Rolling Stones Shine A Light

DVD Review

Paramount Home Entertainment

Released: July 29, 2008

Paramount has released Shine A Light on DVD, marking the release of the latest project from legendary director Martin Scorsese, and takes a look at the iconic rock band, Rolling Stones. Shine A Light showcases the Rolling Stones at a concert they performed at the New York Beacon Theater.

Combining creative minds such as the Rolling Stones and Martin Scorsese, you would expect to get something special, and that is exactly what you get.

The cinematography carried out by Scorsese during the film showcases the performance with a great deal of energy. You get to take a closer look at what goes on before the concert, behind-the-scenes, and much more.

The Rolling Stones, made up of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, and Charlie Watts are all here for fans’ enjoyment.

For die-hard Rolling Stones fans, this really is a treat as you get to go up-close-and-personal with the rock band. For a concert rock documentary, this is highly recommended.

The setlist performed at the concert is as follows…

Jumping Jack Flash

Shattered

She Was Hot

All Down the Line

Loving Cup - featuring Jack White III

As Tears Go By

Some Girls

Just My Imagination

Far Away Eyes

Champagne and Reefer – featuring Buddy Guy

Tumblin Dice

You Got The Silver

Connection

Sympathy for the Devil

Live With Me – featuring Christina Aguilera

Start Me Up

Brown Sugar

I Can’t Get No Satisfaction

The video quality for the DVD release is handled very well as it is presented in 16:9 widescreen format, and comes across very clear and crisp throughout. The video quality on DVD showcases the artistic style used to record the concert, and everything else going on around it from start to finish. There are great use of vibrant colors, black levels, etc.

The audio for the DVD release is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 and is the highlight of the release without question. The audio mix is clearly intended for a home theater set-up, and if you have it, you will be smiling from ear to ear as the Stones fill up your room with music. The audio comes across as crisp and clear as can be on the DVD format, making for a great atmospheric experience.

For extras, not a whole lot has been added on the DVD release, with the biggest add-on being a featurette which runs for 15-minutes, and showcases some old archived interviews with the band. On top of that, you also get four bonus songs.

The four bonus songs include Undercover of the Night, Paint it Black, Little T&A, as well as I’m Free.

Shine A Light on the DVD format is a dream for Rolling Stones fans, as it presents the ultimate concert experience in your home. If you love the Stones, you can’t miss this one!

Film: 9.0

Shine A Light is a fantastic presentation of the Rolling Stones in concert, amazing stuff from Scorsese and company.

Video: 9.0

Great video quality on the DVD format with good colors, detail, etc.

Audio: 9.2

The audio mix steals the show, pumping amazing sound out of your home theater.

Special Features: 7.5

The added featurette and bonus songs are nice, but more could have been added.

Final Score: 8.5