Beginning in the 1950s with the show bands, and moving through the 1980s, the three episodes contained on this DVD release (by the way, FROM A WHISPER TO A SCREAM and OUT OF IRELAND seem to be the same material with a different title and cover, the latter being the newer release) cover an amazing amount of musical ground - and, valuably, give the viewer lots of valuable background information on the Irish culture and atmosphere that contributed so vitally to the music documented here.
There's plenty of rare, historical footage to be seen here - Planxty, from (I'm guessing) around 1972; Clannad (including a bit of the video featuring Maire NíBhraonain and Bono duetting beautifully on `In a lifetime'; Horslips (a great band that mixed traditional tunes with electricity, sadly unknown in the rest of the world); a great live segment with legends Moving Hearts performing `Hiroshima-Nagasaki Russian roulette'; and much, much more. More toward the rock end of the spectrum, the programs deal extensively with U2 (of course), Bob Geldof's Boomtown Rats (including a nice section on the Live Aid concert that Geldof organized), Thin Lizzy (there's a touching tribute to Phil Lynott), Rory Gallagher (with and without his band Taste), the great Van Morrison, Sínead Ó Connor - and the list goes on and on.
Some of the archival footage is a little rough - but that's to be expected, and it actually adds not only a feeling of authenticity to the programs, but a sense of the true history of the subject as well. For too long, Ireland has been thought of as a piece of the British empire (of course, the North is still...), both politically and culturally. The programs explore the problems experienced by bands attempting to make a name for themselves in the 60s - scoffed at, and worse, by the powers-that-be in the UK music industry, until by sheer talent and determination, they made the world take heed and listen to them.
This is a great documentary - and I was touched to receive it as a gift from my best friend. She really knows me well, and was right on target with this choice. Highly recommended to anyone who takes their music - rock & roll as well as traditional - seriously.
But for the person looking for more depth and understanding, this documentary is tops. The very roots of Irish Rock & Roll are explored, including the influence of The Beatles and of Chuck Berry as well as that of traditional Irish music and even the Irish operatic tenor, John McCormick. Foremost of course is the Irish character itself which flavors Irish rock.
Irish rock's place and influence on international rock is spotlighted, as well as the genre's place in the whole spectrum of Irish music.
Performers such as Clannad (and Enya), U2, the Corrs, the Cranberries, Van Morrison are highlighted, but many other notable groups less familiar or unfamiliar to those outside of Ireland are given their dues.
There's even a relationship shown between Irish rock and "Riverdance".
If you are a serious student of rock, and seek understanding of Irish Rock's unique importance, this DVD is indeed for you.