Eagles: Hell Freezes Over (1994)

I am roughly the same age as the Eagles members. I remember their name from the 1970s, and now that I know their songs I also remember hearing the songs. But before I watched this DVD I could not have put together the group with any of the songs. I suppose you can say I wasn't a big fan. I was more of a Chicago, Three Dog Night, and Blood/Sweat/Tears fan.But maybe 10 or 12 years ago my good friend Larry gave me this Eagles DVD. It was still fairly early in home theater surround sound and not every player or receiver could decode the DTS bit stream. But Larry and I could, and we relished in the fact that we were able to hear good, correct, discrete surround sound. That especially rings true in the bonus "Seven Bridges" track where a distinct voice comes out of each of the 5 speakers.But I am getting ahead a bit. A few days ago I came across the film "History of the Eagles", a 2012 documentary available on Netflix streaming. Watching that 3-hour film was required to really understand the Eagles and where they came from, starting in the late 1960s. They disbanded in 1980 when strong personalities made it impossible for them to stay together, but at the beginning of this 1994 film, Don Henley explains to the audience, "We never broke up, we just took a 14-year break." The sound on this DVD, in DTS surround, is fabulous. It is the next best thing to being at their concert. After enjoying it a number of times over the years, tonight I watched it with a fresh appreciation after seeing the 2012 documentary.Are you pukin' ??

I'm a 22 yr. old who has been an Eagles fan since my dad first played Hotel California for me on vinyl, and this, quite simply, was absolutely fantastic! Whenever I need a lift, I listen to "The Heart of the Matter" or "Life in the Fast Lane." This was, in fact, the most incredible music DVD I've ever seen. Glenn Frey, the black-haired centerpiece who sings lead on "Take it Easy" and "Tequila Sunrise" seems to be in the lead here, which suits Don Henley, the gravelly-voiced drummer/lead singer from Texas, (whose vocals leave an impression on all those lucky enough to partake)just fine. My personal favorite moments are those between Don Felder and Joe Walsh, the two guitar players to our right (Frey's left), who seem to be the two guys most in love with the music. Although Felder has since been fired and the Eagles aren't quite the instrumental tour-de-force they once were, this DVD represents the last peak for an iconic band, much like Queen at the first Live-Aid. In my opinion, Hell Freezes Over is a slice of Heaven.

I detect that there are still some issues among the band members. It's a pity, because the Eagles are symbiosis personified. While each of them is a fantastic musician, together, they are unbeatable. The interpersonal relationships still seem a bit strained although they say they've forgiven each other. There was a lot of rancor when they split up 14 years previous and it's still not all gone. However, once they start playing and singing, the result is pure magic. Their voice and guitar work is still without a peer. They covered many of their best songs along with some new material that is just as good, in my opinion. I think I prefer an "electric" Hotel California to the acoustic version that they did, but overall, I'd have to rate the music in this concert as among their best, and that is saying something!

Well the Eagles got back together in 1994. So what? Big deal? Well the big deal is that this is one of those reunions we thought would NEVER happen. The truth of the matter is, the Eagles are a fantastic group of performers. Each member in his own right can stand alone with their own solo work. But you put the five of them together, and they create an amazing sound.This show, as a whole, would satisfy any Eagles fan. What it doesn't do, however, is appeal to those Non-Eagles fans. Quite simply, the show doesn't "ROCK" enough. Don't get me wrong, I consider myself an Eagles fan. Yet, I was somewhat disappointed by this DVD. Too many of the groups slow ballads drown this show in depression.Secondly, the members don't seem to be enjoying themselves on-stage in the least bit. The bands' chops seem to be up, and they play perfectly, but the tunes just lack any emotion. It comes across as if they are just going through the motions. One might even say that this reunion may have been done only for the money. And if you want to deny that would-be-fact, ask yourself where have the Eagles been since 94'...?Any ways, it's a decent show. A solid 8 out of 10. If anything, it makes the grade for the musicianship alone.