Search - Harry Chapin - Remember When: The Anthology on DVD

Mostly Sterile Collection of Video Caliber Performances

RP Dev | San Diego, CA USA | 07/08/2006

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I was lucky enough to see Harry perform many times before his untimely death and I was really looking forward to watching this as I purchased it & the somewhat maligned Rockpalast DVD together. While I appreciate the family interviews and the biography element contained within (thus 2 stars instead of one), if you are looking for a performance DVD of Harry's music, this is not the one to buy.

Most of the songs look like they are staged live performances of a "Midnight Special" era quality. They are nice, but devoid of the true passion Harry displayed in his live shows. The only songs to have life to them: "Story of a Life", "Circle" & "Better Place to Be" (bonus material) come from "The Final Concert" footage that I believe is only available on VHS tape (could be wrong about that).

If you want to see Harry in his element, interacting with the audience as only he could, find a copy of "The Final Concert" and savor the experience. If you want to see Harry as the Master Storyteller he was, get the "Rockpalast" DVD. As many have noted, the production value of that video is mixed but the song selection is generous and with Harry left without an audience to tell jokes to as he normally would (German audience is mildly responsive at best), he instead resorts to telling his stories with great passion. I will watch that DVD, even with its faults, many times. This one (Remember When) will sit on the shelf unwatched again or get donated to some charity after it collects enough dust.

I can not fully express how disappointed I was with this DVD. Every performance (not taken from "The Final Concert") pales in comparison to others available. Truly a shame."

Before Live Aid, Farm Aid, every aid...there was Harry Chapi

Lamont Cranston | Hollywoodville | 11/24/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am so glad I was able to attend two live Harry Chapin concerts in my youth. He was a great artist, singer, songwriter, and storyteller; and an even greater human being. Not only did he donate the proceeds from hundreds of his concerts to ending hunger in the world, but he always announced at the end of the concert that the proceeds from the sale of concert t-shirts and other concessions also went to his efforts to end world hunger.

Harry Chapin died far too soon, and he never received the credit he deserved. He knew and joked about the fact that his songs were too long to receive much radio airtime, except for Cats in the Cradle; but he would rather tell his stories his way than in one and a half minute summaries. I am glad he did every time I listen to one of his CD's, and especially now that I can watch this outstanding anthology.

If you were a fan, you must own this DVD and introduce a new generation to the Chapin magic. Keep Harry's memory alive."

Worth the wait!

R. Priesing | Havelock, NC USA | 11/29/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a fantastic DVD! The video is clear and well directed, the sound is crisp, the whole groups' voices come through beautifully. Never having had the chance to see Harry Chapin live, or even on TV, this DVD fills a void in my enjoyment of his music.

My only negative comment is that the family commentaries sometimes "walk over" the music. That being said, the commentaries are otherwise delightful- entertaining, educational, and a wonderful tribute!"

Eleven classic performances form a fitting tribute to Chapin

Midwest Book Review | Oregon, WI USA | 05/04/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Harry Chapin: Remember When is a DVD collection of live performances of the greatest hits of multi-platinum selling singer, songwriter, and humanitarian Harry Chapin. In addition to his music, Chapin is well-known for co-founding World Hunger Year, and posthumously received the Congressional Gold Medal for his efforts to combat worldwide starvation. Including personal commentary by Chapin's children and widow, Harry Chapin: Remember When features all performances in their entirety, along with looks at vintage photographs and even Chapin memorabilia. Eleven classic performances form a fitting tribute to Chapin's legacy: Taxi, Mr. Tanner, I Wanna Learn A Love Song, Remember When The Music, W.O.L.D., Story Of A Life, Cat's In The Cradle, Circle, Song For Myself, Dancin' Boy, Better Place To Be, and I Wonder What Would Happen To This World. 60 min., color.
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