The Wall: Live in Berlin

What an incredible double feature this concert is! The most incredible Pink Floyd concept album is brought to Berlin Germany and played out with an all star cast live under the supervision of former Floyd frontman Roger Waters. There was also a cause for celebration in the air as the previous year saw the break up of a divided Germany and the Berlin Wall was dismantled for good. This live show is a must see for new Floyd/Waters fans that probably were not even born when the original album came out in 1979. A brilliant show that captures the beauty of Waters lyrics and perceptions! Look out for Jerry Hall as the party girl who wants to take a bath with Old Pink. Also stars Joni Mitchel, Bryan Adams, Van Morrison, Sinead O' Connor, Cindi Lauper, Tim Currey, Albert Finney and Thomas Dolby.

The Wall is, indeed, one of the most awe-inspiring feats from the 70's rock scene. It may not be Pink Floyd's best work, but on the form of ambition it could rightly rank with (or some would argue above) Dark Side of the Moon. It's engaging (if a little obvious) with its messages on education, sex, the drainage of rock and roll, psychology, and the breakdown of society through fascism. It's more of a sensory experience than something traditional, like with the Who's rock operas. So here, shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Roger Waters brought forth a worldwide broadcast of the wall, complete with a spectacle for millions to experience, and of course not alone. Here he is joined by such musicians as Bryan Adams, The Band (of Last Waltz 'Band' I mean), Cyndi Lauper, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, and the Scorpions among others. On top of this is the complete stage-show of the Wall that made waves when first done in 1980.

It's the kind of live concert one wishes was experiences in person as opposed to on the screen; like with the live show in other venues with the complete Pink Floyd, something is lost when experienced at home (the film is another matter, which is for my money one of the top 5 "expensive student films" ever made). On top of this there is also the factor of the special guests, and even the whole spectacle itself, getting in the way of what Waters does best. In fact, while he is usually singing the songs (there's a great bit when he's in part of the Wall right before, or after, the hotel-room smashing), the other acts sometimes steal the show, for better or worse. Mitchell is good, the Band does a terrific job, and the Scorpions are hit or miss depending on how much of a fan you are.

But that this is such an ambitious show, with such a huge, overpowering audience, is enough to suffice. The Gerald Scarfe production design/animations are a wonder to behold for the fans, and there are a few other surprises as well. There is also an interesting, if not perfect, rendition of 'the Trial sequence' featuring a funny, scathing Tim Curry and judge played by Albert Finney. So, like other Pink Floyd or Waters endeavors, it's stretching the boundaries of what can be done, and more often than not it succeeded, in the wake of a triumphant fall of the real wall in Berlin.

absolutely fabulous! Watched the tape till it wore out. now the DVD is absolutely wonderful. the graphics and sound amazing. If you are a true fan, this is a must have. Crystal clear video, Dolby surround fills the room, like being there. The historical info is well done and the bonus material informative.

I see only one other report on this and can't disagree more. I was fortunate enough to see Floyd perform The Wall live at the LA Sports Arena in 1979. I'm told that, due to stage size requirements, they only "built" the full wall on stage in LA and NY. The performance in Berlin in 1990 is the closest one can get to what they might have seen in '79. The sound on the DVD is excellent and the cinematography was nothing short of outstanding. Having the variety of musicians and vocalists involved was terrific with the sole exception of Van Morrison, who gave an extremely weak performance for Comfortably Numb, which on the album is one of the highlight songs. This DVD is absolutely worth the price and can be enjoyed many times. For comparison, watch the theatrical version which delves deeply into the trauma of "Pink's" life, played wonderfully by Bob Geldorf of the Boomtown Rats.

Wow! This is the best concert I've ever seen.Roger Waters vocals are amazing and the other singers like Cyndi Lauper and Brian Adams did a magnificent job.Rogers vocals really shined on this night. If you are a Roger fan or a Floyd fan this is a must have.The projections are great and the creativity of "The Wall" is unbelievable.Must have this great concert!!!!!!!!!! First time i watched this concert I was in shock.Even though Van Morrison was slurring his word Comforably Numb was still great.The Tide IS Turning live after aid was breathtaking.Would make a great gift.The Wall falling in such a place that it did fall was historic. Joni and Sinead did OK and Paul Carrack was great.Scorpians did a fantastic job.This is a must have. My vote is a perfect 10 of 10.