Customer Reviews

U2 Go Home - Live From Slane Castle (Limited Edition Packaging)

5 star:		(87)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The Packaging
The first surprise is that the DVD is available in two different kinds of packaging. One version comes in the usual digipack-cover as we know it from the Boston DVD. Inside you find the booklet in the usual DVD upsize format. The second version, in contrast, comes in a suprising format: its a standard cd jewel case with a booklet in the same format. A pretty unusual format for a DVD and day-to-day customers might easily mix up this version with a normal audio CD.

The Content

The DVD contains the entire slane castle concert from September 1st. 'Mysterious Ways' is not part of the concert, but listed as a 'bonus track'. The reasons for this are still unknown. The concert without Mysterious Ways lasts 1:38h, the bonus track is 6:26 min long. Furthermore the DVD contains a remastered version of the 'Unforgettable Fire' Documentary, which has been available before on the 'The Unforgettable Fire Collection' VHS from 1985. Bonus-Features include the already mentioned Mysterious Ways track, a DVD-ROM section with screensavers, desktop wallpapers, an elevation tour calendar and weblinks, plus - for the the first time ever - the possibility to view 3 songs from the show in a 360° perspective.

The Concert

The most noticeable fact about this concert is the perfect mood the band was in on this evening. What seemed somewhat artificial and nervous in the Boston show, you can see much better here - the band enjoyed playing a second time in front of such a crowd at Slane Castle. Maybe it's the fact that it was not planned to release this concert for sale. Some incidents before the shows made both Slane concerts very emotional. The huge crowd brings a terrific spirit to the homes of all U2 fans, and the interaction with fans is much better here than in Boston.

Between songs Bono tells stories, plays games with fans and makes other kinds of jokes, all this makes the recording and U2 on this evening so likable. We pass on a song by song review, as we think that each viewer has to make up his own mind about this concert. We just want to point out that U2's mood and musical performance is outstanding. In comparision with all the other live videos this is the one which transports the feeling of a live concert best. All other videos tend to be stiff in some way or too well prepared. U2 at Slane Castle 2001 is the band U2 we want to see, they act with their hearts and have fun.

The Picture

The concert was recorded with many camera perspectives although Ned O'Hanlon said in an @U2.com interview that the expenses on that show were just a small fraction compared to the expenses for recording the Boston show. The spirit of the entire show is captured very well, shots from and of the audience are used very often and reflect its enthusiasm. The video format is 16:9, the pictures are sometimes very coarse, sometimes due to special effects, but this may have to do something with the light conditions during the shooting.

The Sound

This is the first time a U2 DVD is released with DTS sound, in addition to the PCM stereo format and DolbyDigital 5.1. But we think that for a normal user there is no relevant notable difference. Bonos voice is transferred very clearly via the centre speaker. The instruments are mixed to the front speakers, from the rear speakers you can notice quiet echoes, which are sometimes irritating. The audience is well mixed into the rear-speakers. There is no crystal clear mixing as can be found on DVDs like 'Eagles - Hell Freezes Over', where each instrument can be heard on a different channel. But maybe it's not comparable, because the Eagles show was a club-gig especially prepared for this, U2 in Slane was an open-air show which was, at the time of recording, not scheduled for a release.

The Extras
'The Unforgettable Fire' documentary
As mentioned before this is a remastered version of the 'Unforgettable Fire' documentary which follows the recordings of the album of the same name at Slane Castle in 1984. The video format is 4:3 and the documentary is 28 min long. The Documentary also includes the "Pride (In The Name of Love)" video. The picture quality is not the best, it's far away from DVD-quality.

Bonus-Track 'Mysterious Ways'
Once the track list of the DVD became public, many fans were shocked as the same song which was already missing on the Boston DVD was once again cut out. For still unknown reasons the song was taken out of the usual running order of the DVD and instead placed as a bonus track. It is not as was rumoured (and feared) a so called "easter egg", but a normal track which can easily be accessed via the main menu. (Remark: Producer Ned O'Hanlon said in a recent interview that the song just didn`t really fit into the show).

DVD-Rom Bonus Tracks

The most anticipated special, the 360° view of the concert, ends up being a Quicktime video of the three songs Elevation, Beautiful Day and Where The Streets Have No Name. Users have the possibility to spin around 360° degrees in real time at the touch of their mouse. A real high-end-special-feature feeling unfortunately doesn't come across due to the lack of quality which reminds one of a cheap webcam.

The second special feature is the 'Elevation tour diary calendar and clock'.

Furthermore two screensavers in red and blue are available - their style matching the artwork of the DVD. Nice, but not really exciting.

Four desktop motives are available to polish up your Windows system. They are available in 1024x768 and 800x600 resolution.

Finally the obligatory links to U2.com and NGOs that are supported by U2 are featured. Exclusive weblinks are unfortunately missing.
You can read the entire review with screenshots also in english at .....,..

I have been a loyal fan since 1988. I've seen them live 8 times live (which is not a lot compared to some, but still a good amount) and own pretty much everything you can get your hands on. This show is by far one of the most emotional and powerful shows I have seen them perform. It is also the first time that I was brought to slight tears by watching a rock and roll video (understand that Bono's father passed away the week prior. ("Communication. Talk to each other.")) Even my friend's wife, who hates all concert videos in general, was drawn into this one (My friend said that he had never seen her do this before with a concert video). I won't go into all the details, you can read some of the prior reviews for that. I'm just a 15 year fan throwing in my hearty approval.

Oh, this DVD is obviously much better than the televised version a year ago. That broadcast only played a few of the songs and interrupted them with endless commericals.

Also, for those wondering why "Mysterious Ways" is included as a bonus feature...it is because the director felt that it did not fit with emotion of the rest of the concert. I agree with his decision. You do get to see Bono's daughter come on the stage at the end (Eve) which is fun.

I've seen U2, and this DVD not only captures all the excitement of U2 playing at their best, it also ranks among the best live performance DVDs ever. Recorded in Ireland in 2001 (before the release of HOW TO DISMANTLE AN ATOMIC BOMB), this concert proves that U2 is still the greatest rock-and-roll band in the world. Recorded in superb 5.1 Dolby Digital Sound and DTS Sound, this DVD rattles and hums, and is full of U2's unforgettable fire. Tracks include:

1. "Elevation"
2. "Beautiful Day"
3. "Until The End Of The World"
4. "New Year's Day"
5. "Out Of Control"
6. "Sunday Bloody Sunday"
7. "Wake Up Dead Man"
8. "Stuck In A Moment"
9. "Kite"
10. "Angel of Harlem"
11. "Desire"
12. "Staring at the Sun"
13. "All I Want Is You"
14. "Where The Streets Have No Name"
15. "Pride"
16. "Bullet The Blue Sky"
17. "With or Without You"
18. "One"
19. "Walk On"
20. "Mysterious Ways."

This DVD will not only appeal to any U2 fan, it sets the highest standard possible for what a live performance DVD should be.

G. Merritt

I am a huge U2 fan, and have seen plenty of the dvds they have out. This by far is the best one out there. If you have boston, this is better. Heres a song by song review:
1.Elevation-Genius! The best oppening of a concert ever!
2.Beautiful Day-Awesome second song. Bono sounds awesome and Edge is the best backing vocalist of all time!!
3.Until The End Of The World- This is funny because on the second audio option before Edge's solo begins you hear some women scream Bono's name.
4.New Years Day-Another classic played very well. I love Edge's woooaah on this one, and the piano part too.
5.Out Of Control-This is where the concert goes from Good too great. This is an awesome rendition when Bono tells the story of the band.
6.Sunday Bloody Sunday-This song is all about drums for me!!(im a drummer). The drums sound so awesome on this song. Excellent!!!
7.Wake Up Dead Man-This song sounds awesome in standard tuning compared to half step down tuning, best performance of this one.
8.Stuck In A Moment-All I can say for this is Listen to Edge!! I cant help but laugh! I wonder if he realizes he sounds like a girl?
9.Kite-And after this, the concert explodes. Bono sounds great in this song!! It was written for his dad, which makes it even better.
10.Angel of Harlem-Another classic performed flawlessly and better than any other time.
11.Desire-WOW!! They really pulled this one out of the box. I love how Larry and Adam join Edge and Bono on the heart.
12.Staring at the sun-My only complaint, Stay would have been better, but this is good to.
13.All I Want Is You-I really like that Bono deicates the song to his wife. I thought that was cute and followed by an awesome performance of AIWIY.
14.Where The Streets Have No Name-Not many people know this but Bono's dad died a week before this, and this song explodes because of it. Bono really lets loose right from the start when he wails during Edge's intro. Drummer's note-This was Larry's best Bridge to the outro.
15.Pride-Well done. The Most key changed song. The key has been changed 3 times since The unforgettable fire tour. Very good performance.
16.Bullet The Blue Sky-I thought the performance of this song was awesome! U2 at their talented best.
17.With or Without You-This song is awesome, and sounds even better live! Excellentlly Performed!!
18.One-The only time I have almost cried because of a song. Truly a tearjerker.
19.Walk On-Excellent last song choice. They really do this one better live!

So lets review, awesome concert, awesome features, what more could you want. A must have for all U2 fans!

If you're a U2 fan and after reading all these reviews you haven't gotten the DVD, stop right now and get it! Seriously, watching a U2 show in front of their hometown fans forces them to raise the bar, and they deliver! This one reminded me of why I got into U2 in the first place - watching "Under a Blood Red Sky". Same intensity, but obviously captures them much farther along in their now historical career.

True, it is mostly the Elevation Tour, but each song is delivered with noticeably more emotion - throw in the sad death of Bono's father and, to steal the phrase its easy to get, 'stuck in a moment'. Unlike the other concerts, rather than showcase new songs, this one only has 5 tunes (all of which made it to radio) from the latest project and brings back "New Years Day", "All I Want Is You", and even better "Out of Control" (Bono even alludes to their parents funding them $500 lbs to get a record deal). We're talking high energy from start to finish. Plus, the special feature of "Making the Unforgettable Fire" gives a very cool insight into the making and editing of "Pride". True mainstay live tunes "The Fly", "I Will Follow", and "Bad" would have made this complete, but hey, 20 (including Mysterious Ways) out of 23 aint bad. Beside, include those and why do you need the Elevation DVD?

Heck, if nothing else, you get to see someone dump a beer on Bono. That's worth the $$$ isn't it?

If you only buy one live performance from U2, this one is a no-brainer.

There is a moment in this film that never fails to give me chills: The segue between"All I want is you"to "Where the Streets Have No Name"in which Bono holds the last note of"All I want..." in such a way that you feel as if he pouring out his soul at that moment.....and then in a great catharsis the band delivers a stunning performance of "Where......"It is for me the best moment I have seen in a concert! I strongly recommend this dvd..the entire concert is filled with the best rock you will ever hear(I am 51...I have heard my share of"the rock and roll")!

This is the Full Track List/Features for DVD case edition. (Be aware the 'jewel case' edition may not contain same contents.)

Tracklisting:
- Performance from Slane, 1st September
1. Elevation
2. Beautiful Day
3. Until The End Of The World
4. New Year's Day
5. Out Of Control
6. Sunday Bloody Sunday
7. Wake Up Dead Man
8. Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of
9. Kite
10. Angel Of Harlem
11. Desire
12. Staring At The Sun
13. All I Want Is You
14. Where The Streets Have No Name

15. Pride (In The Name Of Love)
16. Bullet The Blue Sky
17. With Or Without You
18. One
19. Walk On

- The Unforgettable Fire documentary (28 minutes)

The DVD includes a bonus track ("Mysterious Ways"), and DVD ROM special features include U2 calendar, screensavers and weblinks plus three songs shot on 'Spincam' allowing the viewer an interactive, 360 degree view of the concert. U2 Go Home is presented in PCM Stereo, DTS and Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound. Aspect ratio 16:9.

Just when I thought I couldn't appreciate u2 any more than I already do, they release an absolutely incredible DVD with the Slane Castle performance. It is hands down the most brilliant concert I've ever seen as the greatest rock band ripped the stage in front of their hometown crowd in Dublin. The Irish government should declare Sept. 1, 2001 a national holiday in dedication to this concert. This concert was perfection, created by amazing tunes, high emotions, and a crowd of 80,000 fans that didn't stop the whole show. Legendary producer Rick Rubin summed it up perfectly when stating that "seeing u2 live is like a religious experience."

It is hard to write in this review why this DVD is so incredible, but here are some of the reasons: (1)The way u2 walk onto stage and the crowd absolutely erupts as the band rips into "Elevation" (2)The complete performance of "Until the End of the World," my favorite live u2 song, laced with the wicked riffs of the band's genius guitarist, the Edge. (3)When Bono sings "New Years Day" with the Irish flag wrapped around him (4)The surprising appearance of "Out of Control" in the set and Bono's speech during the middle of the song which brings the crowd to probably it's highest peak of rowdiness. (5)The emotional performance of "Sunday Bloody Sunday" which concludes with u2's frontman singing "Wake Up Dead Man" while thousands of lighters appear in total darkness. (6)"Kite," one of my favorite u2 tracks ever, which Bono dedicates to his father who had just recently passed away.(7)"Angel of Harlem," which shows how much fun the band members still have together playing live after 20 years. (8)Probably my favorite on the DVD, the absolutely amazing "All I Want is You," which the lead singer dedicates to his beautiful wife Ali. I also like the part when a fan drenches Bono in water and he turns around and says "All I want is f***ing you, man!" (9) "Streets Have No Name" = The crowd. Get the DVD, you'll realize what I mean. (10)The emotional conclusion of the concert with classics like "One" and "With or Without You."

This DVD makes you feel like you're at the concert, it will make you forget you have a couch in your living room as I stood up the whole time I watched it. I liked the camera work even though some didn't, it made me feel like I was there. The Bonus features are terrific as well, with the Unforgettable Fire documentary and a spincam in which you can rotate the camera angles. Pretty cool stuff.

u2 are one of the greatest bands of all time hands down, they've always made amazing music but they just have that "something else" which put them on top of everyone else. Whether it be the original sound of Edge's guitar, having the most charasmatic lead singer, the friendship between the four members, I don't know. Bono refers to this as "IT", that u2 "just have IT." Well, "IT" was present and stronger than ever on Sept. 1, 2001.

Ok I wasn't at Slane and I didn't see the DVD but I can remember the huge build-up to the 2 concerts that year. I just thought I'd help a few of you to get a feel for the occasion and the history of Slane since some of you seem a little misled. This is probably one of the most amazing concert venues in the world and (until this year - Madonna should be ashamed of herself) has always been a rock venue. Slane is NOT in Dublin - it is in a tiny village called Slane (funny enough) in Meath which is about an hour and a half drive from Dublin. The reason I did not go to this concert was that the tickets were literally gold dust - all 80,000 sold out in a matter of minutes, thus the reason for the second show which also sold out in minutes (it had always been a one concert a year venue until that year). It is estimated though that there were at least 100,000 fans at each show - possibly something to do with the wonderful support acts (one night was coldplay and the other were Red Hot Chile Peppers along with others). The venue is literally a castle set in a huge field (with a hill and a few trees as meeting points) with the Boyne River in the background and is quite close to the historic ancient Boyne Valley. There have been quite a few deaths of ticketless fans trying to swim the river to the castle over the years. The first concert was in 1979 headlined by Thin Lizzy and supported by a, then unheard of, U2 (which is why the DVD is entitled U2 go home. They HAVE played in Ireland several times in that timeframe, just not in Slane.) And has since been rocked by legends no less than Queen, Springsteen, Neil Young, REM, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Pearl Jam, Guns N Roses... The list goes on and on. To the eejit who asked if the crowd have no seats... WHAT??? It's Slane, it's a field, it's a mind-blowing experience, NOT a lesson in comfort. That's not how we do things here in Ireland anyway. People camp out the night before and sometimes the following night. It's great if it's hot and sunny but even better if it's wet and mucky. Anyway apparently they've booked a few nights in the equally legendary Croke Park (HQ of Gaelic football & hurling here in Ireland) for next year and this time I DEFINITELY won't be missing out.

Great great concert. As has been said, you can just SEE the emotion of the concert, as well as being able to hear it.

Well worth the purchase if you're even a little bit of a U2 fan.

Hardcore fans - why have you NOT bought this yet??