Customer Reviews

The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band 40th Anniversary DVD

5 star:		(6)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

This a damned fine performance all round, and with excellent camerawork to compliment the superb and dynamic audio (in Dolby stereo and true Dolby Digital & DTS 5.1 surround). Neil Innes clearly made every effort to be sure that this historic occasion would be recorded with all possible attention to detail.

On a big screen you notice that the limit of digital zoom on the cameras is occasionally tested, but while not pin-point sharp, the image quality is always good - and the whole show sounds fantastic, especialy in DTS 5.1.

Stephen Fry has a jolly time doing a few key numbers in his stylish lyrical spoken word - nailing the very complex rap of "Rhinocratic Oaths" with aplomb, and adding his trademark touch of class to "Sport (The Odd Boy)" and "The Sound of Music".

Adrian Edmondson is spectacular in "The Strain" and does a great job with "My Pink Half Of The Drainpipe", "Tent" and "Mr Slater's Parrot".

The dynamic nature of their late frontman Vivian Stanshall is proven in that four highly talented and very different artists have been enlisted to take his role in this gala.

The original Bonzo band members all present with gusto and inventiveness. It's also a very gay-friendly show, with "Legs" Larry Smith and Dudley Vernon Bohey Nowell proudly showing their style.

The late Vivian Stanshall and Denis Cowan were given a one minute's cacophony as a tribute at the start of the show.

I was 13 when I first heard the Bonzo Dog Band - as "I'm The Urban Spaceman" lingered in the Top40. It's still my favourite 45rpm single. In my early 20's I was introduced to the rest of their work and was blown away.

I am very grateful (privileged in fact) that the band made the big effort to do this DVD. Those of us living outside the UK can feel less envious of the lucky ones who'll enjoy their UK tour later this year (October/November 2006).

For those who are already fans of the zany but extremely musical Bonzo Dog Band from the '60s and '70s, this is a great video. For fans of the Rutles and Neil Innes (Nasty), here he is leading most of the great band that he and the late Vivian Stanshall headed. Of course, it takes several living comics and musicians to fill in for Viv, but most of the great songs previously performed by Stanshall are done well. If Viv was alive today, I'm sure he'd wonder why he wasn't on stage. Considering how often these sorts of nostalgic reunions (and blatant money-grabs) are staged and done horribly, it's good to see that this group is still great. An aside: the Beatles were fans of the Bonzos. Paul McCartney produced the group's only big seller (I'm the Urban Spaceman) and the Bonzos perform in the Beatles' uneven but entertaining Magical Mystery Tour. Take a chance and see one of the great acts of '60s Britain. Recommended.

To anyone who needs to laugh often and hard, (and let's face it these days it is a must), BUY THIS! Having travelled from the U.S. to ol' Blighty for the reunion show at The Astoria,(as a 41st birthday gift to myself!), finding that they were taping for a DVD release was just the chocolate on the ice cream. So I sez to myself Lets see if I can ingraciate myself to a camera or two with a hastily scribbled sign announcing my birthday and where I came from!
Not only was the live show brilliant and funny as hell but a camera did indeed focus on my little signage! Then a few months later having long finished the Sundae that was the show itself do I recieve this final bit of topping in the post and sure 'nuff I short hairy man with glasses gets the best birthday present EVER!
Thank you Bonzos for not only cutting me into the DVD but for keeping me laughing all these years! Hopefully there will be some more DVD stuff with the tour that is happening in November in the UK. Long live Viv! Only wish it was the complete show as a handfull of tunes that they played live did not make the final cut. Or Well! Can't have it all I suppose!
Joe Auger

A very enjoyable reunion concert by the funniest band in the world. These guys are just brilliant. Also buy the CD 'CORNOLOGY' -- a great overview of the band's recordings.

Hilarity ensues just as it did in the 1960's when the Bonzo Dog Band reunited for their 40th anniversary in 2006. The camera operator had a hard time keeping up with their antics while Neil Innes tries to hold the musical part together. It just goes to show that men never grow up, just grow old. With Stephen Fry, Phill Jupitus, and Ade Edmunson filling in for the late Vivian Stanshall, they do a great job in his absence. Too bad they didn't come to the states.

Wonderful Live Concert of the Bonzo Reunion. Sadly, Vivian Stanshall isn't around to participate but his spirit pervades the procedings. It's a loose, ramshackle affair and the wheels threaten to fall of at any moment but that's part of it's unique charm. The Bonzos were/are Heroes of mine and it's wonderful to see them live and on stage. The Guest performers, though little known on this side of the Atlantic, really liven up the show and seem to really be enjoying themselves. It's anarchic Dada at it's best. Neil Innes manages to hold the entire thing together. I had the good fortune to meet Mr. Innes at Beatlefest in August and asked him about the possibility of a US tour with the Bonzos. He replied that there were some troubles with some of the work visas but as soon as though problems were cleared up they would be touring the States. I can't wait. I love these guys.

We have not rec'd our order, how dissappointing , as we are travelling nJuly 10/09 and wanted to have this as a gift for our friends. May 18 /09 order date and not rec'd by July!!! We will be very apprehensive next time with amazon.com