Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #29470 in DVD
• Released on: 2003-06-16
• Rating: Exempt
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Anamorphic, PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 100 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
In 1996, composer, producer, and guitar legend Ry Cooder entered Egrem Studios in Havana with the forgotten greats of Cuban music, many of them in their 60s and 70s, some of them long since retired. The resulting album, Buena Vista Social Club, became a Grammy-winning international bestseller. When Cooder returned to Havana in 1998 to record a solo album by 72-year-old vocalist Ibrahim Ferrer, filmmaker Wim Wenders was on hand to document the occasion. Wenders splits the film between portraits of the performers, who tell their stories directly to the camera as they wander the streets and neighbourhoods of Havana, and a celebration of the music heard in performance scenes in the studio, in their first concert in Amsterdam, and in their second and final concert at Carnegie Hall. The songs are too often cut short in this fashion, but Buena Vista Social Club is not a concert film. Wenders weaves the artist biographies with a glimpse of modern Cuba remembering its past, capturing a lost culture in music that is suddenly, unexpectedly revived for audiences in Havana and around the world. Wenders makes his presence practically invisible, as if his directorial flourishes or off-screen narration might deflect attention from the artists, who do a fine job of telling their own stories through interviews and music. It's a loving portrait of a master class in Cuban music, with a vital cast of ageing performers whose energy and passion belie their years. --Sean Axmaker

Special Features
16:9 Anamorphic Wide Screen
DVD 9
English
Region 2
Dolby Digital 5.1 English
Dolby Digital 5.1
Scene Index
Theatrical Trailer
Directors Commentary
Deleted Scenes

Synopsis
No one can recall exactly where the Buena Vista Social Club once stood in pre- revolutionary Havana but Wim Wender's documentary of a dozen legendary musicians resurrects the magnificent music of the era. Guitarist Ry Cooder assembled the aging singers and musicians for a series of recording sessions. The resulting 1997 album won a Grammy. The music performances are intercut with shots of the performers reminiscing in decaying Havana bars.

Customer Reviews

Guaranteed to make you smile
I got the video as a christmas present and every time I watch it I end up grinning so much. I agree that some of Ry Cooders more patronising moments are cringeworthy. But the real problem with the film is how inadequate it makes me feel. These beautiful people spend their lives in a beautiful land making beautiful music and making people happy. I don't, but I want to. I've never seen such healthy, joyous old folk before. I'm truly astonished that what is, ostensibly, a music documentary should have such an inspiring effect on me. If you like the music then buy the video, because it really brings it alive.

Excellent Cuban Discovery
The Buena Vista Social club is a fascinating look at Afro-Cuban music and concerns itself with US artist Ry Cooder and his dream being fulfilled wherein he records and plays live with some old grand masters of the Cuban sound.
The Cubans are amazing guys with great personalities and incredible life stories. Singer Ibrahim Ferrer and the great pianist, Ruben Gonzalez, are particularly captivating personalities.
The great thing that comes across is the sheer enjoyment of these musicians and the total love that they have for their music.
Superbly filmed by Wim Wenders, the DVD has an excellent director’s commentary that really adds to the movie.
The music is fantastic and certainly made me hunger for more.
A joy from start to finish.

The best feel-good film of last century
Evin if you have no interest in the music, the place or the lifestyle, Buena Vista will sweep you off your feet. A marvellous documentary of the participants in the Buena Vista Social Club operation that was a sell out success, it is packed with some of the most moving performances of Cuban music ever. The narrative is captivating and summarises the life and times of these legendary musicians as well as a little of the history and culture of Cuba. The only irritation is the aggravating presence of Ry Cooder throughout, but it is well worth it. Don't buy the album, invest in the video instead and watch it every day as the sunsets overhead. This is what life is all about.