Chuck Berry: Rock and Roll Music (1992 Video) User Reviews

Early Look At Berry Still In His Prime

[ccthemovieman-1 · 8/10 · 12 June 2006]

(Note: I'm not sure I am reviewing what is posted here, but the DVD I own has the same title and is the same length - 46 minutes - but it is NOT a documentary as listed above.)

Hall Of Famer Chuck Berry is shown in a concert Toronto in 1969. He apparently was one of a number of acts in what must have been a fairly big rock festival as it's held in a big stadium (but not a huge crowd).

Anyway, the clothes and the dialog (phrases of the day) certainly label this "late '60s." Berry wasn't a kid anymore but he still in his prime years and I've glad to have a remembrance of this on disc.

Most of the songs are his fast classic numbers but every once in a while he throws in a blues number, and I enjoyed that just as much. The only complaint I had was "Reelin' & Rockin'" went on too long. Still, something a rock collector should own, even though it's only 46 minutes long.

For fans who must have every bit of Chuck Berry

[michaelingp · 5/10 · 15 July 2006]

This film does not rate an 8.0 rating (OK, only 10 folks have voted). (Like ccthemovieman, I'm assuming we're talking about the same movie, the 1969 concert).

Chuck Berry puts on an energetic show, but as a rock and roll video, this movie leaves quite a bit to be desired. First, the sound is poor by today's standards. It sounds compressed and almost mono. Second, Chuck's backup band adds nothing. (This is not uncommon, and it's why Keith Richards put together the "Hail Hail Rock and Roll" video, so that the great Chuck Berry could have a decent back up band.) There is just a drummer and two guitar players. If you've ever heard Chuck Berry live, you know that a great keyboard player adds tremendously to the concert.

Further, the film maker adds almost nothing. The director simply alternates between closeups of Chuck's face, Chuck's guitar, and attractive young women in the audience. That's it, over and over. The film pretty much starts at the beginning of Chuck's set, and continues without editing through to the end. Most other directors would have tightened up the concert with some editing.

Lastly, it's not really that good of a concert. I've seen Chuck Berry (by the way, he's still in his prime), and he put on a much better show. If you're going to make a video, at least pick a great concert.

Electric Performance from Berry

[Michael_Elliott · 21 March 2017]

Chuck Berry: Rock and Roll Music (1992)

*** 1/2 (out of 4)

Highly energetic and rocking performance from Chuck Berry that was filmed by D.A. Pennebaker at the Toronto Rock 'n Roll Revival on September 13, 1969.

If you're a fan of Berry then this 47-minute document of that festival is going to be a must-see. It doesn't appear that the entire performance is included here but there's no question that we get some really rocking jams and it captures Berry at one of the best live performances that I've seen. Being from Pennebaker he has cameras set up all over the stage and the crowd so we get some terrific footage.

For example, just take a look at the last song, a reprise of Johnny B. Goode, where we get several close-ups of Berry's face and it seems as if he's non-human just by the way he is belting out the song. Other great numbers include rocking versions of Maybellen, Reelin' and Rockin' as well as Sweet Little Sixteen with a rather funny intro.

As I said, Berry is in great shape and form here as he plays a really electric set that will having you going along with the beat.