Customer Reviews

Ziggy Stardust & The Spiders From Mars - The Motion Picture

5 star:		(39)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

This 1973 concert film directed by D.A. Pennebaker (Monterey Pop, Jimi Plays Monterey, Depeche Mode 101, etc.) documenting the final show of Ziggy Stardust (David Bowie) & the Spiders from Mars (Mick Ronson, Trevor Bolder, & Mick "Woody" Woodmansey)provides a rare glimpse into Bowie's glam rock period. It is a loud & flashy assault on the senses that is experienced through both "sound" & "vision". Film footage mostly consists of the performance, but also included are back stage scenes of Bowie changing from one costume to another.

Songs performed:
1) Hang on to yourself
2) Ziggy Stardust
3) Watch that man
4) Medley: Wild eyed boy from Freecloud/All the young dudes/Oh you pretty things
5) Moonage Daydream
6) Changes
7) Space Oddity
8) My death
9) Crack'd Actor
10) Time
11) Width of a circle
12) Let's spend the night together
13) Suffragette City
14) White light/white heat
15) Rock & Roll Suicide

Leonard Maltin dismisses this film as "practically unwatchable and unlistenable" which would only be true for people who either dislike Bowie or the style of music. Yes, the music is sometimes loud, the focus is blurry here & there, and the strobe lights go crazy, but this is a David Bowie rock concert from the 1970s, isnt that appropriate? Anyone who is interested in either David Bowie or the glam rock era of the 1970s will find this film essential. For one, it is the only film document of David Bowie's Ziggy/glam phase and for another it is the "last concert" with "the Spiders" including Mick Ronson, who was a part of Bowie's band since the 1969 album "Space Oddity" up until '73's "Pin Ups". Bowie would, by 1974, have a new back up band, as well as a new look. This film deserves preservation on DVD as the historical document that it is.

*Look quickly for Ringo Starr talking with Bowie backstage

Some reviewers here have complained that this (the DVD version) looks and sounds like trash. But since I like Bowie I bought it anyhow, expecting something no better than a bootleg. Well, I've seen plenty of bootlegs and this is nowhere near that poor. In fact, it's AMAZING. Yes, the sound quality isn't the best, but it's perfectly listenable. And, yes, the camerawork is a bit spasmodic and grainy, but that only adds to the gritty mood. Glam rock is SUPPOSED to be a bit trashy. If you want sleek, overproduced Bowie, then look elsewhere. But if you want Bowie at his best, then you can't miss this one. Watching this concert film you enter a ZONE and don't leave it till the end. This is Bowie at his best. Every now and then, Bowie flashes a killer smile, and that's because he knows he's onto something good. The music is some of the best rock ever recorded. The atmosphere is electric. Throughout the concert, Bowie is in THE ZONE, the audience is in THE ZONE -- and, if you don't expect polished concert footage, you will be, too.

It's 1973, in Hammersmith, London. Platformed teenagers in bell bottoms with blue hair and moons painted on their faces gather in civilised lines outside the converted cinema for what was a truly great concert. Although glam rock was far from the only teen movement in London at the time, this film makes it seem the most important. The first section of the film, and that with the clearest images, focuses on the fans outside the Hammersmith Odeon and Ziggy in the dressing room. Once the Spiders from Mars and Ziggy arrive on stage the atmosphere is electric. Some might miss the stereo of modern recordings, but the inferior sound quality somehow adds to the drama of the moment... for those who are eager to witness such a concert. Then there are the theatrics of Ziggy on stage - something never since emulated to the same degree. The concert is a seminal event both for Bowie's development as a performer, for glam rock (and then punk) as a movement, and for today's fans who only wish they had been there. If you have invested in a DVD player, then this film should definitely not be your first purchase. As other reviews testify, the picture and sound quality is poor; but then there are modern Bowie concerts with higher production values available. If you are keen to see what Ziggy was really like, however, it is well worth the money. Listen to the albums on your CD player, watch the modern concerts on your DVD player and watch this for the sheer spectacle. If you love Bowie and crave a closer view of his most acclaimed period, this is invaluable.

I recommend that you read the booklet that comes with this DVD. It documents the events leading up to the filming of Ziggy Stardust: The Motion Picture. Pennebaker almost never got to the show that night in 1973. That certainly would have been a shame. Thankfully, he DID make it there to film this historic event in Rock history. I am forever grateful.
This movie was available on VHS for a number of years, but on VHS, it was a blurry, noisy mess. Many critics shunned it for its poor quality. And because of its bootleg-like quality, it was never released to theatres. ...Fast-forward to the digital age. Through much love and hard work, Ziggy Stardust: The motion picture has now arrived on DVD in stellar form. The Special Edition contains completely remastered audio (remastered by Tony Visconti) and video. Gone are the grainy picture and the poor sound. The improvement in quality is incredible. I can't believe what has been accomplished here. This DVD is a delight to watch. I can't recommend it more. It's a must for any rock fan. A Definate must for any Bowie fan. Buy it while you can still find it.
I wasn't born when this historic concert took place. At 28 years of age, I missed out on the whole Ziggy era. It's a testament to Bowie's greatness that in those 28 years, I haven't seen anyone do it better. And without Ziggy Stardust: The Motion Picture, I wouldn't have got to see it at all. A+

This tape is the only record of Bowie with the Spiders from Mars. It is the next best thing to being there in spite of its unpolished state. There are some sound problems during the first two songs, and it looks more like a home movie than a concert tape. Still, for those of us who weren't there--and for those of us who were--it is a real treat! Bowie, though constantly changing and ever innovative, has never again quite captured the energy and charisma or the raw, edgy, yet refined perfection that he had while with the Spiders. Enjoy!

..and I emphasize 70's.

I was compelled to write sfter seeing complaints on red lights and guitar solos, which ALMOST convinced me not to get this great documentary on the ONLY time you will see David Bowie as his most famous alter ago, Ziggy Stardust.

Folks, as a casual listener..and lover of old school Bowie music, I have to say this concert is definitely something to see and not a diappointment.

From the backstage conversations to the insatiable energy Mr. Bowie gave off onsatage. David Bowie gives you your money's worth..

It bothers me though, the mentioning of Mick Ronson's long solo performances [Note:truly a gifted guitar player..and inspired me to want to play guitar]. To explain, the REASON for such solos is to give Bowie a chance to CHANGE costumes in-between, a practice that pop and R&B singers do to THIS day, besides if it DOES bother you, there is a 'Fast Forward' button.

Also, the red lighting used gives Bowie's Ziggy Stardust look a TRUE alien feel. It works perfectly, plus you can still see the man's face, besides they have other lighting too...if anyone is curious. Plus you have to remember this IS the seventies, not the 2000's...

Finally, as for the focus on the fans, I don't know of anyone who has NOT shown fans in the audience, but it doesn't really take away from the performances, besides this concert DVD is about David Bowie, not the audience.

Above all, if you like vintage classics or better yet watched classic concert videos on VH1 classics channel. Then you will have an inkling on what to expect.

Believe me, if this is what you want to get then go for it. But like I said this is the seventies and once you keep that in mind, just kick back and ENJOY! (...)

I was knocked out of my socks when I first watched this film - and the thrill is hardly less whenever I watch it again. If David Bowie/Ziggy Stardust don't rub you the right way, you'll hate this movie, but if they're in your bag it should be a real treat.

David/Ziggy is singing with the full force of his voice throughout, which you don't get to experience on the ZS album, making these versions of the songs some of my favourites. The filming style is absolutely perfect as well: stark-raving bright blocks of colour on pitch black, with a sort of rough, glittery feel. Gives it an air of fantasy and urgency that you wouldn't get with regular filming. Mick Ronson is a wonderful part of the film, completing the sound with his amazing guitar playing and complementing Ziggy visually. David/Zig is at his sexiest and most teasing here, and the costumes he uses have only been beat by the ones he wore in the 1980 Floor Show.

It is gorgeous, glittering, sex-in-a-back-alley Rock and Roll! Buy it!

I have this on both DVD and video and there isn't that much difference. DVD you can skip the guitar solos though and get back to David... or pause perfectly. If you do buy a DVD though, make sure you don't have the surround sound on. It sounds much much better when it's just flat together. Although this isn't a concert like you'd see today, it's still entertaining, definitely a classic. Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders just go together. I've got friends that don't know Bowie, but do know Ziggy Stardust. This is a great band, wonderful character, wonderful songs, it all comes together despite the picture quality. You can definitely just put it on and watch it, or work on something and just listen to it. It is worth the buy, especially if you love David Bowie.

..and I emphasize 70's.

I was compelled to write after seeing complaints on red lights and guitar solos, which ALMOST convinced me not to get this great documentary on the ONLY time you will see David Bowie as his most famous alter ego, Ziggy Stardust.

Folks, as a casual listener..and lover of old school Bowie music, I have to say this concert is definitely something to see and not a disappointment.

From the backstage conversations to the insatiable energy Mr. Bowie gave off onstage. David Bowie gives you your money's worth..

It bothers me though, the mentioning of Mick Ronson's long solo performances [Note:truly a gifted guitar player..and inspired me to want to play guitar]. To explain, the REASON for such solos is to give Bowie a chance to CHANGE costumes in-between, a practice that Pop and R&B singers do to THIS day, besides if it DOES bother you, there is a 'Fast Forward' button.

Also, the red lighting used gives Bowie's Ziggy Stardust look a TRUE alien feel. It works perfectly, plus you can still see the man's face, besides they have other lighting too...if anyone is curious. Plus you have to remember it was the seventies, not the 2000's...
..and the strobe lighting isn't really noticed at all, if you're focused on the performance and it's only used 3 times[?].

Finally, as for the focus on the fans, I don't know of any video director who has NOT shown fans in the audience, but it doesn't really take away from the performances, besides this concert DVD is about David Bowie, not the audience.

Above all, if you like vintage classics or better yet watched classic concert videos on VH1 classics channel. Then you will have an inkling on what to expect.

Believe me, if this is what you want to get, then go for it. But like I said it was the seventies and the technology back then wasn't as advanced as it is now, so once you keep that in mind, just kick back and ENJOY!


SP777 ( repost/edit from April 14, 2004)

..and I emphasize 70's.

I was compelled to write after seeing complaints on red lights and guitar solos, which ALMOST convinced me not to get this great documentary on the ONLY time you will see David Bowie as his most famous alter ego, Ziggy Stardust.

Folks, as a casual listener..and lover of old school Bowie music, I have to say this concert is definitely something to see and not a disappointment.

From the backstage conversations to the insatiable energy Mr. Bowie gave off onstage. David Bowie gives you your money's worth..

It bothers me though, the mentioning of Mick Ronson's long solo performances [Note:truly a gifted guitar player..and inspired me to want to play guitar]. To explain, the REASON for such solos is to give Bowie a chance to CHANGE costumes in-between, a practice that Pop and R&B singers do to THIS day, besides if it DOES bother you, there is a 'Fast Forward' button.

Also, the red lighting used gives Bowie's Ziggy Stardust look a TRUE alien feel. It works perfectly, plus you can still see the man's face, besides they have other lighting too...if anyone is curious. Plus you have to remember this IS the seventies, not the 2000's...

..and the strobe lighting isn't really noticed at all, if you're focused on the performance and it's only used 3 times[?].

Finally, as for the focus on the fans, I don't know of any video director who has NOT shown fans in the audience, but it doesn't really take away from the performances, besides this concert DVD is about David Bowie, not the audience.

Above all, if you like vintage classics or better yet watched classic concert videos on VH1 classics channel. Then you will have an inkling on what to expect.

Believe me, if this is what you want to get then go for it. But like I said this is the seventies and once you keep that in mind, just kick back and ENJOY!