Customer Reviews

Beat Box Set [VHS]

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The videos in this set are among the best of the subject. They show the dark beauty of the movement and its leaders. The documentary aspects are very good, and the interviews and performances are even better! Great readings by William Burroughs and Lawrence Ferlinghetti are worth the price alone. Ferlinghetti is explored as a painter as well as a poet/publisher. Burroughs gives great readings and responds to an average interview with patience and wit. Even Burroughs the Actor is shown. For those wondering if any "beat writers" are still "active" there is a video with Michael McClure and Ray Manzarek of the Doors. Usually poetry and music mix as well as Johnny Walker Black and Milk of Magnesia, but if anyone could make it work it would be these two. And they do make it live. Manzarek is a musician with a bagful of vibes and technical tools which are capable of working within the poetry to create a third form. There are too many good moments to write of in this review. Corso at his "Yosemite Sam" best is great to see. He recently died and I for one will miss him. The Kerouac video is more of a biography. I prefer "The Source" to it, but it is still very good. Well, you have only one choice as far as I am concern and it is to get these videos!

A great example of some of the best beat poetry.