Customer Reviews

Blur: Starshaped

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The period documented by this newly refurbished DVD re-release of "Starshaped"--roughly 1991-93--was without a doubt one of the highlights in the history of this now-venerable UK act. Fresh from their initial flush of success, but before they became ubiquitous superstars, "Starshaped" features some spirited live performances and backstage footage that offers a more intimate look at the group than their Best Of collection of videos. The camera focuses most naturally on frontman Albarn, although time is also given to Graham Coxton's quirky and likeable personality, as he cheerily complains of headaches, dehydration and the effects of being on sedatives.

Some fine footage of "Colin Zeal, "Popscene", "For Tomorrow" and "Day After Day" garnish the original video, now with added
concert footage from Kilburn and the Princess Charlotte in '91.
The band is in transition from its earlier, trancy, Stone Roses-influenced sound to the Kink-esque form of "Modern Life Is Rubbish", but it all sounds like excellent guitar-pop with
a heavy psychedelic rush, loving social comment and and topped by Albarn's signature vocal style. He certainly doesn't lack energy throughout, and frequently gets himself into trouble with his on-stage shenanigans (ie when the PA falls on his foot), giving the film at times a Spinal Tap quality (they even visit Stonehenge), although it's all with tongue well in cheek. Blur were probably at their most likeable at this stage, an up-and coming group who would conquer the UK in only a year's time from the release of "Starshaped", a document which certainly gives ample enough justification for their rise and whose US release is now very welcome.

I've had no problems with the sound on my dvd. The film itself is a great tour documentary of the band in what I'd consider it's most creative, and volatile period. They were very drunk back then too, which shows. but the live performances are killer and the behind the scenes footage is very entertaining. Plus the dvd version is expanded with a full concert from Kilburn that sounds excellent and very hi-fi, with a great setlist. Plus there are four tracks from a camcorder of a very very early blur performance that is just in shambles, but still a whole lot of fun, and the sound on that is quite good considering the very lo-fi source.

This is can't miss stuff for any blur fan. Especially for the full concert that is included here. That's worth the admission price alone.

finally, the dvd that documents an early blur. previously available only on vhs, Starshaped follows blur through european festivals and pre Great Escape period, though i've only seen the vhs tape purchased in Japan, i remember the Stonehenge moments, the P.A. falling on damon's foot and the hilarious comments of graham following the rocker's (goth) "interview" after a show, a great "For Tomorrow" clip.

I bought this because I didn't know much about the history of Blur. This early live stuff is like watching paint dry, navel gazing, and is a bit irritating at points. It is a good one-time view, but I have no desire to watch it again. It should only be bought by the biggest fans.

As a new Blur fan, (Well, okay, I seemed to be hooked from Best of, onwards) I thought this would be a great oppurtunity to get a glimpse into the early years of this band. This film takes us on the road with Blue as they go to Glastonbury and other festivals.
This is a bit dissapointing, as it really doesnt go into depth that much about the band, instead just meandering from one shot to the next, interspersed with some cute camera tricks which I guess was avante garde for the time, but now is pretty lame.
But still, this disc is pretty amazing. The bonus material makes up for it. There is footage from 2 concerts on here, 1 was made for british tv, and runs for a good hour, and is packed with songs I don't recognize. This was apparently made just when Blur was signed to a record label. It's all great, Damon and Company really give it their all, and is quite fun.
The 2nd bit goes even EARLIER then that. This looks to be footage shot by a fan, and is all somewhat bizarre. They're on the smallest stage possible, Alburn looks like a Hogwart. It's all so so surreal, but still quite fascinating to watch. ("Here's a new song, "There's No Other Way"")

The full concert from Blur's best era in my opinion makes this DVD worth the money especially since they play some rare stuff, the documentary is silly at times and very dated but it's cool to see the guys as they really are.

Ohhh!!...parecia que fuera ayer cuando odiaba Blur. Bueno..nunca supe de la existencia de este video hasta que me decidi a comprar los cds por amazon. Y bueno ya que compre los cds, me dije "porque no llevar el vid tb?!". Definitivamente, de todo el pack lo mejor fue este video. Ni el "Tonite sold out" de Nirvana le llega a los pies a este ( Y eso que Nirvana es mi "all time favorite").
Las entrevistas, actuaciones claves, muchiiiisimas canciones, el "eastern egg", los otros dos conciertos que vienen ( Kilburn y otro mas que no recuerdo), la edicion grafica...todo. Todo es barbaro en este video...hasta que sale el sonido...
Supuestamente la version VHS tiene el mismo contenido , menos los extras, pero el sonido es nitido. No se que diablos habra pasado con la conversion a formato DVD. A excepcion de los extras, el audio del video es desastroso, distorsionado. He escuchado que la version alemana o del este de Europa no tiene fallas en el formato DVD...pero no me consta.Es mas , la estrella que no le doy por calificacion es por el sonido.
Video basico y must have en cualquier videoteca.