Customer Reviews

Ladies & Gentlemen: The Rolling Stones [Blu-ray]

5 star:		(81)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(14)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I am a follower of the Stones since 1964. I was 9 years old. Eight years later, my older brother buys tickets for the Houston 4 pm show. It would be my first concert. Five of the fifteen songs in the movie are from this performance. The Stones had played 2 shows in Fort Worth on Saturday, June 24, 1972, and they played 2 shows the next day at the University of Houston. All songs are from Beggars Banquet through Exile on Main St., with Bye Bye Johnny thrown in. Hopefully, they have improved the video for this great movie (the soundtrack has survived in good shape as heard through various bootlegs). Keith's vocals for Happy were overdubbed & a mess was made of it in the film. A mystery, because there is a performance on youtube that is not overdubbed. The vocals are ragged, but it's Keith so who cares? No inflatable women or bridges to small stages, just a band who is focused on showing how good they really are. Mick Taylor is a great guitarist and a highlight, but Keith's rhythm guitar work is amazing, The rhythm section is playing hard, with a horn section from Texas, the legendary Nicky Hopkins on piano, and the best front man in the business. I even think it may be Ian Stuart at the piano during Brown Sugar. Very few shots of the audience, the focus being on the band. If at least one of these songs don't impress you, you are not a rock fan. A must see.

Pure dirty Exile-era Stones. Serious about the music. If you need to learn what all the fuss is about and have only witnessed later concert films (the inferior "We're the Stones You Should Love Us Just Because" vibe of "Let's Spend the Night Together"), this document sets the record straight.

The Stones are working hard at this show, looking as if they have something to prove. And prove it they do. It's 1972 and there is still an element of danger in the air for this band. They're deadly serious and are leaning into these numbers. Mick Taylor--the sequel to Brian Jones and the prequel to Ron Wood--stands stock still and delivers those chilling licks that made Exile on Main Street legendary. Heck, even good ole honorary Stone Nicky Hopkins is on board for some rollicking piano fills.

This show just builds and builds. By the time they crash head on into Midnight Rambler you feel as if there's no other rock 'n' roll band.

And there IS no other rock 'n' roll band. THIS is the Stones. You SHOULD love them. Because of THIS.

Many Rolling Stones fans, including myself, will agree, the Mick Taylor years were their best musically. For decades since their landmark 1972 North American Tour, Stones fans have anticipated the long awaited release of Ladies and Gentlemen The Rolling Stones. Historically, this concert footage is a must-have for any Stones fan. The years of waiting, however, may disappoint some die-hard Mick Taylor fans when it comes to the sound mix, but more on that below.

The first noticeable visual change, for those who remember the rare Drive-in Movie showings of this film is the elimination of the triple split-screen effect. Split screen was state-of-the-art in 1972, (recall the films Woodstock and Elvis On Tour) but, was always over-done to the point of being annoying. Eliminating it was a wise decision. By today's standards, the onstage camera work will appear almost primitive to the computer stabilized Skycam generation. Instead, onstage cameramen vied for position, and clamored for a dramatic shot only to be foiled by a seemingly motionless Bill Wyman, curly chord stretched to the max, who had an uncanny knack for getting in the way. Likewise, the stage lighting of the day was totally inadequate for filming, thus rendering more than its share of dark moments. If eliminating split-screen added to the continuity of the film, splicing segments from four performances certainly did not. Costume changes from one song to the next, even from an intro to the song itself are, at time more than just noticeable. Some may savor the concert filming of the day, and enjoy the aviance. Others may be reminded of the down side to releasing a 38 year old relic.

The sound mix on the non-Blue-Ray copy I viewed leaves a lot to be desired. First, the over-all volume is lower than expected. Viewed on my PC with the volume maxed-out left me wanting more. Most annoying is a noticeable stereo panning effect that permeates most of the DVD. Mick Jagger's vocals, for instance, pan from side to side then come to rest in the center, like someone was drunk and experimenting at the sound/re-mix board. It's amazing to think that this problem was not noticed and remedied. Most disheartening of all is that Mick Taylor's guitar is not mixed as loud as on some live bootlegs, most notable, the 1973 European Tour examples that dot the internet. Taylor's guitar is not terribly low, and his masterful playing can certainly be enjoyed, but it sure would have been better if he were turned up. On the plus side, bringing up Bill Wyman's bass, that was previously always muddied in the mix of live performances, reveals what many fans have known for years: Wyman is a good bass player after all. Likewise, Nicky Hopkins's piano is more prominent and will please those who remember this great musician. A high end home TV/audio system may remedy some of these defects, but the casual viewer may be left wanting.

Tour rehearsal clips previously posted on the internet, or included on the DVD Stones in Exile reduce the impact of those Bonus Features included here ("Shake Your Hips," "Tumbling Dice" and "Bluesberry Jam"). An Old Grey Whistle Stop interview with Jagger, inter-mixed with performance flashes from the DVD, and a recent 2010 interview provide a then & now perspective of Jagger's take on the whole thing.

As a long-time Stones fan, I had to have this DVD. The 1972 Stones Tour with Mick Taylor is what many consider the highpoint of their career. Taken for what it is, and the technology of the time, the overall performance is not bad. The sound problems on the DVD release, and perhaps a better selection of Bonus Features rate this as three-and-a-half stars.

Folks, assuming the video transfer and audio mix are even close to what they were upon this film's initial release, anyone who purchases/views this is in for a treat. This is the Stones at their absolute zenith, with their greatest lead guitarist (Mick Taylor), performing the very best of their vast catalog (from their first post - "Exile" tour, yet still including much from "Beggar's Banquet," "Let It Bleed" & "Sticky Fingers") and Jagger's swagger & voice in peak form.

I have a very raw bootleg of "Ladies and Gentlemen..." and even with poor resolution, the genius shines through. The Stones were never better - and that's saying a lot.

This review is only on the Deluxe Edition, Iam not taking anything away from Ladies And Gentleman The Rolling Stones which I would give 5 Stars. My issue is with the Third Disc, which is the only reason I bought this Deluxe Edition. I feel that Eagle Rock could I have put a lot more effort into the 3rd disc which any Stones fan would feel ripped off.Eagle Rock should have watched the Bootleg copy from 4 Reel Produtions of ladies and Gentleman first to see what Stones fans may have wanted.Eagle Rock put (NO EFFORT INTO THE 3rd DISC). I was really looking forward to seeing the (whole) Dick Cavett show, Eagle Rock cut the backstage footage and on top of that they didnot include the footage of the opening song which was Brown Sugar and the closing song Street Fighting Man. They only showed the interviews with Mick Jagger and Bill Wyman, the live performances were cut out!!! I know there is plenty of outakes of live performances from the 1972 tour which should have been included with this deluxe edition.
Again am not taking anything away from Ladies and Gentleman, I dont want to see anyone waste there money on this Deluxe Edition!!!! (Just Buy The Single Disc)

This is one of the greatest rock 'n' roll films ever made, performed by, arguably, the greatest rock 'n' roll band ever during, unarguably, their creative peak. Some things not mentioned that really impressed me: Keith, the rock 'n' roller for life, is so into the music that he spends much of his time facing the drums, playing directly to Charlie. Jagger's musical professionalism really stands out. There are many instances where he makes a point of not hogging the limelight when it's the other musicians time to shine. Sometimes it's just by turning his back to the audience during someone's solo. Other times, when the spotlights just don't want to move away from Jagger, he'd move over behind the soloing musician to force the light onto them. When Keith starts singing "Happy", Jagger not only turns his back to the audience, but points a wagging finger at Keith to get the obstinate spot operator to illuminate the right musician. And there was that moment during Bobby Keys' sax solo in "Rip This Joint" where Jagger starts to move away from Keys, but then comes back to adjust Bobby's microphone. The mark of a true professional and something you just don't see much at that level of the music world stratosphere.

Taylor's solo during "Love In Vain" proves by itself what a great guitarist he is. And there is one short phrase in his "Street Fighting Man" solo that should make send rock guitarist into ecstasy. Can you figure out which one it is?

If you are anywhere CLOSE to being a fan and/or student of Rock 'n' Roll, you need to see this movie.

Saw Ladies and Gentlemen last night, and was not disappointed in what I remember from 30+ years ago. Definitely biggest highlight was the sound. Theater was playing second disc of just released Exile cd, and when the movie proper kicked in you could feel the surround sound and volume go up several notches. Unlike the bootleg copy I've been watching the last 15 years you could hear Nicky Hopkins, Bill Wyman, Charlie, and both guitars playing off each other. (and feel the bottom end) I agree that both the focus and the lighting both were not what we are used to seeing in movies of the last 30 years or so. I think a lot of that had to do with when this was made. The lighting for this tour was pretty advanced for its time (huge mylar mirror hanging above and in front of the stage with giant spots behind the band shining behind and reflecting back at them). Probably not the best for shooting a movie. I agree a lot of the lighting was focused on Mick, and that was probably intentional at the time. But again, this makes the bootleg dvd look like a black and white silent movie. (not that I haven't enjoyed it)

Highlights from the movie were Tumbling Dice, especially the end with Keith, Charlie and Bill building that groove that you wish would go on for another 10 minutes, with Mick T. adding his special flourishes to it. Midnight Rambler that is as good as or better than the Ya Ya's version, because here the lighting during the mid section highlighting the tension of the song, and then when the whole band kicks in at the end with the whole stage lighting up works better than any million dollar stage and lighting has worked over the last 30 years. And last the last 3rd of the concert, starting with Midnight Rambler, and going thru Bye, Bye Johnny, Rip this Joint, (with Mick telling the audience they've been sitting on their a**es long enought), Jumpin' Jack Flash (where the house lights kick up and you get to see the crowd, for the first time, going crazy), and Street Fighting Man is what takes this from a great rock and roll concert movie to the GREATEST rock and roll movie of all time.

Three minor disappointments, when I went to this last night, there were only about 10 people in the theater. This was good because we were center theater, getting great sound with nobody around us, but made me a little sad that this might be an era of rock that isn't appreciated for what it was. Second, the bonus features that were on the origninal Fathom news release for this were not shown (the Montreux rehearsal footage, and the Old Grey Whistle test footage). Hopefully, they're on the DVD. Lastly, when I saw this in the mid 70s, I remember the theater lights going down, and nothing but a black screen, with background noise, and little blurbs of very occasional lights until you saw people going on stage and you heard the announcer say, Ladies and Gentlemen, The Rolling Stones. Now you have Eagle Rock Presents, and Ladies and Gentlemen breaking that up. All these did not diminish the fact that this lived up to the memories of this from almost 35 years ago.

I've went on too long. Seeing this again after 3 plus decades got me pretty fired up. Hopefully, the sound and improvement in picture can be transfered to DVD. (along with the bonus stuff that wasn't there last night.) This is THE GREATEST ROCK AND ROLL CONCERT MOVIE ever made.

Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones are both clearing their vaults of material we haven't seen in many years, if ever. This concert film was shown in theaters very briefly in 1974 and again in 2010. On DVD for the first time, it gives us an amazing 1972 set performed in Texas at the apex of the Glimmer Twins' career. The band is on fire and Jagger shakes his skinny a** off. Add the awesome Mick Taylor on guitar, Nicky Hopkins on piano, a tight horn section, a killer set list, and a low price, and you have a must-see as well as a must-have for any fan. After all, ladies and gentlemen, this is the greatest rock and roll band in the world! These 15 songs, originally released on the albums Beggar's Banquet, Let It Bleed, Sticky Fingers, and Exile On Main Street, are all classics:

Brown Sugar
Bitch
Gimme Shelter
Dead Flowers
Happy
Tumbling Dice
Love in Vain
Sweet Virginia
You Can't Always Get What You Want
All Down the Line
Midnight Rambler
Bye Bye Johnny (a tribute to Chuck Berry)
Rip This Joint
Jumping Jack Flash
Street Fighting Man

Rehearsal footage and interviews with Jagger from 1972 and 2010 round out the DVD. I give it four stars only because of the relatively grainy transfer and slightly muddy audio mix, but these are artifacts of a film and of technology that are 38 years old. The Stones' impact on the world and our memories is indelible. Don't settle for the geriatric group we recently saw on Martin Scorsese's "Shine a Light" (good as it was). Go back to the source, back to when rock was young and dangerous!

I have seen this movie in various forms through the years - typically copies of copies of bootleg copies of bootlegs. Last night I saw the remastered film in the theater (it was released for a one-night-only showing), and it blew me away. The sound was as perfect as a 1972 concert can be, and the video was superb - FAR better than any version I've seen before. This is highly recommended for anybody who calls themselves Stones Fans, and is absolutely essential for anybody who was at any of the 1972 US shows.

No doubt I'm still somewhat euphoric after having just seen it in a theater, but this might be - MIGHT BE - the best rock and roll concert film every done. No fluff, no background info, no personality profiles - just one hell of a rock concert by a band at the absolute height of their powers. I've seen the Stones many times, and always felt this tour was by far the best. After last night, now I'm sure of it. A brief show by today's standards, on a small stage (the players are very close together), with period lighting, and the band starts with a bang and it only gets better from there. There's an incredible amount of energy on that stage, and more than a little bit of controlled chaos. God, it's freaking PERFECT!

It is pieced from four performances, so there's no clothing continuity at all, but who cares? Jagger has glitter on his face, Keith is playing unbelievable riffs, and Mick Taylor demonstrates why he's probably the most overlooked and underrated rock/blues guitarist who ever walked the planet. Wyman stands stock still (how does he do that), and Charlie Watts wears funny clothes and nails that backbeat like only he can.

Get this DVD. Don't even think about not getting it.

WOOOOOW!!!!!!!! What a freaking monumental moment to finally see this in all it's glory as it was intended to be. Jesus, the sound is worth the price alone. I like a lot of fans before torrent sites came along, paid for a boot copy (dubbed from vhs) and were content on knowing and believing that this footage would never be cleaned up. We had a projecting viewing party and were grinning from ear to ear from start to finish. After Midnight Rambler my friend turned to me and said he felt like he needed to take a shower. I'm not sure how I can understand some of the negativity from this release. I'm the biggest Mike Taylor fan there is and yes, I wish there were more shots of him and Keith, but you can't always get what you want!!!! No, it's not Avitar in 3-D, it's the Stones shot on 8mm in 1972. If you can free your mind of that, then your Holy-Grail awaits.