Must-See Documentaries About A-ha
In-Depth Portraits of the Iconic Band
The Norwegian band a-ha has captivated audiences since their breakout hit "Take On Me" topped the Billboard charts in 1985. Their innovative music video, a blend of live-action and animation, set them apart in the music industry and remains iconic to this day.
For those looking to explore the story behind the band, several documentaries provide an in-depth look at a-ha's journey from aspiring musicians to international pop stars. These films delve into both the glamorous aspects of fame and the challenges the band faced along the way.
1) A-ha: The Movie (2021)
A-ha: The Movie explores the remarkable journey of the Norwegian band A-ha, focusing on their global rise to fame.
Directed by Thomas Robsahm and Aslaug Holm, the film gives an intimate look at the lives of the band members—Morten Harket, Pål Waaktaar, and Magne Furuholmen.
The documentary spans a four-year period and dives into how their iconic hit, "Take On Me," catapulted them to international stardom.
It reveals the band's struggles and the complexities behind their success, offering a candid perspective on their relationships and creative processes.
A-ha's story begins in the early 1980s, culminating in their breakthrough in 1985 when "Take On Me" topped the Billboard charts in the US.
The film captures rare archival footage, personal interviews, and behind-the-scenes moments from their tours.
A-ha: The Movie not only celebrates their musical achievements but also delves into the personal dreams and challenges faced by each band member.
For more information, you can visit IMDb.
2) Hunting High and Low: The A-ha Journey
"Hunting High and Low: The A-ha Journey" provides an intimate look into the life and career of the iconic Norwegian band, A-ha. Released in 2022, the documentary covers crucial points in the group's history, from their breakthrough in the mid-80s to their ups and downs over the decades. More info (2022)
The film delves into the dynamic between the band members—Morten Harket, Magne Furuholmen, and Pål Waaktaar-Savoy. Their relationships have evolved, highlighting both their collaborative spirit and the personal tensions that have marked their journey.
Viewers are given an opportunity to experience rare behind-the-scenes footage, including recording sessions and intimate interviews with the band members. This material sheds light on their creative processes and the emotional challenges they’ve faced.
The documentary also explores the cultural impact of their music, demonstrating how their songs resonated with millions across the globe. Contributions from fans and musical experts provide additional layers of understanding.
In addition to the band's internal dynamics, the film doesn't shy away from discussing the pressures of fame and the music industry's demands. These elements offer a comprehensive picture of the complexities involved in sustaining a long-term career in pop music.
3) Take On Me: The A-ha Story
"Take On Me: The A-ha Story" delves into the history of the band's most iconic song. Released in 1985, "Take On Me" became a global sensation, largely due to its innovative music video.
The video, directed by Steve Barron, features a mix of live-action and pencil-sketch animation. This groundbreaking style captured the imagination of audiences and helped propel the song to No. 1 on the charts.
The documentary explores the band's early struggles and how "Take On Me" evolved from its initial versions. It includes insights from guitarist and songwriter Paul Waaktaar-Savoy, revealing the creative process behind the song and video.
This film is not just a nostalgic trip but also a detailed look at animation techniques and music production of the 1980s. It provides fans and new listeners alike a deeper appreciation of A-ha's artistry.
For more on "Take On Me: The A-ha Story," visit its IMDB page.
4) Live in South America: A-ha's Tour
Live in South America captures A-ha during their record-breaking tour across South America in 1993. This tour saw the band performing 25 shows in countries including Chile, Argentina, and Brazil.
One of the most notable events was their performance at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. A-ha set a new attendance record at this renowned venue with an audience of 195,000 fans, showcasing their massive popularity in the region.
The documentary highlights the energy and enthusiasm of the crowds as well as the band's dynamic stage presence. Songs such as "The Sun Always Shines on TV," "Take On Me," and "I've Been Losing You" are featured, giving viewers a glimpse into the live experience that captivated millions.
Live in South America (1993) on IMDb
5) The Documentary: A-ha Unplugged (2017)
"The Documentary: A-ha Unplugged" provides an intimate look at a-ha during their MTV Unplugged performance in 2017. The film captures the band members as they prepare for a unique acoustic rendition of their classic hits.
Viewers gain insight into the band's creative process as they rearrange songs such as "Take On Me" into new, stripped-down versions. The documentary emphasizes the chemistry and dynamics among Morten Harket, PĂĄl Waaktaar, and Magne Furuholmen as they collaborate.
The performance includes both well-known tracks and lesser-known gems, showcasing the band's versatility. The film also delves into the band's resolve to continue evolving their music.
The documentary offers a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse of a-ha's musicianship and the effort that goes into crafting a memorable acoustic performance.
More information on this documentary can be found on IMDb.
6) Behind the Music: A-ha
"Behind the Music: A-ha" offers a deep dive into the compelling story of Norway's iconic synth-pop trio. With a focus on their humble beginnings, it highlights how Magne Furuholmen, Morten Harket, and PĂĄl Waaktaar-Savoy pursued their dream of international stardom.
The documentary takes viewers through the band's groundbreaking success with "Take On Me," a song that not only topped charts worldwide but also redefined music videos with its innovative animation technique.
Releases such as this often feature personal insights from band members, providing a behind-the-scenes look at their creative process, struggles, and triumphs. This film allows fans and new audiences alike to appreciate the band's journey from obscure roots to global recognition.
The combination of archival footage and contemporary interviews helps paint a full picture of the band's enduring legacy and influence in the music industry. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the trajectory of one of the most successful acts to come out of Norway.
To explore more about this documentary, visit IMDb (2021).
7) A-ha: Music Video Retrospective
A-ha's music videos have played a significant role in their global success. Their visual storytelling, creativity, and innovative techniques left a lasting impact on pop culture.
"Take On Me" is perhaps the most iconic. The groundbreaking blend of live-action and animation set a new standard in 1985. Its distinctive sketch-drawing animation remains influential.
Their other music videos also showcase the band's artistic vision. "The Sun Always Shines on T.V." features surreal visuals and dramatic effects, complementing the song's intense mood. This followed the innovative style they established with their earlier works.
A-ha's later videos continued to evolve. "Cry Wolf" and "Stay on These Roads" maintained a high standard of visual production, blending narrative and performance shots. They kept fans engaged with compelling storylines.
In the 2000s, A-ha adapted their style for a new era. Videos for "Summer Moved On" and "Foot of the Mountain" included modern digital effects, showing they could innovate across decades.
From their breakout hits to more recent works, A-ha's music videos are a testament to their artistic evolution and enduring appeal.
8) A-ha: MTV Unplugged (2017)
In 2017, the Norwegian band A-ha recorded a live acoustic album as part of the iconic MTV Unplugged series. The album was titled "MTV Unplugged: Summer Solstice." This unique performance took place in Giske, Norway, at the Harbour Hall at Ocean Sound Recordings on June 22 and 23.
These intimate concerts were especially significant as they coincided with the summer solstice. Only a couple of hundred people had the opportunity to attend these special nights. The event marked a notable milestone in A-ha's long and successful career.
The acoustic versions of A-ha's hits offered a fresh take on their well-known songs, showcasing the band's versatility. For instance, tracks like "The Sun Always Shines on TV" and "A Break in the Clouds" are among the notable performances featured in the album.
Directed by Kim Strømstad, the live performance was also released as a video, bringing A-ha's live acoustic magic to a broader audience. Fans could experience the band's chemistry and musical prowess in an unplugged setting, making it a must-see for any A-ha enthusiast.
For more information, visit the IMDb page about the film.
9) The Making of 'Foot of the Mountain'
"Foot of the Mountain" stands as a remarkable chapter in A-ha's musical journey. Released in 2009, this album marked a return to the band's synthesizer-based sound, reminiscent of their early work.
Creating this album involved recording sessions in Berlin and along the Baltic Sea, capturing the essence of European influence. The production saw the band collaborating closely, ensuring a cohesive and refreshed sound powerful enough to capture their fans' hearts.
The album's lead single, "Foot of the Mountain," became significant as it was used as the official anthem for the 2009 World Championships in Athletics held in Berlin. It reached number three on the German charts, demonstrating A-ha's enduring popularity.
This process highlighted the meticulous planning and creative synergy that A-ha brought to their projects. The band meticulously blended modern elements with their iconic 80s sound, creating an album that both resonated with long-time fans and attracted new listeners.
10) A-ha: The Early Days
A-ha, the iconic Norwegian synth-pop band, had humble beginnings in the 1970s. Formed in Oslo, the group consisted of Morten Harket (vocals), PĂĄl Waaktaar-Savoy (guitar), and Magne Furuholmen (keyboards).
In their early years, they were influenced by bands like Queen and the Velvet Underground. Their breakthrough came in 1985 with the hit single "Take On Me," which topped the Billboard charts in the US.
Their debut album, "Hunting High and Low," showcased their talent and unique sound. They quickly gained international fame, becoming the first Norwegian act to achieve such success.
For more information on A-ha's early years, visit the Wikipedia page.
Background of A-ha
A-ha is a Norwegian pop band known for their hit "Take On Me," which became a worldwide sensation in the mid-1980s. The following sections detail the formation and early years of the band, as well as their rise to international fame.
Formation and Early Years
A-ha was formed in Oslo, Norway, in 1982. The band consists of three members: Morten Harket on vocals, PĂĄl Waaktaar-Savoy on guitar, and Magne Furuholmen on keyboards. Waaktaar-Savoy and Furuholmen had played together in various bands before teaming up with Harket, who brought a unique voice to their sound.
Their name, A-ha, was inspired by a song title composed by Furuholmen and Waaktaar-Savoy. Initially, the band struggled to gain recognition, experimenting with different styles and recording demos. They moved to London in hopes of breaking into the larger music scene. Their efforts paid off as they were eventually signed by Warner Bros. Records in 1983.
Rise to Fame
A-ha's breakthrough came with the release of their single "Take On Me" in 1984. The song was initially not a hit. After a few re-recordings and remixes, it was paired with an innovative music video combining live-action and pencil-sketch animation. The video, directed by Steve Barron, received heavy rotation on MTV.
"Take On Me" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States in 1985 and became a global phenomenon. Their debut album, Hunting High and Low, also enjoyed significant success, producing another hit, "The Sun Always Shines on T.V." The band’s melodic synth-pop sound and well-crafted music videos cemented their place in pop music history.
The Impact of A-ha's Music
A-ha's music has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape and influenced a range of modern artists. Their ability to combine unique soundscapes with compelling visuals has set them apart in the music industry.
Cultural Significance
A-ha emerged from Norway in the 1980s, bringing Scandinavian pop to the global stage. Their 1985 hit "Take On Me" became iconic, partly due to its innovative use of rotoscope animation in the music video. This combination of music and visual art not only captivated audiences but also pushed the boundaries of what music videos could achieve.
Their debut album, Hunting High and Low, further cemented their place in pop history. Songs from the album topped charts worldwide and earned critical acclaim. Beyond commercial success, A-ha's music contributed to the evolving identity of 1980s pop culture, helping to shape the aesthetic and sound of the decade.
Influence on Modern Artists
A-ha's influence extends to numerous contemporary musicians. Artists like Coldplay and Keane have cited A-ha as a significant inspiration, especially in terms of melodic structure and lyrical depth. Their use of synthesizers and carefully crafted soundscapes can be seen echoed in the works of modern synth-pop and electronic artists.
The band’s exploration of themes such as love, ambition, and existentialism offers a template for songwriters who aim to combine accessible pop with deeper, more reflective lyrics. By maintaining artistic integrity while achieving commercial success, A-ha has demonstrated a model of balance that continues to inspire artists today.
Behind the Scenes in Their Documentaries
Exploring the intimate and profound moments of A-ha, these documentaries reveal the band's journey through exclusive insights from the directors and candid interviews with the band members.
Director Insights
Directors have offered a unique perspective on A-ha’s legacy, capturing their vibrant energy and unwavering determination. The filming approach often involves extensive footage over several years, creating an authentic narrative arc.
One documentary, for example, spans four years, illustrating the band's challenges and triumphs in achieving international acclaim. Directors use a mixture of old and new footage to intertwine the band's early dreams with their continuing relevance. This behind-the-scenes approach provides a layered understanding of A-ha's impact on music and culture.
Exclusive Interviews
Interviews with A-ha’s members deliver personal anecdotes and reflections on their journey. These interviews often include unseen archival material, adding depth to their narrative.
The band members discuss their experiences of recording iconic tracks such as "Take On Me" and their artistic vision. Fans gain insight into the interpersonal dynamics and the creative process behind their music. Interviews cover a variety of topics such as inspiration, challenges, and milestones in their career, providing a well-rounded view of the band’s evolution.
