Ben Keith and Neil as they trade places on a variety of instruments. Larry Cragg offers an understated banjo on 'Old Man', while Joel Bernstein adeptly manages the vocoder and synthesizer.

The hard rock numbers, 'Cinnamon Girl', 'Like a Hurricane', and 'Hey Hey My My' manage to sound simultaneously clean n' dirty in classic Young style. If there is any weakness in the show, it would have to be the acoustic renditions of Needle and the Damage Done and After the Goldrush, which feel a bit strained and plodding. The cuts taken from Trans, 'Computer Age', 'Transformer Man', and 'Sample and Hold', produce a compelling flashback as we witness Young perceptively addressing the embryonic advance of digital technology into Western culture which is rapidly becoming our second nature. 'Computer Age' and 'Sample and Hold' rock out, while 'Tranformer Man' is thoughtful, and features some theatrical miming from both Young and Lofgren. Another Trans cut, 'A Little Thing Called Love', is a bouncy, effortless foray that seems out of character for the Trans LP, but nicely supplements the overall song selection for this video.

The concert, and the tour, is capped off with the completely appropriate 'After Berlin', seemingly written for the moment of its performance, and not performed since. It's the only blues-rock number in the set, and Young's guitar is crisp and wailing throughout. Seeing this rare performance was worth the price of admission for the fortunate few in Berlin, and owning it is well worth the price of the video or DVD for the rest of us.

A Redemption of sorts for a fallow period
Young runs hot and cold and during this epoch of his life, the tremendous challenges confronting him as a father of 2 children afflicted with debilitating illness had him preoccupied with their care. As a result, what most people, including his record company never knew, was that experiments like TRANS were meant to be a sort of working out of some technologies that might help his sons become more integrated into the world and give them an active way of participating in it. The technologies here also were part of Young's fascination and involvement in Lionel trains.
Does this make for good music? Not really. But this stuff came off better in concert than it did on CD. Sophisticated technical stuff is definitely overkill with Young in general, and some of the most humourous aspects of the biography SHAKEY, involve ol' Burnout obsessing over digital recording and so on. Young and the Horse are a one trick pony. It's a trick that is terrific when it has the spook, and a total mess otherwise. The bio paints this tour in particular as being a disaster of epic proportions that nearly had the stumble-bum musicians, especially Bruce Palmer, at each other's throats.
Nonetheless, by the looks of it here they actually managed to pull off a decent show from time to time. This video offers the NY fan a chance to evaluate the Trans period from the vantage point of Young's strengths: live performance. The star of the show is really Nils Lofgren, the diminutive guitarist from DC who resides now in the E Street Supper Club. There was a time in his career though where he brought out the best in Young, and for this show he is absolutely at the top of his game. Palmer has no idea he is in Europe, and the rest of the band is along for the ride, likely hoping like hell there is any money left at the end.
It's real innarestin, as the man himself might put it..... ... Read more

Amazon.com

If you live long enough with a rock & roll heart, you find that dreamsoccasionally come true. One of the oldest dreams for many Neil Young fans has beenthat the prodigious folk-rocker would somehow find his wayback--even once--to the youthful, bruisedmajesty of his epochal 1970 album, After the Gold Rush. Silver & Gold comes very close to evoking the same dreamy suggestiveness as thatfirst solo masterpiece in Young's long career, but, for obvious reasons, from an autumnal perspective.

A video companion to the CD of thesame name, Silver & Gold isactually a longer, fuller experience of Young's stirring acoustic concertsthan the album represents. The hushed intimacy of Young's playing andsinging, sans backup, in such a setting can be unforgettable, and thiswidescreen presentation captures that delicate beauty.

While the play list has its share of familiar gems, the emphasis is on a groupof thematically and musically related songs Young had been arranging justprior to the CSNY reunion. Among them are gentle,double-edged reflections on childhood ("Daddy Went Walkin'"), elemental odesto mature love ("Silver & Gold"), and richly imagistic allusions to lossand rediscovered innocence.These and a number of other new titles are largely of a piece, 30 yearslater, with After the Gold Rush and its blend of melancholystateliness, crosscurrents of pure emotion, and touches of the mystical. Thedifference is in the experience of time: After the Gold Rush confirmsthe shifting, glorious colors of a sensitive young man's constant immediacy,while the new material on Silver & Gold blurs all boundaries betweenpast and present.

Young doesn't fail to stoke our affection with his absent-mindedstrolls and sloppy prepping of his instruments, but hisemotional concentration on standards such as "City of BrotherlyLove," "Harvest Moon," and "Long May You Run" (played on pipe organ andsounding like the church hymn it was meant to be) is something tobehold. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (23)

A nice surprise from Neil Young
Shakey Pictures is an accurate pseudonym for Neil Young's video productions - most of his concert films leave a lot to be desired. This, however, is a genuine pleasure to watch and conveys the same warmth and emotion as the album by the same name. There are a few old favorites thrown in as well as a few numbers from the latest CSNY outing, but this is largely new material, purely solo and acoustic and extremely well-performed.

Videophiles may be annoyed by the blue and pink shadows (especially distracting on the DVD) that fall over Neil's face during several of the piano and organ numbers, but the music is just fine. One particular standout is a pump organ version of "Long May You Run," reminiscent of UNPLUGGED's "Like a Hurricane."

A definite recommended buy for any Neil Young fan and a must-have for those thrilled by the latest album, SILVER & GOLD.

Silver and Gold-Neil Young
I just received a 62 minute Neil Young treasure on DVD. The music(accoustic guitar, harmonica, and piano/organ) is breathtakng with DD5.1 and linear PCM. The picture quality from video tape source is like looking into a clear glass-You're there! Clearly a must-have. His best accoustic work since Harvest-ENJOY.

mellow my mind
If you're looking for a laid-back hour of solo acoustic, mostly new and expertly crafted Neil Young numbers, you've come to the right place. Young has put together 62 minutes of fine entertainment in this year 2000 release.

These recordings are gleaned from Young's May 29, 1999 solo appearance at the 2,000 seat Bass Concert Hall on the campus of the University of Texas. The filming has a very simplistic and classy feel to it... Neil surrounded by a crescent of acoustic guitars, a pump organ and piano. A trio of lights illuminate the performer, and the camera's provide only close-ups, and direct and angled shots from the foot of the stage. Young appears to be creating a set list from the seat of his pants, and this prompts numerous requests from the crowd... that is until a lone and timely "SHUT-UP" is reinforced by crowd applause, and an already reserved audience becomes reverant. Suffice it to say that the 'atmosphere' of the concert is a joy to behold in this age of "I paid, I can yell whenever and whatever I want" mentality.

The entire setlist for this particular concert can be viewed on the Sugar Mountain web site. Looking over that list, there are a few numbers I sure would have liked to hear in an acoustic mode, such as 'Powderfinger' and 'Southern Pacific', but I'm sure Neil would tell me to buy a ticket. There is really only one classic tune resurrected from the complete concert, that being the pump organ (yes, pump organ) rendition of 'Long May You Run'. While I suspect there has never been a poor rendition of this wonderful song about Neil's Hearst, this version is my least favorite. The solo acoustic version from 'Unplugged' and of course the original Stills-Young Band recording outdo this performance, but it's still a pleasure to hear. 'Harvest Moon' is included, although the studio track and the 'Red Rocks' video version are superior. A rare recording of 'Philadelphia' from the 1994 movie soundtrack is offered as well.

The remainder of the songs are chosen from the October 1999 Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young 'Looking Forward' reunion disc, and of course the 'Silver and Gold' audio CD. The two opening numbers, 'Looking Forward' and 'Out of Control' and a later track, 'Slowpoke' appear on the CSNY CD. From 'Silver and Gold' we have 'Good To See You', 'Daddy Went Walking', 'Buffalo Springfield Again', 'The Great Divide', 'Red Sun' and 'Distant Camera'. Two of these songs, 'Daddy Went Walking' and 'Buffalo Springfield Again' also appear on the 'Red Rocks' tape, and sound better with full instrumental backing. 'Good To See You', 'Distant Camera', and 'Slowpoke' are my personal favorites.

The video ends with a studio recording of Neil performing 'Silver and Gold' in 1997. It's a bit grainy and Neil rolls the credits over it, so it has a throw-away feel to it. Only Neil would do it this way. Nothing's good unless it's imperfect. Ya gotta love the guy.

There isn't a bad song in the bunch, and mercilessly, MERCILESSLY, while the audience is audible at times, they are completely invisible to the camera, and there are none of the dreaded audience sing-alongs. Neil's voice is at times strained by that insidious Mother Nature, but these recordings reinforce the reality of Young's continued musical relevance. Only a handful of performers, among them Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton, have managed to do what Neil has done... not only survived, but thrived in both the 1960's and the 1990's, and every decade in between. Thank You, Neil. You've help make it a wonderful trip.

Neil Young
Neil is master. The way he interprets songs is amazing, I have watched this countless times. I only wished it would have been little bit longer.

So-so. This is a renter, not a buyer...
I bought this CD and, lo and behold, after a couple of listens it ended up at my used music store. Neil's got a bunch of guitars up on stage and it seems he spends half his time picking up one guitar, doing a song, then digging around through the guitars for the one he wants, and then singing another, then looking around for a while before deciding to go play on a piano, then off again to look for a guitar. Hey, Neil, hire a guitar tech to bring you what you want! Half of this CD is spent waiting on Neil to pick his instrument of choice. The other half is quite enjoyable, but waiting, waiting, waiting...yawn. Someone please wake me when he plays Buffalo Springfield Again... ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Best overall Neil Concert ever filmed!
I've read the other reviews, same song different verse; I lost my tape too!!! Maybe if we all keep harping about it long enough, they will release it on DVD. This time I'll buy two, one for the safe deposit box. Wasn't that the best rendition of "Like A Hurricane" you ever saw? I still have it in my mind, and am awaiting with all of you.

The undisputed epitome of Neil Young genre at its best
When this first came out on HBO I was so amazed at what I was seeing after Cinnamon Girl that I actually forgot this was Neil Young! It began as I would expect but it did not take very long for Neil to depart from the expected into the totally unexpected. Dark glasses, headset microphone, techno beat rhythm and Neil cavorting around the stage with Nils Lofgren. A mixture of the classics, his new techno Trans album and hint of things to come in the direction of Country Harvester. It has been 9 years since I last saw this video (1990). I had recorded it off of HBO in 1985 and it was a treasure in my collection. I can still see the images of Neil & Nils in a guitar Techno Battle of epic perfection and hear the concerted harmony of rhythm & lead guitars juxtaposed with sythesized vocals. The lesson That I learned is "Never loan your brother a video you will want back" If anyone knows where I can get a copy of this monumental work of art, email me at: aspenclimber@earthlink.net or if someone knows of a way that by virtue and power of democracy, the peoples voices can be heard and the video re-released (maybe even a remastered DVD collectors edition). I would be elated to relive the experience of the first time I saw this and I know that is entirely possible. The highest accolade I can give to any artistic performance is it doesn't matter if I am hearing or seeing it for the 500th or the first time, it excites me just the same.

It was a mind blower
Neil young in Belin is a mind blowing concert, I loved his computer songs. I hope he writes and recoreds more songs like the ones on trans. I loved the way he did mr soul. though it was'nt on the berlin vhs tape, I do have a video of neil doing the computer version of mr.soul at the Berlin concert.My video of the concert is geting worn out and I do hope it is re-release on vhs. R.Jack wv.

Fantastic!
When Neil did the Berlin tour in the early '80s it was on HBO. This was the "day" version. It was fantastic. The video came out (in LP mode yet) with the night version. I'm hoping both versions come out on DVD. The final song Berlin was an absolute mind-blower!

Neil Young at his best
Neil Young Live in Berlin used to be available in laser disc. Lots of classic rock groups have concerts in dvd format. This concert should be. If anyone has this concert in any format, please let me know where I can get it. ... Read more