Customer Reviews

Prince and the Revolution; Live [VHS]

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

SIGN O' THE TIMES was an excellent "concert movie"... but, as we all know, alot of it was re-shot and re-filmed with prince lip synching. THIS, however, was NOT a lip synched concert (to the idiot who said otherwise) ... as for guitar not plugged in? You can tell whoever wrote that review knows little about live performances... (...) ... it's called a wireless system... it's been around for YEARS and yes, Prince was one of the first to use it extensively.

At any rate, back to this review: although Prince has a habit of dragging songs on and on, we all KNOW it's a remnant of his love of all thins Funk where George Clinton would have these marathon jam grooves... in fact, it's very much like PHISH or Grateful Dead in that respect. But NO ONE else plays, SINGS, and DANCES at the same time... not then and certainly not now... This video stands the test of time, as do the songs.

Admittedly alittle self-indulgent, but hey... he was A-list #1 at the time. Not as good a show as the PARADE paris shows (bootleg) or the German TV release of his LOVESEXY show (which should have gotten an official release), but still better than anything put out then ... and even now.

This is Prince when he was at the top of the Pop World and it shows. This show is just electric. Other Purple Rain tour shows may have been better or had rarer songs, but this is such an important document and a must have.

DETAILS:
March 30, 1985 Syracuse NY
Let's Go Crazy, Delirious, 1999, Little Red Corvette, Take Me With U, Do Me Baby, Irresistable Bitch, Possessed, How Come U Don't Call Me Any More, Let's Pretend We'Re Married, International Lover, God, Computer Blue, Darling Nikki, The Beautiful Ones, When Doves Cry, I Would Die For You, Baby I'M A Star, Purple Rain

Live at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, Prince Rogers Nelson delivers an electrifying live mix of R&B, Soul, Blues, and Rock with a somewhat electronic treatment from the rhythm section known as The Revolution. Generously borrowing from some of his heroes including James Brown, The Kid makes the most of every inch of floor space for a great 90-minute set that offers extended jam versions of some of his earlier radio hits like '1999' and 'Delirious'. While some sections of the show move too slowly or are redundant, overall the vision of the genius is apparent. 'The Beautiful Ones' is poignant and sensual. 'Baby I'm a Star' culminates into a conga line of sorts, as everybody gets into the act onstage, including Sheila E. (his opening act at the time.) But the jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring 20-minute encore of 'Purple Rain' is the true gem of this concert, and it is only fitting he saved the best for last. A religious experience, to say the least: only once in a generation can a musical legend captivate and mesmerize an audience with one song.

With the advent of DVD recorders in 2004, it is possible to get a good 2nd-generation burn of this gig, to be preserved for all eternity. Sound quality may be compromised, unless you can find a good 4-head VCR and run the signal through top-of-the-line audio gear to EQ and sweeten the mix. Sad to say, that's only way you'll get this one to DVD.

Want the reason why? Check out A&E's Biography, or the E! True Hollywood Story, or even VH1's Behind the Music, on Prince. You'll find out how he felt he was being mistreated by the suits (to the point that he scrawled "slave" on his face,) didn't get the contract to say he could keep his own master recordings, and took the giant to war in court and through the media to free himself from Warner Bros.

The price for freedom is a very long memory, and Prince himself knows it. Since WB owns the songs and licensing for the concert, I seriously doubt we'll ever see it on the format...at least in this lifetime. So, if the "product formerly known as the VCR" is still blinking '12:00' in your basement, and you can afford another $70 for a new DVD burner, pick up this tape while you still can. It's a rare offering from one of the greatest musicians of the past 30 years.

I used to own this video back in the late 80's,but it tore up in my older brother's vcr a few years later.This is a spectacular concert of Prince and the Revolution around the time of the Purple Rain album and tour.I agree with the other customer reviews,the audio mix as well as the picture when it's dark at times is not great.I am hoping someday that Warner Reprise Music Video will reissue this on DVD soon.The Hits Collection is the only DVD released by Warner so far;I Would Die 4U is on the video of the time of this tour.We know that Prince no longer records for the label,but they could put out more.I hope they release it in 5.1 Dolby Digital and also with multple camera angles on some songs,especially on When Doves Cry.The picture is split screen.Prince and the Revolution Live really funks and roll and again this a great concert but Sign o'the Times still remains the best out of all concert videos Prince has put out so far.Anybody who wants to write a review after this one here,I hope you share my opinions as well as other reviews.Thank U. P.S. Remember the videos they had played on MTV a long time ago on the Purple Rain tour:Take Me With U w/Prince soloing on guitar as well as I Would Die 4U(featured in the Hits Collection video)and Baby I'm A Star with Sheila E.and her band.Please Warner Bros.if you're reading this,I hope these songs go in the DVD as bonus songs.

Unfortunately, I wasn't even born when Prince rocked the Carrier Dome. So, after having purchased the Purple Rain film, I was longing to see more! I bought this tape, didn't know quite what to expect, and the experience blew me away! Prince performs all the classic songs, and more! Before I bought this video I had never heard the song "Delirious", but now I walk around and hear the song all the time in my head. If you, like me, like Prince's music you should definitely buy this video. My only complaint is that the whole concert isn't on the tape. But, I guess you can't have it all. Anyway, this is the greatest concert (tape) I have ever seen. That pretty much sums it up! BUY IT!

If you wasnt one of the fortunate ones to catch The Purple Rain Tour .. This video is the next best thing I was one of the lucky ones to catch this show when it came to my hometown.. I can tell you it is truly one unforgettable experience.. Prince takes the audience on a two hour magical musical ride performing all the classic songs 1999, Let Go Crazy, Do Me Baby, Purple Rain, Take Me With You , Little Red Corvette.. This a must for all die hard Prince fans.. The reason why i gave this only four stars closer to 4.5 is because the audio mix isnt great.. I am not saying that it is terrible but if this concert was transfered to DVD.. It would certainly get 5 stars.. But again despite it's limitations this a great musical ride..

Yes I Can Gloat I Was There For This Concert At The Dome In Syracuse New York With Live Feed To England. This Video Doesnt Capture The Full Concert Though Which Featured Other Prince Prodigies Like Sheile E., The Time, Appolonia, Vanity It Was A Jam Packed Three Hours. This Video DOES Capture The Purple Rain Tour Exactly As It Was. Everytime I View It I Relive The Concert All Over Again. This Video Is DEFINATLY The One Video Any Prince Fan Should Own. I Bought My Copy Way Back When It First Came Out And In Fact Bought My First VCR Just To Watch It All The Time. You Cant Go Wrong With This Video!

This is maybe the best Prince show that's ever been recorded.
WHY IN THE WORLD THIS IS NOT ON DVD??????????

LIVE! from Syracuse NY. This has got to be the best concert anyone has ever performed in any genre! Prince and the revolution are at the peak of perfection with lots of fast, furious jamming! Hi-energy vibes are felt from the videocase alone! wendy and lisa are hot on computer blue, and the band is a topnotch funk machine! Prince rocks the place with his usual screeching, oooo-ing and nasty grooving dancing! I was fortunate enough to catch the purple rain tour live in san antonio texas and its every bit as exciting on tape as it was then. PRINCE AND THE REVOLUTION LIVE! is a classic video that every fan(or non-fan) should own. The man knows his stuff!

This is one concert video that delivers it all. There are moments when you wish that Prince would just get on with it, but for the most part it is one of the very best concert videos that I have seen. All of the songs from Purple Rain are here and even some that were hard to find back in '85. The show ends with Prince and friends giving it all they have during "I Would Die 4 U" and "Baby, I'm A Star". After that, Prince delivers an awesome version of "Purple Rain" that could make even the toughest man on the block cry. It was an evening of music history that no Prince fan should be without. My only complaint is that this is not out on DVD.