Customer Reviews

Rage Against the Machine [VHS]

5 star:		(53)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you never had a chance to see Rage Against the Machine live, you really missed out. There was a time when Zach de la Rocha was the most frightening performer in the land. I caught them twice in '93, just as they were hitting - the shows were incendiary. Zach was wrath in the flesh, a live wire, ready to strike at any moment with unbridled fury. The pit was as wild as any I've ever experienced (I almost had a tooth knocked out!)

I saw them once again in 1999 during "The Battle of Los Angeles" tour. The band was much tighter, and Zach got down, but I felt like they had lost much of their menacing edge. Still, they were absolutely captivating.

This DVD captures Rage somewhere in between these two states. Most of the performances are from 1996/1997, their "Evil Empire" tour, with the exception of a couple from 1994 (pre-"Evil Empire"). Zach comes off as monstrous in '94, and more human in 1996/1997. Throughout, his intensity is at peak, especially on "Freedom" and "Tire Me" where he just goes absolutely nuts. It will give you shivers. Tom Morello is an extraordinary guitar player and is fascinating to watch as well.

The live stuff is the reason to get this, but they've also included six music videos as a bonus. The early videos, like "Killing in the Name", are so poorly dubbed and low budget that they're almost painful to watch. The later videos border on jaw dropping they're so good (my favorite is "Bulls on Parade".)

Unfortunately the special features are a little bland. One, for example, is a reading list. Another is a list of non-profit organizations that the band supports. Noble, sure, but both are already available on the Rage web site, where they are more legible. The best special feature is the ability to view the lyrics during the songs - all music DVDs should have this feature! The biggest thing lacking from this DVD is behind-the-scenes footage. I'm sure it's out there - why not include it?

If you were lucky enough to see Rage live, this DVD will bring back memories and have you pining for a reunion. If you missed them, brother/sister, I can't help you. In fact, you probably should avoid this - your envy for those of us who saw them could easily grow to unbearable proportions. Anyways, if you're a big fan, this DVD is a must-own. Don't hesitate to purchase it.

This video is amazing. They get the crowd into it like no one I've ever seen before ! The way the crowd cheers at the beginning of "Know Your Enemy" is so cool ; it's right there that you can tell how much the fans love these guys ! All of their best songs are performed live along with some other ones, like the funky "Zapata's Blood" and the outstanding "The Ghost of Tom Joad" ( which is also included with the video on a CD single ) The only complaint is one that I share with several people : instead of other live songs of theirs, the second half of the video is dedicated to their uncensoered music videos, the songs of which were all performed live in the first half of the video. The problem with this is that after seeing "Killing in the Name" live with De La Rocha getting the crowd to chant " f*ck you, I won't do what you tell me ! " , the music video, uncensored as it is, lacks the energy of the live performance, detracting from the viewing experience. That's not to say that the uncensored videos aren't worth watching, in fact, they're excellent, but had they done the music videos on the first half of the video and the live performances on the second half, the overall effect would have been much better. But that's just a minor complaint that is a mere scratch on a dazzling jewel. If you only buy one video of a band in your whole life, let it be Rage Against the Machine ! P.S. If you like this video, check out their imported live CD, "Live and Rare" ! It has more of the band's wonderful live antics. It's also available from amazon.com.

This was one of the first DVD's I bought. I had it on VHS and loved it, this version is even better. If your an old school RATM fan and have liked them since the beginning like me, the you'll love this on DVD or video. It gives a great sense (if turned up REAL LOUD) of what it's like to see Rage live. With a mix of older & newer footage of the band at it's hardcore best. The festival shots give a good appreciation of the popularity of this, still somewhat underground group. The footage in some sets may seem shot poorly but this is done on purpose to enhance viewing pleasure, with the sound still brilliant. This DVD format gives options to skip tracks, have lyrics (for those who don't know them) and other standard DVD features. And if this wasn't enough, all the Rage video clips from R.A.T.M. & Evil Empire are included. So all fans, new or not, young & old, buy this DVD and you WILL NOT BE DISSAPOINTED! . Also check out Rage's CD's - R.A.T.M., Evil Empire & The Battle Of Los Angeles in the MUSIC section. Rock on! .

This Rage video is worth the price. It is the next best thing to an actual concert. I as a fan truly enjoyed watching this video. Also, there are many music videos on this video which I have never had the opportunity to see before. As an added incentive, there is a CD single The Ghost Of Tom Joad which is a cover of one of Bruce Sprinsteen's songs about the Grapes Of Wrath. The song is hard to find, and is a very good song.

great video to watch over and over. Features great song selection, in which they play live in concert. Concert part very exciting. Also features a collection of videos. Includes amazing poem written by Zach De La Roche. Overall it is a must have video for everyone, even if you dont like them that much. this video will blow you out of your seat.

I have this in regular VHS, so I'm sure the DVD version is even better. The intensity of the music is unbeliveable and the political nature of the songs should (must) be appreciated by those of us that can see what is really happenning here in our country. I'm 55 and don't even like this kind of music, but will buy the DVD of this music.

If you like Rage, and even if you dont, this is a must see. They are at top form here, and i have watched this over and over again. The only slight problem i have is the visual effects, but its not bad. But overall it is an amazing live film and from the opening song "bulls on parade" to the closing song of "freedom" the entire thing is great.

I must first say that it was a travesty for a groundbreaking band such as RATM to break up, but all good things come to and end and there name and music will always be remembered. This video and DvD is at the top of the scale when it comes to capturing live footage and the views of a band as important as Rage. The closest thing to seeing RATM in concert would definately be buying this dvd for it captures the true feeling and presence of what a band such as this can only create.This DVD will undoubtably be a collectors item so grab it while you can. The audio is great with the rumble of Tim's bass Tom's guitar Brad's Drums and the unntouchable vocals of front man Zack Dela Rocha. This is a must buy for new and old school rage fans. Turn your systems up and play this dvd loud and you will experience the true meaning of a hard rock band.Enjoy.

this is a good video. I love rage concerts so i decided to buy this video, from then on i keep watching it. All the songs live rock, and it looks like a brawl for all concert. Get this video if you like rage and their concerts. PLUS theirs a cd single that comes with the video.

This is an incredible videography of perhaps the most intense live act today. The concert footage is by far the most powerful combination of raw energy and partially controlled chaos. Rage Against The Machine prove that they can take it to another level with this video! Concerts in the States and overseas are captured in this compilation, and Rage's ability to completely brainwash an audience comes through beautifully. I can't decide which track I like the most....with Zack staring down the audience like a matador eye-to-eye with a charging bull on "Bulls on Parade" or the incredible "chant-along" of "F#@* YOU I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME" on "Killing in the Name Of", you will realize that these cats are for real. Tom Morello is mesmerizing on guitar, and you wonder at times how do these guys pull it off on stage!?!? It is because they are who they.....Rage Against the Machine.