The Police - Every Breath You Take

Rating:
Summary: Great DVD with Great Extras For A Video Collection
Review: THE POLICE, EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE: VIDEO COLLECTION is a prime example of what a video collection should have. When I say that is this has all of there videos [for the exceptions for the other video versions of "Roxanne" and "Can't Stand Losing You$Q]. I did enjoy the bonus material. The coolest special feature was "Police in Montserrat" documentary {if own or going to own this I highly recommend you watch this]. The audio mix is odd[if you own just a tv, then agian its probely me] though cause I don't own a surround system . Overall it is a great DVD and a must buy.

Rating:
Summary: Must have DVD for Police fans...
Review: The videos are great to have but the Montserrat documentary on the making of Ghost in the Machine is the best. A *MUST HAVE* DVD for Police Fans.

Rating:
Summary: Must have DVD for Police fans...
Review: The videos are great to have but the Montserrat documentary on the making of Ghost in the Machine is the best. A *MUST HAVE* DVD for Police Fans.

Rating:
Summary: Are there videos missing
Review: The videos that are on the dvd are great and watching the band mature through them is very interesting. However, for the life of me I can't seem to find the video of "Roxanne" where the band is singing against the red walls and floor which is the primary reason I bought this dvd. Does anyone know where I can find it?

Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive Compilation That Does Justice ...
Review: There have been other compilations that are inadequate, such as concert videos that don't feature the full concert, or video compilations that aren't complete. This one is complete. Don't be fooled by the absence of "So Lonely" from the Product Details, the song is there.

Some may have complained about the omissions of some important musical instruments or backing voices in some songs - this is totally baseless. All the instruments are there in a new surround mix if you do select the Dolby Digital 5.1 or DTS audio options. It is only when stereo is selected that there seems to be a problem. Besides if you want just the stereo mix is all its original glory, you can always buy the CD or hybrid CD/SACD.

In contrast to other artists who release DVD compilations of their videos but the mix is only in stereo (like U2's Best Of 1990-200 DVD), this one has a new surround mix that will envelope you with the music. It may not satisfy the purists who prefer the original two-channel audio mixes, but hey we got the CD for that.

Th 45-minute documentary is a very interesting bonus. The live performances are something to marvel at. This DVD has all the videos you need, and more. This DVD is evidence that Sting's solo work is nothing compared to the work of the Police. This DVD is evidence that it was really Andy and Stewart who kept Sting intact and harnessed his potential as a songwriter. Sting solo now is just a parody of the Sting who was with the Police.

Rating:
Summary: Alternate audio take on "Every little Thing..."
Review: There is a DEFINITELY different and inferior take used for "Every little Thing..." If you're a purist, watch the version on the documentary. THAT is the correct version! Not just a re-mix. It is a DIFFERENT take! Diff. vocals, diff. gtr. licks and WAY different drums! ACK!!!

Rating:
Summary: Every breath you take I'll be watching you!!!
Review: This DVD can be divided into some major parts, three in particular- The Police's videos, the making of their fourth album "Ghost in the Machine," and their two early songs ("Can't Stand Losing You" and "Next to You") performed live at The Old Grey Whistle

Truthfully speaking, the Police's videos now look dated, some of which are unbelievably silly with the guys in weird costumes jumping around like lunatics. Besides, there are not enough live performances, and the shots of "Ghost in the Machine" in the studio are far from impressive, given the fact that the three members were already at odds then.

So why did I purchase this DVD?
Well, the main reason is- the one and only Sting!

Sting was truly gorgeous when he was in the Police, no matter how badly he dressed. Inside the DVD I see the now veteran Englishman in his energetic, handsome years, and it is out of the question that he was a defining sex symbol in the 80's. I am blown away whenever I watch him adjusting his tie in "Message in a Bottle," taking off his shirt with a naughty grin in "Don't Stand So Close to Me" and smoldering in "Every Breath You Take." Even though some people consider the video of "Wrapped around Your Finger" utterly silly with Sting dancing around lit-up candles, he looks fantastic in the white outfit, and "every step he takes" leaves me awestruck with his surpassing beauty.

All right, enough of drooling over Sting. Here are some other strengths in the features:

-The music itself: The Police were one of the most innovative and popular bands in the late 70's and early 80's. In the video section you have a series of songs more satisfying than their greatest hits compilation. From the early influences of punk and reggae to the mellowed pop-rock songs in their last album "Synchronicity," they marked one of the greatest moments. In addition, with Sting in all his talent, he could not disappoint. The Dolby 5.1 sound format makes the songs a little different from those on the CDs so that you are able to listen to the instruments playing and the vocal more clearly.

-The chemistry among the three outstanding musicians: Sting and Stewart Copeland's discords eventually broke up the band. Ironically, they did look like amicable partners in their early videos when they swung together with privities. Any Summers was older than the two, yet his ridiculous expressions at times perfectly entertains the audience. On the other hand, we gain the access to see Andy's mastery of guitars, Sting's excellence of composing and playing the bass, and Stewart's passion for drumming in the making of "Ghost in the Machine." If not detailed, the scenes are new to juvenile appreciators like me who are too young to have witnessed the peak of their fame.

The conclusion: Recommended for people who love Sting or The Police or those reminiscent of (or never experienced) the early 80's music
3.5/5

Rating:
Summary: A Great Collection, But Unimaginative
Review: This DVD is essentially a copy of the video collection that was released on VHS in the late 1980s with the addition of a cheeky documentary filmed on Montserrat during the Ghost in the Machine sessions. The documentary extra alone makes the DVD worth the upgrade (skip through the documentarian's babbling through the first 8 minutes), but I had hoped for more options taking advantage of modern technology.

Rating:
Summary: The Montserrat Documentary is why you should buy this!
Review: This DVD is worth every single penny. If only for the Montserrat documentary with host Jools Holland (from Squeeze.)

Would love to see "Police Around the World" on DVD with more videos like the alternate versions of Roxanne and Every Breath You Take.

Rating:
Summary: The songs are MUCH faster than on CD, too!
Review: To add to how awful the mix is (my DVD has several sound setting options, none of which correct the problem -- e.g. "Wrapped Around Your Finger" has no synthesizers) the songs, most noticable on the ones off Ghost in the Machine, are MUCH faster than released on record/tape/cd. If you're as big of a fan as I am, these in particular sound like old records played on the wrong speed. I'm glad I have this dvd for the bonus features, but now I wish I had the first out of print pressing of the videos in the hopes of correcting the problem this dvd creates.