Customer Reviews

Siouxsie and the Banshees: Nocturne

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Absolutely worth the wait, and every cent I paid for it. This concert is among the most important of the post-punk era, and highlights the Banshees at an early peak. Sioux sings like her life depends on it, completely erasing the memories of the painfully off-key performances from the 7 Year Itch DVD. Here she is by turns menacing, alluring and mystifying; without a doubt one of the very best performers of our generation. The band, although terribly static,( Robert Smith rarely lifts his eyes from the fret board of his guitar ) is a powerhouse. Budgie's drumming in particular is a wonderful revelation, thanks to the new 5.1 Surround mix. The extras are a fascinating look inside the Banshees' Wonderland. Filmed for the BBC in 1983 and only now available to US audiences, this is part tea-party ( a total hoot - catch the band members in Alice in Wonderland drag, as well as producer Mike Hedges as the Queen of Hearts ) part poetry slam, part music video. And if nothing else it gives proof of the rabid acid intake of certain band members at the time. Nocturne is a must-have for Banshees fans new and old and is a long time coming. One final note about the DVD region mystery. My copy has a sticker on it stating it was manufactured in Germany and I've had no problems playing it on my computer, in my home theater system nor in my portable DVD player.

At long last, "Nocturne" is available on DVD. Since there is a bit of ambiguity to this release, allow me to answer a few questions:

1- The DVD is an official release from Universal Home Video and in stock. I don't know why Amazon.com isn't carrying it, but a Google search can easily lead you to an online merchant that has the DVD ready to ship.

2- Although this is an imported release, the DVD is regionless and in NTSC format, which means it WILL play in any DVD Player sold in America. I know this for a fact, because I played it in my American DVD player this afternoon.

3- Contents of the DVD are as follows:
-The entire "Nocturne" performance (same as the VHS, though the album features more songs).
-The rare "Play at Home" TV special that was broadcasted years ago, featuring the music of The Creatures, The Glove, and of course, Siouxsie & The Banshees.
-The video clip of Siouxsie's "Dear Prudence" cover.
-Two television appearances, featuring the performances of "Melt" and "Painted Bird."

There is no need to hesitate in buying this release. It's been years since this title has been in print; it documents an important time in the band's career; and it features a guitar player who ended up becoming rather famous...

For those of you wondering why Amazon does not carry this title, or why the DVD is region-ambiguous: The DVD listed is IMPORT ONLY! The title will be released state-side on June 20th, 2006 (thanks Tower Records for the info).

That's right folks, despite what one reviewer here has said, this is not the full concert. It is in fact missing 4 tracks ("Dear Prudence", "Paradise Place", "Slowdive", and "Happy House"), but that's not all - the tracks have been re-ordered which really changes the feel of this amazng event. Those who own the CD or vinyl will be aware that the concert ends with "Eve White/Eve Black" and "Voodoo Dolly". It truly went out with a bang. The re-ordering of the tracks really undermines the frenzied crescendo that was delivered by the orignal performance. It is however wonderful to have this concert in some form on DVD as I've been worried I'd wear out my VHS copy.

This is a true gem, especially for the behind the scenes look, but if you want to experience the concert more acurately be sure to play those two tracks ("Eve White/Eve Black and "Voodoo Dolly") last. However you play it, it still holds up triumphantly and I have yet to see a girl with the stunning stage presence of of Siouxsie.

Nocturne catches Siouxsie and the Banshees in their days of glory. It's an essential release for any banshees fan. The filming is fair for the eighties--there are a few issues such as that jerk with the umbrella blocking out my view of siouxsie! But there are also visuals of tapestries blending in between songs, and watch the guy with the mohawk as it slowly droops by the end of the show! Funny!

The band puts in a stellar performance. Robert Smith (The Cure) is amazing on guitar, his attention to detail pays off at every turn. Budgie and Steve provide a solid backdrop for siouxsie to rile over with her soaring vocals. Her vocals are powerful, and her delivery is amazing. Siouxsie is the center of attention as the band barely moves about, but you would want it this way. She's all over the stage, dancing madly, rolling on the floor, kicking up her legs and shaking her hands about performing her spooky moves. Costume changes provide an additional treat--her clothes are fantastic!

There are a few minor negatives regarding the set list. Three singles (Happy House, Slowdive, and Dear Prudence) and what I would argue is the best performance of the show (Paradise Place) were omitted from the release back in 1983, and have not been placed back on the release for this reissue DVD. I still can't fathom why they would remove the single at the time (Dear Prudence). The remaining tracks were re-organized on the original release and were not put back into proper order for the reissue, so the end of the show still appears in the middle of the DVD.

A previous reviewer stated you should be sure to watch Eve White/Eve Black and Voodoo Dolly LAST, I second that.

Also, isn't it rude to have Happy House playing over the scene selection pages but not in the actual concert!?

The extras are hilarious if a bit excessive. Watching the band in Alice In Wonderland drag is fun, and there are some extra videos in there for "Circle" and The Creatures "Weathercade," as well as The Glove's "A Blues In Drag." If that's not enough there are two more live performances of "Melt!" and "Painted Bird" that are just as worth watching as the concert, and the "Dear Prudence" video was added to the DVD which sort of makes up for the song being omitted from the concert.

Regardless of the minor but interesting set backs, this release is a must have for any banshees fan, and The Cure fan, and any fan of 80s post punk.

This DVD is absolutely worth the wait!!! Siouxsie sings her heart out, and includes classic songs! Her voice is in key and she performs like never before! Classic Siouxsie at her best in 1983!

Some remarks posted by the reviewer Christopher A. Stribley seems to be quite inaccurate:

1) The songs featured on the DVD edition of the concert are the same present on the VHS edition.

2) The concert in fact 'ends' with "Voodoo Dolly", but "Helter Skelter" and "Spellbound" are the songs featured on the bis, so it's factually correct to place them AFTER "Voodoo Dolly", as it really ocurred on the show.

That said, I must only to agree with the other reviewers: "Nocturne" is simply ESSENTIAL.

I think women have to go through too much to keep up with ridiculous standards of modern beauty. Ladies, look to Siouxsie as your role model. Excellent DVD that captures a brilliant "f**k you" to the stupid, preposterous etiquette of "acceptable" personal appearance.

This was one of my fave records when I was 14 years old - I played it to death. I had never before seen the film - and what a joy it was. Siouxsie was at the height of her popularity then - Juju and A Kiss in the Dreamhouse are most prominently featured here. "Voodoo Dolly" is so incredibly intense, you just watch transfixed. If you, like me, loved this album, you must see the concert film.

If you like Siouxsie and the Banshees, or Robert Smith (who plays guitar here), you MUST buy this masterpiece of goth rock.