Product ReviewsNo Direction Home: Bob Dylan (DVD, 2005)

This Direction Home

I bought this DVD for two reasons: Dylan and Scorsese. You can never go wrong with either one. Put them together and it's a done deal. If you're from Mars and maybe unfamiliar with them, "No Direction Home" would be the perfect introduction. Dylan is Dylan, and Scorsese works his own magic without undue notice.

That said, I think those who loved 'em before will only love 'em more - if that's possible - and those who never did never will. One of the things that amazes me most about Dylan is simply that he's still alive, the last of our generation who could've been expected to be after such a hard life.

"No Direction Home" pulls no punches. You'll see the early Dylan glassy-eyed onstage in London, ticked off at the press and public and showing it when pushed too far. You'll see him at his present clear-eyed best, perhaps wiser for that long winding road he trod, eloquent and still giving no quarter.

One of the best sections deals with the Newport festival where he first went electric, with all the havoc that ensued among fickle fans and even his friends. I felt dismay myself when he gave up his harmonica a few years ago. How could you, Bobby??

But music lovers do artists and themselves a grave disservice by trying to chain a great musician down "like a trained seal". Just leave them alone to follow their muse and be grateful you're invited along for the ride. Both parties will be happier for it. You'll find the slipstream intoxicating.

A Band member, I think, put it best when he said words to this effect: "The Holy Spirit didn't just tap Bobby on the shoulder; He kicked him in the ass!"

And look what happened.

Love you, Mr. Dylan. Stay well.Read full review...

Money Well Spent on a Dylan Classic.

I bought this product because the one I had bought previously through Amazon was a two disc set and one of the discs malfunctioned. The one I bought from Amazon was kind of odd, two discs in a plastic jewel case with a regular DVD front printed piece but no DVD case. I bought this one because it was a regular DVD and appeared to be legitimate. I feel better about this one. The first one I bought may have been a bad bootleg.

s far as the contents Scorsese really caught the flavor and times of the Early Dylan Years. And he told the true story, rather than Dylan's own made up stories of his life. Dylans own read on his life is always fascinating and mind boggling. Juxtaposing this with the rants and philosophizing, remembrances and interviews with other notables of the time were extremely historically valuable to me. Scorsese also really caught the scathing hatred the Folkies had for Dylan when he became a Rocker. That Dylan even performed during the boos and cat calls was amazing and speaks to his professionalism and sense of self-guided destiny. You either followed Dylan or were left behind. You did not lead Dylan. His character and his writing and music were so intensely complex that he himself did not actually lead them. Instead he let them free and like the Tambourine Man, we eagerly danced to their tune.Read full review...

No Direction Home - A Must See for Every Dylan Fan

Fascinating documentary on Bob Dylan's early years and the folk music scene. I'd never have imagined that I'd get to hear Bob Dylan's narrative as it is here - totally frank and friendly. There's lots of good music here too - mostly from Dylan but also from people like Hank Williams, the Clancy Brothers, Joan Baez, Woody Guthrie (Brief but as much as I've ever been able to find) and much more.

I lived this era. I shared it with my son for a great even of family fun and togetherness.

It's long at 5 hours or so and every second was fascinating. Every Bob Dylan fan should love this DVD. I can't recommend it enoughRead full review...

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No Direction Home: Bob Dylan (2005, DVD)

If you're young, this is a great in-depth look at Bob Dylan's life and work. If you are old, like me, it answered questions I have had for years - for example, what did Suze (Bob's girlfriend) look like and sound like? Yes, she looks just like the cover of Freewheelin (I wish I aged so well!) What was Joan Baez thinking all that time? She was great. For that matter, what was Bob thinking all that time? The press interviews, the behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with him were fascinating to me, an old Dylan fan who grew up with his music. I also was disappointed when Bob went into rock music (I got over it, because his songs were still great) but that whole look into that part of his history was very interesting. For me, this DVD was like getting answers into my own history. Whether it was his intention or not, he was the voice of my generation, and the generations coming up now seem to appreciate him also, in which case they would also enjoy this DVD.Read full review...

Great History of American Folk Music

I really liked this documentary. It not only gave me some insight into Bob Dylan, but it really does cover his journey well. It's also a great documentary on American Folk Music and the Beatnik or counter culture movement which then extended into the turbulent 1960's and early 1970's anti-war movements. I liked this so well, I bought two more to give as gifts to friends. If you were lucky to live during these times, you will really appreciate re-living the times that were a changing. Read full review...

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An American Icon

Bob Dylan was and is much more than a rock star. He is a poet. There are those who understand and comprehend what he means to American culture, and there are those who do not.

For those who do understand, this wonderful Martin Scorsese picture will not disappoint. It is a nostalgic retrospective, with interviews of the man himself describing the events and other musicians he came to know along the way.

For those who do not understand and wish to, because they are too young to remember or for any other reason, this film can open the door to comprehending what Bob Dylan became and what he means.

Contemplate the man's countenance as he speaks about those days when he played with Joan Baez and Mike Bloomfield and so many others. See the chiseled lines in his face. You may comprehend and begin to see.

Interviews with musicians and record producers and others who knew him are of particular interest, as they can tell the tale as no one else can.

The adventure of the young man who left his small town in Minnesota with only his old guitar and his vision is a story of courage and determination and genius.Read full review...

great docu about young Bob Dylan

so much good candid film of young Dylan and interviews with him along the way . this is a 2 dvd set one of the best docu I've seen.very interesting conversations with members of his band about back then. very well done indeed

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Interesting documentary about Bob Dylan's early years with many interviews with the people who were there, ' including Bob Dylan himself.

Very interesting, in depth documentary about Bob Dylan..one that I have watched many times before in the past. Now I'm happy to own it on DVD. It was a good value, Arrived in good condition, and as I said before, I'm very happy with it.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: second.sale

Love early Dylan I’m five years younger and he brings back great sounds that I enjoyed and still do.Great memories great sound.

Love early Dylan I’m five years younger and he brings back great sounds that I enjoyed and still do.

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Child of The 60's- DYLAN GENIUS

Will take you on a magic carpet ride into the brilliance of Bob Dylan. How great thou art...

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