Customer Reviews

Bob Dylan - Rolling Thunder Revue, 1976

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

 

 

This is an interesting, if odd DVD. The production values are adequate (especially given the "loosness" of the Rolling Thunder performances. What makes it oddest is the Asian subtitles during many of the performances, along with Asian titles for the songs, and occaisionally a red banner with some sort of Asian commentary floating across the screen. The DVD starts directly into the first perfomance - then ends abruptly. The rest of the DVD goes smoothly from one song to the next, except near the end. Then the last song fades out not even a minute in. Very odd indeed, though for a Dylan fan, a decent record of the Rolling Thunder time period.

Great documentary footage is ruined by Japanese subtitles (song lyrics) and flying title banners which obscure the picture and cannot be turned off. Too annoying to watch more than once. I returned it.

The real treasure in this outdoor Rolling Thunder concert, is the revelatory stage presence of Joan Baez. The Baez/Dylan legend permeates the show and the playful, flirtatious performances of the two former lovers are the best in their storied careers. It was Dylan's birthday, and rumors that Sara Dylan had just flown in, only to see Dylan try to kiss Baez on stage before the microphone, prefigure their imminent breakup.

Beware!!!!
Bootlegs!!!! Unless you dont mind Arabic subtitles thoughout the whole thing. Or going through the whole return policy. Or paying for copy wright infringement. I don't trust Amazon with movies anymore unless they have some kind of non-bootleg guarantee.