DVD: Scissor Sisters "Hurrah: A Year Of Ta-Dah"

Scissor Sisters cap off another year of massive international success — ie: not so much here in their homeland, the USA— with the DVD release of Hurrah: A Year Of Ta-Dah. The set includes a full concert shot at London's O2 arena, four music videos — including the stellar "She's My Man" and "Land Of A Thousand Words" — an acoustic performance, various shorts and a one hour documentary that was directed by Ben Hoffman, produced by Aimee Phillips and edited by Rival Editorial's Steve MacCorkle. Trailers and clips are available at ScissorSisters.com or via YouTube here or here.

It's on sale at Amazon.com for $19.98.

DVD: My Chemical Romance - Atom Rothlein, director

Director Atom Rothlein and the Speedway Films/Revolver Film Company crew was on hand at Mexico City's Palacio De Los Deportes to capture My Chemical Romance perform the full-length, live on stage version of The Black Parade for the final time. A DVD release through Reprise/Warner Bros. is slated for early 2008.

artist: My Chemical Romance
label: Reprise/Warner Bros.
director(s): Atom Rothlein
producer: Jen Rothlein
production co: Speedway Films in association w/ The Revolver Film Co.

DVD: Tim Buckley - My Fleeting House

MVD Visual will be releasing a DVD collection of folk singer Tim Buckley performances. Compiled and being released with the full approval of the Tim Buckley estate, the My Fleeting House set includes 11 full-length performances taken from various TV programs stemming from 1967 through his untimely death in 1975. Bonus features include interviews with writer David Browne (author of Dream Brother: The Lives Of Jeff And Tim Buckley), Buckley's songwriting partner Larry Beckett and guitarist Lee Underwood. My Fleeting House was produced by Rick Fuller and will be available on May 15 for list price of $19.95.

Be sure to check out the preview at YouTube or right below...

DVD: Metallica: The Videos 1989 - 2004

Although Metallica didn't bother to make a video until their fourth proper album — and then delivered a clip that was over seven minutes long and incorporated scenes with dialogue from the 1971 film Johnny Got His Gun — they did go on to embrace the form and make some of the more memorable hard rock videos to hit the airwaves. The DVD Metallica: The Videos 1989 - 2004 collects all 21 of the band's clips remixed in 5.1 surround sound.

Highlights include:

• "One" directed by Michael Salomon & Bill Pope
• "Enter Sandman" directed by Wayne Isham
• "The Unforgiven" directed by Matt Mahurin
• "Hero Of The Day" directed by Anton Corbijn
• "Turn The Page" directed by Jonas Akerlund

On sale date for the US  is December 5. Available at Amazon for less than $15.

PS: Visit the exhaustive fan site Metallizone.com for credits and info on all of Metallica's videos.

DVD: Kissology - The Ultimate Kiss Collection

When it comes to combining visuals with music and using imagery to sell records— especially in the pre-MTV days — there's little point in debating the prominence of Kiss. VH1 Classics Records collects early TV appearances, live concert footage and promo clips in the DVD box set Kissology: The Ultimate Kiss Collection Vol. 1 1974-1977. Highlights include the Mike Douglas Show episode where comedian Totie Fields correctly guesses that Gene Simmons is "a nice Jewish boy" and an absurd spot on the 1976 Paul Lynde Halloween Special.

Kiss "Kissology: The Ultimate Kiss Collection Vol. 1 1974-1977" (VH1 Classics)
various directors | Alex Coletti, producer | Roger Coletti, co-producer | Derek Ambrosi, editor

DVD: Prince & The NPG "Diamonds & Pearls"

Prince And The New Power Generation
"Diamonds And Pearls: Video Collection"
(Paisley Park/Warner Reprise Video)
All the videos from the Prince And The N.P.G. album Diamonds And Pearls finally makes it to DVD via the aptly titled Diamonds And Pearls: The Video Collection. The videos are sequenced with a few live concert and interview snippets forming a sort of extended-length piece. The most memorable clips included are the "Cream" and "Diamonds And Pearl" videos directed by Rebecca Blake, "Gett Off" directed by Randee St. Nicholas, and "Money Don't Matter 2 Night" directed by Spike Lee.

DVD: Soul Asylum "The Silver Lining"

Soul Asylum
The Silver Lining - special DVD edition (Sony Legacy)
Rick Fuller, producer | Harder-Fuller Films, production co | Andy Grund, DP | Jolynn Garnes, editor | July 11, 2006, release date | Description: Harder-Fuller's Rick Fuller oversaw the DVD component of the reunited Soul Asylum's first album of new material in eight years, The Silver Lining. The DVD spotlights the reunited band — which includes original members Dave Pirner and Dan Murphy plus fellow Minnesotans Tommy Stinson of The Replacements and drummer Michael Bland — in performance at famed Minneapolis club, First Avenue. -- watch an EPK for the project

NEWS: Dropped Documentary

For every commercially successful band, there are at least another 100 — if not 1,000 — left by the wayside. Although some might tell you that most bands don't make it because they're just not good enough, fans and those behind-the-scenes know that failure often stems from a mixture of bad luck, bad timing and bad decisions. The documentary feature film Dropped is the story of some of these bands — the ones that signed with record labels, released albums and seemed to be on the verge of fulfilling their dreams, only to get abruptly "dropped." Above and beyond that, however, the film was a way for executive producer Nicole Ehrlich to shine attention on a slate of directors she respected and who — through a similar combination of bad luck and bad timing — she had not yet been able to work with in her role as video commissioner at Geffen Records.

The bands and directors featured in Dropped are:

• Hot Karl directed by George Meeker
• Bush Tetras directed by Molly Schiot and Mariah Garnett (aka Molly & Mariah)
• Murphy’s Law directed by Farah Khalid
• Burning Star directed by Av Accius
• Whiskey Biscuit directed by Rosser Goodman
• Spearhead directed by Joyce Williams
• OPM directed by John Logsdon.

Each director had complete creative control and all proceeds from the movie are going to charity. Dropped was acquired by the Sundance Chanel and is available for rent through Netflix.com

DVD Giveaway: S.M.A.C.K. The Album

KOCH has been kind enough to provide a few giveaway copies of the new CD/DVD set S.M.A.C.K. The Album: Volume 1. This offshoot of the hugely popular underground S.M.A.C.K. DVD Magazine features exclusive videos from every artist on the CD portion of the set, including DMX, Lord Tariq, Bleu DaVinci and a reunited Def Squad (Redman, Keith Murray and Erick Sermon). A full track listing and audio/video samples are at the S.M.A.C.K. e-card.

To enter to win a free copy of S.M.A.C.K. email your name and address to smackme@videostatic.com. Deadline for submissions is Wednesday, June 28. 

DVD GIVEAWAY: Sub Pop Acquired Taste

The only thing better than stuff is free stuff. With that in mind, Video Static is please to offer up some copies of the new Sub Pop music video DVD Acquired Taste.

This fairly comprehensive disc compiles some of the label's best music videos from the likes of  The Shins, Iron And Wine, The Postal Service, Sleater-Kinney, Rogue Wave, Low, Hot Hot Heat and and other fine bands.

To enter to WIN a copy of Acquired Taste:

1. Watch the original 2001 version of The Shins "New Slang" and identify at least THREE of the indie rock album covers that are referenced in this video. Yes, you can also just cheat and do a Google search.
2. Email the answers with your full name and address to videostatic@gmail.com with the subject line Sub Pop DVD
3. Wait patiently to hear if you are one of the randomly selected winners

Disclaimer: I only have five copies and I'm only gonna mail them to addresses in the continental United States. So, please don't enter if you're from Europe (even though the DVD has both NTSC and PAL sides) or any other foreign locale. Contest runs through Thursday 2pm EST. Blah blah blah.

If this is way too much work, you can just buy the darn thing for $8.99 at Amazon.com or at the retailer of choice.

DVD: My Chemical Romance "Life On The Murder Scene"

My Chemical Romance
"Life On The Murder Scene"
Reprise
release date March 21 2006
Description: My Chemical Romance celebrate their massive success with this fully-loaded two DVD/one CD set. As befits a band that is one of the most visually distinctive of any current rock band, this set dedicates much of its space to the breakthrough videos from their hit album Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge. Director Marc Webb's three epic clips are included, as are Making The Video specials for "Helena" and "The Ghost Of You." Other video content includes live concert performances, TV appearances and a longform video diary. 

DVD ALERT: Eels with Strings - Live

Eels With Strings - Live At Town Hall
Vagrant
release date February 21 2006
directed by Niels Alpert
Description:  Mark Oliver Everett aka E aka the long-running alternative act Eels gets all respectable on us with this DVD that captures a June 30 performance at NYC's Town Hall. Rather than a typical rock band configuration, this performance is from the Eels With Strings tour in which E was backed by a string section and various multi-instrumentalists. The DVD also includes behind the scenes documentary segments. Performances and other content from the release be viewed at this Eels player.

DVD: They Might Be Giants "Venue Songs"

They Might Be Giants "Venue Songs"
Idlewild Recordings
Description: Challenged by former literary agent/author/deranged millionaire John Hodgman, They Might Be Giants wrote and performed an original song in honor of each and every venue at which they performed on a 2004 tour. The results are here on a DVD/CD set that contains a CD with the original recordings and in situ versions of the venue songs, in addition to a DVD with videos for 15 tracks. The videos are all as short, quick and quirky as the songs themselves, simply illustrating the basic crux of each tune. Directors with videos on the disc include Colourmovie, David Ahuja and TMBG member John Flansburgh. Mr. Hodgman provides intros to each video, that are as clever and funny as the songs and videos themselves. Venue Songs is currently being streamed at tmbg.com, with the DVD/CD set available exclusively there as well.

DVD: Tori Amos Video Collection

Fade To Red: Tori Amos Video Collection
Rhino Home Video/Atlantic
release date February 14, 2006
Description: While it's hard to imagine that "Silent All These Years" gets anyone in a romantic  mood, this comprehensive Tori Amos DVD set is a true Valentines gift to her fans. The deluxe 2-disc collection contains over 20 music videos with remastered 5.1 audio, commentaries by  the artist herself and a behind-the-scenes look at the "A Sorta Fairytale" video directed by Sanji and starring Adrian Brody.

DVD ALERT: Sugarcubes

Sugarcubes - The DVD
various directors
Rhino Home Video/Elektra
to be released February 7, 2006
Description: Nine of the biggest music videos from Bjork's old band Sugarcubes are compiled  along with three exclusive bonus clips on this bare bones DVD. Most of the included videos were directed by Icelandic filmmaker Oskar Jonasson, while two of the bonus clips — "Hit" and "Walkabout" — were directed by Pedro Romhanyi. Also out on the same day is Sugarcubes Live Zabor DVD which contains fifteen live performance from 1988 and 1989 plus interviews with the band members.

DVD ALERT: The Tragically Hip "Hipeponymous"

The Tragically Hip "Hipeponymous"
various directors
released December 6, 2005
Description: Canadian rock kings The Tragically Hip reward their fans with the lush CD/DVD box set Hipeponymos. The 2CD Yer Favourites set collects fan favorites from the band's ten studio albums, plus a couple new tracks. The included DVD, That Night In Toronto, boasts a concert film of a 2004 gig at the Toronto Air Canada Centre directed by Pierre and Francois Lamoureux. Although those two items are available separately, the box set includes an exclusive DVD that has all of the band's promo clips, plus Macroscopic, a 50 minute film about The Hip by director Christopher Mills. Unlike the glorified EPKs that accompany many releases, Macroscopic is a beautiful and artful film that dissects the minutiae that defines this unique band.

DVD ALERT: New York Dolls "All Dolled Up"

New York Dolls - All Dolled Up
Bob Gruen and Nadya Beck, directors
Rick Fuller of Harder-Fuller Films and Bob Gruen, producers
Jolynn Garnes, editor
released December 6, 2005
Description: The reclamation of The New York Dolls continues with the DVD release of previously unseen footage of this legendary NYC glam rock from the early 1970's. Shot by rock photographer Bob Gruen and his wife Nadya Beck over a period of three years, New York Dolls - All Dolled Up mixes interviews, backstage footage and general debauchery with live clips shot at NYC clubs Kenny's Castaways and Max's Kansas City and various West Coast venues.
    The DVD includes 12 full performances, a narrated Photo Gallery by Bob Gruen, commentary tracks by Gruen, band leader David Johansen and guitarist Sylvain Sylvain, plus a 16 page booklet and other extras.

DVD ALERT: Sugarcult "Back To The Disaster"

Sugarcult "Back To The Disaster"
Patrick Kendall, director
released November 15, 2005
Description: This Sugarcult release packages a live CD recorded at New Jersey's Starland Ballroom with a DVD that should satisfy even the most hardcore Sugarcult fan. Back To the Disaster features a comprehensive full-length film directed by Patrick Kendall that tells the band's history and includes lots of tour  footage. Bonuses on the disc include videos for "Memory" and "She's The Blade," plus a special pen and ink animated clip for "Memory" and a making-of vignette of "She's The Blade" with directors The Saline Project.

DVD ALERT: Blink-182 and Limp Bizkit Video Comps

Geffen recording acts Blink-182 and Limp Bizkit both have music video DVD compilations in stores to today to complement their greatest hits collections.

Blink-182 Greatest Hits DVD collects thirteen of their videos. The band is probably best remembered for the clever clips "What's My Age Again?" and "All The Small Things," both directed by Marcos Siega. Other high profile directors represented on the disc are Joseph Kahn, The Malloys, David LaChappelle and Jonas Akerlund.

Limp Bizkit's Greatest Videoz boasts twelve clips. Besides the band's first video, "Counterfeit," everything on the DVD was directed or co-directed by the band's frontman Fred Durst.

DVD ALERT: Cream

Cream - Royal Albert Hall: London May 2-3-5-6 2005
The groundbreaking trio of Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker returned to the site of their last show in 1968 for a series of reunion concerts. Director Martyn Atkins uses performances from the four night stand, plus a few alternate takes and interviews with the three bandmembers for this 2-disc document.

DVD ALERT: Genesis, Elvis Costello

Two recent music video collections worthy of your time (and money):

Genesis - The Video Show
Although this video collection from Genesis lacks any special features, it more than makes it up to it by including all 32 of the bands promotional videos and clocking in at around three hours. There were no promo clips produced for the early version of Genesis that was fronted by Peter Gabriel, although a 1999  "The Carpet Crawlers" with both Gabriel and drummer/singer Phil Collins is included. Also on the disc are the few videos that Genesis made for Calling All Stations, a 1997 album made after Collins left the group and was replaced by singer Ray Wilson. All clips are presented in stereo and Dolby/DTS 5.1 mixes.

The Right Spectacle: The Very Best Of Elvis Costello - The Videos
Every Elvis Costello video, presented in chronological order. Costello provides commentary for each clip as an audio track and as subtitles --  which is a great feature for those who want to hear the songs without distraction, but still get the stories. The videos are augmented by a 68 minute collection of live Costello performances on various TV shows, clubs and festivals.

DVD ALERT: Director Series DVDs

Palm Pictures and The Directors Label released the second wave of DVD director retrospectives today. Receiving the full-on deification treatment this time are Anton Corbijn, Jonathan Glazer, Mark Romanek and Stephane Sednaoui. Each set contains a bevy of music videos that were selected and sequenced by the directors, plus a wealth of special features that includes interviews, previously unseen short films, documentaries, behind-the-scenes footage and commentaries.

The original Director Label DVDs focused on Chris Cunningham, Michel Gondry and Spike Jonze.

Buy the boxset of all four newly released Director Label DVDs at Amazon for $55.99 and you get immediate digital access to many of the videos with commentaries by such participants as Bono, Trent Reznor and Gwen Stefani.

DVD ALERT: Bruce Springsteen VH1 Storytellers

An expanded and completely re-cut version of Bruce Springsteen's VH1 Storytellers has been released on DVD today. The revised program includes eight complete acoustic performances, lengthy comments from the singer/songwriter and a previously unseen Q&A session with the live audience. The audio is presented in both PCM stereo and surround sound mixes.

Bruce Springsteen: VH1 Storytellers is available at Amazon.com for $11.23.

DVD Alert: Flaming Lips Retrospective, Saddle Creek Compilation

Both of these fine DVDs were released today... Clicking the links will take you to their respective product pages at Amazon.com.

The Flaming Lips: VOID (Video Overview In Deceleration) - A complete collection of The Flaming Lips video output since 1992. Each video is presented in both stereo and 5.1 surround with an optional commentary track. The lone unreleased track/video is "Mr. Ambulance Driver," which is slated to appear on the band's next album.

Spend An Evening With Saddle Creek - A documentary that looks at the founding and success of Omaha, NE indie label Saddle Creek. Performances and interviews with the likes of Bright Eyes, Azure Ray, Rilo Kiley, The Faint and many other label acts are featured in both the film and the accompanying bonus material.

DVD ALERT: Yes, Kill Rock Stars, Ciara

In stores today... click the titles to purchase or view at Amazon.com.

Yes: Greatest Video Hits - This DVD hits collection runs the gamut from videos for early prog rock tracks "Don't Kill The Whale" and "Madrigal" on up to 80's MTV classics like "Owner Of A Lovely Heart." The early videos haven't aged very well, but that's part of the charm. Band members introduce each video in interview footage shot during a recent tour. PS: Two of the included videos were directed by Steven Soderbergh.

Kill Rock Stars: Video Fanzine 3 - Indie label Kill Rock Stars restarts their Video Fanzine series with a set that includes clips from The Decemberists, Sleater-Kinney, Xiu Xiu and many more.

Ciara: Goodies - Videos And More - This DVD boasts interactive versions of Ciara's "Goodies," "Oh," and "1,2 Step" in which the viewer can select from multiple angles and audio tracks. Special features are topped off by a"1,2 Step" dance lesson and behind-the-scenes featurettes on the videos.

DVD ALERT: Eminem, Femi Kuti, Jimi Hendrix, Prong and more

In stores today... click the titles to purchase or view at Amazon.com.

20th Century Masters DVD Collection: Universal Music and Video Distribution releases a few more low-priced DVD companions to the popular hit compilation series 20th Century Masters. Joining the line-up are greatest hits DVD comps from 98 Degrees, Robert Cray, Steve Earle and Styx lead singer Dennis DeYoung. These bare bone discs each feature approximately five of the artist's music videos.

Eminem presents The Anger Management Tour: Relive the 2002 Anger Management roadshow with this collection of tour performances from Eminem, G Unit, D12 and Obie Trice. Bonus features include backstage footage and a link to download an uncensored version of Eminem's puppet video masterpiece, "Ass Like That."

Femi Kuti - Live At The Shrine - Performance at the Nigerian club African Shrine is interspersed with documentary footage about Femi Kuti's struggle to bring better living conditions to his countrymen. The DVD also includes a video for the track "Shotan," interviews and lots of bonus footage.

Hitmakers of Reggaeton - The Videos - A compilation of videos from such Reggaeton artists as Hector y Tito, Magnate y Valentino and Don Omar.

Jimi Hendrix - A fully restored re-release of director Joe Boyd's 1973 biopic. Included are plenty of live performances and interviews with musical peers like Eric Clapton, Pete Townshend and Mick Jagger. A deluxe version of the release includes an over 60 minute special on Hendrix's life, record producer Eddie Kramer's track by track breakdown of the song "Dolly Dagger," and a previously unseen performance of "Stone Free" from the 1970 Atlanta Pop Festival.

Prong - The Vault - This double disc set compiles three full-length concert performances by the long-running metal band Prong.

DVD ALERT: Culture Club, Lamb Of God, Rockers

In stores today... click the titles to purchase or view at Amazon.com

Culture Club - Greatest Hits
Get reacquainted with the videography of Boy George's smash 80's pop act, Culture Club. A full-length concert special entitled A Kiss Across The Ocean is included, as are retrospective interviews with the band.

Lamb Of God - Killadelphia
This DVD directed by Doug Spangenberg collects footage from Lamb Of God's two night stand at Philadelphia's Trocadero in 2004.

Rockers
This classic reggae film gets a 25th anniversary re-release on DVD. The flick features nearly every big time reggae star, including Bunny Wailer, Peter Tosh and Gregory Isaac.  Extras boast a few music videos from the period, interactive bios, a rasta patois dictionary, commentaries and more.

DVD ALERT: The Eagles, Paul McCartney, Island Def Jam compilation

In stores today... click the titles to purchase or view at Amazon.com

The Eagles - Farewell 1 Tour: Live from Melbourne
This 2-DVD set captures a performance from the 2004 edition of their Farewell Tour.  Includes all the hits you'd expect. A special culled from the DVD recently scored high ratings on NBC.

Paul McCartney - Live In Red Square 2003
The DVD release of this A&E special is the director's cut, including 20 minutes of never before seen footage from Sir Paul's 2003 visit to the former U.S.S.R. Bonus features include a History Channel special on the relationship between Russia and The Beatles, a behind the scenes featurette and a full-length bonus concert from St. Petersburg (in Russia, not Florida, I assume).

Island Def Jam #1 Spot
The venerable hip hop label Def Jam presents a collection of videos that made it to the #1 Spot on various singles charts. The disc includes hit videos from Jay-Z, Montell Jordan, LL Cool J and Dru Hill, just to name a few.

DVD ALERT: INXS, Pretenders, T. Rex, Johnny Cash, Lou Reed

In stores today... click the titles to purchase at Amazon.com

INXS  - What You Need: The Video Hits Collection
The complete INXS videography makes it to DVD via this low-priced collection. "What You Need," "Devil Inside," "Need You Tonight" and "New Sensation" are just some of the hits included.

The Pretenders - Greatest Hits
This collection includes classic videos for "Brass In Pocket," "Back On The Chain Gang," "Don't Get Me Wrong" and much more. Also includes a 45 minute documentary on the band.

T. Rex - Born To Boogie
This 1972 artifact, directed by The Beatles' Ringo Starr, gets a loving 2-disc DVD release. Completely remastered and restored, the film mixes live performances with various staged episodes and behind the scenes footage. Extras include two complete concerts, a documentary about the band, a featurette on the restoration work, outtakes, multiple camera and audio options plus a high resolution DTS sound mix.

Johnny Cash - Ridin' the Rails: The Great American Train Story
This 1974 special is a look at the country's great railroad history narrated through the songs and words of Johnny Cash.

Lou Reed - Spanish Fly: Live In Spain
A concert by Lou Reed and his band filed at an August 7, 2004 date in Spain. The set contains songs from both his solo career and from his old band, The Velvet Underground.

DVD: Brian Wilson - Smile, The Art of Freestyle, Manowar

In stores today... click the titles to buy or view at Amazon.com

Brian Wilson presents Smile: This 2-DVD set from Rhino Home Video combines the beautifully heartfelt documentary Beautiful Dreamer: Brian Wilson & The Story Of Smile with a live performance of the full album by Brian and his band. Bonus features include a fan-created video for the track "Heroes & Villains," solo piano performances, a featurette on the 2004 re-recording of the album Smile, 5.1 Surround sound mix and more.

Freestyle - The Art Of Rhyme: This award-winning Kevin Fitzgerald documentary explores the world of freestyle rap. Featured performers include Supernatural, Mos Def and members of The Roots, Jurassic 5 and The Coup.

Manowar - Hell On Earth Part 1: As Manowar warn on their official homepage, "This video is for true metal animal audiences only, not recommended for losers wimps and posers and any other assorted assholes. Awesome. Enter the world of metal band Manowar on this DVD, which features video clips, live material and historical moments.
 

DVD: New Releases for May 16, 2005

Available in stores and at Amazon.com today:

The Flaming Lips -  The Fearless Freaks: Relive every moment of The Flaming Lips' long, strange career. This 2-disc set includes the feature length documentary The Fearless Freaks plus outtakes, live performances and much more.

Sex Pistols - The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle: This famed film about punk legends the Sex Pistols finally gets restored for this DVD release. Among the flick's highlights are clips from the band's Jubilee Day performance on The Thames and their final performance in San Francisco, not to mention Sid Vicious' lovely rendition of "My Way." Director Julian Temple and rock journalist Chris Salewicz offer commentary.

Live From Bonnaroo 2004:  This 2-disc DVD culls live performance footage from bands at the 2004 version of the annual rock festival Bonnaroo. Featured acts include Primus, My Morning Jacket, Kings Of Leon, Guster, Dave Matthews, Trey Anastasio, Damien Rice and many more.

Live From Austin, TX:  Venerable PBS show Austin City Limits opens up the vault again to add a few more titles to their DVD series of memorable performances. Out today are Austin City Limits appearances by Richard Thompson, Lucinda Williams and Son Volt. Previous DVDs from the series include episodes with Steve Earle, Susan Tedeschi, The Flatlanders and Robert Earl Keen.

DVD ALERT: Offspring Greatest Hits Due In July

The Offspring's Complete Music Video Collection is slated for release on July 5. As indicated by the title, the DVD will include all of the band's music videos, including material from their early days on Epitaph records on through the monster hits that typified their run on Columbia Records. Bonus features include commentary by band members Dexter Holland and Noodles and a variety of live TV performances. Also, ever wonder what happened to the main actor from the Offspring's video "Pretty Fly (For A White Guy)?" Well, wonder no more; The DVD includes the featurette "Guy Cohen: Where Is He Now," in which Holland interviews the former video star. All materials on the DVD are presented in 5.1 surround.

This comprehensive video collection will be precede by an offspring Greatest Hits CD and DualDisc release  on June 21.

DVD ALERT: X, Huey Lewis, Steve Zissou

In stores today...  or click the links to buy em at Amazon.

X: Live In Los Angeles
This DVD chronicles a reunion concert to mark the 25th anniversary of X's recording debut.  The 21 song set includes such punk gems as "Nausea," "Johnny Hit and Run Pauline" and much more.

Huey Lewis & The News: Live At 25
80s pop star Huey Lewis gets back with the News to celebrate their 25th anniversary with a spirited concert. The disc boasts all the hits, including "Heart Of Rock & Roll," "I Want A New Drug" and "Power Of Love."

editorial aside: Isn't it weird that X and Huey Lewis And The News both started in the same year?

Also out today is a 2-disc set of director Wes Anderson's latest film, The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou. This comedic adventure flick features actor Seu Jorge performing solo acoustic renditions of many David Bowie songs translated into Portuguese. Among the disc's many bonus features are 10 full-length performances of these tunes.

DVD ALERT: VH1 Storytellers

Rhino has released DVD versions of two acclaimed VH1 Storytellers episodes...

VH1 Storytellers: Alanis Morissette spotlights a 1999 performance of such greatest hits as "Hand In My Pocket," "Thank U" and "You Oughta Know." VH1 Storytellers: Natalie Merchant contains a 1998 performance and a setlist that mixed both her solo work and tracks from her old band, 10,000 Maniacs.

Both discs feature liner notes by VH1 executive Bill Flanagan,5.1 surround mixes and previously unseen bonus tracks. The DVDs are in stores today.

VH1 Storytellers have hosted many great performances since its 1996 debut. Some of the ones that have not yet debuted on DVD include Elvis Costello (1996), Paul Simon (1997), R.E.M (1998), Tom Waits (1999) and most recently: Green Day and Bruce Springsteen.

DVD: The Fearless Freaks aka The Flaming Lips

What started 15 years ago as one director's documentation of a weird neighbor will finally be released later this Spring. The Fearless Freaks is director Bradley Beesley's history of Wayne Coyne's band The Flaming Lips. The film follows Coyne and his band as they evolve from a bunch of weirdo musical Okies into a one-hit wonder and finally into a rightfully respected and influential alternative rock act. The 2-DVD set is slated for a May 17 release from Shout! Factory. The Fearless Freaks will also be hitting the big screen in NYC. It will run from May 25 - 31 at the Two Boots Pioneer Theater.

The Fearless Freaks
directed by Bradley Beesley
produced by Rick Fuller, Harder/Fuller Films
edited by JoLynn Garnes, Jagged Edge
sound mixed and mastered by Carl White, BWN

DVD: New Releases for April 19, 2005

In stores today... Click the titles to buy at Amazon.com

Elvis Costello and the Imposters: Club Date - Live in Memphis
Shot in hi-def and boasting stereo, 5.1 Dolby and DTS sound mixes, this performance at a Memphis club features Elvis Costello and his band rolling through his greatest hits and tracks off his latest CD, The Delivery Man. No special features, although Emmylou Harris does guest on three tracks.

Dwarves: Fuck You Up And Get Live
I don't know what I like more: The title of this live DVD or the cover art which features a crucified man and three naked chicks. This performance was shot in NYC and includes alternate camera angles and a few bonus videos.

DVD: New Releases for April 5, 2005

In stores today...

Jay-Z - Fade To Black
This concert film documents Jay-Z's triumphant sold-out Madison Square Garden show in his hometown of New York City

Edgeplay - A Film About The Runaways
This no-holds-barred documentary tells the tale of the all-girl punk group The Runaways. Extras include live performances, interviews with several of the band's members, including Lita Ford, and even an appearance by Spinal Tap's bottom loving bass player Derek Smalls.

SHOT: Taste Of Chaos DVD - Dale Resteghini, director

Director Dale Resteghini oversaw a 10 camera HD shoot at Asbury Park, NJ's Paramount Theatre for a forthcoming DVD that captures the Taste Of Chaos tour. Guided by Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman, the tour and DVD features My Chemical Romance, The Used, Senses Fail, Killswitch Engage and others.

The DVD will be released by Image Entertainment. It is being produced by Michelle Caputo.

DVD: New Releases for March 29 2005

DVDs in stores today:

AC/DC - Family Jewels
This double-disc set is the visual history of AC/DC from 1975 - 1990. Included are early Australian TV appearances, music videos and love footage. Of special note is a TV performance taped mere days before original singer Bon Scott's passing.

Morrissey - Who Put The M In Manchester
This lushly filmed live performance captures Morrissey holding court in his hometown of Manchester. Extras include all the videos from the Mozzer's most recent album You Are The Quarry. The live footage and videos were all directed by the AV Squad's Bucky Fukumoto (of The Directors Bureau) .

GG Allin & The Murder Junkies - Savage South: Best Of The 1992 Tour
This NYC punk lunatic made his name with notoriously wild live performances that featured the gratuitous use of bodily fluids and feces. Awesome. This DVD collects performances from Allin's 1992 jaunt through the southern states. PS: I highly recommend the documentary Hated: GG Allin & The Murder Junkies, which summarizes the high and low lights of Allin's career. The disc also includes Allin's performance at an East Village club the night he died. The gig lasts approximately 10 minutes and ends in a total riot. The camera then follows Allin and his friends as they troll the Lower East Side for drugs. Later that night he OD'ed and died. The movie was directed by Todd Phillips, who went on to direct Old School, Road Trip and Starsky & Hutch.

Sting - Bring on The Night
This 1985 film finally arrives on DVD. Bring On The Night chronicles Sting's solo debut with a newly assembled jazz band.

Johnny Cash - Live at Montreux 1994
The Man In Black runs through 19 of his classics in this performance taped at the 1994 Montreaux Jazz Festival.

Paul Weller - Modern Classic On Film
This double disc set contains two complete live performances plus a staggering amount of music videos from this former frontman for The Jam and The Style Council.

Also available today: Ben Harper and the Blind Boys of Alabama - Live at the Apollo

DVD: New Releases for March 22, 2005

DVDs in stores today:

Return to Sin City - A Tribute to Gram Parsons
This DVD features a pay-per-view concert tribute to alt-country pioneer Gram Parsons. Participants include Keith Richards, Norah Jones, Lucinda Williams and Steve Earle.

Jethro Tull: Nothing Is Easy - Live at the Isle of Wight 1970
This vintage Jethro Tull performance is presented in your choice of Dolby 5.1 or DTS surround and with such extras as commentary by singer/flutist Ian Anderson and a photo gallery.

Also available today: Trace Adkins: Video Hits 2, Drive By Truckers: Dirty South - Live at the 40 Watt, Coheed and Cambria: Live At The Starland Ballroom

DVD: End Of The Century - The Story Of The Ramones

This is THE definitive documentary about The Ramones. Starting from their first encounters with one another in Forest Hills, Queens to the band's induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, End Of The Century covers every ugly facet of their history. The fights, the break-ups, Dee Dee's battle with drugs and his even more harrowing dalliance with rap music... none of it is glossed over here. Every transcendent moment is leavened by a heart-breaking occurence.

It's a fitting tribute to the band in that there's not an ounce of bullshit or sentimentality in the film. This is the tale of a band that never got along, never got the audience they deserved and never got the accolades until it was too late.

The special features are fittlingly, though disappointly spartan. The highlights include a late period interview with Joey at a radio station, a great deleted scene from the film in which Blondie drummer Clem Burke tries to sit in for a few gigs as Elvis Ramone, a drum clinic with Marky Ramone and a"who wrote what on the first 3 albums" memory session with Tommy Ramone.

This Sire/Rhino DVD is in store and at Amazon today.

DVDs In Stores Today: "Lightning In A Bottle", Boomtown Rats, Mike & The Mechanics, Beth Hart

Please note: All new DVDs are available for sale through Amazon.com. Simply click on the image or the title of each disc and you will be automatically directed to the appropriate page at Amazon.com. Purchasing through these links helps support Video Static. Thanks!

Lightning In A Bottle
Producer Martin Scorsese and director Antoine Fuqua trace the history of the blues over the course of a 2003 all star concert filmed at Radio City Music Hall. Performers include Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Keb' Mo', Bonnie Raitt, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Chuck D and many others.

Boomtown Rats: Live At Hammersmith Odeon 1978
Bob Geldof and the Boomtown Rats are captured in this archival concert at London's Hammerstein Odeon from 1978. Bonus features include three audio-only tracks mixed in 5.1 surround and two videos from their album Sex, Age & Death. Band leader Geldof subsequently went onto massive fame as the driving force behind Band Aid and Live Aid.

Mike & The Mechanics and Paul Carrack: Live At Shepherds Bush, London
Genesis guitarist Mike Rutherford and former Squeeze member Paul Carrack. This performance captures the group at a 2004 reunion gig. Bonus features include the original videos for "The Living Years" and other songs from the band's 1985 - 1995 run.

Beth Hart: Live At Paradiso
This disc contains a 2004 Beth Hart performance in Amsterdam. Bonus features include a 35 minute documentary on the concert, interviews, a photo montage and a few solo piano performances.

DVDs In Stores Today: R.E.M., Soulfly, Craig David, Usher

Please note: All new DVDs are available for sale through Amazon.com. Simply click on the image or title of each disc and you will be automatically directed to the appropriate page at Amazon.com. Purchasing through these links helps support Video Static. Thanks!

R.E.M. - the Warner Bros. catalogue

Rhino launches a massive re-release of R.E.M.'s Warner Bros. catalogue. Each release consists of a remastered CD of the original album and a DVD that features a higher resolution 5.1 surround sound version of the album. The DVDs also have bonus features such as rare and often previously unreleased documentaries, live performances, video clips and much more. The series begins with Green and ends with the band's latest release, Around The Sun.

All are available at Amazon. Click to purchase: Green, Out Of Time, Automatic For The People, Monster, New Adventures In Hi-Fi, Up, Reveal, In Time: The Best Of R.E.M. (1988 – 2003), Around The Sun

Soulfly - The Song Remains Insane click to buy at Amazon.com

This release from Roadrunner metal band Soulfly combines one hour of live footage with their complete music video catalogue.

Music in High Places - Craig David (Live in Costa Rica) click to buy at Amazon.com

The latest installment of this WEA/Rhino series which pits recording artists with adventurous and exotic locales features soul singer Craig David in Costa Rica. The disc includes acoustic performances of "Seven Days," "Can't Be Messing Around" and more.

Usher – Rhythm City Volume 1: Caught Up click to buy at Amazon.com

Director LITTLE x and Usher expand the video "Caught Up" into a 30 minute mini-movie spectacular for this BMG-distributed DVD. Bonus features include a making-of featurette and all of the videos off Usher's smash CD Confessions. The package also comes with a CD that has three new tracks.

DVD New Release - Stan Ridgway

In Stores Today:

Stan Ridgway's Holiday in Dirt

New West Records releases this unique compilation from former Wall Of Voodoo frontman Stan Ridgway. Fourteen filmmakers were each given $500 or less and charged with the task of shooting short films for the unreleased and rare Ridgway recordings featured on this collection. Contributing directors include Rick Fuller, Phil Harder, Steve Hanft, Carlos Grasso and Chuck Statler. Highlights include Fuller's look at the starlets who make up the Hollywood Walk Of Fame in the video for "Beloved Movie Star" and Statler's creepy ventriloquist act in "Behind Closed Doors."

Also included are a couple alternative videos and two clips that supported Ridgway's 2003 solo album, Black Diamond.

Check out samples at the DVD's site.

DVD: New Releases - They Might Be Giants, Bangles and Earth Wind & Fire

In stores today:

They Might Be Giants: Here Come The ABCs

Long-running alternative duo They Might Be Giants unleash another project meant for the whole family. Puppet versions of John Flansburgh and John Linnell run through all the letters through original songs and cartoons. Released through Universal Music Video.

Bangles: Greatest Hits

Sony releases this collection of Bangles videos. Included are clips for "Manic Monday," "Walk Like An Egyptian," "Eternal Flame" and many more.

Earth, Wind & Fire: The Collection"

Sony Legacy releases this collection of performances and videos by the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire.

DVD: New Releases - Prince, Michael Jackson, Keith Sweat

In stores today:

Graffiti Bridge and Under The Cherry Moon

DVDs of these two Prince films are now out on DVD from Warner Home Video. Graffiti Bridge features videos for "The Question of You," "Thieves In The Temple" and "Round and Round" as special features. Under The Cherry Moon features videos for "Girls & Boys," "Mountains" and "Kiss."

Man In The Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story

Paramount Home Video releases the DVD of this VH1 Michael Jackson bio pic.

The Best of Keith Sweat - Make You Sweat

Rhino releases this collection of Keith Sweat videos. The disc features clips for "Keep It Comin'," "Twisted," "Nobody," "Make You Sweat" and eight more.

DVD: New Releases - We Are The World, The Roots

In stores today:

We Are the World - The Story Behind the Song (20th Anniversary Special Edition)

A 2-disc set that commemorates the famed USA For Africa all-star benefit single, "We Are The World." Special features include performances from the American Muisc Awards and Live Aid, plus a Karaoke track and extra hours of rehearsal footage. Released by Image Entertainment.

The Roots Present

Live perfomance in NYC from 2004 with lots of guest stars. Released by Image Entertainment.