"Bird on a wire" (the Tony Palmer film) coming on DVD

[LEONKA]

Wow this is sensational, already very much look forward to, it seems to me that this year will be for us fans more surprises, this may be just the beginning.

[cohenfreek]

Great news! I hope we also see The Song of Leonard Cohen released on dvd too sometime in the not-so-distant future!

I totally agree!!!!!!! I wish we had an "official" live release, be it audio/dvd/or both, for each of Leonard's tours...especially for new fans to hear, given that Leonard and his various bands have brought many of the tunes to unexpected higher levels (improvs, new arrangements, etc.) over the years -- something that the majority of performers cannot do onstage.

With (hopefully) the new studio release coming out this year, 2010 could be the second consecutive year of touring and multiple official releases for The Bard...too much!!!!!!

[MaryB]

While we're at it, how about 'Austin City Limits' - my VHS is getting really worn out!

[friscogrl]

I was given a copy of Bird on a Wire from a forum member at one of the Toronto concerts. It is of poor quality but still it is very interesting. Supposedly it was filmed with the idea of being on an acid trip. There is a scene where Leonard does do acid and not with very good consequences. Also there is a scene where Leonard is skinny dipping in an indoor swimming pool . I enjoyed it but it is definitely dated but gives one an insider's view of what touring was like for him in the early 70's.

M

[Alsiony]

Hoorah to this news! I have been really enjoying the Isle of Wight Dvd lately - and more footage is never a bad thing

A
x

[LisaLCFan]

While we're at it, how about 'Austin City Limits' - my VHS is getting really worn out!

I second that! Happily, I just found my VHS copy of the 1988 ACL show (it was misplaced in a move a few years back)! This prompted me to email ACL and ask if the Cohen shows (there were two, I'm told) were available to purchase, and they said, "No."

[MaryB]

Lisa,

I don't know if there were 2 ACL shows. I know that after the first one, I called my local PBS station to see if it would be broadcast again and if I remember corrrectly, within 6 months it was. I still can't figure out the significance of that fella in the audience with what looks like a watermelon on his head.

Mary

[LisaLCFan]

Hi Mary,

It was actually in the response I got from Austin City Limits (just a week or so ago), in which they said that "neither" of Cohen's ACL concerts were available for sale, so I deduced that there must be two!

As for the guy with the watermelon on his head, the only other place that I've seen that is in Canada in the Canadian Football League: there is a team from Regina called the Saskatchewan Roughriders, and their fans wear watermelons on their heads. (I have absolutely no idea why!) Maybe that guy was from Regina?

Cheers! (And say "Hi" to George for me!)
Lisa

[Mollydog]

I got a copy of the Austin City Limits concerts from a very generous forum member at the Beacon concert. (It may well be the same one who gave you the Bird On the Wire, Marsha!) There are two concerts - 1988 and 1993.

[LisaLCFan]

Thanks for the info, Mary Mollydog!

Lisa

[jarkko]

Song lists etc. for both Austin City Limits (1988 and 1993):
www.leonardcohenfiles.com/austin.html

[astranger]

not trying to turn this into an ACL discussion, but Leonard should totally do it again!

[bridger15]

From yesterday's newsletter of Voiceprint (UK)

Leonard Cohen Bird On A Wire film due for DVD Release
It is hoped that the finished film now including much in the way of bonus footage will be ready for release on DVD in 2010.

According to Tony Palmer's rep, they "don't have a release date as restoration of this classic is just beginning."

---Arlene

[RainDog1980]

Is this the film that we saw clips of a while back, where Cohen and the band perform "So Long, Marianne" and are too emotional to go back on stage?

[Davido]

Hi, yes that's right. Here's that actual clip :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNvRyzUP ... re=channel
There are several more clips from messalina79 from this great film.
This is the version of the film with German subtitles, which has circulated among collectors as a 'bootleg' for several years.
The contents of the original version directed by Tony Palmer differed in several aspects.
Here is what I believe to be the opening sequence:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeADmu70V2g
- Dave