Beastie Boys DVD Video Anthology - Criterion Collection

Rating:
Summary: Great experiment, but wrong artists to try it on.
Review: On the back of each DVD box, The Criterion Collection proclaims to offer "an ongoing collection of classic and contemporary films." Why, then, did they decide to distribute the Beastie Boys video collection? While the two-disc set is excellent and quite generous, its inclusion in the Criterion library is something of an anomaly.

First, the positives. The menu design is really cool, alternating between green and blue color schemes. The layout is impressive as well, with commentaries by the band and director for each video. What's most impressive, however, is the way they have edited all the video angles and various remixes so that they still synch up with the final cut! If you don't want to hear the normal version of "Intergalactic," just choose one of the multitude of remixes and the video will still synch up!! Awesome!

Now, the negatives. Firstly, they picked the wrong band to make this music video collection. The Beastie Boys video catalog just isn't that impressive. With the notable exception of "Body Movin'", "Intergalactic," "Sabotage," and "3 MC's and One DJ", there isn't much else to look at. Early Beastie Boys videos were pretty standard "fisheye camera lens" fare. They should have waited until they released the video for "Ch-Check It Out" which is, in my opinion, one of their best videos. Also, I'm sure hundreds of folks have already mentioned it, but I cannot deny that the video for "Fight For Your Right" is sadly missing from this collection.

Bottom line is if you're a Beastie fan, get this collection now! Everyone else probably ought to wait until they try this kind of collection out on a different band or artist, preferably someone with a more-interesting video library.

Rating:
Summary: No words, just unintelligible drooling.
Review: Oh my. This is a brilliant DVD. First of all, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that the Beasties make some seriously awesome music videos. Case in point: my brothers are not B-boy fans, but they worship at the altar of Sabotage every time it plays. So compiling the videos (minus those during the Def Jam days) by itself is a fantastic idea. Then, there's the countless different camera angles, often several per video. The stills. The commentaries from directors and the Boys themselves. (Even though theirs don't bring much new knowledge to light. Whatever, even as kickback as their commentary is, it works.) The different remixes. Again, often several per song. The extra clips like the interview with the cast of Sabotage (my sides hurt after that one) and the Intergalactic short. This DVD is so jammed with goodies that you won't want to leave your house. Ever. Okay, for at least a very long time. Bonus points for making everything clear and concise, the instruction manual, and the kick ass Sabotage poster that now resides on my ceiling.

Rating:
Summary: Don't Wait As Long As I Did
Review: I am a true Beastie Boys fan, but for some reason it took me almost 4 years to buy this cd. 4 years wasted. I couldn't believe the additional footage and all the extras that come with this DVD. The "remix" videos are so outstanding. This is probably the best DVD I have ever bought by any artist. Don't waste as much time as I did.

Rating:
Summary: MISSING THE ONLY GOOD BEASTIE VIDEOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: Beastie Boys Criterion Collection DVD is by a long shot the most entertaining DVD on the market. It has so many features which include remixes, multi-angles, commentaries, alternate versions of the videos and more. Based on what else I've seen, I believe this is the best musical DVD release ever. Fans of Beastie Boys need to go out and get a DVD player and get this DVD.

Rating:
Summary: Big Beastie Boys Fan
Review: This DVD you have to get in your collection.
Best videos are Sure Shot and Root Down.