AC/DC: No Bull

This concert should not have been released; as a follow up to "Live at Donington," "No Bull" is of very poor quality and does not compare to the former at all.

Basic synopsis: AC/DC on stage being filmed (most likely) with a camcorder, (early 80s at that). The reproduced sound is just awful. The saving grace of this film is that the band is playing old songs from earlier times that are never usually performed at concerts; however, sadly, these songs are marred by poor video and sound quality--what could have been great becomes something that is not. By the end of the film, something that should have been exciting and refreshing is anything but; indeed, to watch this film is a true test of patience, when trying not to turn the DVD off and put something else on instead.

Not only do I own this DVD, but I have also seen it playing at a few different pubs as well, and the crowds do not respond well. Something that is supposed to be exciting and uplifting is instead marred by poor quality to the point that even if one strains hard to listen, the songs are almost indistinguishable. Soon the DVD becomes poor quality background noise to the din of the pub-goers because the DVD cannot keep people's attention. Basically, the DVD gives a bad impression of a band that usually can blow any crowd away, live or otherwise.

AC/DC has always been one of my favorite music groups ever. Forget rock, because they rule in that genre. And this tape proves it. In this concert in Madrid, Spain, the crazy ausies perform some of there best hits (with or without Bon Scott because now we have the funniest singer ever Brian Johnson) including Back In Black, The Jack, You Shook Me All Night Long, For Those About to Rock, and my favorite- Thunderstruck. Very well done concert film, even if it is just a concert with no interviews (unlike the 1980 film Let there be Rock) because if AC/DC, with the Angus Young skipping guitar virtuoso, isn't a perfect example of the rock band, I don't know what is. A+

Of the 3 shows currently available on DVD with this line up, this is my favorite.

Brian's voice is strong, the stage doesn't yet have a runway, and better yet all the fans don't yet have goofy flashing horns.

If I wanted to nitpick I'd say Brian's singing suffered while he was riding the wrecking ball.

If I was introducing someone to this band I'd show them LET THERE BE ROCK the movie so they'd understand the Bon era, and then NO BULL so they'd have a taste of the Brian era.

I have the original DVD release as well as the directors cut but it's been so long since I watched the first one I can't really comment on the difference. Some other reviews have complained about the sound quality and I believe the directors cut was re-mixed & improved. If you buy it new now you'll probably get the directors cut.

This is a fantastic concert which has been marred by poor sound mixing during studio reproduction. Some of Brian's vocals are non-existant in many of the songs and the bottom end base is there but very dull, not crisp and clear as we have come to expect from ACCA DACCA. Still it is worth a watch as they belt out number after number as only they can. I saw this concert live in Brisbane and this DVD does the concert justice. Apart from the poor sound there is one significant difference from "Live at Donnington" and that is the return of Phil Rudd on drums. He replaced Chris Slade who is arguably a better drummer but Phil's profile seems to fit in better with ACDC despite him being sacked by the band formerly in the eighties. Most fans will delight in this show.

This one rocking DVD that has be played loud to be appreciated. Every track is a hit song. 1.back in black 2. shot down in flames 3."Thunderstruck", 4. "Girls Got Rhythm" 5. "Hard As a Rock", 6. "shoot to Thrill" 7."Boogie Man" 8. "Hail Ceasar", 9. "Hells BElls" 10. "Dog Eat Dog" 11. "the Jack" 12."Ballbreaker", 13. "Rock And Roll Ain't Noise Pollution" 14. "Dirty Deeds Done Dirty Cheap", 15. You Shook Me All Night Long" 16. ""Whole Lotta Rosie" 17. "T.N.T.", 18. "let their be Rock" 19. "Highway To Hell", 20. "For Those about To Rock (We Salute You)". The crowd was into this show and its heard very well on a 5.1 system. On this DVD you get the music video to "Hard As A Rock", and behind-the-scenes making of the music video. The guitar playing of Angus Young is great especially his solo work during "Boogie Man". A great concert DVD on those days you just want to rock 9/10.