DVD viewings, 2000-2010
This is a review of DVDs related to visual music acquired and viewed between 2000 and 2010.
1. DVD viewings 2000-2005
Everything Everything (2000), directed by Tomato, music by Underworld [DVD] UK: Junior Boys Own
- British multimedia pioneers Tomato direct this DVD (also DVD-ROM). It is mainly composed of Underworld live performances, with live visuals by Tomato. It also contains numerous extras, such as the complete Tomato visuals for the shows. I had previously seen Underworld live (without visuals) at Rocks Club, Gaia, Portugal in 1996.
Man with a Movie Camera, 2003 edition (1929), directed by Dziga Vertov, music by Cinematic Orchestra [DVD] UK: Ninja Tune
- Cinematic Orchestra were commissioned by Porto – European Capital of Culture 2001 to recreate the score to Dziga’s Vertov 1929 classic, Man with a Movie Camera. The movie uses a number of innovative and experimental techniques, and aimed to create a new language of cinema “on the basis of its complete separation from the language of theatre and literature”. In many ways, it is a predecessor of today’s fast-paced language of commercials, music videos and VJing. Although I didn’t see the live Man With a Movie Camera performance in Porto, I saw the band play most of the material shortly after in Lisbon (Lux club).
The Dead Texan (2004), directed by The Dead Texan [DVD] USA: Kranky
- The Dead Texan’s eponymous debut from 2004 is a CD/DVD with music and visuals by Adam Wiltzie and Christina Vantzis. The visuals are based on illustration and collage, apparently treated in Flash, creating a very unique atmosphere in articulation with the ambient music. I first saw The Dead Texan’s live audio-visual show at ZDB gallery, Lisbon, in 2005.
Motion Blur (2005), edited by onedotzero [DVD] UK: Laurence King
- A compilation of music videos and experimental sound-related motion graphics by UK collective onedotzero. The DVD is packaged together with a 240 page book, both focusing in over 20 artists. In 2005, I had the chance to see a onedotzero showcase at Kiasma Theatre, Helsinki.