Product Description

This breathtaking performance displays why Bad Brains became one of the most important bands in the history of American Hardcore. On Christmas Eve 1982, Bad Brains began their three-day stint at a Hardcore Festival hosted by legendary CBGB. This DVD rep

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #33396 in DVD
• Released on: 2006-09-19
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Formats: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, Live, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1

Customer Reviews

great snapshot
This DVD gives a great snapshot of a time and place--well, three nights in 1982 when Bad Brains were at, or about to reach their peak. Technically, there are many blemishes such as varying audio quality and shaky blurry camera work. However, it's striking how effective some of the focused shots on individuals in the crowd really capture the feeling of those shows. (I wasn't at those shows but did see them the same year.) For example, there were tons of people jumping onto and off of the stage... no big security people standing guard. One dude was just sort of standing there on the stage until HR finally pushing him off.

The images add context to the wildness of the music. The reggae tunes add an interesting balance. But what I really walked away with (I saw this in a theater tonight in Portland) was that Bad Brains really put their heart into their work. No matter what you do, you can watch this and say "wow, if you're going to do something you might as well go all the way". It's an inspirational movie.

I should add that this DVD is simply a bunch of concert footage (at least what I viewed). It's not a bunch of old rockers making some after-the-fact comments like "the first time I heard them I knew there was something special" like you see in some videos.

It's a great sing-along too.

punky reggae party!
The Bad Brains are to me the MOST crucial and hardest of ANY punk-hardcore bands as they did transcend those genres of rock 'n roll and their live shows were pure energy and adrenalin flow! I was privaleged to catch them live a few times during their heyday, and it would be hard to put into words just exactly what I experienced as it was beyond music! and of course you'll never be able to completely experience it now, but this dvd release is probably as close as you could possibly ever come! recorded around the time of probably recording the first full-length lp "Rock for light" ('83, produced by The Cars' Ric Ocasek) the 3 shows these performances were taken from are exquisite! The rock rips, and then the punkers in the audience are lobotomized into a peaceful trance thru reggae, they are taken from one extreme to the farthest point from it! For any Bad Brains fan, this is a MUST HAVE! DE-STROY BA-BY-LON!

Wow!!!
Wow!!! Just Wow! I'm stunned that this even exists. Always loved the Brains. I wasn't one of the people who was at CB's all the time, but have seen these guys a few times. Seeing them now is still cool, but nothing like seeing them back then.

Despite my glowing comments on this DVD, it's not for everyone. It is a very raw performance in a cramped CBGB's club. Camera angles aren't the greatest for capturing the band (much of it is shot from behind the band). Sound is a bit chaotic (to be expected once you see it as the stage is often filled with fans along with the band, and mic's get knocked over fairly frequently). You won't find slick MTV production here, but then that wouldn't be the point, would it. This is punk rock. It's not supposed to be polished. This DVD completely captures the scene at the club. And despite my coments on it's lack of polish, the picture is crisp and the audio clear (even with mics being knocked over often). And heck, this is Bad Brains playing CB's in '82. How amazing is that! Just got through watching it and was completely floored. These guys were the real deal and in this they are on top of their game. If you're a fan of the Brains then checking this out is a must. If you're interested in what the punk scene was like at CBGB's, this DVD does an exellent job at displaying it.

I'm still stunned. Wow!