“From Inside” DVD (director: John Bergin)

Superb apocalyptic animation

Written, produced, animated, and directed by John Bergin (of the industrial band Trust Obey and creator of the soundtrack to “The Crow” graphic novel), “From Inside” is an imaginative and contemplative journey through a futuristic post-apocalyptic landscape from the point of view of a tragically alone pregnant woman whilst traveling via train. Her ruminations waver from sad and regretful to strong and driven. It’s a harrowing journey, to be sure

The animation is unique, stylish, and gritty, while the script is immersive and interesting. Bergin’s stark artwork is fittingly dark and uniquely drawn, rather than a full-on CGI style. I applaud this effort, as it makes the film that much more original and personal.

As well, there’s an appropriately dark electronic industrial soundtrack by Gary Numan and Ade Fenton that brings mood, atmosphere, and tension to the visuals. It’s never intrusive or even so noticeable, which only lends to the starkness of the film.

This is an excellent piece of dark animation for the apocalyptic-minded, and one I’d be keen to watch again. If that’s not an endorsement, I don’t know what is.

From Inside site

Lakeshore Records

Rye Coalition - “The Story Of The Hard Luck 5” DVD (director: Jenni Matz)

Comprehensive look at indie rock "could-have-beens"

This documentary details the rise (and fall, in some sense of the word) of the not-famous indie rock act Rye Coalition, who in the 90s were poised for greatness, or so it seemed. Having recorded with Steve Albini and toured with Foo Fighters should’ve been the start of something bigger. Having Dave Grohl himself produce their to-be-major label debut would’ve put them over that edge, surely. But just then, their label dissolved, and Rye Coalition found themselves with nowhere to go, their stride towards greatness broken, and their record in limbo for years.

The band, intent on playing out and recording for almost no financial rewards, finally folded due to pressures both internal and external. “The Story Of The Hard Luck 5” is a thoughtful and serious documentary of the band’s times from then until now, with full band participation, as well as interviews with cohorts and supporters like Albini, Grohl, fans of the band, and their families and associates. It’s a fascinating look at some nice New Jersey boys who never aspired to much, yet got so very close to indie rock “star” status. Albini’s comments that the band were considered the best of the “Jesus Lizard wannabes” is both apt and unfair. Rye Coalition shared much with Chicago’s finest post-jazz aggro-scuzz outfit, but the differences were plenty, as evidenced by the many live clips here.

Director Matz has done a masterful work encapsulating the band’s history, and this 78-minute film is fascinating even for Rye Coalition novices like myself. Thumbs up here.

MVD Visual

Rye Coalition movie site