Hanson: Underneath Acoustic Live (2004)

Simply A Masterpiece

Excellent but underrated film

It's not great by any means, but it's a pretty good movie that didn't leave me filled with regret for investing time in it.

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

One word that describes these 3 musical brother's, Unbelievable!!!!!! From the moment i sat down and watched this DVD, till the very end, my jaw had dropped to the ground in amazement at how far these boys (or men shall we say....) have come. There is a difference between performing 'out there' and to an audience, indeed Hanson performs to there audience and has you totally sucked in by there brilliant harmony's and there stage presence.Musically speaking, a VERY good idea to play in an intimate setting rather than the big concert halls and stadiums they played in there earlier tours. Being so close to the artists (yes, i call these brother's artists) gives you the opportunity to see and hear the amount of passion they put into there songs and performance, if only all those anti-Hanson fans would pull there heads out of there butts and listen!!! I really don't want to give to much away so all i can say is this...... Isaac, Taylor and Zac are true to there art and all those who think Hanson are washed up and have been since the mmmbop days should really sit down and take a look at this DVD, not only will you be surprised but you will most probably find yourself humming 'if only' or basically ANY Hanson songs they performed in this show (even the covers) Well done Hanson!!!!

So you may remember them as "those mmmbop kids" but this DVD AND the brand new CD, Underneath, prove any preconceived notions are complete crap. But, back to the DVD.Hanson's live shows are terrific. Though this was an acoustic, broken down Hanson we've never seen, it had it's good elements: "Teach Your Children" when the band huddled around the microphone and harmonized. "Hand In Hand", Isaac's solo, when he began with insight into where the song came from. "Crazy Beautiful", Taylor's solo rendition of the band's usually upbeat number with jazzy elements. And then there was "The Walk", Zac's solo.Overall, this DVD is great. If you have any doubts the band is talented, this performance, or even one SONG will prove you wrong. So don't buy this if you can't handle that ;)

I attended the show the day it was shown (April 19th, 2004). I enjoyed myself tremendously. I felt that the guys played to their audience well. they appealed to the fans in the audience by playing both new material and old (Including the all-time favorite "MMMBop".) They opened up with a lively acoustic version of Strong Enough to Break (a personal favorite of mine). The boys also played to the parents in the audience by doing some songs from earlier generations including "teach your children" by crowsby, still and nash. However, I must say that Tay was having a hard time keeping his part during that song. Any trained musician could see he was struggling. But I give him tons of credit for it. According to my dad (who brought me to the show), crowsby, stills and nash is particularly difficult to sing. I really enjoyed the song Zac sang solo (accompanied by him on piano). He has really matured as a vocalist. As always, Taylor got the crowd rocking to the beat and had them sing along. I seriously felt as if I was there. A splendid performance if I do say so myself.

If there was ever a doubt in your mind that Hanson didn't have talent, this DVD will make you see. Underneath Acoustic Live is a MUST HAVE for any Hanson fan, and no doubt worth owning for non-fans too. Hanson takes it down to the basics on their 3rd concert DVD. Nothing but acoustic guitars, a piano, percussion, and a small drum set for this one. Filmed at Chicago's House Of Blues, Hanson brings down the house, acoustic style. Songs like "You Never Know" and "Rock'n'Roll Razorblade" will have you rockin hard. Who knew a band could rock playing acoustic, Hanson knows how. Hits like "Where's The Love", "MMMBop", "Runaway Run", and "This Time Around" have never sounded better than on this acoustic dvd. Their latest smash hit, "Penny & Me", is no doubt a crowd fav already. Each brother takes the stage alone for one song on this set. Isaac's "Hand In Hand" shows he would have no problem with a solo carrer. Taylor's "Crazy Beautiful" is a nice addition, and Zac Hanson's "The Walk" is no doubt a highlight of the concert.If you are looking for new music, something good, something maybe you wouldn't have ever thought to check out; check out Underneath Acoustic Live, you will be pleasently surprised.