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70 of 72 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Superb on All Counts, May 29, 2005
This review is from: T. Rex: Born To Boogie (DVD)
This DVD finally brings together not only the restored BORN TO BOOGIE, but also a multitude of extras, including two live concerts in which Bolan and his associates are at their peak. It's interesting to contrast the two performances; in the 5:30 show, the acoustic set is much stronger; in the 8:30 show, the electric stuff is sensational, leading off with a rousing version of CADILLAC. The restoration of the image from 16mm is absolutely first rate; most of the footage was rescued, along with the original stereo recordings, from 100s of rusting film cans in Ringo's garage. Tony Visconti, who worked with Bolan during his key era, did the remastering of the soundtrack, and it's absolutely remarkable; no distortion, and great presence. There are also interview extras, a long piece on the restoration of the film, outtakes with Elton John and Ringo during a jam session, and much, much more. As someone who saw T Rex three times in the US (at their first Carnegie Hall gig, which was a triumph, though the audience simply didn't get it; at the Palladium in NYC on 14th street, where Bolan pleaded with the audience to no avail to "get it on," and finally at a tragic gig at a dump called The Joint in the Woods in New Jersey, shortly before his untimely death), I've always felt that Bolan was severely underrated. Now, here's the proof in 2005 that T Rex, which during its heyday was responsible for 25% of all record sales in the UK (yes, that's right), was one of the masters. Buy, enjoy, and play loud. The movie itself is something of a mess, with a number of useless fantasy sequences that don't come off, but the two concerts more than make up for it; this is rock and roll history, and a copy of this should be an essential in every collection.
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41 of 41 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Now you can show everyone what we've known for years!, June 13, 2005
This review is from: T. Rex: Born To Boogie (DVD)
Finally! Given T-Rex was under-appreciated in the U.S., I've always been asked what Marc Bolan and the boys were all about! Now I can simply play this wonderful 2-disk dvd and show everyone. This is the ultimate for any Bolan fan. The production is beuatiful, the sound is fantastic, and you get many additional extras including an excellent look into the restoration process, interviews with producer Tony Visconti and Marc's son, Rolan.
Filmed by Ringo Starr for Apple Films, the DVD includes the original theatrical release of Born to Boogie, as well as full coverage of the 5:30PM and 8:30PM Wembley Pool concerts. The movie has its moments, the highlight being a splendid run through Children of the Revolution in the studio with Elton John and Ringo sitting in. That version is even better than originally released single. I could do without the rest of the surreal fantasy scenes that interrupt the concert footage, but it reflects the same playful strangeness seen in Magical Mystery Tour. Given both concerts are included in their entirety, you lose nothing even though 3 songs from the 8:30 show don't make the original movie.
As for the music, it's absolutely peak T-Rex. As was the norm for 1972, both the early and late shows are 1-hour and have the same set list. Nonetheless, they are markedly different. The 5:30 show is a bit ragged, and Bolan is plagued with microphone problems (he literally has to follow the swaying microphone back and forth while singing Telegram Sam). In addition, Bolan's guitar is turned too low in the first show and the rest of the band seem a bit stiff. Yet, it still reflects a band at its creative apex (having hit it big with Electric Warrior and completed many tracks for The Slider). The second show is AWESOME and worth the purchase by itself! The band is tight, Marc's guitar is loud and driving, and the energy exchanged between Bolan and the crowd drives the set forward to increasingly intense musical peaks. I did notice that Tony Visconti (who mixed the DVD) adds some subtle lead guitar lines here and there that are clearly not being played by Marc on stage, but this is not a distraction and there are plenty of true leads played, especially as the late show fires up. The songs are as fresh today as they were in the 1972 days of T-Rexstacy. What's great is that T-Rex fans get the total live experience they've craved for years AND the unfamiliar viewer will finally "get it" and "get it on" with Marc and T-Rex. As an avid fan for over 30 years, I can finally say "I'm satisfied!" You will be too!
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20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
BOLANS HOLY GRAIL, May 18, 2005
This review is from: T. Rex: Born To Boogie (DVD)
Wow..this is awesome!! Currently on vacation here in jolly olde England and just had to buy this DVD !! You will not be disapointed..its the ULTIMATE BOLAN EXPERIENCE !!Whoever put this together deserves a Knighthood..its not just the Born To Boogie movie which has been cleaned up and looks Fab..sounds Fab
.Us Rexers have seen it a million times on poor VHS or Bootleg..Its the Extras that just blow you away...The 5.30 afternoon concert is Bolan at his best..the colors, sound, energy is unbeleivable.Marc was only 24 when he strutted his stuff and boy does he look likes hes having a blast.I forgot how Beautiful Mickey Finn was..its such a shame that they are no longer here..
How this film has rotted in a basement for the last 33 years is a crime.Top Hats off to Rolan, Sanctuary, Martin Barden and" all the cats..you know who you are" for having the balls and passion to bring this out for the masses.It must have cost a fortune to clean up and I hope it sells by the truckload.
I was a Bolan Childe in the 70s and seeing this wonderous 5 hours today brought a tear to my aged eyes..it really was like 1972 again and I hope the star that Marc was/is will still be allowed to shine..big time.
Thanks Ringo for giving your blessing and especially to Rolan who never got the chance to really know his Father...remember Marc made SO many people happy..as he says in the film."your'e my People"...pass the kleenex.
Sorry to ramble but this is the Bolan Holy Grail..so much to see,feel and just be..there are so many jewels in this crown...BUY it ..darken the room,open the champagne and ROCK On..You will not be sorry ..honest..
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