The Beatles: Hamburg and the Hamburg Sound

	Steve G.

1 out of  1  people found this review helpful

Ahhhhh.....I am not quite certain how to grade this film. On one hand, it's some pretty good interviews with some original Hamburg (Mersey Beat) band members recalling their days in the early 1960's playing in Hamburg, Germany - - as most bands came from Liverpool to make their mark in the British Beat music scene there. On the other hand, the narrator seemed jumpy, nervous, and was continually corrected by his comments when speaking to the interviewees - - and a jumpy, unstill hand-held camera with a horrible sound mic did not improve things any either ! The watcher is literally bounced up and down and side-to-side as the camera guy walked up to memorabilia tables and see-thru glass memorabilia containers - - with light reflections distorting the historic pieces. Like I said, I suppose I like the effort and the idea- - and the spirit - - just might have been a bit different from another master of ceremonies and a little more professional camerawork is all....no Beatle film either !

Was this review helpful? Yes   |   No

	Sue and John C.

0 out of  1  people found this review helpful

This is a unique travelogue of a special time in Beatles history. Rather than a rapid-fire edited montage, the delivery is more of a conversation between host Spencer and musicians from the era which lends credibility. We have a 'private tour' of the exhibit at the museum, a memorabilia shop, as well as all 4 clubs the orginal Beatles played at. Again the style is pure without fancy cuts, but it helps with authenticity as you are touring the streets - almost as if you're watching family members' home movies but, from those that are no longer with us and you can't bring back. Altho' there are no Beatles live footage from the day, the slower pace is interesting Q&A which is intimate yet somewhat morose when we are reminded how special areas rarely stay the same.

Was this review helpful? Yes   |   No