Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, heads an all-star music event that changed the world! See the making of a miracle as 45 of the biggest names in American popular music combine to record a song to benefit the suffering of starving millions in Africa and America. Narrated by Jane Fonda, this program provides a behind-the-scenes look at the night of January 28, 1985 to provide more than a moving collection of words, pictures and music – it’s a living piece of history.
Buy “We Are the World – The Story Behind the Song “ For Only $11.35
January 23, 2006
#1
The British did this first with their charity single, “Do They Know it’s Christmas?”
Not that we Americans can’t take their idea and use it, but we, of course, have to spray paint Ugly American all over it.
The celebs were in town for the Grammies, if I remember right. They left the awards and stopped by the studio to dine on champagne and caviar while recording their one or two lines. Then they rattled on to cameras about what great humanitarians they all are for doing this.
Then they jumped in their limos and partied the rest of the night away.
If you bought the CD or this DVD, then YOU’VE probably contributed more to saving people in Africa than the gazillionaires fawning all over each other here.
(Watch Bob Dylan’s scenes carefully: for some reason, he refused to sing in front of anyone and they actually kicked everyone out until he sang his part).
If watching Harry Belafonte fly all the way to Africa to place product placement shirts on starving African kids doesn’t say something to you, then you really need to reevaluate which altar to bow down and worship.
January 23, 2006
#2
A terribly grating production on the surface (there is only so many times you can listen to an eclectic group of 1980s stars sing `We are the world, we are the children’ without wanting to smash this disc with a hammer), the additional footage that accompanies the original We Are The World film is incredibly revealing. Documenting a cluster of American hitmakers creating a pop single to help aid the African famine plight (Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie and Quincy Jones worked up the original demo after seeing the success of Band Aid’s similar musical juggernaut), the greatest moments on this two disc set are the outtakes from two of the bigger rock stars involved in the recording of the 1985 hit. Bob Dylan is shown looking incredibly uneasy and unimpressed when an impromptu rendition of the Banana Boat Song breaks out amongst the gathered throng, while his solos show a man desperately unsure of his own ability until Quincy Jones reassures him. On the flipside of the coin Bruce Springsteen is seen on the extra footage giving a powerful first take of his lines, somehow balancing passion with anguish in a way the irksome Al Jarreau couldn’t dream of. All up, this isn’t as wearing as it could well have been. DVD extras include plenty of additional scenes plus a boring 10th Anniversary Special, performances of the song at the American Music Awards and Live Aid, a karaoke version of the track and plenty more to keep Kenny Loggins, Hall And Oates and Kim Carnes fans happy.
January 23, 2006
#3
This is a very entertaining DVD. It gives a lot of inside information, but, please, where are the country stars that could have performed? Kenny Rogers (probably because he lent his “Lion’s Share” recording studio to produce it), and Willie Nelson. That’s it. Willie should have said, “Hell, no! I want some of my friends here!”
January 23, 2006
#4
oh this brings back so many great memorys. this was a time when Artists from various Backgrounds&it was a fresh concept. this was one of those Ultimate Hook ups. Michael Jackson&Lionel Richie Wrote the song&they had many Artists on board including Ray Charles,Willie Nelson,Diana Ross,Billy Joel,Steve Perry,Harry Belefonte amongest a whose who. Quincy Jones Produced it&had the Phrase check your ego at the door. Michael Jackson who quiet as it’s Kept pretty much wrote the song alone,is showcased given a knockout Vocal Performance. check MJ’s solo turn of the song on His Recently released Box set. MJ knocked it out of the Box. Jane Fonda does a great job here as well.it’s great reflecting on a Cause that truly changed the world&was a strong Issue. a Must have.
January 23, 2006
#5
I have not seen the DVD yet but I have heard the song. It’s really a great song of our times. When I learnt that a part of its sales would go for Tsunami victims relief fund, I immediately ordered it, considering that it will be a special privilege to witness all of these immaculate artists working together towards a common noble cause. This will be my way of paying tribute to them.