Product Details

• Actors: Peter Gabriel, Manu Katché, Tony Levin, David Rhodes, Shenkar
• Directors: François Girard
• Writers: Peter Gabriel, Robert Lepage
• Producers: Elizabeth Flowers, Maria Pedro, Martin Haxby, Robert Warr
• Format: Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Geffen Records
• VHS Release Date: October 4, 1994
• Run Time: 102 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (223 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6303234844
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #159,973 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Peter Gabriel's extraordinary mix of sound, visuals, and theatrics gets the widescreen digital treatment in this remixed and remastered edition of a 105-minute concert recorded in 1994 in Italy. But not without some controversy, it seems, as several viewers have protested that the new version contains some not-so-deft lip-syncing with poor visual quality. The complaints may be valid, but chances are most viewers won't notice; in any event, the performance by Gabriel and his international band (with violinist Shankar, drummer Manu Katche, and bassist Tony Levin, among others) is strong, featuring versions of well-known material like "Solsbury Hill," "Sledgehammer," "In Your Eyes," and the always-moving "Don't Give Up" (with then-backup singer Paula Cole capably handling the Kate Bush role). Bonus features include a delightful "time lapse" view of the concert setup and breakdown, a "making of" documentary, and a brief preview of Gabriel's 2002-03 "Growing Up" tour. --Sam Graham

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars That This Is Amazing Is No Secret, April 2, 2001

By 

Kristin J Currier (Ukiah, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Peter Gabriel - Secret World Live [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This isn't just a concert video. This is a beautifully orchestrated performance that you will watch again and again. Passion is the hallmark here...Gabriel has never been content with just singing songs he's written. He throws his soul into what he does, and the superbly talented musicians he plays with can't help but to shine as well. It's a joyfull show filled with brimming sound and imagery.

All of the musicians Gabriel works with past and present are always artists in their own right. Here you will see Singer Paula Cole looking gorgeous and giving Gabriel's dusky vocals a smooth comlement. It's no wonder her career soon skyrocketed. Tony Levin, who has played with Gabriel since his Security album and also has played with King Crimson and others as well as producing his own solo work, lends his commanding stage presence and unbelievable bass playing. David Rhodes gives us his understated but vital guitarwork. Manu Katche is a joy to watch, his percussion style reminding me a bit of a cross between Stewart Copeland (who also has written and played with Gabriel) and Neil Peart. And then there is Shankar, talented Indian double violinist...with his darkly beautiful playing filled with so much emotion.

If you are already a Gabriel fan, you are in for a treat here. The imagery his music invokes is here for you, live, and on stage. If you are only familiar with Gabriel's hits, you will be introduced to a musician who is a true artist that has so much more to offer than a hit or two. Seeing this may make you an avid fan.

85 of 95 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Disregard negative reviews. Read this, then decide., December 7, 2004

By 

Eric Morris (San Antonio, Texas United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Peter Gabriel - Secret World Live (DVD)

I taped this concert from TV a decade ago and literally wore out the tape. I almost didn't buy this DVD because of the negative reviews here. (The criticisms were not about the concert but picture/sound quality, transfer to DVD, etc.) I got my DVD from Amazon today and let me tell you it is a beautiful thing. Crisp clear sound and picture, widescreen, Dolby 5.1, DTS, etc. This DVD is the 2003 remaster of the 1994 concert and has LOTS of previously unavailable bonus features. There may have been a substandard disc of this concert in the past, but this isn't it. Buy this item new from Amazon with confidence. I'd avoid used copies of this particular item since there has been problems with this title in the past. There are probably about a dozen killer concert DVD's that no one should be without. This is one of them. Excellent show. Great quality disc.

42 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unbelievable Performance!, May 20, 2000

By 

Ravi Hayashida (Fullerton, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Peter Gabriel - Secret World Live [VHS] (VHS Tape)

My friends saw this tour live and I didn't realize what I had missed . . . until I saw this video.

For those who are tired of bands looking like they're still in the recording studio while performing live, this video is a must!

Peter Gabriel, and co., developed an elaborate and visually stunning performance - on two separate stages nonetheless - that can get even video audiences out of their seats and cheering.

This is not a concert - it's a theatrical event!

For Peter Gabriel Fans, this concert was about 90% new material. Most of that was from the "Us" album. However, the personal nature of the album was mirrored well by the song selection and powerful performances by Peter Gabriel and Paula Cole. These songs include "Blood of Eden", "In Your Eyes", "Don't Give Up" and "Shaking The Tree".

Other faves include "Sledgehammer", "Steam" and "Kiss That Frog". "Salisbury Hill" is a welcome entry, and "Across the River" is a moving performance. [There are more songs, but space here is limited.]

The band is in top form: Along with Paula Cole are familiar faces like Tony Levin (Bass), David Rhodes (Guitar) and Manu Katche (Drums), with Jean-Claude (Keyboards) and Shankar (violin) rounding out the main band.

Words are not enough. You must see it to get a taste of this truly monumental tour. I don't want to spoil anything, but I especially enjoyed the last part of "Secret World" near the end of the concert.