I fortunately went to both 5+ hours "Crossroads" concerts at Madison Square Garden, New York. They were truly incredible experiences - certainly top 5 concert experiences for me. I then saw the "Crossroads Guitar Festival 2013" movie at the USA one off in-theater screening in August 2013. Editing the total 10+ hours of performances and humorous in-between MC'ing by Dan Ackroyd down to 2 1/2 hours is clearly a big challenge with tough choices on what to keep or leave out.
Some initial thoughts on what could have been improved are: (1) Add in a taste of some key performers that were just completely left out, e.g Robbie Robertson and BB King (2) Reduce the number of stage shots directly from either side of the stage, presumably trying to get all performers up close in one frame, at the cost of a lingering mic(s) in front of a face(s). Add more "front row" shots to show all performers at once. (3) And hey, we already know it's New York so why waste valuable limited time inserting all those "arty", lingering shots of New York iconic scenes like taxis, streets and the skyline - and certainly no need to show the stadium's corridor ceiling lights on their own that one time.
Hopefully the DVD / Blu-ray releases will include: (a) many more "bonus" performances and (b) the 30+ minutes "mini movie" shown in the theater before the main movie. The "mini movie" skillfully covered many different performers' heartfelt "back stage" comments and sounds.
In sum, in my humble opinion the movie could have had a smarter selection of performances, been shot better at times and left out the "arty" shots to improved effect. That said it was certainly enjoyable, a handy souvenir if you were there or not and because it is ultimately intended to raise funds for a great cause I encourage you to go buy the DVD / Blu-ray when you can - I know I will.
Some initial thoughts on what could have been improved are: (1) Add in a taste of some key performers that were just completely left out, e.g Robbie Robertson and BB King (2) Reduce the number of stage shots directly from either side of the stage, presumably trying to get all performers up close in one frame, at the cost of a lingering mic(s) in front of a face(s). Add more "front row" shots to show all performers at once. (3) And hey, we already know it's New York so why waste valuable limited time inserting all those "arty", lingering shots of New York iconic scenes like taxis, streets and the skyline - and certainly no need to show the stadium's corridor ceiling lights on their own that one time.
Hopefully the DVD / Blu-ray releases will include: (a) many more "bonus" performances and (b) the 30+ minutes "mini movie" shown in the theater before the main movie. The "mini movie" skillfully covered many different performers' heartfelt "back stage" comments and sounds.
In sum, in my humble opinion the movie could have had a smarter selection of performances, been shot better at times and left out the "arty" shots to improved effect. That said it was certainly enjoyable, a handy souvenir if you were there or not and because it is ultimately intended to raise funds for a great cause I encourage you to go buy the DVD / Blu-ray when you can - I know I will.
