"What a great music dvd this is. I normally do not like music dvds, too often filled with preening and self-adoration. But this one is different, showing the geography and scope of Iceland and its people in a very fresh, low-key and brilliant way, as well as showing off the music and the relative humility and humanity (as well as talent) of the musicians. I bought my first Sigur Ros CD years ago, and hadn't any idea what any of them looked like. You get to see them here, but in such a humble, common man way it is really refreshing. You also see much of the ordinary people of Iceland and the massive, empty scenery of the place. Just beautiful at virtually every level."
Superbly made music doc and concert footage
Zhimbo | New York City | 12/09/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Beautifully filmed and expertly edited, this is one of the best music documentary/tour films I've seen. It delivers great performances in wonderful settings, and was made with clear affection towards the land and the people of Iceland.
The 2nd disk is a great bonus that may well end up getting more play than the main disk, as it presents all of the performances uninterrupted by snippets of interview, as they are in the main documentary, as well as some additional material that didn't make the main film."
Beautiful documentary!
NexoidGirl | Brooklyn, NY USA | 10/24/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This documentary is absolutely gorgeous, both visually and aurally. The film consists of interviews with the band, concert footage in their homeland of Iceland, and breathtaking landscapes. The concert shown includes great backstage views, as well as a audience member's view of a very non-traditional concert.
If you're a fan of Sigur Ros, I highly recommend seeing this film. You will not be disappointed. Even if you're not a fan, it's worth seeing for the imagery alone."
Brilliant
J. Monsalvez | Los Angeles, CA, USA | 11/02/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Heima screened last night in my neighborhood, and Sigur Ros played a small acoustic set before the film. Absolutely brilliant! A fine documentary that embraces all the ideals of the band's music, and shows the wonderous nature of their homeland and its people. I don't think there is anything more enjoyable to a music listener than seeing the origins of songs and the unique manner and settings in which they were recorded. Obviously I am a fan, so I think that Sigur Ros may very well be the pioneer of 21st century classical music, but if you have not yet given this band a listen, do yourself a favor and check out the film."
4.5 Stars... Outstanding "home" tour documentary
Paul Allaer | Cincinnati | 07/06/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"On the heels of Sigur Ros' 20052-2006 world tour in support of the "Takk" album, the band decided to do something quite unique: travel around their home country of Iceland, playing free (and unannounced) shows on various locations for whoever cared to show up. They then decided to film the whole thing, and in the Fall of 2007, this gorgeous DVD was finally released.
"Heima" consists of 2 DVDs. DVD 1 (97 min.) brings the 'official' movie, and what a great treat it is. The movie is a mix of National Geographic Channel-like images of the country side of Iceland, in all of its rugged beauty, as well as a look at the Icelandic people themselves. The performances from Sigur Ros are outstanding, whether they are in a traditional setting such as the Reykjavik show, or whether they are performing entirely unplugged (no electricity whatsoever) at a remote setting where the band wants to show its support to some protesters against the planned construction of a huge dam. There are a number of performances inside as well, including what looks to be someone's living room (literally), but also a now-abandoned fish-processing factory. The band members of Sigur Ros (and of Amiina) give their perspectives throughout the movie. I need to make a special mention of how outstanding not only the movie looks, but also sounds. If you have a home-style theatre set-up (as I do), it will bring out the best of the movie, in particular the accoustics.
CD2 (152 min.) brings the accumulation of the performances, without the interviews. Be aware: there are a number of repeat perfornances from DVD1 (not sure why they decided to include those again), and also a number of additional performances. For me, THE standout moment is the 15+ min. explosive performace of "Popplagid" from the Reykjavik show. I had the chance to see Sigur Ros twice on the "Takk" tour, and several times since then, most recently a couple of weeks ago at Bonnaroo in a spectecular 1 AM set. They continue to get better and better, in my opinion. Meanwhile, "Heima" is an absolute must for any Sigur Ros fan, period."