Plot: What’s it about?
This is the fifth disc in the Circuit series, which is a DVD “magazine” which focuses on music. Quickband, the maker of this series, is commended for issuing a nice resource for music fans, providing a good mixture of talent and including many lesser known artists. If you’re familiar with the other discs in this series, you know what to expect with this edition. You’ll find a vast array of material, tucked away in different regions of the discs. Most of the sections you’ll find have alternate video and audio tracks as well. The menus are very well done and amusing to watch, loading time is quick also. Without further ado, here’s a sweeping overlook of the content.
The content is divided into four main sections, so I’ll discuss them one by one. The Bandwidth section is up first. It contains a chat over some donuts with Deathray, and offers some background notes on the band as well. A short film from Scritti Politti is found here, as well as an interview with the band and artist info. You are next offered a chance to tour the Hollywood Entertainment Museum with Gomez, and also read some background on them. The last portion of the Bandwidth section is a recording session with The Jayhawks, as well as artist background information. Next up is the Front Row section, which is also packed with goodies for the music lover in you. A live performance of the song “Rancid” by Breakbeat Era is shown, with a music video and artist information also provided for the band. Royal Trux offers a pair of live songs, along with a music video, a tv commercial, and background info. A live performance from Supreme Beings of Leisure is up next, with an interview with the band and artist notes also included. The last performance is from Death in Vegas (who rock), with them performing “Flying,” and you can peruse a talent file on the band or view an interview as well.
The third section is called In Tune, and consists of a music video for “Ooh La La” by the Wiseguys, as well as an interview and talent file on the band. This is the least packed of the segments, but hey, it’s something. The final segment is the Undercurrent section, which is dedicated to The Residents, who flat out kick ass. To start off, you get a biography of the band as well as their discography. Then you can take a look at four “One Minute Movies,” which are quite cool. The clips are very interesting, and are titled “Moisture,” “Act of Being Polite,” “The Simple Song,” and “Perfect Love.” These clips were created to air on MTV to supplement of the Residents releases. You get a music video for “Hey Skinny” and excerpts for “Freak Show” and “Harry the Head.” Rounding out this section is some live footage of The Residents in concert, which is excellent.
Video: How does it look?
The video varies from clip to clip, but overall, the image is quite good. Some of the live footage is a little hazy, but come on, it’s concert footage!
Audio: How does it sound?
The audio varies as well, but you won’t find fault with any particular section. The interviews sound great, and make good use of the system.
Supplements: What are the extras?
In addition to the alternate video and audio tracks discussed above, you’ll find trailers for Three Kings and House on Haunted Hill (1999). The junk drawer section includes some interesting bonus features as well. The “See Food” segments allow you to see people chew different things with their mouths open, which is always good. You can also view the isolated opening sequence or tell some jokes to see how the DVD likes your comedy. I know it sounds unusual, and it is.
