Product Details

• Format: Box set, Black & White, Color, NTSC
• Language: English
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 3
• Studio: Winstar
• VHS Release Date: March 20, 2001
• Run Time: 180 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B000056MOP
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #270,083 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The history of rock & roll in Ireland is presented in suitably lively fashion in a series produced by RTÉ, Ireland's national television network. In these first three installments from the series (each an hour long), the story advances from the 1950s to the early 1980s, with archival footage providing a glimpse of what all the excitement was about. The first stirrings of rock music in Ireland took the form of "show bands," hugely popular ensembles that gave many young musicians their start. Fascinating clips of concert film chronicle the development of two artists who helped define rock in Ireland: blues guitarist Rory Gallagher and Phil Lynott, a black Dubliner who formed the hard-rocking band Thin Lizzy. The seldom-interviewed Van Morrison reminisces a bit about his own formative years and influences, Bob Geldof talks about his career in the Boomtown Rats, and Bono, the Edge, and others comment on U2's earliest stirrings. Folk bands like Planxty are seen briefly in clips, as are primal Celtic rockers Horslips and punk pioneers the Virgin Prunes. The bits of concert footage, especially scenes of guitar hero Gallagher blazing away, would alone make these programs worth watching, but interviews with Irish music writers and intelligent observers such as film director Jim Sheridan (My Left Foot) make the programs informative as well as extremely entertaining. -- Robert J. McNamara

From the Back Cover

Ireland in the 1950's was a gray and conservative place. Elsewhere, it was the decade that heralded the birth of rock 'n' roll. But as the '50s accelerated into the '60s, an emerging generation began to turn on to the revolutionary sounds that were changing musical expectations and values around the globe. Irish songwriters and musicians embarked on an adventure that, in time, would lead to an explosion in creativity and achievement unparalleled anywhere in the world.

Ireland, a small country off the Western coast of Europe, has succeeded in producing some of the most popular and acclaimed music of recent decades. It has done so to an extent that is completely out of proportion to its size. From a Whisper to a Scream focuses on the extraordinary individuals behind this story. It traces the evolution of the music, from its humble beginnings in overcrowded dance halls and beat clubs to the glittering venues where it is performed today. Featuring rare archival footage, exclusive interviews and live performance clips, this electrifying film presents thrilling highlights from over 30 years of Irish popular music.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST FOR THE SERIOUS ROCK FAN AND STUDENT, April 9, 2001

By 

Neal C. Reynolds (Indianapolis, Indiana) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: From a Whisper to a Scream - The Living History of Irish Rock [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Warning, this documentary might be disappointing to the average fan because the performance clips are painfully brief. But if you are more intererested in a deeper knowledge and understanding of Irish rock and it's place in rock..indeed in the full spectrum of Irish music, then this video should be your cup of tea.

The influence of The Beatles as well as such American rock as Chuck Berry is traced along with the influence of traditional Irish music, even that of the legendary operatic tenor, John McCormick. Most important though is the very Irish nature which flavors the music.

All music is interwoven, and the relationship between Irish rock and the dance spectacular, "Riverdance", is brought out.

Performers such as Van Morrison, Clannad (and Enya), The Cranberries, U2, and The Corrs are all highlighted, but performers lesser known or even unknown outside of Ireland are all given their due, and the credit they deserve.

If you want a comprehensive overview of Irish rock, and are NOT looking for the entertainment value of long performance clips, then this video is definitely for you.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This one is EASY!, June 20, 2003

By 

Diddley Doo "burnedDave" (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: From a Whisper to a Scream - The Living History of Irish Rock (DVD)

If you are thinking about making this purchase...DO IT! You will not be disappointed. This is not a film about U2 although they are prominently featured. This is an outstanding documentary covering all facets of Irish music culminating with the status of Irish Rock circa 2000. Fantastic interviews with a reflective Van Morrison, still intense still burning Bob Geldolf, and a suprizingly humble Bono, along with several pilars of Irish music. I've learned so much about the music I love and discovered more wonderful artists to explore. I'm embarrassed to say that I had no idea who Rory Gallagher was (his name has every right to be mentioned in the same breath with Page, Hendrix, and Clapton...Guitar God? Hell Yeah!) until viewing this DVD. Now I can't get enough of his music. Thanks to Amazon.com for making so much of his catalogue as well as the other artists available. I haven't explored any special features on the DVD and don't even know if they exist at the time I'm writting this...but...who cares! This disc ROCKS! The sound and picture quality are there. Everyone I've shown this to are just stunned by what they are seeing and hearing. The only complaint is that the music clips are too short but again, it's a great way to learn more about not just Irish rock, but Rock and Roll period.
To sum it all up...crack a cold one, pop the disc in, kick back, and ENJOY!!!

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST FOR THE SERIOUS ROCK FAN AND STUDENT, April 9, 2001

By 

Neal C. Reynolds (Indianapolis, Indiana) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: From a Whisper to a Scream - The Living History of Irish Rock (DVD)

One caution...the average rock fan probably would be dissatisfied with this DVD because the music clips, though numerous, are so brief.

But for the person looking for more depth and understanding, this documentary is tops. The very roots of Irish Rock & Roll are explored, including the influence of The Beatles and of Chuck Berry as well as that of traditional Irish music and even the Irish operatic tenor, John McCormick. Foremost of course is the Irish character itself which flavors Irish rock.

Irish rock's place and influence on international rock is spotlighted, as well as the genre's place in the whole spectrum of Irish music.

Performers such as Clannad (and Enya), U2, the Corrs, the Cranberries, Van Morrison are highlighted, but many other notable groups less familiar or unfamiliar to those outside of Ireland are given their dues.

There's even a relationship shown between Irish rock and "Riverdance".

If you are a serious student of rock, and seek understanding of Irish Rock's unique importance, this DVD is indeed for you.