G.G. Allin & The Murder Junkies - "Blood, Shit, And Fears" DVD

The legend of rock renegade Allin hasn't waned since his passing in 1993, and this collection of brief early-90s live bootlegs furthers the man's legacy as the most vile man making music in his era. Armed with drugs, alcohol, and a serious case of audience-baiting misanthropy, Allin stalked the stage, more often than not, completely naked, and unafraid to start fights, defecate, and self-multilate.

Compiling live audience-shot gigs from 1991 and 1993, this collection of VHS transfers is of decent quality, and the camera-operators' mobility is helpful, if for no other reason for his or her own personal safety (as Allin was known to assault concert-goers or toss his excrement at them). There are a total of 5 live shows included here, with some obviously a wee bit more subdued than others, but all of which featuring the rough and jagged proto-punk mess that was G.G. and his band. Don't expect top-tier songwriting or poeticisms, to be certain, but "Blood, Shit, And Fears" is as raw, uncompromising, and unforgettable as the man was. (MVD Visual)

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"Suor Sorriso (Sister Smile - The Tragic Tale Of The Singing Nun" DVD (director: Roger Deutsch)

A liberal retelling of the story of Belgian nun Jeanne Deckers (who, in the early 1960s, achieved a major international pop hit as "The Singing Nun"), "Suor Sorriso" succeeds on just about all levels. Despite penning this light, feel-good pop music sensation, Deckers' life was plagued by inner turmoil and personal demons. Deutsch examines her life after leaving the convent, as Deckers (played convincingly by Ginevra Colonna) becomes romantically entangled with another former nun, and delves into a world fraught with careless drugs, alcohol, and sex. Deckers' slow collapse is tragic and gradual, with Colonna more than proving her chops in this difficult and heavy-duty role. Visually superb, with some trippy hallucinogenic sequences, this 2001 Italian-language film (with English subtitles) is a curious, interesting, and engrossing watch. "Suor Sorriso" deserves much better than "B" status. There are a couple of short bonus films from the director, both of which are worthwhile slices of experimental cinema, with heart and soul. Superb set, and worth your attention! (MVD Visual)

Jim Morrison - "Final 24: HIs Final Hours" DVD

Doors frontman and consummate rock god/sex symbol/dark poet Jim Morrison was a symbol of a generation, and his on-and-offstage antics led to some of rock's greatest recordings, as well as some of the most storied antisocial/substance-abuse tales. Retreating to Paris in 1971 to write, create, and evade the intrusive media, Morrison's self-destructive behaviors finally caught up with him, and at 27 years of age, Morrison succumbed to a fatal overdose of alcohol and heroin.

This 60-minute Canadian TV program merely skims the surface of Morrison's Doors career, and instead examines the songwriter's last hours. His demise, which is portrayed convincingly by actors, is illustrated well. Commentary from associates and historians (as well as a fair amount of archival footage) also helps to paint a descriptive and appropriate picture of the singer's final 24 hours. Sensational? Perhaps, but also a solid documentary of the pitfalls of one of the world's all-time greatest rock icons. (MVD Visual)

River Phoenix - "Final 24 - His Final Hours" DVD

When a rising celebrity dies young, the repercussions can be felt for a long while. This short 60-minute documentary outlines the events leading up to the fateful night that 23-year old actor River Phoenix died in 1993. It's a well-done program, and although such recreations/dramatizations usually seem a bit overbaked to me, in this case they're not particularly harmful to the discussions and stories included here.

Featuring interviews with many of Phoenix's friends and associates, and enhanced by plenty of photos and rare video footage, "Final 24" offers a sympathetic glimpse into the troubled life of an icon who aspired to do much more than just act. His musical passion is seen as he befriended Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, and was even set to perform onstage with Flea (as well as Gibby Haynes, Al Jourgensen, and Johnny Depp) the very night he died after ingesting a massive speedball.

River Phoenix represented the idealism of a new generation, and his passing left the world a lesser place. And although this "Final 24" series is perhaps a mite morbid and sensationalistic, it's certainly a curious program worthy of some attention.
(MVD Visual)

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