Customer Reviews

Jimi Hendrix - Blue Wild Angel (Live at the Isle of Wight) [VHS]

5 star:		(37)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

As far as film accounts of Jimi Hendrix go, this is absoluetly the best from every conceivable perspective. Camera work is terrific: none of the poor lighting that mars Berkley or Band of Gypsies, none of the dental examination that comprises all but a few minutes of Woodstock. The opening sequences are informative. Mitch Mitchell and Billy Cox give a very solid account of how truly beyond pop stars they had become by that point, heading towards a jazz-blues fusion that only Miles Davis and John McLaughlin would be able to assume with any respectability.
It is very clear from backstage chatter thru the comments of his tour manager and band mates that Hendrix was not keen on performing at this concert and had begun to feel that he was, in fact, beyond rock and its infantile approach to artists. That said, he had enormous respect for the people who had paid money to see him and so tore into this concert with enormous brio. His fingerwork is among his most dazzling. The camera crew captures three men feeding off each other with visual ques that also point to how sober, clean and focused Jimi was by this time. He and Mitchell were as in sync with each other as Coltrane and Elvin Jones. Cox has been unfairly glossed over in music and this film and soundtrack illustrate that he was the best bass player for the best guitarist of all time.
If you are a fan, pick this up. If you are curious, I'd suggest this as theplace to start. Many thanks to the Hendrix family for releasing an incendiary performance. In a matter of weeks, Jimi would be dead. You'd never guess it from here: one listen to Voodoo Chile would convince you.
I might also add that this DVD is far superior to the CD, whose sequencing made no sense and gives the listener the impression that Hendrix wants to get out as soon as possible. For the future: stick with Jimi's sequencing. He knew what he was about, and this DVD proves it.

At last, Experience Hendrix does justice to this often-maligned concert. This release is infinitely better than the previous "Live at the Isle of Wight" DVD. First, we are presented with some informative interviews with Gerry Stickells (Hendrix's road manager), Mitch Mitchell, and Billy Cox. This segues into the concert itself, with Jimi backstage, ready to go on.

The songs all appear in proper order. Bear in mind, this isn't the ENTIRE concert (Hey Joe, Hey Baby, and Midnight Lightning weren't filmed, according to Experience Hendrix), but all the songs contained on the video are complete, and there's even some nice between-stage banter that's preserved. It's the small details, like that, which makes this film stand out from most of the other commercial JH video releases.

As far as the music itself, it's incredible -- check out the mind-blowing versions of "All Along the Watchtower", "Freedom", "Machine Gun", and even "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)". The other tracks are great too -- most notably "Red House". The sonic quality is vastly improved, with a Dolby 5.1 surround mix.

In short, if you're a Jimi Hendrix fan, what are you waiting for?? You NEED to buy this DVD!

Finally, the complete film footage of the last major concert performance by Jimi Hendrix at the 1970 'Isle Of Wight' festival is now available. This historic show has been available through the years under different names and permeations, but never as the complete concert and in proper sequence. This errors have now been thoroughly corrected with the release of the superb DVD "Blue Wild Angel".

Reputedly, this is supposed to be a sub-par performance by a tired and burnt-out Hendrix, and if that's the case, even a sub-par Hendrix is still a marvel to behold. Regardless of his physical and mental conditions that night, Jimi still managed to deliver scintillating versions of "All Along The Watchtower", "Red House", and the always inspiring "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)". The ferocious, anguished "Machine Gun" alone makes this DVD essential. Finally, there's the rare, and to best of my knowlege, unavailable elsewhere, live renditions of "Freedom", "Message To Love", and "In From The Storm", great new compositions that pointed the musical directions Hendrix was headed just before he sadly died.

The sound and picture quality are very good for a film this old and just recently restored. I would have enjoyed the footage a bit more if there was less facial close-ups and fast-cut editting, especially during the guitar solos, but overall it's still enjoyable, especially if you're a Hendrix fan.

Overall, "Blue Wild Angel" is the best Jimi Hendrix concert film capturing one of the true guitar geniuses of all time in a last performance. No Jimi Hendrix fan should be without this DVD.

April 22, 2003 lr**

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Judging from the clips of Hendrix's Isle of Wight performance that I've seen in other documentaries, I always thought that this 1970 show in front of 600,000 people represented the sad end of Jimi's career. True, Hendrix wrestled with numerous technical problems and an audience obnoxiously yelling for hits, but that's only the half of it. The other half, to my delight, consists in moments of humor, a great set list and a relentless series of "jaw meet floor" guitar moments. In fact, of all the Hendrix DVDs available, this should be at the top af any true fan's list.
Since this is a complete concert, you get a real sense of Hendrix's ability to shape the otherwise chaotic energy of a 1960s rock show into a series of peaks to which he gingerly leads the assembled and just as carefully brings them home from. It's not just the rapid-fire blues scale runs that impress; witness his driving rhythm playing in All Along the Watchtower, his fluttering double-stops and tasteful dominant-chord comping throughout. The "Machine Gun" here rivals the version from the original Band of Gypsys record, and as for the rendition of Red House...considering that Hendrix is the best electric rock/blues guitarist in history and that Red House is his best blues song, this is simply one of the greatest blues performances ever recorded - and I say that with all due respect to the originators of the form. Jimi's blues at that time were very real; the hellhound of death was on his trail, and his only refuge was another hotel room in another of his endless tour stops. But The Master was still vital, and this DVD should put to rest the myth that he was creatively burning out in 1970. So don't buy the hype - Isle of Wight was a great Hendrix gig, and Blue Wild Angel is your front row ticket.

I do not intend to go into great detail or the specifics of this DVD. These are well documented elsewhere.
As yet another huge Jimi Hendrix fan (of which there are still several million, even after forty years,) I enjoyed watching this performance.

The sound and Eddie Kramers' remix is as good as can be expected for this time period. The film (source material) shows limitations, mostly scratches and dirt, but again it still looks mostly clear and beautiful for it's age. It isn't choppy looking like the Woodstock footage is. The color is beautiful, and the cameras do some really nice close up and pan work. Kudos to the director for that. Add to that, they give Mitch and Billy more camera time than is usual. They don't just focus on Jimi, who of course IS the center of attention. I like that about this footage.

I know I will take some knocks for what I am about to say, and I'm really not trying to put anyone down either, but I have to wonder if some of you reviewers were watching the same concert. I love Jimi's music as much as any fan can but let's face it folks, Jimi is not at his best during this concert, and wishful thinking won't make it so. As a former musician myself, I know that there are good nights and bad ones, for whatever reason. Often the harder you try to make it right (as Jimi clearly was) the worse it gets. You can't control it, that's just the way it is.

It appears to me like he spent most of his time trying to get in the groove, being conflicted about something and keeping his guitars in tune. He is preoccupied, probably with the pressures of fame, money and an unfinished album that he really would've rather been working on than to be at this show. There are good moments, where he sees the "opening," and not so good ones where it seems to elude him. And this is through most of the show. Ironically when the audience calls for the old standards, Jimi makes a joke: "You don't want to hear those old songs, do you?" Complaining that he is moving on from the Purple Haze era. Yet this seems to be where he finds his groove... late into the show.

There are missed lyrics when it seems that Jimi would rather just play the guitar, and missed notes where you can see his frustration. St. Pepper and God Save the Queen, as well as All Along the Watchtower are all abbreviated versions because it this frustration. He simply gives up and stops the band.

As I have said, I enjoyed watching this but his preoccupation was also a distraction throughout.

To reviewer Stuart Hartley: Those radio noises that you think are glitches ("Security control. Security control...") are actually an intentional part of the song, "Machine Gun." Listen to the studio version(s) and you will see.

On the other hand, Mitch and Billy are "on." Mitch especially shows his prowess as an excellent drummer through several solos. And Billy is a solid a bassist as there is. Nothing earth-shattering mine you, just solid.

I would recommend this video/movie to any fan of Jim's. It's great to see him perform even under these circumstances, but I would never use it to try and convince someone who is not already a fan that Jimi was among the very best. Jimi lived to play and create. He was an artist, with an artists' soul, eccentricities and quirks, but even the great ones have off moments.

JIMI HENDRIX live at the Isle Of Wight documents the guitarist's legendary performance before 600,000 people at this massive outdoor music and arts festival in August 1970. This unforgettable concert film experience draws heavy upon Academy Award winning director Murray Lerner's vast archive of previously unseen performance footage and presents some of HENDRIX'S finest ever concert performances, including extended takes of "Machine Gun," "Red House," and other faviorates such as "All Along The Watchtower," "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)." New interviews with JIMI HENDRIX Experience band members Mitch Mitchell, Billy Cox, and others set the stage for the concert footage that follows. In addition to providing the definative look at one of the landmark events in HENDRIX'S storied career. Blue Wild Angel features both a stereo and 5.1 audio surround soundtracks newly mixed by HENDRIX'S original recording engineer Eddie Kramer!

154 Minutes, Stereo, Color, Exclusive 5.1 Surround Sound Mix! View Jimi's legandary concert in it's original sequence as filmed. Hear Jimi's legendary concert in either stereo or 5.1 surround audio. DVD extra features include: Multiple camera picture in picture, wich allows for simultaneous viewing of multiple camera angles for "Spanish Castle Magic'" "Machine Gun," "Red House" and "Foxey Lady." A behind the scenes interview with director Murray Lerner. Rare artifacts and memorbilia including original tickets, festival posters, and even HENDRIX'S own handwritten directions to the festival site! Get this entire concert, and three more tracks not featured on here, on the special 2-CD edition digipak!

TRACK LISTING:
1.)God Save The Queen
2.)Sgt. Pepper's Lonley Hearts Club Band
3.)Spanish Castle Magic
4.)All Along The Watchtower
5.)Machine Gun
6.)Lover Man
7.)Freedom
8.)Red House
9.)Dolly Dagger
10.)Foxey Lady
11.)Message To Love
12.)Ezy Ryder
13.)Purple Haze
14.)Voodoo Child (Slight Return)
15.)In From The Storm

I found this dvd well worth the money i paid for it. Hendrix is one of my favorites and this is a reason why. Amazing version of Machine gun. Also during foxey lady he plays with his teeth and tongue at one point. Set list here..
1.God Save the Queen
2.Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
3.Spanish Castle Magic
4.All Along the Watchtower
5.Machine Gun
6.Lover Man
7.Freedom
8.Red House
9.Dolly Dagger
10.Foxey Lady
11.Message to Love
12.Ezy Ryder
13.Purple Haze
14.Voodoo Child (Slight Return)
15.In from the Sun

Based on what I saw from the earlier Image Entertainment version this wasn't one of my favorite Hendrix concert but after seeing BLUE WILD ANGEL that opinion has changed.

This may be about as much of this concert as you'll see possible. Added to this DVD that wasn't on the Image Entertainment version is "LOVER MAN" , "FOXEY LADY" , you see the actual performance of "MESSAGE TO LOVE" where in the Image Entertainment version you just hear the song during the intro of the program while footage of the daytime audience is being shown. You get "EZY RYDER" , "PURPLE HAZE" , and the unedited versions of "MACHINE GUN" , "RED HOUSE" , and "VOODOO CHILD (SLIGHT RETURN)".

I have no idea why in the Image Entertainment version of this concert that VOODOO CHILD is edited because the BLUE WILD ANGEL version reveals that the prophetic line "..if I don't see you no more in this world I'll meet you on the next one and don't be late..." is cut out of the Image version! When you keep in mind Hendrix's unfortunate fate and that this concert took place just a few weeks before his death then that part is chilling , dramatic , and sad to see. Why edit that out? In "BLUE WILD ANGEL" you see this part.

"BLUE WILD ANGEL" also shows more of the bantering during songs over technical problems but it also shows it was a better show than what the Image version showed. There is a segment leading to the end of the concert where Hendrix hits the crowd with non-stop music. They played "MESSAGE TO LOVE" , "EZY RYDER" , "PURPLE HAZE" , "VOODOO CHILD" and "IN FROM THE STORM" (minus Hey Baby & Hey Joe on DVD) without stopping until the end. You just sit back and go along for the musical ride.

There is a cool picture-in-picture feature in this DVD. It is used on 4 songs; "SPANISH CASTLE MAGIC" , "MACHINE GUN" , "RED HOUSE" , and "FOXEY LADY". Very cool!

The Image Entertainment version obviously edited the concert footage to 'clean it up' and make it seamless but they hurt the integrity of the concert. In other words what you see isn't how things happened and why mix up the order of the songs? The concert was fine the way it was! Go figure.

Anyway , you see this concert in its actual chronological order and in its entirety minus "MIDNIGHT LIGHTNING" , "HEY BABY (NEW RISING SUN)" , and "HEY JOE". You can hear the concert in its entirety with these 3 missing songs on the new double disc version of "BLUE WILD ANGEL".

This DVD release presents one of Hendrix's most memorable live performances. Playing in front of 600,000 people, Hendrix quickly goes to work, taking control of the show with his guitar right around his performance of Spanish Castle Magic. This leads into some of the greatest guitar mastery you'll ever hear, with blasting metal riffs found within basically every song listed hear. Jimi's voice isn't in good voice at all times, but obviously that doesn't matter, seeing as Hendrix was never known for having a great singing voice.
Their are many superb performances throughout this thrilling performance, and the special features are interesting as well. We get to see a Behind the scenes interview with Director Murray Lerner. Also featured are a couple of brief clips from other Live DVDs in the Hendrix collection. The Introduction before the concert is also very interesting to see, and we get to hear from bassist Billy Cox and drummer Mitch Mitchell.
As for the overall footage and its presentation, such songs like Red House, Machine Gun and Spanish Castle Magic have strong camera work and we get some nice looks at Jimi soloing. The sound quality is perfect, and for the most part, the performance is enjoyable to watch.

Performance Highlights:

All Along the Watchtower: An epic song, and Hendrix gives a superb performance, with some fabulous guitar work. Always a classic song, and this is one great performance of the hit song.

Machine Gun: The song immediately following All Along the Watchtower, Hendrix takes on a guitar journey with some of the most incredible guitar solos you'll ever hear. Great drumming on this one too.

Red House: Most likely the most memorable performance from the concert, Hendrix takes a blues hit with a very, delicate, superb pace and displays his magnificent sense of blues. This live version is nearly 12 minutes long which leaves it being roughly 3 times the length of the song in its original form.

In From The Storm: A perfect close, to a seemingly incredible live performance from the greatest guitar player of all time. Jimi is also in perfect voice for this one. Superb guitar work also compliment the song.

Overall, I would have to recommend this DVD to any Jimi Hendrix fan, as it is truly an epic Hendrix concert, Live at The Isle of Wight. However, rock fans just looking into his music should avoid this DVD. Highly recommended to Jimi Hendrix fans who want to witness one of the greatest live rock performances of all time.

Has some behind the scenes footage and "where are the now" additions. The sound quality is second to none. you can see hendrix the audio perfectionist 1st hand as he constantly struggles to maintain good sound.