Customer Reviews

Harry Chapin - Remember When: The Anthology

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was lucky enough to see Harry perform many times before his untimely death and I was really looking forward to watching this as I purchased it & the somewhat maligned Rockpalast DVD together. While I appreciate the family interviews and the biography element contained within (thus 2 stars instead of one), if you are looking for a performance DVD of Harry's music, this is not the one to buy.

Most of the songs look like they are staged live performances of a "Midnight Special" era quality. They are nice, but devoid of the true passion Harry displayed in his live shows. The only songs to have life to them: "Story of a Life", "Circle" & "Better Place to Be" (bonus material) come from "The Final Concert" footage that I believe is only available on VHS tape (could be wrong about that).

If you want to see Harry in his element, interacting with the audience as only he could, find a copy of "The Final Concert" and savor the experience. If you want to see Harry as the Master Storyteller he was, get the "Rockpalast" DVD. As many have noted, the production value of that video is mixed but the song selection is generous and with Harry left without an audience to tell jokes to as he normally would (German audience is mildly responsive at best), he instead resorts to telling his stories with great passion. I will watch that DVD, even with its faults, many times. This one (Remember When) will sit on the shelf unwatched again or get donated to some charity after it collects enough dust.

I can not fully express how disappointed I was with this DVD. Every performance (not taken from "The Final Concert") pales in comparison to others available. Truly a shame.

I am so glad I was able to attend two live Harry Chapin concerts in my youth. He was a great artist, singer, songwriter, and storyteller; and an even greater human being. Not only did he donate the proceeds from hundreds of his concerts to ending hunger in the world, but he always announced at the end of the concert that the proceeds from the sale of concert t-shirts and other concessions also went to his efforts to end world hunger.

Harry Chapin died far too soon, and he never received the credit he deserved. He knew and joked about the fact that his songs were too long to receive much radio airtime, except for Cats in the Cradle; but he would rather tell his stories his way than in one and a half minute summaries. I am glad he did every time I listen to one of his CD's, and especially now that I can watch this outstanding anthology.

If you were a fan, you must own this DVD and introduce a new generation to the Chapin magic. Keep Harry's memory alive.

This is a fantastic DVD! The video is clear and well directed, the sound is crisp, the whole groups' voices come through beautifully. Never having had the chance to see Harry Chapin live, or even on TV, this DVD fills a void in my enjoyment of his music.

My only negative comment is that the family commentaries sometimes "walk over" the music. That being said, the commentaries are otherwise delightful- entertaining, educational, and a wonderful tribute!

Harry Chapin: Remember When is a DVD collection of live performances of the greatest hits of multi-platinum selling singer, songwriter, and humanitarian Harry Chapin. In addition to his music, Chapin is well-known for co-founding World Hunger Year, and posthumously received the Congressional Gold Medal for his efforts to combat worldwide starvation. Including personal commentary by Chapin's children and widow, Harry Chapin: Remember When features all performances in their entirety, along with looks at vintage photographs and even Chapin memorabilia. Eleven classic performances form a fitting tribute to Chapin's legacy: Taxi, Mr. Tanner, I Wanna Learn A Love Song, Remember When The Music, W.O.L.D., Story Of A Life, Cat's In The Cradle, Circle, Song For Myself, Dancin' Boy, Better Place To Be, and I Wonder What Would Happen To This World. 60 min., color.

I was fortunate enough to have seen Harry Chapin in concert and that one night will be the benchmark for every concert I will attend for the rest of my life. Chapin was an amazing man and is sorely missed. If he'd died at 110, it would have been too soon.

This loving tribute is from his family: wife, Sandy; daughter, Jen; and son Josh, primarily. The anthology is well worth the price for any Chapin fan. Watch it with tissues close by. You will be sharing both smiles and tears with the people who loved Harry best.

Rebecca Kyle, August 2008

I was a big fan of Harry and I found the commentary interesting but I was disappointed that there were not more songs .

This is an up-close and personal look into the life and song of a legend. A glimpse into his life is offered by his family, and it feels as if he sings many of his songs directly to you. While we unfortunately lost him at a very early age to a tragic accident, how fortuntae we are to have his songs live on, full of life and heart-felt thoughts. His stories remain timeless and still have the ability to reach deep inside and make us share what he is feeling. I can only imagine all the magic he could have created if fate had offered him the chance.

The anthology of Harry Chapin's musical stories brim with the soulful magic that defined a very unique master storyteller. This visual remembrance brings true life to timeless songs that still reach us in fresh ways. It is simply hard to imagine life without him, yet here he is with us again. As I listened and viewed Taxi I pondered what might have happened with the three of us in that car, as we drove another 20 years beyond Sequel. Somehow, I believe he would have found the words to warm our hearts and minds, and again fill our imaginations with these wonderful companions in our September days. His stories linger still...and that is a good thing. Thanks kindly Harry.

This is a nice collection of footage - some never compiled to dvd, and some taken from other dvds. I like the commentary and thoughts shared by his wife and children in between most songs - it gave an extra depth to Harry and his music.

NOTE: this was re-packaged and released again in 2009 as "Harry Chapin - The Story of a Life". At the time of this writing, Amazon has priced that dvd at about $10 cheaper.

what a great performer and storyteller. I love his story songs. you get to know the people of the songs.