Hellen I like the storyline of this show,it attract me so much

Bereamic Awesome Movie

ChanFamous I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

Calum Hutton It's a good bad... and worth a popcorn matinée. While it's easy to lament what could have been...

njbriggs-542-767575 If you were a teenager during the turbulent 60s and have even a passing interest in Petty's music, you should thoroughly enjoy this film. I'm about the same age as Petty and can totally relate to the influences that drove him to rock stardom. This movie was a real trip down memory lane and a huge eye opener in terms of the talents of Petty and his amazing band. Its a remarkable story really given Petty's very modest background and growing up in the somewhat rural Gainesville Florida. Fortunately, the University of Florida is there, which provided Petty's early band with an eager audience during the formative years. Even more amazing is how at one point, they simply decided to drive to California with some audition tapes and get a contract. And they did! Who knew it was so easy, although there were plenty of bumps along the way. The movie also provides pretty good insight into the ugly underbelly of the music industry and how they manipulate new artists to their own ends. If you are not a huge Petty fan, you will probably be surprised by how many hits this band had. It's pretty remarkable. All the more so that they can still play them all to perfection, despite their advancing age. Few groups of this age can make that claim. I wasn't a huge Petty fan until I saw this documentary. I was so impressed by Petty the person, and a realization that a lot of their songs were pretty easy to play (just from watching them play, I recognized the basic chords), that I took up guitar again after a 40 year hiatus. And I have actually become a much better guitar player than when I quit in frustration as a teenager. Its a fun ride with some intriguing personalities. Petty comes off as a pretty down to earth person, as does most of his band. A refreshing difference from the huge egos that dominate the rock world. Also be prepared to be surprised at how many huge artists Petty collaborated with, from George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash. He is a pretty remarkable fellow.

Benjamin Cox Having been utterly converted by their 4-disc live compilation last Christmas, I have been steadily absorbing the music of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers ever since. When I got wind of this extensive and detailed documentary, I struggled to find the time to watch it - BBC 4's annoying scheduling coupled with a near-4 hour running time meant it was simply impossible, given my working hours. Thankfully, owning the DVD eliminates this problem so last night, I settled down with a glass of Scotch and enjoyed one of the very best music documentaries ever made.Listeners in the UK would be forgiven for not recognising Tom Petty's name but the man has a huge back catalogue of genuine rock and roll genius, dating back to the early 70's when the Heartbreakers began to form from the ashes of Mudcrutch. The film, created to celebrate the band's 30th anniversary, offers a detailed analysis of all the departures, deaths and drugs you'd expect from most rock and roll stories but Petty has always done things his way. His legal battles with record companies and his solo work with the likes of George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison and many others help to create a picture of a man leading a band that have made a career of fashioning quality tunes without ever managing to sell out, break up or (if we're honest) become cool.The film, littered with electric performances throughout their career, certainly leaves few stones unturned in trying to identify the secrets of their success. Petty certainly comes across as a man driven by a desire to succeed, even if he runs the risk of alienating others in the band. Those who have stayed the course remain happy to let Petty have the limelight, not only providing musical support but actually enjoying performing on stage with him. Each set-back and tragedy is felt and at times, "Runnin' Down A Dream" becomes surprisingly evocative - I welled up during his performance of "Southern Accents", one of a number of hits that gets a fresh airing during the film. The footage of Petty playing with the Travelling Wilburys and Dylan on tour in Australia is just amazing, given Petty's journey to the top but it's also staggering how much of their career is covered on film. Early 8mm home video of them leaving Gainsville, Florida to drive to LA to sign a record deal, stopped by customs in Germany with a few "souvenirs" from Amsterdam, touring England when they first tasted success - all of it is here, as though Peter Bogdanovich himself was there. You imagine him in the back of the bus or lurking behind a bush, filming them undercover.The film also doesn't lack celebrity credential as Dave Stewart, George Harrison, Johnny Depp, Dave Grohl, Rick Rubin and Stevie Nicks all help to contribute to what amounts to a glowing testament to the band. Due to its length, it does feel a bit dry in places - the few humorous stories and anecdotes help to maintain interest, besides the band's performances - but there is a sense of genuine love for the group and their music. For fans, this is simply an awesome documentary especially as if you get the boxed set containing the 30th anniversary concert and extra CD as well. For non-listeners, it's easy to be seduced by the power of their music and the personalities behind the tunes although you shouldn't expect too much in the way of dirt. Dissenting voices are still heard - those who left the band openly criticise some of Petty's decisions - but for most, this is an exhaustive, extensive and extremely good tribute to possibly the best rock band you've never heard of.

gary-444 A sprawling, glorious, epic documentary of one of American Rock's survivors and veterans which at almost four hours, is probably only about fifteen minutes too long. Commissioned by Petty, Director Bogdanovic has produced a classic in the genre. It's success is due to Petty's long and productive career, Petty's wry and lucid reminiscences , access to some excellent archive footage, and shrewd editing. The running time works out at about an hour per ten years of musical career which in that context is fair enough.It is particularly strong in covering the formative years pre-Heartbreakers.As a long standing fan from the Heartbreakers first album, it was a sweet trip down memory lane. Played out chronologically, there is abundant rehearsal, live and promotional footage from pretty much every era with thoughtful and insightful commentary from Petty and band members throughout. Yet this is a vanity project, albeit a very good one. And although as a testament to a fine career it is about "Best in Class", inevitably there are some critical holes in it.Their "break" in England, which launched their career is sketchily explained. The eponymous first album, launched as Punk/New Wave was about to overwhelm England, is a deeply conservative and derivative, traditional American Rock record. The only concession to the time was that no song was longer than four minutes, and four of the ten were under three. That they prospered was down to the fact that without those short songs, they would never have been played on the radio, that this was no "new band"- it was a road tested and honed unit with fine musicians, and that they had an "anchor song" in "American Girl" which is still played as the highlight of their set 34 years later.When "You're Gonna Get it" came out Punk/New wave ruled. Again Petty trimmed. This time six of the ten songs were under three minutes, the cover shot was a broody, moody menacing one, and single choices "You're Gonna get it" and "I Need to Know" were consistent with the musical zeitgeist. How much of this was down to Producer Denny Cordell, how much Petty and how much unknown figures at Shelter Records was unexplained, but it worked.The Knebworth appearance, which I saw, in 1978 is strangely missed out. It was the moment they came of age. Headliners were Genesis, they were third on the bill behind Jefferson Starship, but ahead of Devo, Brand X and the Atlanta Rhythm Section. In front of 120,000 fans they played a sharp convincing 45 minute set which demonstrated that they had the songs, and presence, to make it. How they got the gig and their recollections of it, would have been fascinating.As a fan, I am a huge admirer of Petty's music, but it is curious how few crossover great songs he has produced. Beyond "American Girl" you are struggling outside of the converted, and none of his albums really earns "classic" status. Is he a poor man's Southern Springsteen? Yet his pedigree and longevity are undisputed? Howcome? This is not explored. I believe it is down to Petty's ability to absorb and then reinvent familiar sounds. You get recognisable, clever well crafted songs, but never anything truly original. He is a synthesiser of musical styles not an originator.To Petty's credit, tensions within the band are laid bare. Jimmy Iovine's scarcely disguised contempt for Stan Lynch's drumming is starkly exposed as is bassist Howie Epsteins fatal drug addiction. The mystery of the arson attack on Petty's home remains just that. The mutual love-in between Stevie Nicks and Petty is another delight. Her obvious infatuation with the band is lavishly covered, and the soft focus shots of her in interview suggest that Petty was at the very least flattered.The Travelling Wilbury's era with Jeff Lynne gives the film a lift although it is a shame that Dylan could not have been persuaded to say a few words. That notwithstanding, Dave Stewart, George Harrison, Dave Grohl and Johnny Depp ensure that Petty is never light of celebrity endorsement.A delight, and essential viewing for fans, and an education for all music buffs interested in American Rock post 1970's.

rgarbus I would like to thank Peter Bogdanovich for putting together a wonderful movie that really showcases the song writing talent of Tom Petty and the synergy of the Heartbreakers. I was riveted the entire 4 hours and wanted more so I anxiously perused the bonus material.The contributions of close friends such as Jeff Lynn and Rick Rubin helped to illustrate the talents of Petty. The interviews with Tom himself show that he a modest man but you see the impact of his music when you realize all the huge hits he had over the decades. The movie did not go into his personal like much, but it was interesting to learn that Tom was married to his first wife for over 20 years. It was sad to learn about the death of their bass player due to substance abuse.