Customer Reviews

The Rolling Stones - Four Flicks

5 star:		(42)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

the four flicks dvd is simply great. it takes you in the back stage, in the studio where the stones rehearsed, it takes on stage for three very different concerts in New York, London and Paris.
It gives a good sense of how good the band is: the Stones are just excellent: very energetic and very inspired.
It's very hard to tell which of the three concert is the best. I should probably say the concert at the Madison Square Garden (first dvd) or the one in London's Twickenham Stadium. In both concerts the Stones performed some of their most solid rock: Jumpin'Jack Flash, Satisfaction, Honky Tonk Women and so on.
But the concert in Paris is interesting for other reasons: Charlie Watts saying to the public that he wanted to sing a song but Mick Jagger would not let him (a joke that made everybody laugh) and Keith Richards singing Hoagy Carmicheal's Nearness of You (a song that Keith had recorded many years before, that can be heard in the soundtrack of the movie Basquiat).
It's a wonderful wonderful dvd set. It's a great document of the Stones for the ages.

Four Flicks is full of great performances. That goes without saying. But the MTV-style editing is enough to make a person seasick. Is it really so bad to hold a shot for more than 1 second? And there is this annoyingly trendy method of editing in shots that in the past would have been edited out. You know, when the camera man is zooming into a shot? It used to be that would end up on the cutting room floor. But it's seemingly hot and trendy not only to keep zooming, out of focus shots in, but to delete the tight, focused shots that come after! If you want to see how a concert film should be shot and edited, watch The Last Waltz.

Although the editing has all but ruined this DVD set, there is the unique Select-A-Stone feature that allows YOU to be the editor! You can choose to focus on one Stone throughout an entire song, or choose when you want to cut from Mick to Keith to Woody to Charlie. Or you can torture yourself with the "original" multi-zooming split-second editing.

The documentary disc and some of the interviews are worth watching, especially if you are a casual fan. Hardcore fans have heard most of this already, but it's always fun to watch Keith talk, no matter what he's saying, as if you could understand what he's saying at all.

Another neat feature is the ability to select your own set-list. You can pre-program the songs you want to hear, in any order. Besides these features, the discs are somewhat scant on extras and easter eggs - especially for a four disc set. But this is normal for the Stones, who always leave you wanting just a little bit more.

The Paris Olympia Theatre concert is a confirmation "The World's Greatest Rock And Roll Band" never needed gimmicks, large staging, ramps, cages, fire or anything. On this night they nail it doing what they do best - rock. The band members play a tight set pulling out obscurities ( "No Expectations", "Dance Pt. 1", "Everybody Needs Somebody To Love", "That's How Strong My Love Is", "Love Train" ) instead of the predictability of the large stage shows. The camera work captures just the right angles maximizing the modern features of DVD technology. For long time fans waiting for a Rolling Stones concert like days back in the "Gimme Shelter" movie, this is it. The concert closes with awesome versions of "Honky Tonk Women", "Brown Sugar" and "Jumpin' Jack Flash". The sound quality? Finally the Stones get it right. ( THE REST ) The stadium and arena shows are just what fans expect in spite of the gimmicks - a lot of energy. "Can't You Hear Me Knocking" from New York's Madison Square Garden is the highlight showcasing the group's instrumental musicianship. I also like hearing the guys get back to some real Blues at London's Twickenham Staduim on a slow version of "I Just Want To Make Love To You". The documentary DVD gives an interesting behind the scenes look at what's involved before a superstar band hits the road on a long tour. The Stones take a hands on approach on everything including the t-shirts. The "Four Flicks" set is something special. The Paris concert alone is worth the price. Highly Recommended.

I got this DVD set for Christmas- it's ironic that Santa rewards the "good" with rock and roll's favourite "bad boys!"

The DVD packaging and concept is great- something you can spend at least 2 weeks enjoying! Yes, the mix of the guitar solos sound a little muddy at times (especially Keith's). But if you're a diehard fan of the Stones, you'll enjoy this collection of concert highlights from the Stones' 2002/2003 Tour.

Disk One features interviews from the Stones, 4 live tracks including "Beast of Burden" and "I Can't Turn You Loose", 2 new studio tracks ("Extreme Western Grip" and "Well Well")and a 20 minute tour history summary of them (it's interesting to see the Stones with Rush as both bands played at a benefit concert in Toronto). Select-a-Stone is entertaining, as it allows you to watch each individual Stone at close up on "Monkey Man" and "Angie" (which can be found on Disk Three).

Disk Two showcases the Stones at Madison Square Garden, NY. Highlights include "Midnight Rambler," "You Got Me Rocking," "Can't You Hear Me Knocking" and Sheryl Crow dueting with Mick on "Honkey Tonk Women." Also, check out the band commentaries on this three disk (and Disks Three and Four) and the section with Sheryl Crow.

Disk Three has the Stones playing at Twickenham Stadium, London. Highlights inlcude "Slipping Away," "Rocks Off," "WIld Horses" and "Paint It Black" (with Woody playing Brian's original sitar part), "You Can't Always Get What You Want." This disk (along with Disk Four) has a Backstage Pass section, which allows you to see the people behind the scenes getting Keith or Woody's guitars or change costumes. Also, there's a section with Angus and Malcom Young jamming with the Stones onstage (it's too bad they didn't show the whole song!).

Disk Four (at Olympia Theatre, Paris) is my personal favourite. It features a lot of songs rarely performed live "Dance (Part 1)," "Before They Make Me Run," "No Expectations," "Stray Cat Blues," "Everybody Needs Somebody to Love" (watch the extra with the Rev. Solomon Burke) and an impressive cover of the O'Jays' "Love Train." Keith does a reading of Hoagy Carmichael's "The Nearness of You" and Charlie cracks a joke after Mick's introduced the band, much to the audience's amusement!

It's more than rock and roll- it's the World's Greatest Rock and Roll Band! And you'll like it, like it, yes you will!

The Four Flicks DVD collection is everything that a lifelong Stones fan could hope for. Performing seldom-played classics such as Hand of Fate, No Expectations, and Dance (Pt. 1) is a bold and dramatic move by the band. However, there is one underlying flaw with this DVD package which has a significant impact on its potential to entertain. The audio production by Don Was renders the guitars to be almost inaudible at certain points. It's a downright shame that such a well conceived and well presented package has been so seriously marred by an inadequate audio mix.

I don't usually say that about DVD releases (or anything for that matter..), but this one's quintessential for any concert or Stones collection. What's left to say which hasn't been said in the item description or reviews..? With options like 'Select-a-Stone' on certain songs, choice of venue (stadium, auditorium..), select a custom track listing for seeing only the songs you want, concert commentaries, bonus documentaries, jumbotron-alone segment ~ Hey, the list goes on and on.

Having finally saw them during the current 'Bigger Bang' tour for the first time, get a home screen big enough with surround sound, and it's like you're "up in front". Glad I saved up to purchase this.

OK, there's ONE pan I can think of..: Why doesn't "Select-a-Stone" include Lisa..!?! I could watch her groove, slink and jiggle all day long. (Artistically speaking, of course..)

Again, essential for proper Stones collection. Long live, Midnight Rambler..!

This is how all concert DVDs should be made. It includes not only one but three different Stone concerts plus documentaries, bonus tracks, backstage footage, song commentary by the band members, and more. Not only are the Stones playing three different shows here, they also feature very different set lists for each show. Yes, certain songs are repeated such as "Brown Sugar," "Honky Tonk Women," "Satisfaction," "Jumpin' Jack Flash," and "Street Fighting Man," but you do not get tired at all of those songs. However, "Honky Tonk Women" is better when it is just done by the Stones even though Sheryl Crow is hot. The Stadium Tour disk is probably my favorite because they are on fire and the set list is amazing featuring excellent versions of "Paint It Black," "Sympathy For The Devil," "Street Fighting Man," "Wild Horses," "You Can't Always Get What You Want," "Satisfaction," "Star Star," "Brown Sugar," "Rocks Off," "Tumbling Dice," "Honky Tonk Women," "Gimme Shelter," and more. The Arena Tour disk is also amazing and it includes some of the same songs plus classic performances of "Midnight Rambler," "Let It Bleed," "Monkey Man," "Can't You Hear Me Knockin'," "It's Only Rock and Roll," and "Angie." The Theatre Tour disk is a real treat for fans who like to see the Stones play songs that don't normally play such as "Live With Me," "No Expectations," "Stray Cat Blues," "Before They Make Me Run," "Hand Of Fate," "That's How Strong My Love Is," and "Neighbours." This disk also features an excellent performance of "Start Me Up." The performances by the Stones on this DVD are spectacular. The sound is amazing and even though some may disagree, the camera work is excellent. The focus is mainly on Mick and Keith but there are plenty shots of Ronnie and Charlie. The band are also augmented by backing singers, horn players along with the keyboard and bass players. This is fine though because the Stones obviously need a bassist and they always toured with a keyboardist. The backing singers are needed so Keith and Ronnie could concentrate on playing without having to sing (Keith seems to prefer not to sing and play guitar at the same time). The horns are not featured on every song, but the Stones did use some horns in the seventies so they help the songs that feature them. The main focus here however, is on the four Stones and each of them proves why they deserve to be in the "World's Greatest Rock and Roll Band." The documentaries are both great too and the bonus tracks include great versions of "Bitch" and "Beast of Burden." You even get to see the Stones record in their studio. What a real treat. The song commentary is also fantastic although it would have even been better if they could have commented on all the songs, but they have a busy schedule so I understand. The Backstage Footage is also very cool. This is an incredible DVD and one of the best concert DVDs that exist. Now they should release a Stone DVD like this that features the Stones with Mick Taylor and if possible the Stones with Bryan Jones. Wishful thinking but it could happen.

Now look, I hate MTV style editing,too. It's ubiquitous. But I must say, after seeing the Stones live last weekend at the Pepsi Arena in Albany, the cut, edit style kinda reminds me of the concert experience itself. OK, I'm in the back of the hall looking thru binoclears one minute trying to figure out if that lick is being played by Keef or Ronnie, then I'm actually watching the stage & Mick running all over the place & the next minute I'm entranced by whats happening on the gigundo-tron. Repeat that process 1000 timesover the course of a 20 song set. After you get over the editing style, I think you'll agree it's the next best thing to being there. Plus 4 DVD's for about 25 bucks! Who's to complain?

Most all the classic Stones songs are here, played at 3 different venues. Many of these songs never played live before. This is a real treat!!! The sound and picture quality are second to none. I put this in after watching other concert DVD's and notice a real difference, this blows them away. I absolutely have no clue as to what a previous reviewer is talking about when he downgrades the sound. He must be listening through his T.V., because I can here Keith and Ronnie's guitars very distinctly. It is amazing how their styles intertwine with one anothers, and you can hear it clear as a bell. The 5.1 surround truly makes it seem like you are actually in the audience when you watch these shows. You can't beat the price for all this music. It is a simply must have for all people who appreciate fine DVD concerts.

The band is very tight and both the sound quality and video quality are outstanding. Comprised of 4 disks, 1 of extra features and the other 3 are the concerts. One huge Stadium concert, one Areana concert and one Theater concert. Three distinctly different venues with three different approaches and different song lists. Even with three concerts, there is surprisingly little duplication of songs, which is a good thing, since you get to see the Stone perform approximatly 50 different songs. On two of the concert performances, you have the choice of isolating the camera on your favorite Rolling Stone. I am very greatful that The Stones were around long enough to produce a document like this. This DVD is an historical moment in the history of Rock and Roll and I felt priviliged to add it to my collection. Thank you Mick, Keith, Charlie and Ron. Thanks for being the greatest rock and roll band ever. Thanks for the music, thanks for the memories and thanks for the moment.