I picked this up for free with a copy of the Observer some time ago and promptly forgot about it. Not being very knowledgable about Latin music, I wasn't in a hurry to watch it. Whether you like this music or not is almost immaterial - the musicianship is staggering and the rhythms are infectious. Typically romantic, hot South American music.
I am not going to comment on the extras of the DVD, as there aren't any on the free disc I got. However, the full version of the film may contain extras - I don't know. Even the free disc was in widescreen, with subtitles where appropriate.
However, out of curiousity the other day, I put it in my DVD player and was captivated. Just looking at the opening titles, the names "Wim Wenders" and "Ry Cooder" promised much. I was not to be disappointed.
Ry Cooder has gone to great lengths to track down long-forgotten musicians - many of them in their 90s - who used to play in the Buena Vista Social Club. The result is a poignant tale of them getting the first chance to perform in many years.
They may have been forgiven, therefore, for being a little rusty. However, the music carries the listener away. I did not know the names of the musicians involved, but the Buena Vista apparently hosted some of Cuba's best bands. They had not forgotten their talents, even after a span of nearly 50 years. Most of the musicians had played since they were children, and they had lost none of their skill.
Seeing all of them puffing away on fat Havana cigars, I wonder whether the anti-smoking lobby might consider banning this film - it seems to put across the message that smoking makes you live longer!
The listener is left with a sense of what might have been if this documentary was attempted maybe twenty years previously, since many musicians had sadly passed away. However, it is incredible that they had their old songs note perfect from the first.
For anyone used to the youth-obsessed, ego-trip that is pop music, this is incredibly refreshing. The incredibly talent people taking part are living in poverty, yet are all blissfully happy and full of energy. There is no clash of egos, just the joy of sharing in a wonderful musical experience.
So get hold of a copy and get a small glimpse behind the long-closed doors of the Buena Vista Social Club.
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Thanks for letting me know you've updated this. Re-rated for you.
nubbler 06.01.2007 22:56
I have the same free dvd, which I had not got around to watching. Your good review has not only reminded me but makes it sound interesting, which I'd been undecided about.
Soho_Black 30.12.2006 18:21
I see you've posted this as a DVD review, but you've not mentioned the DVD. Are there any extras? If so, what are they and are they any good? If you add to this, or if you change it to be posted as a "Film Only" review, which can be done by accessing "edit review" above the review and changing the drop down menu under the "Which format are you reviewing?" question at the bottom, please let me know and I'll re-rate.
In 1996, composer, producer, and guitar legend Ry Cooder entered Egrem Studios in Havana ... more
with the forgotten greats of Cuban music, many of them in their 60s and 70s, some of them long since retired. The resulting album,Buena Vista Social Club, became a...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
When the album Buena Vista Social Club was released it quickly became a world-wide ... more
phenomenon selling millions of copies internationally and winning a Grammy. When Ry Cooder traveled to Cuba again in early 1998 to record a solo album with Ibrahim Ferre...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
Advantages: Unsurpassed music, RICH real-life and loveable characters Disadvantages: The film is so relaxing as is the music you shoul wathch it when you are wide awake
Advantages: Brought Cuban music, and the surviving stars of its heyday, to a wide audience in a way that's supremely touching and enjoyable Disadvantages: None...even if you think you don't like this genre of music, by the end of this film you will!
![Buena Vista Social Club [DVD] [1999] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/69888390.jpg "Buena Vista Social Club [DVD] [1999] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]")
![Buena Vista Social Club [1999] [DVD]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/71694620.jpg "Buena Vista Social Club [1999] [DVD]")
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