Concert for George (2003)

Let's be realistic.

Instead, you get a movie that's enjoyable enough, but leaves you feeling like it could have been much, much more.

I gave this film a 9 out of 10, because it was exactly what I expected it to be.

This film is so real. It treats its characters with so much care and sensitivity.

The late Gorge Harrison was labeled "The Quiet One" among the members of the greatest rock group the world will ever know. The iconic songwriting team of John Lennon and Paul McCartney blasted The Beatles into the highest stratum of eternal superstardom during the 1960's. But the music of Harrison was often every bit as substantial and enduring as his uber-talented band mates. And at times, it was simply better.In honor of what would have been Harrison's 75th birthday last month, the 2003 documentary film "Concert for George" was re-released in theatres. And what a stunning tribute it is to the man who not only mastered the guitar but could also expertly play a staggering TWENTY-FIVE other instruments, as well. Even at over two hours I found I wanted this show to go on and on, having become thoroughly immersed in the magic of the music and spellbindingly captured by the unfiltered passion with which it is expressed.Longtime confidante Eric Clapton co-organized the mega-event with Harrison's widow, Olivia, and also served as Musical Director. The grand performance was held at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in London on November 29th, 2002, one year to the day that George had passed away due to complications of multiple-cancers at the age of just 58. The set list of "Concert for George" is transcendent. From Clapton's other-worldly lead guitar virtuosity on The White Album's spiritual rocker "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" (with a little help from his friends, ex-Beatles Paul on piano and Ringo Starr on drums) to the sublime silliness of "I'm a Lumberjack (and I'm OK)" by the ground-shattering British comedy troupe Monty Python (one of George's all-time faves), these brilliant renditions of historic Harrison classics (or tunes he adored) are uniformly delivered with moving respect and power. But most of all, they are all born of love, pure and genuine. Precisely as George would have it.

I have watched this performance so many times and I now realize these people have now aged 10 years since that show took place. Some (at least one of them) are gone now. RIP Billy Preston. The level of emotion felt throughout this production is like none other. You feel like you're watching the show as George himself must have seen it visiting down from above for the occasion. I know it sounds cheesy. You have to see it to understand. I agree with all the above comments and reviews, reminding some that the edited version of the show that starts with the band does not interrupt songs or show interviews. It can be watched as a complete concert.The camera work is SO non-intrusive it is breathtaking. You feel a little "zoomed in" at times but this can overlooked. Soundwise, the mastering is breathtaking. In my opinion, THE best work ever done for a live acoustic show, not even considering how many musicians play together at times. It is poignant, if there is such a word. Treat yourself with a complete surround of ultra high fidelity and you'll be astounded by the quality of this recording/mastering. The DTS soundtrack is to DIE for.Not to repeat the above reviews on specific songs, I have to add that the emotion is so tangible at times, I actually felt the genuine love all these musicians had for George and to have put it on film, and having caught it and protected it in the production is absolutely the work of masters. Thank you for this window to a unique event in time.

Here is an all-star tribute to the late Beatle, George Harrison, who died of cancer a few years ago. He was a very gentle, likable guy and you know that just by the turnout of music all- stars here and the tribute these people gave to him - for his life and his music.After the first viewing, I now skip the first 45 minutes of this long concert. It is Eastern sitar music which is okay but not enjoyable enough for me to sit through twice. The concert for most of us Westerners really begins in the second part when host Eric Clapton and the rest perform some of Hasrrison's best songs. Everyone does a good job with the material, doing George's songs proud. I had heard a few of the performances, such as Tom Petty's, were weak but I did not find fault with any performer including his. It was fun to see Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, Billy Preston, Jeff Lynne and some of the others. Joe Brown was someone I was not familiar with but he was outstanding and very likable and sang a touching finale. That ending just night bring a tear or two to your eyes.

I first saw this concert on PBS and just had to have the DVD. This has got to be the greatest tribute show ever. Everyone did such a great job; the songs were sung by just the right people. Eric Clapton should be proud of himself. He put together a superb show. Dhani Harrison is a doll, a mini-George. Joe Brown--where has he been? What a great surprise! While My Guitar Gently Weeps was one of the highlights. Dhani was obviously moved by it and appeared to say something to that affect to EC at the end. EC then comforted Dhani as Joe sang I'll See You In My Dreams. It was all just beautiful. Thank you, Eric. Thank you all for putting this together for all George's fans.