Sir Paul's live performances are actually improving as he gets older, which makes this document from his early '90s touring days arguably better than his '70s dates but not up to the level of his triumphant new millennium ... more »concerts. However, this is a Beatle we're talking about, and how bad can it be to hear immortals like "Drive My Car," "We Can Work it Out," and "Here, There and Everywhere" sung by one of their creators? The problem is the newer stuff. Props to McCartney and band (including then-wife Linda, guitarist Robbie MacIntosh, and guitarist-singer Hamish Stuart from the Average White Band) for refusing to merely wallow in nostalgia. But tunes such as "Biker Like a an Icon" and "Peace in the Neighbourhood" are no great shakes any time; placed side by side with "Hey Jude" and "Yesterday," they fare even less well. A bio and photo gallery are included. --Sam Graham« less
Actor:Paul McCartney Genres:Music Video & Concerts Sub-Genres:Pop, Rock & Roll, Paul McCartney, Classic Rock Studio:Rounder / Umgd Format:DVD - Color DVD Release Date: 08/12/2003 Original Release Date: 01/01/1993 Theatrical Release Date: 01/01/1993 Release Year: 2003 Run Time: 1hr 25min Screens: Color Number of Discs: 1 SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Total Copies: 0 Members Wishing: 6 MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated) Languages:English
Can some please tell studios how to make a concert film!?
jay kenyon | LAS VEGAS, NV USA | 01/04/2004
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Here's the deal. When we buy a concert video we want to be at the concert. That is, some close ups, some long shots, and awesome surround sound. For the ultimate DVD, let the viewer choose what band member to watch with the "angle" button.We do not want quick takes, with fast cuts, and for goodness sake, no "artsy" camera work. And while you're at it, why don't you focus on the act on stage, NOT THE AUDIENCE!!This video suffers from mtv-syndrome. super fast cuts, that prevent you from seeing what's going on, and the oft-mentioned, documentary / archival grainy b&w footage. Further, whoever directed this video seemed more interested in the audience reactions than what's going on onstage."
Looking for Changes
Julie A Ross | Pleasant Hill, CA United States | 08/06/2004
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Yep. Looking for changes in the way Paul makes his concert videos! Ever since Paul left the Beatles in 1970, he's been giving us one great tour after another...and one bad concert film after another. First he gave us Rock Show, which was pretty darn good. Then, Get Back, which was a good effort. Next came this film, Paul is Live. Paul cuts to different performances (and sometimes different footage altogether) within the same song. Some of the footage is in color, some in black and white. Again, it cuts between the two within the same song. The music in this video is awesome. For the casual fan of McCartney, I recommend the "Paul is Live" CD. It features the same great music but without the bad video. If you're a die hard fan like I am, you'll probably enjoy this DVD."
Good concert but a badly produced video of it.
Julie A Ross | 11/05/2003
(1 out of 5 stars)
"I remember going to see this eccellent concert in 1993 and unfortunately this very badly produced video does not do it justice.
In the first song "Drive My Car" which lasts only 2 minutes and 16 seconds,the picture jumps from colour to black and white and back 38 times and shows a car on a highway another 8 times.
And that's just the first song!
Somewere in all this mess Paul is singing.
This bad producing goes on all through the twenty two song concert and ruins it for viewers.
The music is good but the video is terrible and producers Stewart J Swartz and James Clark deserve criticism for this video,the worst production job that I have ever seen.
Someone should tell them the old saying "keep it simple stupid"."
Paul still has all the charm, energy, talent, and charisma!
Julie A Ross | 08/27/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Paul still stirs you with all his energy and emotions he puts into every song! I liked this video. I loved the backflashes of the Beatle-days gone by, plus some scenes from Paul's home life with his wife and kids. However, I didn't like the animal torture scenes! It was very disturbing to me, as I am an animal lover. I guess that was his intent to move you to respond to the wrong that is being done to animals today. Aside from those agonizing scenes, Paul still has all the charm, energy, talent, and charisma he has always had since his youth. I especially liked all the Beatle songs he sang. Yeah, Yeah, Yeah! He still has it! I love you Paul!"
Great Music . . . . . .but . . . . . Video Really Lacks
T. B. Vick | The Lone Star State | 03/26/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I actually had the privilege of seeing the New World Tour in San Antonio at the new Alamo Dome. The show was awesome, one of the best performances I have ever seen (and I have been to hundreds of concerts).
This video was an attempt to capture that tour. Unfortunately, it did not really convey the magnitude of what was going on (but then again, with concerts, film hardly ever captures the sense of actually being there). The music was great (though parts were compressed too much). The song selection for that tour was near perfect. If you like fast video takes, quick paced video moving, and flip flop sequences from color to black and white, as well as background shots over other parts, then this is the video for you. However, if you prefer simple concerts shots where you can see the players overall and not have the video quickly skipping from one player to the next, then you will probably not like the video portion of this DVD.
I would only recommend this DVD if you are 1) a huge Paul McCartney fan, 2) you love both Paul's music in the 80's and while he was with the Beatles, and/or 3) you are from the MTV generation and are used to watching this sort of video footage.
There were really only two redeeming qualities about this DVD and those are the music (i.e. the songs), and the extra footage/videos at the end (or after) the concert (with the exception of the PETA footage, which was a little overkill, no pun intended)."