More Than This: The Story of Roxy Music
by Bob Smeaton
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DVD details
Actor: Roxy MusicDirector: Bob Smeaton
Brand: Universal Studios
DVD: Region Code 0
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language)
Format: Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 94 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2009-10-20
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Eagle Rock Entertainment
DVD Reviews of More Than This: The Story of Roxy Music
DVD Review: Roxy Music Deserves alot more than "More Than This"
Summary: 2 Stars
This is not a very good documentary and I agree mostly with Mr. Rubbo's review. I have trouble putting in words how disappointed I am with this disc. It's too short. Also, too many talking heads who have little to nothing to do with the band. Bono? Why? Simon Le Bon is unexcusable and insulting. Please don't take your hatred of DuranDuran out on Roxy Music! Roxy was very image conscious, but they could also play killer music. Bad interviewing techniques and bad editing are the ruination of the film. What is missing from this documentary is an analyses of that music. Discussions of the lyrical content is slim. "No one was writing lyrics like that...," comments one the talking heads. Begs the question what lyrics? The only real attempt is a disscussion of in "Every Dream Home...," which leaves me wanting for more. Ferry appears "inarticulate" in this film because the filmmakers did not give him enough time or good questions to work with. The hint at "what could have been" is a bonus clip where Ferry is actually given a good question, about his vocal style, and answers it in a sweet and sincere way. He mentions listening to Otis Redding and just singing until he found his own style. Unfortunately, they end it there. Surely, there were other influences, definitely Lou Reed (listen the song "Casanova" and especially the word "heroin"). But THEY DO NOT TALK ANYMORE ABOUT THE BAND'S INFLUENCES! Why is the vocals clip not in the body of the film? MAKE BRYAN FERRY TALK! He's singer/songwriter not an improv artist.
This goes for the rest of band. Andy MacKay and Phil Manzanera, in particular, are cursed by little time and bad interviewing. The few seconds of Mackay and Manzanera actually playing are good, but again, MORE! For example, how did Manzanera and MacKay's songwriting collaborations with Ferry work? What was the inspiration behind Manzanera's earthshattering solo on "Amazona? When did MacKay fell it was best to play oboe on one song, but saxophone on others? The documentary's chief sin is nearly skipping over the album "Siren." Yes,they flash the album cover and mention "Love Is A Drug," and the producer says, "We knew that was going to be a hit." For the 50th time, WHY? No mention that this song is one of the defining lyrical themes of the band: that romance is addictive and transitory. One night your with someone, the next night another, but it's just a buzz. It doesn't last. Ferry was able to sing about such subjects without self-pity or self-absorption and the band throbbed in time like a lovesick heart.
The reason I give this disc 2 stars is that I found the still photographs intriguing, although they never explain when the photographs were taken. My personal favorite is a black and white 70s era photograph with a beautiful woman sitting on Ferry's lap. Who is this woman? Also, I am only of those Roxy fans who enjoys the reunion tours that the band has done recently and the 2006 Dock Rock performances are brilliant. Roxy Music was never a "youthful band," they always sounded experienced and mature with their dexterity and ability to play together. Ferry was always sounded like a mature, man of the world even when he was 26. "I tried but I could not find the way/Looking back, all I did was look away" from (Remake/Remodel first track on the first album) and the chain of advice at the end of "Editions of You" especially "Old money's better than new/And don't let this happen to you." Ferry is a born performer, soulful, warm, funny and whips up everyone in his path. Manzanera and MacKay are still amazing especially on solos. What a rush! Why doesn't this documentary talk about Roxy as a live act? How did Ferry develop all those amazing hand gestures?
In the end, this disc is only for Roxy Addicts like myself. If you want to introduce someone to Roxy Music or show Roxy haters the errors of their ways, DO NOT show them this documentary. It gives a false image of the band. Saying that Roxy influenced DuranDuran and others who cared more about looks than singing, playing, and songwriting is a lot like holding The Who responsible for "Godspell." If you want to introduce someone to Roxy, play the Music in any format you have and let them decide for themselves. Maybe, "Siren" or "Stranded" for starters and go from there. Either that or play the youtube videos of the original BBCTV performance of "Virginia Plain" or the 1976 Stockholm concert footage of "The Thrill of It All." Such performances and others can be found on "The Thrill Of It All" DVD, which I recommend over this disc any day.
More More Than This: The Story of Roxy Music reviews:
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Description of More Than This: The Story of Roxy Music
Roxy Music's unique blend of avant-garde rock music and high style set the tone for the whole glam rock era. They were much imitated but never equaled. This DVD tells the story of Roxy Music through new interviews with band members Bryan Ferry, Phil Manzanera, Andy Mackay, Paul Thompson, Brian Eno and Eddie Jobson plus many of their contemporaries. The program covers their early years, the classic seventies albums, their re-emergence with a much smoother style in the early eighties, the band's break up and then their hugely successful reunion in the 21st century. Originally broadcast by the BBC in late 2008, the DVD contains nearly half an hour of additional unseen material plus three bonus, previously unreleased live tracks.BONUS FEATURES:
Additional interview material not included in the broadcast version.
Bonus live tracks from Dock Rock, London, 22nd July 2006:
1) Both Ends Burning
2) Editions Of You
3) Do The Strand
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