U2 - Achtung Baby: A Classic Album Under Review

Classic album, un-classic DVD

In their long-running ‘Under Review’ series, Chrome Dreams have chosen some strange subjects. Saying that, U2’s Achtung Baby is a very good subject, with examination of the genesis, construction, ideas, influence, implications and touring of one of U2’s most sonically challenging albums. The expert opinions are interesting, provocative and cover most of the known bases (Bowie; Berlin; Europe; irony; Bono- As-Fly proclaiming that “conscience can sometimes be a pest”).

Unlike Chrome Dreams’ other U2 DVD, The Document, there is music taken from segments of promotional Achtung videos, giving a sonic flavour of the album. However, as the DVD progresses, there is just too much screen time from talking heads such as Stuart Baillie, Mark Wrathall, Nigel Williamson et al, and a yawning absence of opinions, interviews or interesting footage of U2. There is some live footage from the Zoo TV tour, but not enough. If you’re not a U2 fan, you’ll only watch this once. If you are a U2 fan, you won’t get much out of repeat viewing.

2 stars 2 stars

Chrome Dreams | SIDVD 515

Reviewed by Ian Shirley
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