Search - Bruce Springsteen: Becoming the Boss 1949-1985 on DVD

Another side of the Boss

O. B. Tryggvason | Gardabaer Iceland | 08/02/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"If you're a Bruce fan this a real treat. I found out a lot about the man in this documentary that I didn't have a clue about. Various people comment on Bruce's early days and tell some good stories. Vini Lopes former band member particularly relates some good inside stories and for a fan this is very informative.

Since this is unauthorised there's no Springsteen music in the background and that's definately a miss. Still it's interesting from a fan's perspective, it comes recommended if you're a huge Bruce fan. I don't think others will be all that excited."

Rather low rent

Sean Reavie | Detroit, MI | 09/14/2005

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I was disapointed to find no Bruce music to be heard anywhere in this program. The interviews are ho-hum at best and include people of very little substance who offer nothing of note who maybe sat behind him in school or heard him play once. The quality is low and strikes me as a high school production rather than a full blown documentary. The interview with Bruce is not done by the producers but is file footage of a mid to late 70's Bruce.There are many great resources for Bruce material out there and I recommend the Marsh Bio. Pass this one by."

Moderately interesting cash-in

Thomas B. Mitchell | 08/15/2005

(2 out of 5 stars)

"While some of the interviewees have compelling ideas about Bruce's music, this pseudo-documentary is low-rent and not terribly informative (especially if you have read the Marsh text). Bruce's "participation" is limited to minimal footage from an interview he gave backstage circa-"Darkness" (my guess). Instead of revealing content, you have has-been after has-been telling tired stories about their brush with greatness. Tinker, in particular, drinks openly during his self-serving responses--hardly a flattering presentation considering his legitimate role in growing Springsteen's regional fame. As the previous reviewer pointed out, the absence of Springsteen's music only adds to the tedium. Granted, for die-hards, there is a certain thrill involved with anecdotal info, no matter how trivial. But anybody else would be better served by Marsh's book or any number of actual interviews that Springsteen has given over the years."

Really Interesting and Informative Documetary

Dream Baby | Reading, England | 08/15/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I agree with most of what the two other reviewers below me here say, it is a shame there's no original music from Bruce in this DVD [although the incidental music is really rather good and certainly gives the film some 'rhythm'] but the quality of the contributors [lovely to see Vini Lopez looking so well and talking so openly] and the interview footage of Bruce really does make up for it, and ultimately I really enjoyed this programme.
If you're any kind of Springsteen fan i'd definitely recommend it"