Eagles: Hell Freezes Over (1994 TV Special) User Reviews

The Eagles are back in fine form, but lack enthusiasm

[fleetwoodmacrocks · 8/10 · 12 March 2001]

Well the Eagles got back together in 1994. So what? Big deal? Well the big deal is that this is one of those reunions we thought would NEVER happen. The truth of the matter is, the Eagles are a fantastic group of performers. Each member in his own right can stand alone with their own solo work. But you put the five of them together, and they create an amazing sound.

This show, as a whole, would satisfy any Eagles fan. What it doesn't do, however, is appeal to those Non-Eagles fans. Quite simply, the show doesn't "ROCK" enough. Don't get me wrong, I consider myself an Eagles fan. Yet, I was somewhat disappointed by this DVD. Too many of the groups slow ballads drown this show in depression.

Secondly, the members don't seem to be enjoying themselves on-stage in the least bit. The bands' chops seem to be up, and they play perfectly, but the tunes just lack any emotion. It comes across as if they are just going through the motions. One might even say that this reunion may have been done only for the money. And if you want to deny that would-be-fact, ask yourself where have the Eagles been since 94'...?

Any ways, it's a decent show. A solid 8 out of 10. If anything, it makes the grade for the musicianship alone.

Music's great, but...

[grahamsj3 · 9/10 · 12 September 2004]

I detect that there are still some issues among the band members. It's a pity, because the Eagles are symbiosis personified. While each of them is a fantastic musician, together, they are unbeatable. The interpersonal relationships still seem a bit strained although they say they've forgiven each other. There was a lot of rancor when they split up 14 years previous and it's still not all gone. However, once they start playing and singing, the result is pure magic. Their voice and guitar work is still without a peer. They covered many of their best songs along with some new material that is just as good, in my opinion. I think I prefer an "electric" Hotel California to the acoustic version that they did, but overall, I'd have to rate the music in this concert as among their best, and that is saying something!

The Eagles Still Have the Magic

[pinkflyd · 8/10 · 26 May 1999]

Very enjoyable Eagles concert, featuring many of their greatest hits, such as "Hotel California", "Life in the Fast Lane", and "Take it Easy". The opening documentary is interesting, but not very informative. My only complaint is that the concert isn't shown in it's entirety as it was performed, as several of the songs are presented out of sequence. So instead of getting an actual feeling of "being there", it feels more like watching a series of music videos. Still, the material holds up and still sounds great. My rating: 8 out of 10.

Perfection

[AllanandPaula · 10/10 · 17 October 2005]

I love music DVD's. I always consider them to be better value than movies, cos you are going to watch them more. This DVD really is something special.The quality of sound and vision is truly outstanding. I am fortunate enough to be able to watch on a home theater 5.1 system and the effect is fantastic. I admit to being an Eagles fan for many years but even I was amazed by this concert. The Eagles give a fantastic performance which is enhanced by the quality of DVD. My personal favorites are Heart Of The Matter, Wasted Time and The Last Resort, but all of the songs are performed wonderfully. This music DVD is certainly in my personal top two of the genre, along with the Eurythmics Peacetour, which is also exceptional. If you have looked at this DVD and considered buying it then do so immediately. You are in for a real treat, I promise. Absolutely outstanding.

Takin' It Easy

[pkwalden · 10/10 · 11 July 2004]

The 14 year vacation Glen speaks of in this concert has done nothing to dampen their spirits or their quality of music. Collectively their voices are just as strong now as they were in the mid 70's. This concert has captured all the magic that was and still is The Eagles. From the moment they hit the stage, the audience is kept spellbound as you will be when you see this. I would have liked to have seen this concert in its entirety but not withstanding that this is an excellent addition to anyones' music collection. For those wanting to buy a DTS or 5.1 surround sound system this DVD also has a side benefit in that it is perfect for what Digital Theatre Surround should sound like. For me, this is a 10 but then I am a fan.

The Essential Music DVD

[madastar · 28 September 2002]

This is, without a doubt, the best concert DVD in my collection. While I only have 13 music titles in my DVD library as of this review; it will take a remarkable concert DVD to match the level of this one. The sound quality of the DTS soundtrack is excellent. The performance by The Eagles is flawless. The image quality could be better, but it is still quite good. Even if you are not a die hard Eagles fan, it is still a worth while purchase for your collection. There is no question that there was a considerable amount of time spent rehearsing for this concert, it shows in so many ways.

Just the coolest rock concert ever...

[thenerdwithin · 10/10 · 2 January 2006]

After a 14-yr 'vacation', the Eagles were ready to Rock'n'Roll, and that is what they did. The BEST rock concert I've ever seen after Pink Floyd P.U.L.S.E, and I've seen over two hundred of them. It represents the peak of their musical playing ability, and the quality of the AV is awesome! Every one of the Eagles coordinate to perfection. Henley's and Schmit's vocals are just amazing. The best thing is that the Eagles keep changing their instruments, in one song, Frey is playing the guitar, in the next song, he's playing the piano... that just proves the Eagles not just their own instrument players, but real musicians! The mood changes so fast, yet it takes you along with it. Hotel California and Heart Of the Matter represents the acoustic genius of the Eagles, I Can't Tell You Why and Desperado show us their soft side, Girl From Yesterday and Tequila Sunrise show their country spirit, while Life In The Fast Lane and Get Over It shows us that they can rock hard as well! EAGLES ROCK!

Just outstanding

[jrednc3 · 10/10 · 22 July 2005]

This is one of the most outstanding concerts I have ever seen. One of the notable attributes of these artists is their versatility on different instruments. Looking at the lead in of the DVD we got the opportunity to see them key up the supporting musicians and literally find the off key instrument in the score. What an outstanding group of men. Is there a biography for the Eagles as a group? I think I saw another Eagle that Timothy B. Schmit replaced. I saw this when they were inducted into the Hall Of Fame. The new songs they developed, continue to show that these artists are not out of the main stream of the industry. Their popularity still soars with the EAGLES. Their voices are strong, in tune, and a virtual heaven sent talent.

Hell is Heaven

[GeorgiaGiant · 10/10 · 25 July 2005]

I'm a 22 yr. old who has been an Eagles fan since my dad first played Hotel California for me on vinyl, and this, quite simply, was absolutely fantastic! Whenever I need a lift, I listen to "The Heart of the Matter" or "Life in the Fast Lane." This was, in fact, the most incredible music DVD I've ever seen. Glenn Frey, the black-haired centerpiece who sings lead on "Take it Easy" and "Tequila Sunrise" seems to be in the lead here, which suits Don Henley, the gravelly-voiced drummer/lead singer from Texas, (whose vocals leave an impression on all those lucky enough to partake)just fine. My personal favorite moments are those between Don Felder and Joe Walsh, the two guitar players to our right (Frey's left), who seem to be the two guys most in love with the music. Although Felder has since been fired and the Eagles aren't quite the instrumental tour-de-force they once were, this DVD represents the last peak for an iconic band, much like Queen at the first Live-Aid. In my opinion, Hell Freezes Over is a slice of Heaven.

Incredible revisit to wonderful Eagles classics

[lyn-21 · 10/10 · 17 January 2000]

Unparalleled harmonies, monumentally masterful instrumentals and some insight into the hearts, minds and lives of one of rocks most successful bands. Hear and see some of the inspiration for the songs and regrouping of this unique ensemble. If you enjoy Eagles music, this is a must.

Great music, okay 'concert'

[maccas-56367 · 6/10 · 13 March 2021]

I'm sure this was probably fantastic back in 1994, but it hasn't aged well - which is weird, considering the music of The Eagles is utterly timeless.

I went into this thinking it was a concert film. It takes 15-20 minutes for the show to get going, as it attempts to provide some kind of documentary around the band, their reunion and these shows. I felt that part was unnecessary.

The musicianship was excellent, even if some band members looked like they wanted to be anywhere but on stage. The setlist was missing a lot of my favourites, but still managed to incorporate the likes of Take It Easy, Hotel California, Desperado and In The City. Most of the new material missed the mark, though Get Over It has perhaps even more relevance today than back then.

Recommend to only die hard Eagles fans.

Outstanding and satisfying.This DVD sets the standard for Me.

[tbeas · 10/10 · 16 July 2000]

I was extremely pleased with this DVD. The Eagles individually and as a group were all excellent and the DTS encoding is outstanding. I have viewed this concert dozens of times and find it to always be fresh and satisfying. The clarity of the video in the DVD format and the DTS encoded sound track are a joy to the eyes and ears. This was my first DTS recorded product and has set a new standard for my expectations. You will not be dissatisfied with this purchase, especially if you have a DTS decoder as part of your audio system. The audio only Seven Bridges Road at the end of the DVD surrounds and penetrates every sense. Find the sweet spot in the room, close your eyes and turn up the volume.

Meh

[statman122 · 3/10 · 20 December 2020]

By this point, they had turned everything down and become a soft rock band for soccer moms. They were good in the seventies, before they replaced Bernie Leadon with Walsh.

Very nice DVD of the 1994 reunion, when hell froze over!

[TxMike · 19 October 2014]

I am roughly the same age as the Eagles members. I remember their name from the 1970s, and now that I know their songs I also remember hearing the songs. But before I watched this DVD I could not have put together the group with any of the songs. I suppose you can say I wasn't a big fan. I was more of a Chicago, Three Dog Night, and Blood/Sweat/Tears fan.

But maybe 10 or 12 years ago my good friend Larry gave me this Eagles DVD. It was still fairly early in home theater surround sound and not every player or receiver could decode the DTS bit stream. But Larry and I could, and we relished in the fact that we were able to hear good, correct, discrete surround sound. That especially rings true in the bonus "Seven Bridges" track where a distinct voice comes out of each of the 5 speakers.

But I am getting ahead a bit. A few days ago I came across the film "History of the Eagles", a 2012 documentary available on Netflix streaming. Watching that 3-hour film was required to really understand the Eagles and where they came from, starting in the late 1960s. They disbanded in 1980 when strong personalities made it impossible for them to stay together, but at the beginning of this 1994 film, Don Henley explains to the audience, "We never broke up, we just took a 14-year break."

The sound on this DVD, in DTS surround, is fabulous. It is the next best thing to being at their concert. After enjoying it a number of times over the years, tonight I watched it with a fresh appreciation after seeing the 2012 documentary.

Are you pukin' ??

Absolutely Brilliant

[Darksider · 14 April 2002]

I'm only 16, and was never really a fan of 'older' music until my Dad brought this DVD home. Now I'm hooked. The Eagles are fantastic, they definitely still have the magic. My fave is 'Hotel California' and I love 'Pretty Maids All in a Row', 'New York Minute' and 'The Last Resort'.