U2 - Rattle & Hum

There is a scene early in "Rattle & Hum" that neatly sums up the whole viewing experience for me: a journo asks the band what has happened in the time between the "Joshua Tree" sessions and now. Nervously, the band defer to Adam Clayton to answer the question, and true to form, he just says "(expletive), I don't know".The following 25 years since "Rattle & Hum" was released have been much kinder to the band than this film. A conventional documentary about the Joshua Tree tour would have made for great viewing. That album made U2 the biggest band in the world, winning legions of new fans and critics during its epic run on the charts. Seeing that transformation on tour would have been interesting and meaningful. Instead, we were all treated to an ugly, unfocused marketing tool that doesn't quite work as a documentary or as a concert video. This is the legacy of "Rattle & Hum". Watching it again, I was reminded about how generally boring it is; the original songs are half-hearted, and seeing the band amble through the live numbers was very disappointing. Bono's voice, usually the cornerstone of the band's sound, cracks noticeably as he struggles to hit the higher notes he would hit with ease just a few years later. His endless and depressing political diatribes make me feel sorry for those who shelled out their hard-earned for a rock concert. U2 were desperate to find a link between their music and American roots rock, but as far as I can tell, it doesn't exist. A bewildering sequence with B.B. King (which produced a truly awful song) shares space with a painfully unnecessary visit to Graceland. Didn't anyone involved in the project see "This is Spinal Tap"? Much like that fictional band, members of the real one stare at Elvis' gravesite and appear to feel nothing."Rattle & Hum", whether it's the film or the album, still strikes such an odd tone with me; as a project, I just don't get it. It seems as if the band doesn't either, not quite knowing what to do on camera, almost aloof. There are some bright spots; "Heartland" stands the test of time, and I think "Hawkmoon 269" would make an excellent opening song or intro music at a U2 concert even today. The following years would be a new beginning for U2, reinventing their sound, "dreaming it all up again"- and this time, shot in glorious color.

Rattle and Hum came on the heels of the Joshua Tree tour and followed the band on its self-described "musical journey" through America. Most of the footage is in grainy black and white for the documentary segments, and finer detail for the concert excerpts. Some songs are in colour but they don't arrive until later in the film.The reason for this has something to do with the mood of the song as felt by the band. "With or Without You" and "Where The Streets Have No Name" are in colour showing the tour delivering what the fans want, while songs like "Pride" and "Silver and Gold" give another slant on the performance. There are some really great onstage camera panning moments, placing you right with the band instead of just in front of them.The video image is anamorphic (1.85:1) and is a mixed bag because of the combination grainy documentary segments to the higher quality concert scenes.The sound mix also varies. I found "Where the Streets..." had the bass level too quiet for my liking but it picked up in different songs.The extras are limited to one movie trailer, a bit disappointing. If you are a U2 fan then this title should find a place in your collection right now.

Fan disclaimer: I'm a die-hard U2 fan, so it's impossible for me to dislike this movie. In fact, I LOVE it! As for the DVD release...<Rant mode ON>While I appreciate the folks at Paramount finally releasing this on DVD, I wish they could have tried a little harder on the extras. One theatrical trailer just doesn't cut it these days -- especially when such a wealth of material is available! Check out the One Tree Hill outtake on "Best of 1980-90". And Phil Joanou is still breathing, isn't he? Maybe some director's commentary? What about the BOATLOAD of (admittedly) raw footage floating around out there? Come on, people, put forth some effort![Note to Phil Joanou: Hey, Phil! How about a Director's Cut with bonus footage, commentary, etc.? Quit hoarding all the good stuff!]<Rant mode OFF>Anyway, the movie's great, the sound is amazing, and U2 is the best band there is. Hey, I said I was a fan -- what did you expect?

This is the single movie I watch most in my life. I have the honor, as a 12 year kid, to watch in the theater. I've never heard of the band at that time but the poster said the "greatest band in the world" and, as the comedy we went to watch had no more ticket, we risked to watch Rattle & Hum. It was a defining moment in my life. I instantaneously fell in love by Bono vigorous performance in the opening “Helter Skelter” and was in awe when the film suddenly turned in full color with that red panel lighting up. Well that’s many memorable moments to count but rest assure some of the performances surpass the ones in disc (I could mention “Running To Stand Still” and “Sunday Bloody Sunday” as two of those). The voice of Bono is at its best, Edge and the other are as good as ever and all is in full high def blu-ray glory (even though the director sometimes uses a granulated kind o film to shoot, mainly in the interviews parts. It’s the best U2 performances of his best album/tour. I would recommend this for anyone, even those not familiar with U2’s work.

Lovely documentary of the band still developing.the filming makes you feel close up to the band following them on there journey across america with live footage.Saw this in the cinema when it first came out i was blown away from the front row looking up at the big screen.

When the intro to 'Where the streets have no name' begins you know why you bought this.Probably sounds just as good on dvd as this bd doesn't offer a hd audio track but c'est la vie.,the transfer is just gorgeous,total respect for this piece of film....grain and all.Absolute U2 at their best & any fan will sincerely agree with me.,any contempory fans 'the fly' onwards may not like this era as contrasts greatly to their 'beautiful day'.Does come with dts audio though which reproduces great through a home theatre kit so not a complete loss and a recommendation just the same.Wazza.

Seminal Rock & Roll road\concert movie tracking U2 in-between their huge US success of The Joshua Tree through to the next release Rattle & Hum. Fascinating and involving with great U2 concert footage. Surely one of the top ten Bands of all time. If you love music you should watch this.

I couldn't stand Rattle & Hum at the time, but I've warmed to it. The film is fantastic though - and really brings back the feel of the era. I bet that Bongo guy wishes he still had that hair though!

A documentary my husband has been looking for for years so I was delighted to find it...he loved it...although I personally found it a bit boring. Sorry!!!