A highly enjoyable viewing experience for new and old fans alike, the 75-minute film boasts sharp visuals and excellent sound. It should be an even better audio experience in a fully equipped auditorium since it was mixed and mastered with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision.
Co-directed by Gavin Elder, Vincent Adam Paul and George Scott, "A Hollywood High" was shot from atop The Aster, a private members' club and hotel in Hollywood across from the iconic Capitol Records tower - Duran Duran's original record label home. A small invite-only audience got to witness the unique event. In fact, drummer Roger Taylor says it was the first time the band had performed on a rooftop.
The film serves as a love letter to Los Angeles and Hollywood by the group. An opening sequence projects notable landmarks from the past and present such as the Hollywood sign, the corner of Hollywood & Vine and more.
Each of the musicians recall their first impressions of the city. Keyboardist Nick Rhodes talks about the mystique of the Sunset Strip and how the band stayed at the "Riot" Hyatt Hotel, known for infamous celeb activity during the 1970s during Duran Duran's first trip to LA. Singer Simon Le Bon recalls being amazed at all the big ad billboards and neon everywhere, as well as oil pump jack sightings.
There is archival footage from the band's first LA press conference at The Magic Shop, two shows at the Roxy on Sunset and the inaugural American tour. Rhodes briefly discusses with producer/mixer David Kershenbaum how the latter's remix of early tracks helped the group get airplay on U.S. radio.
Quickly touching on Duran's 1993 comeback with "The Wedding Album," Rhodes gives props to former member Warren Cuccurullo, whose guitarwork on the major hits "Ordinary World" and "Come Undone," played a major role in the band's renewed American success. The band's Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in front of Capitol around that period (where this writer was in attendance) is also seen.
Following that 15-minute section, it's onto the fine hourlong concert, where all the musicians look as if they're having fun. Le Bon's voice is relaxed and he sounds great. The camera men offer plenty of awesome aerial shots, where viewers see cars zipping by below, a gorgeous sunset and the Capitol building bathed in blue and yellow colors (at Duran's request), in honor of Ukraine during "Ordinary World."
Here's the setlist:
A View to a Kill/Invisible/All of You/Notorious/Come Undone/Give it All Up/Pressure Off/White Lines (Don't Do It)/Anniversary/Ordinary World/Tonight United
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