Marilyn Manson - "Innersanctum" DVD

Fine biographical doc of Brian Warner's alter ego

This unauthorized biographical film spans only an hour, and only examines his career up to 2007's "Eat Me, Drink Me" album, but it's fairly well-done, despite a few minor indiscrepancies (Manson's early influences included Nine Inch Nails and "Kill Kult(?)". Ah, a little research, please, wouldn't do harm, now, would it?

Minor complaints aside, "Innersanctum" includes many Manson interviews from TV, as well as fan viewpoints, and traces a solid path from the band's inception in Florida in the 90s to the mega-stardom of "Antichrist Superstar" and beyond. Most of the important points are highlighted, from Columbine to drugs to pop stardom, from Anton LaVey to Dita Von Teese. Even Manson's then-fledgling painting career is examined. So, I'd say it's a well-done documentary, encompassing most of the important facets of Marilyn Manson's rise to fame.

"Innersanctum" doesn't bring anything new to the overflowing table of Manson documentaries, but it is well enough done to recommend, especially to serious fans.

Entertain Me Group

Mumford & Sons - "Extraordinary Folk" DVD

Poorly-executed and sophomoric biography

This unauthorized documentary is another shallow, lackluster attempt by "Iconic Films" to make a quick buck from a flavor of the week artist. Now, I can appreciate Mumford & Sons lively blend of folk and rock sounds, and I confess to giving their debut,  "Sigh No More", a number of listens. But this is awful.

From the outer packaging alone, you'll see where the sales pitch goes too far: "Mumford & Sons puts the "F" in folk music"? Huh? And the description closes with "...one of the greatest bands of the 21st century". Double huh? Ah well, regardless of this terrible sloganeering, this DVD clocks in at a little under an hour, and basically frames several TV interviews with poorly-written bios of the band. It all sounds clumsy and sophomoric, really. And there is no music from the band included, either, which definitely hurts even worse. 

Iconic Pictures strikes again. Avoid this quickie cash-grab from them.

Iconic Pictures

Lana Del Rey - "The Greatest Story Never Told" DVD

Shallow biog of pop goddess

Guilty pleasure admission time. I really liked Lana Del Rey's "Born To Die" album. But this unauthorized documentary seemed shady from the start. Pop phenom Del Rey (aka Lizzie Grant) has only had one full album release, and already she has her "life story" committed to release? And it's not even a very interesting tale.

"The Greatest Story" could easily be subtitled "The Greatest Swindle", as this entire DVD clocks in at a skimpy 32 minutes. Most of it is taken from a couple of European interviews (both of which are apparently taken from youtube), in which Del Rey is given time to explain her motivations, directions, and inspirations. There's just not much there to explain or reveal, though.

Avoid this dishonest, opportunistic release. Only the most die-hard of Lana Del Rey fans will want any part of this shallow and lackluster release.

Iconic Pictures

Bruce Springsteen- "DVD Collector's Box" 2xDVD

This set of unauthorized documentaries/critical analyses is basically a re-packaged set of 2 previous titles. The first I viewed, "Under Review 1978-1982: Tales Of A Working Man" is a look at Springsteen's albums, "Darkness At The Edge Of Town", "The River", and "Nebraska", and traces their inspirations and recording processes from the points of view of bandmates, music journalists and biographers. There are, as with most of Sexy Intellectual's productions, plenty of photos and some archival interviews with "the Boss" himself, and segments of songs to illustrate. This is a well-done piece for serious Springsteen-o-philes.

The second disc, "Under The Infuence", is a little thinner, and shares some of the same footage, but works well as a companion piece to "Under Review". This DVD traces Springsteen's initial inspirations as an artist, and provides a broad overview of the artists that Bruce himself took closest to his heart growing up. Here, we get profiles of Elvis, Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash, Phil Spector, Rolling Stones, Van Morrison, Gary (US) Bonds, Mitch Ryder, Woody Guthrie, and Pete Seeger among others. Perhaps this isn't an essential viewing, but it does provide an interesting and honest assessment of Springsteen's musical lineage and his place in rock history. Solid set here. (Sexy Intellectual/MVD Visual)

Springsteen official site

Kate Bush - "A Life Of Surprises - The Story So Far" 2xDVD

Having been only peripherally aware of Kate Bush, this examination of the work of the visionary English artist and songwriter was a fine education for me. In fact, now I know where Tori Amos, Joanna Newsom, and Bjork nicked some of their signature moves! Hah!

This newly-packaged set is, in fact, two earlier unauthorized Kate Bush documentaries, simply re-titled. So take that as you will.

The first disc, previously released as "Kate Bush - Under Review", is a lengthy and detailed bio, complete with plenty of video clips and interviews with journalists and biographers. There are critical appraisals of all of Kate Bush's major albums, from "Wuthering Heights" in 1978 to her 2005 "Aerial" album. "Under Review" provides a wealth of info and history, and with the generous portion of visual and audio clips, a good illustration of the artists' music and styles. Quite enjoyable.

The second disc, previously known as "Hounds Of Love - Under Review", fares almost as well. It begins with a simplified bio and history up until Bush's definitive "Hounds Of Love" album, which is then exhaustively examined, track-by-track, by some of the same journalists and writers as the first disc. Again, plenty of sound snippets and clips from promotional videos are presented, making this one a wholly worthy addition to any Kate Bush fan's collection.

A solid set, and "A Life Of Surprises" has encouraged me to check out some of this extraordinary artist's marvelous music. (Pride DVD via MVD Visual)

Kate Bush official site

Depeche Mode - "30 Years At The Edge" 2xDVD

Reprising a couple of previously-released Depeche documentaries, this nicely-packaged set is unauthorized, but a wholly entertaining watch for fans of this influential electronic act.
Reflecting on a career that quickly rose from teen-dance pop to dark-edged electronica, these bios feature interviews with many Depeche collaborators, peers, and journalists, and offer critical analysis as well as review of the band's works.
I already reviewed part of this one, "Depeche Mode - The Dark Progression" here.
The other disc I wasn't familiar with, but it seems to have been released previously, as well, under different titles ("Random Access Memory" and "The Ministry Of Sound"), and is less valuable, even going so far as to interview a Depeche Mode cover band. Fans, beware of this dubious release. Anyone who's not seen any prior unauthorized documentary bios, pick this one up if it's cheap. (Pride DVD via MVD Visual)


Depeche Mode official site