Madonna Performance Loses Impact On Video (Press, 30 December 1988)

The review of Madonna's video "Ciao Italia: Live from Italy," released on December 30, 1988, provides a comprehensive look at the concert experience captured in the film. The video lasts approximately 100 minutes and features a live performance in front of a raucous Italian audience, showcasing a selection of Madonna's hits. The concert includes 16 tracks, such as "Holiday," "Into the Groove," "Like a Virgin," "Papa Don’t Preach," and "La Isla Bonita," offering a reasonable cross-section of her career up to that point. The review notes that the concert starts energetically with a visually engaging stage show that utilises slides and videos, highlighting Madonna's dynamic presence as she interacts with the audience. Despite the vibrant atmosphere, the review mentions that some of the concert's excitement may not fully translate to the video format. Madonna’s performance is described as lively, with various costume changes and humorous interactions that keep the audience engaged. However, the musical aspects of the performance face criticism for lacking the spark and charisma of the studio recordings. The large backing band performs in a professional manner, but their seamless execution leads to a somewhat dull musical experience. While certain songs like "Dress Me Up," "Material Girl," and "Like A Virgin" stand out, overall, the concert is noted to drag at times, especially towards the end, indicating a lack of variety in both the music and the show. The review also touches on the themes prevalent in the concert, including money, fame, and safe sex, reflected in the backdrop during "Papa Don’t Preach." Nonetheless, it suggests the concert does not embody the thrill of a genuine live performance. Technical shortcomings are highlighted, such as dull photography and excessive long-distance shots that obscure the action on stage. This limits the potential for artistic expression in filming live concerts. In conclusion, while "Ciao Italia" may hold interest for dedicated Madonna fans and could be enjoyable to watch once or twice, the reviewer, Paul Collett, indicates it does not provide enough excitement or artistic depth for casual viewers. The video functions more as a documentation of Madonna’s performance rather than a must-see experience, particularly for those not deeply invested in her music.

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