Product Details

• Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo)
• Subtitles: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 2
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Rhino / Wea
• DVD Release Date: January 10, 2006
• Run Time: 232 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B000BJS4HQ
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #174,823 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

If Bob Geldof had never seen news footage of the horrific famine in Ethiopia back in the mid-'80s, he might have carried on in relative obscurity, making so-so records with his band the Boomtown Rats. But see it he did, which led to Band Aid (and "Do They Know It's Christmas"), Live Aid, Live 8, knighthood, and now Geldof in Africa, a profound, provocative, beautifully made six-part series that aired in 2005 on Britain's BBC. Sir Bob, who narrates both on and offscreen, visited many parts of what he calls "the Luminous Continent" (as opposed to the "Dark Continent" moniker that was ironically bestowed on Africa by Europeans whose own countries were often gray and grim), including Somaliland, a sort of non-country whose very existence isn't acknowledged by any other nation; Ghana, from which slaves were once shipped to America and elsewhere; the Congo, the true heart of darkness, which still bears the ugly scars of Belgian colonization; the Sahara desert, where "you discover the absolute insignificance of you"; Uganda, where a brutal "rebel leader" abducts children and turns them into sex slaves and soldiers; and Ethiopia, where it all started for Geldof (and where conditions are actually improving).

But Geldof and producer-director John Maguire's film is not a travelogue. Nor is it a scientific documentary, although we learn something about geography, anthropology, meteorology, geology, agriculture, history, religion, and, inevitably, politics. What distinguishes Geldof in Africa is the presence of Geldof himself. An excellent writer and articulate speaker, he brings a decidedly subjective point of view to the work. "I can't do slick television," he admits; neither cynical nor naïve, he says exactly what he thinks, and expresses his wonder, fascination, rage, grief, sympathy, blame, and hope with a quiet passion that compels the viewer to feel those things as well. The camera work is flawless throughout, with shot after shot of breathtaking beauty, and Pete Briquette's music provides graceful accompaniment. Extras include audio commentary by Geldof and Maguire, deleted scenes, photos, and a Geldof interview. --Sam Graham

Product Description

GELDOF IN AFRICA - DVD Movie

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I want to be there now!!!, January 10, 2006

By 

Roman P (Krakow Poland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bob Geldof: Geldof in Africa (DVD)

For anyone lucky enough to have travelled around Africa-this DVD will be a magnificent companion and reminder of why this continent is so intriguing, magnificent and unforgettable. Life is never quite the same again. To anyone with a curiosity about Africa--this is without a doubt the most balanced, informative, captivating and engaging DVD about this vast and diverse continent you will ever see. Believe me, you will be richer for having watched it--so will your kids---and you will realise that Africa's future represents all of our futures and all of our pasts. Buy this and fall in love with Africa (again!). Not the dark continent at all - but the most diverse, beautiful and luminous place on the planet and captured on this fabulous DVD is all its glory and wonder.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, October 24, 2006

By 

jaosehl (Florida, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bob Geldof: Geldof in Africa (DVD)

I am an African living in America, and was very impressed with this documentary. I watched it last night on the Travel Channel, and am here to buy my own copy today. Geldof's commentary is achingly honest, and the cinematography breathtaking. It made me smile, and broke my heart at the same time.
For those interested in Africa, this is a must-have.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars wow!, January 9, 2007

By 

chile "dakine" (charleston sc) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bob Geldof: Geldof in Africa (DVD)

if you are into human history with 21st century interpretation, you will love this documentary, it really tugs on the heart strings. Bob is a true artist and humanitarian that makes our world seem over the top with our walmarts and outlet malls. the dvd takes you back to our roots and makes you appreciate the splendor and beauty and diverse peoples and lands and animals of the great continent of africa...i can't say more or enough on how wonderful this dvd is and how well bob geldof has created another great work of art. WHEW! time well spent enjoying this flick! thank you BOB!