I've read a few reviews online and frankly, nearly didn't buy this DVD, based on all the criticism about how the film was made. I've been a Paul McCartney fan since 1964. When I was a 10-year-old child, I was picked to be part of a "band" who pantomimed BEATLES songs around our town and actually got paid...once.
So, I come from a very sentimental angle; I was left-handed, so I got to "be" Paul. I've always loved his style - I could always tell when he was the dominant writer on a Lennon-McCartney song, so I'm here to tell you, I consider myself an authority on PAUL McCARTNEY!
This performance is stellar! The band he's assembled is FANTASTIC!! Especially love Abe, the drummer!! But, there was lots of criticism of how the DVD was produced. If you're a PAUL fan, you want to soak up as much as this DVD offers-and more!! The only reason I didn't give it a 5-star rating, was because I wish it had more songs on it that I would have liked to have heard. I loved the coverage of his old tunes (wish there had been more), to his WINGS era, (his tribute to Linda made me cry) and his modern stuff, like FREEDOM, he sang at the SUPER BOWL.
I enjoyed the interviews, the non-singing bits that they filmed scattered in with the music. This DVD also portrays the gentle, upbeat, whimsical, winsome side of Paul. There is a LOVE about which he sings, that he also lives. It seems to reflect in his band and staff.
The bit, right in the middle of the concert, where his staff surprises him with large "heart" cards scattered throughout the audience in front, where they were seated, literally takes his breath away... he gets so emotional, you can see he nearly wants to stop the song; but he goes on, like the consummate professional he is. That really touched me.
Another thing about Paul is that he's kept his life private and his marriage to Linda, undefiled. This guy could have had any woman in the world!!! Now, since Linda's passing, he seems to have resumed his zest for life in his marriage with Heather. He's a man's man.
There was also some criticism about showing super stars like Jack Nicholson, John Cusack, Sly Stallone Glenn Frey, Brian Wilson and others at his concert... hey, folks - face it. Paul McCartney changed the world of music 30 years ago, and continues to do so today! Get over it!! (...sorry, i don't know what got into me, except to say that anyone who chooses to pick this DVD apart, from a technical side, isn't seeing the real gems that comprise this film.)
When one hears the name "Paul" in the context of Rock music, of whom does one think? It's Paul McCartney, and the wonderful chemistry he exudes with his masterful blend of magic. With this staff of 125+ people, 12 semi-trailers full of stage set and equipment he brings to life a part of musical history that no one else on this planet is able to provide... BUY THIS film. You will not regret it!!!
There's nothing like his classic rock-and-roll style of music that is clearly and classically brought out in this film. It's a must-have for every collector.
