Search - A-Ha - Live at Vallhall - Homecoming on DVD

Absolutely Brilliant

P. Emeott | New York, NY United States | 02/10/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is nothing short of a crime that a-ha are not the stars in the U.S. that they continue to be in all of Europe. I guess we have Warner Music to thank for that. This is a band that improves with every album they release. This DVD, their live comeback after a 7-year hiatus, is a crowning acheivement. It shows just how far they've come from the relatively empty-headed synth-pop song "Take On Me," that is unfortunately all most Americans know about them. The concert, in support of MINOR EARTH MAJOR SKY, is beautifully staged and shot. The sound quality is pristine, especially if you have a 5.1 system. Wow. The band is aging well (all in their early 40's), and the re-workings of older songs are pulled off flawlessly. Expect more guitars than synthesizers, and not a drum machine in sight. The DVD is packed with great extras, including four videos from MINOR EARTH.... There are also extensive interviews, backstage footage, and a bonus live performance. Worth every penny you'll spend on it. P.S. Morten can still hit those high notes. I'd like to hear any flavor-of-the-month pop star try to compete."

Great concert and loads of bonus added

Sandy | Brussels, Belgium | 02/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the first time that a-ha releases a full concert on DVD. It was the final concert of the Minor Earth Major Tour in Oslo, and the crowd was composed from fans from every corner of the planet. Some came from as far away as Japan and Brazil.Four types of people should get this DVD. One, the fans who are following the band since their beginnings, or even more recently - because if they have been to any show of the tour they will enjoy the memories and if they have not, it will give them an idea of how it felt. Two, the fans who liked them in the 80's and lost track after that - because they will be filled in about what they missed in the bonus features and get some of their favourite songs in a brand new live version. Three, those who believe MTV and VH1 when they call a-ha 'one-hit wonders' - they will get the facts right in the bonus features. Four, people who do not know a-ha yet and enjoy good pop-rock music with well-written lyrics and real sense of melody - because this is what a-ha is about.I was in the crowd at that concert, and I loved every minute of it. Getting to live it again with this DVD is a real treat. If Magne is the most talkative, Paul is obviously enjoying himself playing guitar (he rocks) and singing backing vocals. He is keeping an eye on everyone on stage. Morten has the difficult task to pull out some often very demanding songs until the end. I still think singing "Summer Moved On" at the end of a concert is suicidal, but he seems to go through it without problem. The backing band is doing a great job and the graceful Anelli Drecker (from the Norwegian band Bel Canto) brings a welcome feminine presence on stage.The track list is a mix of old and new songs. There are the crowd pleasers: the inevitable "Take On Me", "Hunting High and Low" (listen to the crowd singing), "The Living Daylights", "The sun always shines on TV" and "Manhattan Skyline" to name but a few. The new songs are much more alive than in the studio version thanks to the band rockier sound: "Minor earth major Sky", "The sun never shone that day", the nice ballad "You'll never get over me".... Only sad note: the second encore "Angel" was cut from the DVD. My personal highlights: the 'unplugged' part of the concert, with piano/guitar/voice versions of "Stay On These Roads" or "Crying in the rain" and the wonderful "Mary Ellen Makes The Moment Counts" and Anneli's entry on "I wish I cared" with the little game between Morten and her.The bonus features are a goldmine. The 4 videos of the Minor Earth album are included. There is a long interview of the three guys and informative individual reports about their whereabouts during the 7 years of separation (including the videos for Magne "Dragonfly" and Savoy "Star"). You also get an acoustic set recorded for Norwegian TV in honour of a Norwegian charity. There is a short 'backstage' feature, and a small report 'in the bus'. You will get a short glimpse of the atmosphere at the 'a-ha fan party' that followed the concert and a 'facts sheet' with biography and career summary.Do not miss the live album, "How Can I sleep with your voice in my head", released on March 24, 2003 (make sure you get the 2 CDs set version including a video track). It will document the "Lifelines" tour. Now we're ready for the next step... and for a new studio album in 2004?"

Well worth seeking out....

J. Bilby | Kingston, New Hampshire United States | 11/29/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This DVD A-ha live at Vallhall (HOMECOMING) wasn't
the easiest to find. I found a USA non-PAL format
finally and this disk is loaded with extra's.
Great live concert of the 2000 "Minor Earth Major Sky"
tour peformed in their native Norway Spring 2001.
Great sounding, many older favorites mixed with their new
songs and sound. Very enjoyable group, adult songs played
with their usual class and no frills adds up to a better than
average pop concert. Nice lighting not overdone. What Ithink makes this whole DVD worth the price is the 4 videos
from "Minor Earth Major Sky", especially enjoyed the "Velvet"
clip, disturbing in a macabre way but its nice to see A-ha not
take itself so seriously, thats what I like most about getting
to know the years I'd missed when the USA decided to pull the
plug on these talented outfit after their late 1980's 2nd collection. Great to have them back performing. Also, live interviews mixed with what A-ha members (side solo projects)
have been doing from (1994'-2000)when they went their own ways.
They are making their best music now and look forward to them
changeing their minds and come back to the states for some shows."

A-Ha at their absolute best!

Lisa | CA, United States | 11/01/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the most successful pop groups of the past two decades return to the U.S. as Music Video Distributors unleases a-ha Homecoming Live at Vallhall to buy on DVD. Having completed a successful tour of Japan and Europe in 2000, a-ha returned to their native Norway for two sell-out shows at Oslo's new football arena; Vallhall. This DVD is a recording of the sensational first night on March 24, 2001. Drawing on their six previous studio albums `Homecoming' features a-ha's biggest and best loved hits including, `The Sun Always Shines On TV', `Hunting High and Low', James Bond theme `The Living Daylights' and ending on their breakthrough `Take On Me'. The concert also brings us up to date with several more reflective and personal tracks from their critically acclaimed, highly successful album, `Minor Earth Major Sky' (2000)."