I absolutely love this documentary. I was told about it on the unfortunate day that Tom left us here on Earth. I've watched it several times and it has renewed my love for his/their music. I thought I was very familiar with most of their music and members but I was sadly mistaken. This was expertly put together by Peter Bogdnovich and it tells the story of the band from inception; essentially in a friends house, all the way through the early 2000's. It shows the band members as they changed, improved, and entertained millions of people worldwide. Tom was a phenomenal writer and the rest of the guys, including Tom, are world class musicians. I never had the privilege of seeing them live and I kick myself for not taking advantage of the times I could have. At close to 4 hours in length it left me hungering for more. What an amazing life they've had. It appears that these guys love working together and truly love each other. The title, "Runnin' down a dream" seems to accurately portray Tom's life because he didn't ever, "...Back Down". As a Hoosier teenager in the '70's, we needed a true rocker to answer to the onslaught of "Disco-mania" that was rolling through the country like an infectious plague. The Heartbreakers were a good solid solution. They became a big part of the soundtrack of our lives. Tom, you are missed by millions of adoring fans. Your impact on our lives will forever be felt in our love of all music. There are tons of other videos on the web but this is definitely on the top of my list.

Being a fan of Tom Petty I was naturally interested in this documentary. The thing that impressed me was how I lived all of this, listened, read, watched and yet didn't know so many details of the heights of success that Tom Petty and the band had reached. Even more interesting was the influences on him and that he has had on others in the industry. I've always been impressed with how the guy writes music that just keeps coming. In many ways like the Beatles albums, so many good songs, simple classic songs are on almost every album he works on with the heart-breakers, alone or in tandem with other artists. The adulation he receives from so many other stars like Stevie Nicks and George H. are just moving as to the dedication and talent he has. I just liked him before seeing this documentary, after I realize how ignorant I was of how good he truly is. Before I just liked so much of his music it was impressive, after I see that he has touched a lot more than me and just keeps on going. One of the few people I have seen on film where it seems like you could just walk up to him and shake his hand telling him how his music has touched your life and after all these years he would still truly appreciate the compliment and not just brush it off. Seems like a class guy and gotta love how he has effected the industry.

Having been utterly converted by their 4-disc live compilation last Christmas, I have been steadily absorbing the music of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers ever since. When I got wind of this extensive and detailed documentary, I struggled to find the time to watch it - BBC 4's annoying scheduling coupled with a near-4 hour running time meant it was simply impossible, given my working hours. Thankfully, owning the DVD eliminates this problem so last night, I settled down with a glass of Scotch and enjoyed one of the very best music documentaries ever made.Listeners in the UK would be forgiven for not recognising Tom Petty's name but the man has a huge back catalogue of genuine rock and roll genius, dating back to the early 70's when the Heartbreakers began to form from the ashes of Mudcrutch. The film, created to celebrate the band's 30th anniversary, offers a detailed analysis of all the departures, deaths and drugs you'd expect from most rock and roll stories but Petty has always done things his way. His legal battles with record companies and his solo work with the likes of George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison and many others help to create a picture of a man leading a band that have made a career of fashioning quality tunes without ever managing to sell out, break up or (if we're honest) become cool.The film, littered with electric performances throughout their career, certainly leaves few stones unturned in trying to identify the secrets of their success. Petty certainly comes across as a man driven by a desire to succeed, even if he runs the risk of alienating others in the band. Those who have stayed the course remain happy to let Petty have the limelight, not only providing musical support but actually enjoying performing on stage with him. Each set-back and tragedy is felt and at times, "Runnin' Down A Dream" becomes surprisingly evocative - I welled up during his performance of "Southern Accents", one of a number of hits that gets a fresh airing during the film. The footage of Petty playing with the Travelling Wilburys and Dylan on tour in Australia is just amazing, given Petty's journey to the top but it's also staggering how much of their career is covered on film. Early 8mm home video of them leaving Gainsville, Florida to drive to LA to sign a record deal, stopped by customs in Germany with a few "souvenirs" from Amsterdam, touring England when they first tasted success - all of it is here, as though Peter Bogdanovich himself was there. You imagine him in the back of the bus or lurking behind a bush, filming them undercover.The film also doesn't lack celebrity credential as Dave Stewart, George Harrison, Johnny Depp, Dave Grohl, Rick Rubin and Stevie Nicks all help to contribute to what amounts to a glowing testament to the band. Due to its length, it does feel a bit dry in places - the few humorous stories and anecdotes help to maintain interest, besides the band's performances - but there is a sense of genuine love for the group and their music. For fans, this is simply an awesome documentary especially as if you get the boxed set containing the 30th anniversary concert and extra CD as well. For non-listeners, it's easy to be seduced by the power of their music and the personalities behind the tunes although you shouldn't expect too much in the way of dirt. Dissenting voices are still heard - those who left the band openly criticise some of Petty's decisions - but for most, this is an exhaustive, extensive and extremely good tribute to possibly the best rock band you've never heard of.

My wife and I didn't blink, except at the end when we were in tears. Honestly people, WATCH THIS DOCUMENTARY!!! I have seen them all, from The Tommy Dorsey Story to this, with Spinal Tap and The Ruttles in between. THIS IS THE BEST MUSIC DOCUMENTARY I HAVE EVER SEEN - BY A LONG WAYS. It is like one of those great songs that literally writes itself.Peter Bogdanovich deserves an Academy Award. The pacing, the entry and exit from each scene or topic, the feel that is captured, the very subtle nuances, well....they're perfect. Thank you for not detouring away from the core band and their music! Bogdanovich makes the four hours seem like minutes. We didn't want it to stop. It also helps to have great subject matter, and I now realize why Bogdanovich took on this project - Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers are the Real Deal. What they have given us is overwhelming. And what they went through and put up with in order to do it only adds to their reputation, and to the story itself. My wife and I keep going back to the DVR and rewinding to scenes or moments that are totally captivating. And, it's true, we were both in tears at the end. It really is that good. Thank you to Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers for letting us into your intensely fascinating world, to Peter Bogdanovich for capturing it so perfectly, to Tom Petty for staying true to his spirit, to Mike Campbell for showing us that a brilliant lead guitarist can also be reverent and humble and to everyone else - your synergy is an inspiration. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.