Nine Inch Nails - "Sound & Vision" 2xDVD

Well-done collector's set (with caveat)

As another unauthorized repackaging job from Pride Productions (aka Chrome Dreams), this double-DVD documentary set is recommended only for those who are aware of it's contents. I figure, since this is a review, I should be responsible and forewarn serious fans.

The first disc is actually "Metal Machine Music - Nine Inch Nails And The Industrial Uprising", reviewed by me already here:

Metal Machine Music - NIN And The Industrial Uprising

So, I needn't go into details on that one. 

The second disc is a collection of seemingly random TV interviews with Trent Reznor -- ranging from early 90s Canadian TV stuff to mid-2000s "With Teeth" and soundtrack-era clips. Despite the shady premise here, there are many great insights to be had (at least for NIN fans like myself). In short, this is a superb collection.

Again, nowhere on the package does it state exactly what 2 DVDs are included, so those who already own "Metal Machine Music" may feel ripped off. At least the second interview disc (which I couldn't find under any other name) holds some good info and entertainment value. 

It pays to be a skeptic on releases like this one, but thankfully there remains enough quality content to make this one worthwhile to fans.

Pride Productions UK via MVD VIsual

NIN dot com

The Ballad Of Genesis And Lady Jaye trailer

An interesting new film on the way, focusing on the infamous "cultural engineer" Genesis P-Orridge and his sadly-departd wife, Lady Jaye, and their unusual and creative life partnership. I will be anxious to see this one, as Gen is a seriously influential person, with both Throbbing Gristle as well as Psychic TV, and when I interviewed him for nearly 2 hours back in 1995, he was quite a chatty gentleman!

The Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye // Trailer from Marie Losier on Vimeo.

Genesis Breyer P-Orridge website

"William S. Burroughs: A Man Within"

Here's an upcoming documentary worth a look...from Chicago director Yony Leyser. And check out the folks interviewed. A must-see!

"Metal Machine Music - Nine Inch Nails And The Industrial Uprising" DVD

A curious account, this one. It's basically a NIN bio, completely unauthorized, but legitimized by the participation of former Nails Chris Vrenna and Rich Patrick, who have both gone on to successful careers in their own bands (Tweaker and Filter, respectively). Other writers and critics also have their say regarding Trent Reznor's rise, from his synthpop roots to his well-publicized battles with former record company TVT, to his recent experiments in alternative marketing and his successful back-to-DIY aesthetic. It's a solid and critical appraisal of NIN's albums. Clips from promo videos and live footage bolster the film well, as do some fine interviews with Jared Louche (of Chemlab) and Eric Powell (16 Volt) - both peers of Reznor. On the other hand, at least one writer featured here is purely sycophantic in his adulation/adoration for NIN...good for a chuckle at least.
What's most curious about this DVD is the first half-hour or so, which takes a whole different tact entirely. This is an examination, albeit a rather shallow one, of the beginnings of so-called 'industrial' music - highlighted (and indeed, made by) an extensive interview with Genesis Breyer P-Orridge. It's telling and fascinating, hearing it in her own words. Bits and pieces of live footage of Ministry, Skinny Puppy, Throbbing Gristle, Einsturzende Neubauten, Cabaret Voltaire, and Depeche Mode (??) litter this pre-NIN history. It's nice, though far from thorough. I'd really love to see this all expanded upon, with other important inspirations like Varese, Kraftwerk, Test Dept, Whitehouse, Boyd Rice, Front 242, and others included. But that's a whole different story altogether.
As it is, this 2+ hour documentary is an exceptional watch for NIN fans - offering some insight and rare footage. Maybe it is a bit surface, but this may be as close as we'll ever get to a true and definitive bio of Reznor and his NIN persona. (Chrome Dreams/Sexy Intellectual)