Nirvana - “In Utero - 20th Anniversary Tribute” 2xDVD

Repackaged retro

This repackaged set of 2 full-length “unauthorised” DVDs from Pride DVD (aka Sexy Intellectual) is a pretty solid wealth of info for serious Nirvana fans. Disc 1 is simply “In Utero: A Classic Album Under Review” from a few years prior, which of course examines the band’s rise and fall with a focus on their final studio album. Plenty of journalists and biographers are interviewed here, as well as several people who were close to the band. There’s nothing here that will shake the ground for Nirvana fans or solve the supposed mystery/conspiracy theory of Kurt’s suicide, but expect plenty of obscure anecdotes and stories from some folks who were supposedly there for the band’s rise.

Disc 2 is a lengthy (90 minute) collection of extended interviews from the first disc, including deep conversations with Cobain’s grandfather and former Nirvana drummer Chad Channing. Again, there’s a load of collection trivia represented here, and proves a fascinating (if exhausting) watch.

Serious Nirvana fans, this may be a must-see. Casual fans like me? Take it or leave it.

Pride/Sexy Intellectual

Nirvana official site

D.O.A. - “To Hell N’ Back” DVD+CD

Bounty of live footage of Canadian punk legends

Ah, the inimitable Joe “Shithead” Keithley and DOA still bring it, being Vancouver’s far-and-away godfathers of punk. This 90-minute selection of live footage covers some of their gigs from 2011 to 2013, and it’s a fine showing of blitzkrieg punk in the classic vein like few others can do. Quality here is decent to good, and certainly better than bootlegs, so fans (you know who you are) need to grab this one pronto.

Plenty of the greats are here, from “Police Brutality” to “Class War” to “Fucked Up Ronnie”, with around 27 others to pummel and educate you, and that’s not even including the bonus footage.

And to further sweeten the deal, there’s a free CD attached, as well, that being the band’s 2012 album “We Come In Peace”, which you can believe is packed with essential punk-ass madness like only Joey Shithead can conjure. You get guest vocals from Jello Biafra on a remake of the band’s classic “General Strike”, and several other less-notable guests to add color to DOA’s already diverse sound. 

DOA’s political side is more than evident as always, as are their odes to marijuana and beer, but that’s not telling you anything you don’t already know. DOA basically wrote the book on punk in Canada, so here’s a toast to one of the greats. Hail DOA!

Sudden Death Records

“The Point” DVD (director: Fred Wolf)

Charming kids fable with classic folkie Nilsson

This beloved children’s cartoon from 1971 is as charming as it gets, really. Featuring some old school pen and ink animation, and based on (and featuring) songs by the great Harry Nilsson, this is a timeless fable that’s suited for pretty much any age.

It’s the tale of Oblio — a boy born into the Land of Point, where everyone and everything has a “point” on their head. Oblio is round-headed. Suffice to say, Oblio gets into trouble when a mean-spirited pointy boy picks on him and gets him (and his trusty dog Arrow) banished from their society. Oblio goes on an adventure and learns many lessons on his travels in the Pointless Forest.

Cute and educational without being too preachy or heavy-handed, “The Point” includes the voice talents of Mike Lookinland (aka Bobby Brady) and Ringo Starr (the narrator). And Nilsson’s beloved folk songs throughout give this one a homespun and human element that much of today’s animated features lack.

A wonderful film for kids or adults alike.

MVD Visual

“Every Everything: The Music, Life And Times Of Grant Hart” DVD (director: Gorman Berchard)

Husker Du alumnus deserves a look

Having not been much of a fan of Minneapolis’ most inspirational punk/post-punk band Husker Du, I’ve never truly explored much of either Bob Mould or Grant Hart’s careers over the past 20+ years. Well, a shame that is, as this excellent documentary proves.

Looking at the life of drummer/singer/songwriter Hart from his own viewpoint (Hart is interviewed extensively here), his art is examined beginning pre-Husker Du and progresses through that band’s highs and lows, as well as his forays into solo rock and pop with bands like Nova Mob, his relationships with William S. Burroughs, Patti Smith, Bob Mould, Black Flag and the SST label, and even his visual art. Hart himself “hosts” this film, so it’s a very personal and honest portrayal of the events in his life.

Director Berchard has done a masterful job in collecting rare photos and films, and Hart’s well-spoken and charismatic personality more than provides a great intro to his world.

A wonderful film about a great artist who deserves more notice. Fans both casual and hardcore need to check this one out.

Every Everything site

Grant Hart site

“Freestyle - The Art Of Rhyme” DVD (director: DJ Organic)

Hip hop culture historical

This documentary dates back to an original theatrical release in 2004, but that doesn’t tarnish the impact and importance of its message. Taking a deep and historical look at the early days of hip hop and the art of improvisational rap, “Freestyle” traces the lineage from Jamaican toasting to gospel preaching to modern street hip hop, all the while illustrating it with interviews and rare footage from early proponents and important figures like Mos Def, the Last Poets, and Aesop Rock, to name just a few.

From a historical standpoint, “Freestyle” is pretty well a definitive lesson in itself of the culture, eschewing most commercial angles and pop culture icons and focusing on the reasoning and skills of the early street MCs themselves, some obscure and forgotten but all very skilled and worthy.

This is a fine documentary and should be a must-see for anyone who professes to live or respect hip hop culture. Superb!

MVD Visual

“Scream Park” DVD (director: Cary Hill)

Mediocre slasher with Ogre and Pinhead

Another ultra-low budget horror flick with an affinity for the classic 80s slashers here, featuring a couple of notable cast members. Unfortunately, there’s little else here worthy of mention. The premise is simple — a failing amusement park owner decides to create a “media sensation” by hiring insane redneck thugs to commit murders at the park. The park’s teen employees, enjoying a night of drinking and partying, end up being hunted, one-by-one, by the maniacs (one played by an often-masked Ogre from Skinny Puppy).

Not much else to say here, aside from a memorable appearance by Doug Bradley (Pinhead from “Hellraiser”). The usual grisly killings are here, alongside some mediocre acting, and a bit of nudity (the appealingly busty Kailey Marie Harris drops some wondrous double-D bombs), but overall this one just falls flat (unintentional pun), not distinguishing itself from a thousand others just like it.

“Scream Park” isn’t terrible, but it is unremarkable and fairly pedestrian. Serious slasher fans could do worse, but casual horror geeks can take it or leave it in good conscience.

Wild Eye Releasing

“The Search For Simon” DVD (director: Martin Gooch)

Sweet and nerdy British indie

Nerdy manchild (played by producer/director/writer Gooch himself) David is convinced his brother was abducted by extraterrestrials 30 years ago. His continuous search ‘alienates’ him from his friends and complicates what could be his love life. He travels the world searching for clues into the alien abduction phenomenon and relays his findings through a network of internet vlogs. He is a man obsessed, and it takes a series of unlikely coincidences (and a confession from his mother) to uncover the truth that may ultimately set David free.

“The Search For Simon” is billed as a comedy, but it worked better for me as a sad and sweet portrayal of a man on the fringes of sanity and madness who just needs a helping hand. David is well-played by Gooch, being a likable and good guy who just believes wholeheartedly in a truth that isn’t popular nor mainstream. When even his nerdy friends reject him, David finds solace in a lovely young lady who does her best to help him find “the truth” that’s out there.

Well-shot, and with surprisingly good special effects, “The Search For Simon” is an enjoyable and kind-hearted British indie film that has heart and soul, and as so deserves some notice. 

And with endorsements from a pair of Monty Python alumni on the case, how could you go wrong?

MVD Visual