Customer Reviews

America: A Tribute to Heroes

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4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(2)

 

 

I saw this with a group of ten or so friends when it originally aired. We sat there in awe for two hours. I think it was the power of the people who spoke and of those who performed. The DVD was on my wish list nearly immediately after. Their selection of songs, was nearly impeccable. I didn't care for Iglesias mostly because it was more a love song, but maybe it was appropriate to others. The highlights for me were Neil Young doing "Imagine." That alone is worth the admission. Also the appearence of Dennis Franz and Jimmy Smits of "NYPD Blue" standing together like partners again, and talking, appropriately enough, about the cops who risked their lives, and died saving others. Limp Bizkit with Johnny Rzeznik (of Goo Goo Dolls) doing Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" was equally awesome. Fred Durst looked to me like he was talking to us as he sang many of the lyrics. The Boss, Billy Joel, Eddie Vedder (with Neil Young on the organ), Sheryl Crow, Bon Jovi (a spectacular rendition of "Livin' on a Prayer") round out the cream of the crop musically. Superb speeches by Tom Hanks, George Clooney, Jim Carrey, Will Smith and Ali, and many more strike a chord both uplifting, and I think heart-breaking at times. It closes out with awesome speeches by Robert DeNiro (wow!) and Clint Eastwoood (wow! wow!) along with a performance of "God Bless America" by Celine Dion and a moving performance of "America the Beautiful" by Willie Nelson, with backup by everyone present. WOW! is the least I can think of to describe it as a whole. GOD BLESS the USA!

I missed the original telethon airing, because I was one of the operators accepting donations for the United Way September 11th Fund. I am proud to now be able to own the DVD release, and further contribute, as proceeds of the DVD sale go to the Fund. This is not just an awesome DVD simply because so many great entertainers offered their time to help, but also because so many people responded and offered assistance. The true spirit of America can be seen here. Take home a piece of American history.

Dedicated to those lost in the tragedy of September 11th, 2001.

I'm a New Yorker who witnessed the 9/11 attacks first-hand, and experienced the aftermath. I watched this tribute live when it first aired and I felt at that time that it was very respectfully produced, with some standout performances and very little in the way of "marketing" or promotion going on from any of the performers (with a few exceptions), as there so often is in these kinds of compilations.

The performance I remember most is actually U2's rendition of "Peace On Earth/Walk On", at which point during the live telecast I admit that I completely lost it. There were other moving performances but this is the one that affected me, and the one that I remember - not only is the version on this DVD better than what was recorded on their CD "All That You Can't Leave Behind", the lyrics summed up the whole experience perfectly for me, and it was obvious that U2 as a band was deeply moved by the experience themselves. The montage set to their song "One" also greatly affected me, although this was not a live performance.

As a tribute, this is probably the best that anyone could have done - the music is varied and the performances generally very good, and the tone is right given how close it was to 9/11. For me, it's a must-have reminder of that day, as I consider it part of my experience of going through 9/11's aftermath. It was a terrible tragedy but it's not one that we should forget.

This is a DVD that truly captures the feelings and emotions we will never completely forget following the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The performances are heartfelt, and the between-song montages and speaking segments by various celebrities are often as moving as the musical performances. This tribute is as good a historical document of that tragic event as any, as well as a document and testimony to the willingness of Americans, famous or not, to pull together when needed the most.

I do have to comment on a previous reviewers observation about the supposed irony of performers on this tribute who later took anti-war stances. We're talking apples and oranges here. This tribute is about performers showing their respect and heartfelt feelings towards the victims and heroes of September 11; it's not about politics. It is entirely reasonable and not at all ironic that a performer would wish to devote their time and emotion to a tribute of this nature out of respect for the victims, yet later be critical of the decision to invade Iraq. I would be more concerned about people who CAN'T separate the two issues.

If ever there was a night of songs sung from the heart, this is it. A 2 hour snapshot of our country's emotion put out for all to see. I don't know of any collection anywhere of such a diverse group of musicians singing like they never sang before. Everyone I know seems to have thier favorite song, and it is almost impossible to say who gave the best performance. My personal favorite is Neil Young's flawless version of "Imagine", but if someone said they liked Wyclef Jean's version of "Redemption Song" better, I won't argue. Or Springsteen's "My City of Ruin". Or Dixie Chicks' "I Believe In Love", or......you get the picture. A surprising welcome addition (subtraction?) is no audience during the entire show! No applause needed here, the silence after each song allows us to reflect on the meaning of the performance. The show is presented in it's entirety, including the commentary between songs, all 21 of them.

The DVD picture is very clean, especially for a television broadcast, and the sound is very good stereo (no Dolby 5.1 here) but this in no way detracts from this exceptional night. Even if you recorded it the night of the original broadcast, like I did, you will be very happy if you buy the DVD.

This experience was amazing when it was live. We all got to see how things effect everybody. This wasn't about how many 20 million dollar actors there right now or who signed who for what. This was about healing and the need for it to start right then and there. The artists were hurt and angry just like us still they got up there and played to say "we're with you". This is what makes music great and I think that we're starting to fall away from that. This one night however we can hold on to what music should be. This DVD is amazing and one that all should own. Where else are you going to see Fred Durst not (...) for once? In fact he kinda kicks a$$ with wish you were here. If you didn't give before this is your chance.

As an Australian I also felt the impact of September 11 and was very impressed (and moved) by this benefit. It is a shame that this DVD is not available to the rest of the world.

I will never forget sitting down to watch this event live with my family on September 21. The DVD captures all the raw emotion, talent, and sincerety of the night. All grandstanding, egos and attitudes were checked at the door. What's left is an entertainment experience that will bring a lump to your throat, a tear to your eyes, and a smile to your face. In the end, you will be left with a heart that is swelled with pride and a renewed gratitude toward the U.S.A. This is an important piece of history that you need to share with your family and friends.

I remember watching this telecast thinking America will rise up from the ashes of the 9/11 stronger and more determined to spread the ideals of democracy than ever before. Sadly, due to this horrific event and the panic it caused, Americans have had give up certain freedoms in the name of national security. But that's neither here or there when discussing this stellar concert DVD. Many of the performances are just as powerful and revealing as they were in September of 01'.

Some of the highlights for me are:

Bruce Springsteen - "My City of Ruin"
Beautiful harmonies and classic Springsteen lyrics...full of imagery and faith in humanity.

U2 - "Walk On"
"You got to leave it behind..." Bono at his anthemic best.

Faith Hill - "There Will Come a Day"
One of Mississippi's finest...what a powerful voice. First to use the gospel choir to uplift.

Enrique Iglesias - "Hero"
I know a lot of people dislike/hate this performance, but aside from his dramatic grand gestures, the song is beautiful. I feel like he tried to put a lot of passion into his performance that comes across sometimes as cheesy. Enrique's "Hero" is a lot more geniune than the Mariah "Scary" version. Another good use of the gospel choir.

Billy Joel - "New York State of Mind"
The quintessential New Yorker pledging his allegiance to his beleaguered city. A saxaphone accompanist (Dave Koz, Steve Eisen?) hits the right note for the melancholy performance.

Dixie Chicks - "I Believe in Love"
Natalie Maines sings with a plantive wail and the Chicks harmonies are sad and sweet. Martie Seidel's fiddle is a fine 6th man.

Dave Matthews - "Everyday"
One man, one voice, one guitar. "All you need is love"...indeed.

Bon Jovi - "Livin' On a Prayer"
I always liked this song but after this performance I LOVE this song, Bon Jovi's arrangement is excellent, Jon Bon Jovi vocals were inspired along with the great musicianship as well. Also another awesome violin accompaniment. Bon Jovi did Jersey proud.

All in all this is a outstanding concert DVD to own, although the tone is relective and somber, it is ultimately hopeful as well.

There may be more exciting concerts on DVD, but few if any that carry the sheer weight and emotional impact of this history-making broadcast. The performances, with few exceptions, are direct and visceral, deeply emotional and quite unforgettable. The music is enhanced by the setting : deep blue backdrops and somber, sometime candle-lit sets, no live audience. More than a memento of its time, this will undoubtedly endure as timeless.