On August 30th, The Spanish produced DVD “The Complete History of U2” will be released in the United States. It’s an introductory history lesson on a band that has undoubtedly reserved a large seat at the table of music history. This is a documentary, which traces the group from its humble Dublin beginnings, through the present day; a career that now spans almost 30 years. Much of the information provided is interesting even to the casual fan. How they met, their first gig, how they groomed a following and earned their first record deal, etc. My favorite moments include footage of early fans speaking on the band as well as archival U2 interview footage from various time periods of their long career. The film also touches upon the band’s Irish and Christian roots as well as Bono’s dogged dedication to causes larger than himself.
Unfortunately, this production may only hold the attention of the most serious U2 fans and Rock historians. There are many gaps, the largest of which is the complete absence of any U2 music. In its place we have a cheesy, unrecognizable, canned soundtrack.
“The Complete History of U2” is an “unauthorized” biography with an obviously small budget. The film consists of archival U2 still photographs and interviews interspersed with talking heads that I suppose, have some connection to the band. What I found rather odd is that out of all the individuals who were interviewed about the band and appear in this film, not one of them was identified. I expected to see some captioning during interviews with third parties, i.e.: “John McDoe – Island Records” or “John McDoe – Bono’s Childhood Friend” or even “John McDoe – Larry's Cousin’s First Girlfriend’s Dentist’s Brother.” I had no idea who these band “experts” were. Did they really have firsthand knowledge? If so, how? This was probably the most disturbing thing about this DVD, because even though many of the conversations were interesting, you’re never sure if what you just heard was a load of bollocks. Maybe the budget didn't allow a caption machine?
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Article comments
1 - Bob A. Booey
This doesn't sound worth watching at all. It sounds pretty awful and poorly made on the cheap.
That is all.
2 - Robert
Well, my reviews are pretty awful too, but you might learn something something from them. Then again, maybe not.
3 - Bob A. Booey
Your reviews are good, Robert.
It's just that the DVD sounds awful -- no music, people who don't seem to have any connection to the band, no concert footage, no band interviews.
That is all.
4 - Jones Violet
It's like the Green Day DVD I got from them. Poorly made and not worth buying. I don't like to say that about things, because I'm sure the makers of it meant well, but, geez. The Metallica DVD is supposed to be the same way.
Robert, your reviews are great. Not awful at all!
5 - Robert
Thanks Bob and Jones. You are both right. This is just not very good. Jones, Your experience with the Green Day DVD would be replicated here.
6 - Temple Stark
>>Cheap, quick and dirty U2 [snip] - has its merits, but falls short.
That's the best [altered] description of the band EVER.
- Temple