T. Rex: Born To Boogie

Starring:T. Rex
Studio: Sanctuary Classics
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
Marc Bolan had the looks, style, and bearing of rock star, and T. Rex: Born To Boogie offers proof positive that he was just that. But comparing yourself to the Beatles doesn't make it so, even if you get Ringo Starr to produce, direct, and appear in your movie. In terms of the things that matter, like singing, guitar playing, and songwriting, Bolan (who died in 1977) fell a ways short. He was hugely popular for a year or two; he and his band T. Rex loved to rock, and they had some catchy, riff-based hits, like the infectious "Get it On (Bang a Gong)," performed at length here. Still, image, attitude, and lyrics like "I wanna call ya/I wanna ball ya") can only get you so far, even in the pop music world. That's not to say that Born To Boogie isn't good fun, especially some of the 1972 concert sequences filmed (by Ringo himself) at London's Wembley arena and a couple of studio jams with Starr and Elton John (on the other hand, the lame filler between live tunes is what happens when nagging details like a story or a script matter less than simply having a stoned good time). And what this handsomely packaged two-disc set has in spades, along with fine, painstakingly-restored sound and picture, is bonus features, including extended concert footage and a couple of good documentaries narrated by Bolan's son, Rolan. It ain't deep, but if you're looking for a good time, you've come to the right place. --Sam Graham

T. Rex: Born To Boogie
Average customer rating:

see the cosmic dancer in concert

Bolan was a legend in his own mind

It's Wonderful

T.Rex

fantastic!

T. Rex: Born To Boogie
Starring: T. Rex
Manufacturer: Sanctuary Classics
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Proto Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
General | Rock | Styles | Music
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Release Date: 2005-06-07

Amazon.com

Marc Bolan had the looks, style, and bearing of rock star, and T. Rex: Born To Boogie offers proof positive that he was just that. But comparing yourself to the Beatles doesn't make it so, even if you get Ringo Starr to produce, direct, and appear in your movie. In terms of the things that matter, like singing, guitar playing, and songwriting, Bolan (who died in 1977) fell a ways short. He was hugely popular for a year or two; he and his band T. Rex loved to rock, and they had some catchy, riff-based hits, like the infectious "Get it On (Bang a Gong)," performed at length here. Still, image, attitude, and lyrics like "I wanna call ya/I wanna ball ya") can only get you so far, even in the pop music world. That's not to say that Born To Boogie isn't good fun, especially some of the 1972 concert sequences filmed (by Ringo himself) at London's Wembley arena and a couple of studio jams with Starr and Elton John (on the other hand, the lame filler between live tunes is what happens when nagging details like a story or a script matter less than simply having a stoned good time). And what this handsomely packaged two-disc set has in spades, along with fine, painstakingly-restored sound and picture, is bonus features, including extended concert footage and a couple of good documentaries narrated by Bolan's son, Rolan. It ain't deep, but if you're looking for a good time, you've come to the right place. --Sam Graham

Customer Reviews:

see the cosmic dancer in concert.......2007-02-03

This is one of the best documents of the glam era of 70's rock on video..
Marc Bolan was at the absolute zenith of his popularity at the time this was recorded (around the time of the slider).. You will recognize some faces along the way - elton john and ringo starr.. but the main attraction is T-rex.. How could america have missed out on this phenomenon?

Bolan was a legend in his own mind.......2006-07-09

Watching this film reminded me of how T-Rex swindled a bunch of screaming girls into believing he was the second coming of the Beatles. When in fact he was the inspiration for the Bay City Rollers and all the bad pop music that came after him. Interviews with producer Tony Visconti are so over the top it's pathetic. Visconti compares Bolan with Hendrix, the Beatles and has the audacity to say that he, Bowie and Thin Lizzy "wrote the book on British rock". Laughable.

For fun keep your eye on Bolan's guitar playing. His basic technique is playing an A7 chord incessantly and bursting into random three note lead runs that are comical.

It's Wonderful.......2006-03-09

First off, I'm not a huge T Rex fan, or I shoueld say, I wasn't one before I purchased this DVD. I randomly came across it on my TV for; it was being given away as part of a fundraiser for Public TV. I bought it the next day, since I really didn't care about Long Island Public TV, being from Jersey.

That said, the DVD is amazing. Bolan is a light that shines, and one I didn't know enough about.

The movie portion, "Born to Boogie" is a bit weird, in the Pink Floyd kinda way, yet more comical. The Elton John and Ringo Starr parts are very interesting. But for me it's more about the two LIVE concerts that accompany the DVD. Both are amazing.

The energy Bolan brings to the table, the camera angles, the footage, the sound, everything. It's just awesome. He exudes fun, life, and graciousness.

The audience is blown away by his music and vibe, and frankly, that's what did it for me.

Anyone who is a fan of singer songwriters, whether it be Lou Reed, Bob Dylan, Jeff Buckley, Stephen Malkmus, or even Gene Ween, will absolutely love this DVD.

T.Rex.......2006-03-02

It is with much joy that I learned via the purchase of this great dvd how good a band T-Rex really was.I am 53 years old and listen to most music from My Bloody Valentine to Peter Frampton. I was never a fan of T-Rex in the day as I was listening to Hendrix, Led Zepelin and the Stones then.
Fortunately this disc was released and I happened to see a bit of it at a friends house recently.I was so impressed that I ordered it from Amazon as soon as I was able to.
The second disc explains how painstaking it was to get this venture together and in so doing a group who were the biggest rock outfit for 2 years, can now really be appreciated live.
The disc makes it clear why T-Rex were so popular. Glyn Johns has done such an oustanding job with the sound that the picture dissapoints,understandably, seeing as it was filmed all those years ago. A great dvd to be enjoyed by all.

fantastic!.......2006-02-09

There is nothing, not a thing bad to say about this disc. If you know the band and the music you will be immersed in what was Marc Bolan and T. Rex. The extras, including those with Marc's son...Rolan were enjoyable, touching and very informative.

The DTS soundtrack is alive and makes you feel like "you are there." Hat's off to Tony Visconti for an excellent job of bringing the audio back to life. Way recommended! Mark A. New Hyde Park, NY, USA

Average customer rating:

Born to Boogie
Starring: T. Rex
Manufacturer: Sanctuary Records
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Proto Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Glam | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B000FJAAGU
Release Date: 2006-06-20

Average customer rating:

Marc Bolan & T. Rex - Born to Boogie
Starring: T. Rex
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

Product Description

By 1972, the seminal English glam-rock band T-Rex was at the height of what came to be known as "T-Rexstacy:" they had already scored three of their soon-to-be ten straight Top 10 hits; their landmark 1971 album ELECTRIC WARRIOR was still riding the charts; critics were declaring them to be "bigger than The Beatles;" and fans were aping singer-songwriter-guitarist Marc Bolan's iconic sartorial style. To celebrate their success, Bolan and T-Rex played two sold-out performances at London's Wembley Empire Pool, captured on film by none other than former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr and released as the now-legendary concert film BORN TO BOOGIE. The only existant recording of a full T-Rex concert, BORN TO BOOGIE is centered around the dual live performances (with Ringo and Elton John guest starring on two tracks) and interspersed with an acoustic set filmed at John Lennon's mansion, goofy backstage footage of Bolan, and surreal sequences of nuns and dwarves inserted for visual effect. While the original film ran for roughly one hour, this reissue of BORN TO BOOGIE restores many of the hours-worth of material shot by Ringo--including three recently discovered songs ("Cadillac," "Girl," and "Summertime Blues") and the never-before-seen matinee show--with a clean video transfer and audio remastered by legendary producer and Bolan friend Tony Visconti. In addition, Bolan's son Rolan presents a wealth of extra material that includes trailers, outtakes, deleted scenes, studio sessions, interviews, and more.

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