Subgenre Sampler
Rental > Music: 193 Films to Rent on VHS
- Fonteyn and Nureyev (2002)
- Feat. Rudolph Nureyev, Margot Fonteyn
- Considered the great dancing–partnership of our time, Rudolph Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn are here seen at their prime, in such ballets as Swan…
- Only the Strong Survive (2002)
- Dir. Chris Hegedus, D.A. Pennebaker
- Warm and intelligent appreciation of several of the soul–music legends of the 1960s and 70s by a veteran documentary team.
Based around a…
- Eargasm (2001)
- A plethora of ‘alternative sports’ footage – skateboarding, bmx, wakeboarding, motorcross, snowmobiling, etc. – set to a live…
- Earth, Wind and Fire - Shining Stars (2001)
- Pretty comprehensive look at the long career of US funksters 'Earth, Wind and Fire', including interviews with band members, music clips and live…
- Everybody Famous (2001)
- Dir. Dominique Deruddere
Feat. Josse De Pauw, Eva van der Gucht, Werner De Smedt…
- A hit in the Netherlands and at festivals, this half–sweet, half–cringe–inducingly sour satire, sees truly mediocre singer Eva Van…
- Hysteria - The Def Leppard Story (2001)
- Dir. Robert Mandel
- Of interest to fans of the British heavy metallers who hit the big time in the 1980s, and anyone else who had ‘Pyromania’ or…
- Hendrix (2000)
- Dir. Leon Ichaso
Feat. Wood Harris, Billy Zane
- TV–Movie biopic of the rock guitarist and 60s icon Jimi Hendrix (Wood Harris) that pushes all the predictable buttons: psychedelic drug…
- Strange Frequency (2000)
- Dir. Bryan Spicer, Mary Lambert
Feat. Eric Roberts, John Taylor, Judd Nelson
- This portmanteau of four 'urban myths' set in the contemporary music scene is surprisingly witty and satisfying. Segments 'My Generation' and 'Room…
- Two of Us (2000)
- Dir. Michael Lindsay-Hogg
Feat. Aidan Quinn, Jared Harris
- TV–movie centred around the intriguing prospect of a mid–70s meeting in New York between John Lennon (Quinn) and Paul McCartney (Harris).…
- Why Sing? - Opera Explored (2000)
- Music–writer Michael Shmith answers the question with a TV series exploring opera.
4 episodes covering the varying themes of 'Opera…
- Art of Piano, The (1999)
- Dir. Donald Sturrock
- Survey of 20th century classical pianists that starts with Hofman and ends with Arrau, taking in such diverse talents of the keyboard as Rachmaninov,…
- Fugazi - Instrument (1999)
- Dir. Jem Cohen, Fugazi
- Culled from concert, interview and home footage, this portrayal of fiercely independent rock–bank Fugazi transcends the…
- Sunset Strip (1999)
- Dir. Adam Collis
Feat. Jared Leto, Tommy Flanagan, Adam Goldberg…
- Not the BOOGIE–NIGHTS–retread it appears, this intimate, reflective tribute to Los Angeles' hedonistic club…
- Blues Brothers 2000 (1998)
- Dir. John Landis
Feat. John Goodman, Dan Aykroyd, Evan Bonifant
- Belated, extraneous sequel to the 1980 cult 'classic' with John Goodman filling in the XXL trousers of the very late John Belushi. (Alas, the…
- David Oistrakh - Artist of the People? (1998)
- Dir. Bruno Monsaingeon
- The life of the renowned 20th century Russian violinist, who at times locked horns with the Soviet state, is told through interviews with family and…
- Dead Set (1998)
- Dir. Rob Payne
- A punchy soundtrack of bands like You Am I, Crow and Spiderbait propels this fast–paced tour through the 1990s Australian rock–music biz.
- Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau - Autumn Journey (1998)
- Dir. Bruno Monsaingeon
- Interviewed on his 70th birthday the German baritone recollects his life and art in fascinating detail. Tape includes an 85–min concert recital…
- Gathering, The (1998)
- Dir. Kylie Plunkett
- Document of the popular New Years Eve celebrations at Takaka Hill 1997–8, featuring a variety of dance–music, local DJs and of course,…
- Hang the DJ (1998)
- Dir. Marco Lavilla, Mauro Lavilla
- An energetic, globe–trotting spin through the nineties club culture phenomenon, taking in a whistle–stop tour of the various DJ and dance…
- Henry Rollins - You Saw Me There (1998)
- Dir. Modi
- Spoken–word performance from the beefy, former–Black Flag singer, displaying his talent for combining humour with cringe–worthy…
- Joni Mitchell - Painting with Words and Music (1998)
- Dir. Joan Tosoni
- Joni Mitchell performs for a select audience on the Warner's Lot in L.A.
- Man in the Sand (1998)
- Dir. Kim Hopkins
Feat. Jeff Tweedy
- Sponsored by the Woody Guthrie Foundation, Billy Bragg and 'alt–country' band Wilco create musical settings to go with some of Guthrie's…
- Marilyn Manson (1998)
- The sinister goth–metaller does his spooky–schtick across the stadiums of the world in this live compilation. Also contains…
- No (1998)
- Dir. Robert Lepage
Feat. Anne-Marie Cadieux, Alexis Martin
- An intriguing, dense drama/essay that takes an episode from dir. Lepage’s mammoth stage–show, ‘Seven Streams of the River Ota’, and…
- Radiohead - Meeting People Is Easy (1998)
- Dir. Grant Gee
- The album OK COMPUTER took the Oxford quintet into the rock stratosphere, a place where, on this evidence, they'd often rather not be.…
- Shirley Bassey - Divas Are Forever (1998)
- British 60s pop–diva in action, live in Antwerp in '98.
- Sinead O'Connor - The Value of Ignorance (1998)
- Dir. John Maybury
- English video artist John Maybury (Love is the Devil) directs reworkings of her album tracks. 8 tracks.
- Suburbans, The (1998)
- Dir. Donal Lardner Ward
Feat. Jennifer Love Hewitt
- Bubbly record–exec Jennifer Love Hewitt gives 80s musical has–beens The Suburbans a second shot at fame despite time finding them…
- K.D. Lang - Live in Sydney (1997)
- Dir. Caz Gorham, Frances Dickenson
- The Canadian country–music crossover star croons at the State Theatre in Sydney.
- Pop Eyed (1997)
- Extensive coverage of recent music–videos from current Flying Nun bands. Includes Superette, The Chills, Bike, Garageland etc.
- Selena (1997)
- Dir. Gregory Nava
Feat. Jennifer Lopez, Edward James Olmos
- Worthy biopic of the Latin–American pop star who on the verge of crossing over into the American market was tragically murdered.
- Spiceworld: The Movie (1997)
- Dir. Bob Spiers
Feat. Richard E. Grant, Melanie Brown, Emma Bunton…
- Rocking–good time of a shallow band movie, with great costumes, sets, attitude, etc. The girls sure know how to have fun, Richard E. Grant is…
- Crowded House - Farewell Concert (1996)
- Most of the favourites plus a few quirky jam sessions, played to a huge crowd outside the Sydney Opera House. Features extensive interview material.
- Dancing in the Street (TV Series) (1996)
- Exemplary documentary chronicles the history of pop music through nine hour–long episodes defined by generic lineage. Truly rare clips and…
- Dexter Gordon - More Than You Know (1996)
- Dir. Don McGlynn
- Tenor jazz saxophonist Dexter, renowned for his work with Lionel Hampton and others, gets fan treatment in a lively montage of performance and…
- Garbage (1996)
- Featuring six slick vids from the debut album of Butch Vig, Shirley Manson and co., plus live footage and dance remixes.
- Hype! (1996)
- Dir. Doug Pray
- Absorbing document of the evolution of the Seattle grunge–music 'scene' from its genesis in the early '80s. Reflected in the ambiguous light of…
- Osmonds - Very Best of, The (1996)
- Feat. Donny Osmond
- White–bread superstars of TV and music here present 24 of their best known music videos from debut single 'One Bad Apple' onwards.
- Ritual Habitual - Big Day Out (1996)
- Dir. Peter Critchley
- Celebration of the Antipodean Big Day Out festival in its final year. With performances by overseas acts such as Porno for Pyros, Prodigy and Nick…
- Screenage Kicks (1996)
- Wide range of music–videos from Auckland and Wellington bands, incl. DLT, Shihad, Head like a Hole and Dead Flowers.
- I Just Wasn't Made for These Times (1995)
- Dir. Don Was
- Step gingerly into the strange world of Beach Boys genius Brian Wilson. Interviews with friends, family and Wilson himself chart a tumultuous and…
- Les Miserables (Stage version) (1995)
- Popular stage spectacular, based on the Victor Hugo novel, is seen here in a Gala 10th Anniversary performance at the Royal Albert Hall.
- Pink Video, The (1995)
- Record of 1995's 'Out–rageously Pink' variety show at London's Playhouse Theatre. Includes such gay luminaries as Scott Capurro, Steve Best,…
- Riverdance - The Show (1995)
- Dir. John McColgan
Feat. Michael Flatley
- Ambitious song and dance extravaganza is a must for stageshow fans and purveyors of Gaelic culture. Michael Flatley choreographs and toplines a host…
- Show, The (1995)
- Dir. Brian Robbins
- Well–made document of a 90s hiphop roadshow featuring Run DMC, Naughty BY Nature, Warren G and Wu–Tang Clan. Combines live and backstage…
- Slayer - Live Intrusion (1995)
- Speed–metal kings are caught in action in Arizona. Includes other tour and off–the–road footage.
- Nirvana - Live! Tonight! Sold Out! (1994)
- The grunge–meisters perform their 'Nevermind'–period live set. Complete with interviews and backstage hi–jinks.
- Remembering Jacqueline Du Pre (1994)
- Dir. Christopher Nupen
- Official doco on the renowned cellist suffers from a sanctimonious voice–over. Still, the best record of this talent with interviews and…
- Smashing Pumpkins - Viewphoria (1994)
- An official 'bootleg', collecting live performances, TV–appearances, and alternate song–takes from 1988–1994.
- Woodstock '94 (1994)
- Dir. Bruce Gowers
Feat. Bob Dylan
- For those who missed it second time round, experience the various flavours of rock'n'roll music, circa 1994. Encompassing acts as diverse as Bob…
- David Byrne Live - Between the Teeth (1993)
- Captured live with a rhythmic Latin backing, David Byrne reprises material from his days in Talking Heads as well as new musical obsessions.
- Everything But The Girl - Home Movies (1993)
- Dir. John Maybury, Hal Hartley
- 14 songs from the more winsome, pre–dance incarnation of EBTG, including clips directed John Maybury and Hal Hartley.
- Gift (1993)
- Dir. Perry Farrell, Casy Niccoli
- Bizarre love story with a porn aesthetic fleshes out what is ostensibly a lurid promotional film for grunge phenomenon 'Jane's Addiction'. Ice T and…
- Lemonheads - Two Weeks in Australia (1993)
- The now defunct indie band, headed by Evan Dando, play their appealing brand of melodic rock on tour down–under, including vid–clips and…
- More Abba Gold (1993)
- 13 More Abba videos, including When I Kissed the Teacher and On & On & On.
- P.J. Harvey - Reeling (1993)
- Feat. Polly Jean Harvey
- Darlings of the indie rock press, Polly Jean Harvey and band, captured on stage and off during her Euro–American tour of 1993.
- Theremin - An Electronic Odyssey (1993)
- Dir. Steven M. Martin
- The fascinating life of Prof. Leon Theremin, the Russian inventor of the Theremin – a unique musical instrument/sound effects generator,…
- Beyond the Mind's Eye (1992)
- Dir. Michael Boydstun
- This state–of–the–art computer animation odyssey is a must for technoheads seeking more of the VR stuff from THE LAWNMOWER MAN.…
- Big Audio Dynamite - Bad I + II (1992)
- 11 songs from Mick Jones' 80s post–Clash band. Includes 1 video directed by Jim Jarmusch.
- Black Sabbath Vol. 1 (1992)
- Dir. Martin Baker
- Hard rock pioneers in their Ozzy Osbourne phase (1971–77).
- Black Sabbath Vol. 2 (1992)
- Dir. Martin Baker
- Hard rock pioneers in their post–Ozzy Osbourne phase (1978 – 1992).
- Medusa: Dare to Be Truthful (1992)
- Dir. John Fortenberry
Feat. Julie Brown, Bobcat Goldthwait
- The talented Julie Brown sharpens her claws and is not afraid to use them in this parody of Madonna's self–adoring documentary, TRUTH OR DARE.
- Metallica - A Year and a Half in the Life of (1992)
- Dir. Adam Dubin
- Mammoth two tape documentary covering 9 months of Metallica recording and 9 months on the road in 1991–92.
- On the Town (Stage version) (1992)
- Leonard Bernstein's classic Broadway musical, following the misadventures of three sailors is captured here in a recent stage version, accompanied by…
- Pavarotti & the Italian Tenors (1992)
- Dir. Joshua Waletzky
- Luciano Pavarotti traces his musical influences back, through early appearances and interviews with his tutors, to reveal the rich heritage of…
- Perlman in Russia (1992)
- Israeli violinist Itzhak Perlman fiddles with legendary virtuosity in the Tchaikovsky Hall, Moscow, accompanied on piano by Janet Guggenheim.…
- PUNK - The Story of Punk (1992)
- 18 video clips from the riotous heyday of British punk including acts like Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Jam, Joy Division, The Stranglers, Buzzcocks,…
- Search for Robert Johnson (1992)
- Dir. Chris Hunt
- Essential documentary attempts to unshroud the mystery surrounding the legendary Blues singer/songwriter who was murdered in 1938 at only 27.
- U2 - Achtung Baby (1992)
- The promo videos from the pre–eminent stadium rockers are a far cry from their humble Irish roots, but the songs from the album of the same…
- Ute Lemper - Illusions (1992)
- Dir. Michael Houldey
Feat. Ute Lemper
- Live performances of songs from Ute Lemper's 1992 album.
- Velvet Underground: Redux (1992)
- The Velvets live on stage at their 1992 Paris reunion gigs. Fourteen old songs and one brand newie.
- Cure, The - Picture Show (1991)
- Dir. Tim Pope
- Subtitled An Improbable Collection, and picking up where Staring at the Sea left off, 10 songs, plus lots of other bits.
- Jose Carreras - A Life Story (1991)
- Feat. Jose Carreras
- Overshadowed by some of his larger than life peers, Spanish tenor Jose Carreras is here celebrated in his own right, surveying a life of perseverance…
- Monster in a Box (1991)
- Dir. Nick Broomfield
- Spalding Gray recalls the adventures that befell him while trying to write his autobiography. Colourfully delivered monologue with Laurie Anderson…
- Not Mozart (M is for Man, Music and Mozart; Letter, Riddles and Writs) (1991)
- Dir. Peter Greenaway, Pat Gavin, Jeremy Newson
- Two experimental television dramas commissioned to celebrate the Mozart Bicentennial.
- Red Hot Chili Peppers - Funky Monks (1991)
- Dir. Gavin Bowden
- Stylishly shot documentary about the California funksters, caught on the cusp of massive worldwide success.
- Shindig! - British Invasion (1991)
- This volume of the 60s TV show hosted by Jimmy O'Neill features various early Britich Invasion beat combos like Gerry & The Pacemakers, Manfred Mann…
- Shindig! - Groovy Gals (1991)
- Feat. Aretha Franklin
- This volume of the 60's TV show features girl groups and female singers. Highlights: the Shangri–Las and Aretha Franklin.
- Shindig! - Legends of Rock 'n' Roll (1991)
- This volume of the 60s TV show features a geat lineup of 50s and 60s stars, including Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, James Brown, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee…
- Shindig! - Sixties Superstars (1991)
- This volume of the 60s TV show features mid–60s stars, including Byrds, Yardbirds and Donovan.
- Year Punk Broke, The (1991)
- Music, interviews and goofing around from the 1991 European tour of Sonic Youth, Nirvana, Dinosaur Jr, Babes in Toyland. and others.
- Zappa's Universe (1991)
- Feat. Steve Vai, Dweezil Zappa
- A tribute to Frank Zappa, recorded just before he died, performed by his band with guests Steve Vai, Dweezil Zappa et al.
- Best of Victor Borge: Act One & Two, The (1990)
- Feat. Victor Borge
- A collection of live performances and routines from the inimitable Victor Borge – raconteur, pianist, comedian and more.
- Blues Alive (1990)
- A howlin' 16–track compilation of various live performances by Blues legends Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, Ruth Brown and Otis Rush and others.
- Elton John - Very Best Of (1990)
- Feat. Elton John
- Comprehensive 20–song compilation charting Elton's image shift from 1970s high camp to 1990s lovable popular entertainer.
- Hunters and Collectors - Collected Works (1990)
- Encyclopedic compilation of these long–lived Aussie post–punks, ranging from the weird early stuff to Throw Your Arms Around Me. 17 tracks
- Morrissey - Hulmerist (1990)
- Dir. Tim Broad
- Seven videos from the immediate post Smiths period, including Last of the Famous International Playboys.
- Indie Top Video (1989)
- Dir. Various
- Music–vids from 15 top indie bands of the 80s: New Order, The Shamen, Pop Will Eat Itself, A Guy Called Gerald, The Darling Buds, Birdland, The…
- Leonard Cohen (1989)
- Feat. Leonard Cohen
- 14 songs of love and hate performed live from the lengthy career of the singer/songwriting veteran. Leonard also escorts us through his inspirational…
- Mack the Knife (1989)
- Dir. Menahem Golan
Feat. Raul Julia, Richard Harris, Julie Walters…
- Muddled adaptation of The Threepenny Opera is notable for some pretty inept dance sequences and some rather overt mugging by some well–known…
- Magazine (1989)
- Feat. Howard Devoto
- Five songs from Howard Devoto and co's late 70s New Wave band.
- Miles Davis in Paris (1989)
- Feat. Miles Davis
- Son of a dentist Miles blows life into his later material at the 1989 Paris Jazz Festival.
- Neil Young - Unplugged (1989)
- Feat. Neil Young
- Neil pours his heart of gold into acoustic interpretations of 14 great songs drawn from his expansive career.
- New Order - A Collection (1989)
- Dir. Jonathan Demme, Kathryn Bigelow
- Definitive compilation of New Order videos, from 'Confusion' to 'Waiting for the siren's call', including clips directed by Jonathan Demme and…
- Rolling Stones, The - 25 X 5 (1989)
- Dir. Nigel Finch
Feat. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ron Wood…
- The consummate rockumentary, this is a richly entertaining and informative chronicle of the 25 year history of the rock phenomenon from humble…
- Songs for Drella (1989)
- Lou Reed and John Cale perform live their minimalist musical biography of the life of their estranged friend and artist, Andy Warhol. A must for fans…
- Still Life at the Penguin Cafe (incl. Penguin Cafe Orchestra - A Profile) (1989)
- Two selections featuring the unique musical entourage 'Penguin Cafe Orchestra' who combine classical and world music genres.
'Still Life at the…
- Sugarcubes (1989)
- Compilation of interviews and live performances in London, Alabama and Reykjavik, dating from the Icelandic group's heyday.
- Decline of Western Civilization 2: The Metal Years (1988)
- Dir. Penelope Spheeris
Feat. Lemmy , Ozzy Osbourne, Megadeth
- Affectionate tribute to heavy–metal music, the musicians and the culture. The seen–it–all anecdotes of Lemmy, Ozzy Osbourne and…
- Sisters of Mercy - Shot (1988)
- Four songs from the Floodland peak–period of these sardonic Goths. Includes This Corrosion.
- Who's Better, Who's Best - The Who (1988)
- Feat. Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey
- A 25th anniversary documentary celebration of Brit rock band The Who that includes 16 of their best singles. Some rare footage may be of interest to…
- Carmen (Bizet) (1987)
- Dir. Brian Large
Feat. Agnes Baltsa, Jose Carreras
- Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. Conductor: James Levine.
- Comic Strip Presents: Bad News (1983) / More Bad News (1987)
- Dir. Sandy Johnson, Adrian Edmondson
Feat. Adrian Edmondson, Rik Mayall, Nigel Planer…
- An uncannily similar forerunner to the king of mockumentaries, THIS IS SPINAL TAP, follows the equally hilarious exploits of a 'Heavy Metal' band…
- Hail, Hail Rock 'n' Roll (1987)
- Dir. Taylor Hackford
Feat. Chuck Berry, Eric Clapton, Robert Cray…
- Chuck Berry performs live with friends and other familiar faces hail the great man's influence.
- It's Clean It Just Looks Dirty (1987)
- Dir. Various
- Eclectic compilation of 1980s 'alternative' music incl. videos by Husker Du, Diamanda Galas, Einsturzende Neubauten, Swans and Psychic TV among…
- Rolling Stone - 20 Years of Rock 'n' Roll (1987)
- Feat. Dennis Hopper
- Dennis Hopper hosts this informative showcase of American rock history from the psychedelic era onwards, via clips and interviews with the performers…
- Cure, The - Staring at the Sea (1986)
- Dir. Tim Pope
- Definitive video compile of early Cure videos, ranging from Killing an Arab to Close To Me. 17 songs.
- El Amor Brujo (A Love Magician) (1986)
- Dir. Carlos Saura
Feat. Antonio Gades
- The third in Saura's Flamenco trilogy. Plot involves two gypsies in an arranged marriage who both love others.
- Kate Bush - The Whole Story (1986)
- Feat. Kate Bush
- Video compilation includes Wuthering Heights, and 13 others up to the mid 80s.
- MTV Closet Classics (1986)
- Clips from the pre–MTV days featuring 15 hits of the 60s and 70s by artists such as Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Cream, Black Sabbath, Beach Boys,…
- Paul Kelly and the Messengers (1986-1992)
- Dir. Various
- Twelve music–videos from Australian balladeer Kelly, incl. “Bradman”, “Leaps and Bounds”, “Careless” and “Dumb Things”.
- Sounds of Motown (1985)
- A special edition of British TV show 'Ready Steady Go', which presented an extravaganza of Motown artists such as The Supremes, Smokey Robinson, The…
- Beach Boys: An American Band (1984)
- Dir. Malcolm Leo
- Authorized history of the Californian hitmakers. Includes some rare, eyebrow–raising footage of Wilson family lunacy.
- Beyond The Doors (Down On Us) (1984)
- Dir. Larry Buchanan
- Preposterous 'docudrama' about the deaths of 1960s rock–stars Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin (played by obscure actors with the…
- Echo and the Bunnymen (1984)
- Dir. Bill Butt, Kevin Hewitt
- 14 songs from these dour Liverpudlian new wavers. Accurate to 1984.
- Cabaret Voltaire: Gasoline in Your Eye / CV (1983)
- Industrial revolutionists of the musical kind, the U.K. duo provide two compilations of eye–popping visuals, cut–up from a variety of…
- Divine: Live at the Hacienda (1983)
- Feat. Divine
- The unique Divine, John Waters 'associate' (PINK FLAMINGOS) and committer of many an outrageous (and unhygenic) act, is caught live at the Hacienda…
- Magic Flute, The (Mozart) (1983)
- Dir. August Everding
Feat. Lucia Popp, Edita Gruberova
- Bayerischen Staatsoper. Conductor: Wolfgang Sawallisch.
- Other Side of Nashville, The (1983)
- Feat. Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash
- The 'alternative' stars of country music are the subject of this loose documentary, which includes some rare live footage. Featured are Bob Dylan,…
- Svengali (1983)
- Dir. Anthony Harvey
Feat. Peter O'Toole, Jodie Foster, Holly Hunter
- Has been vocalist turned singing instructor O'Toole takes young rocker Foster under his wings. By all accounts a complete misfire. Though if you can…
- U2 - Under a Blood Red Sky (1983)
- Video version of the album of the same name, this is an electrifying milestone concert by U2, live at Red Rocks in Ireland.
Songs –…
- Verdi - Rigoletto (1983)
- Dir. Jean-Pierre Ponnelle
Feat. Luciano Pavarotti
- A splendid version of Verdi's darkly tragic opera, shot on location, with Pavarotti playing the Duke of Mantua.
- Catherine Wheel, The (1982)
- Dir. Twyla Tharp
- Complete stage performance of the modern dance extravaganza, The Catherine Wheel, as well as a behind–the–scenes peek at the production…
- Pagliacci (Leoncavallo) (1982)
- Dir. Franco Zeffirelli
Feat. Teresa Stratas, Placido Domingo
- Teatro alla Scala Orchestra/Chorus. Conductor: Georges Pretre.
- Pirates of Penzance (1982)
- Dir. Wilford Leach
Feat. Kevin Kline, Angela Lansbury, Linda Rondstadt…
- Kevin Kline and Angela Lansbury star in this hammy screen version of Gilbert and Sullivan's famous operetta.
- Wild Style (1982)
- Dir. Charles Ahearn
- The Hip–hop movement had it first wide impact via this documentary–drama shot on the streets of The Bronx in 1982.
With its close…
- Yes, Giorgio (1982)
- Dir. Franklin J. Schaffner
Feat. Luciano Pavarotti, Kathryn Harrold
- Enjoyable romance has Pavarotti as an Opera singer (what else?) who loses his voice but finds love with throat specialist Harrold.
- Divine Madness (1980)
- Feat. Bette Midler
- Before enjoying a string of Hollywood hits, Bette was queen of the outrageous live performance. From ballsy ballads to camp nostalgia, this film…
- One Trick Pony (1980)
- Dir. Robert M Young
Feat. Paul Simon, Blair Brown, Rip Torn…
- Interesting tale of rock–star, played by Paul Simon, undergoing personal crises.
- Don Giovanni (1979)
- Dir. Joseph Losey
- Possibly the most celebrated filmed version of Mozart's greatest opera, about a notorious womaniser who teeters on the edge of a hellish fate.…
- Kids Are Alright, The (1979)
- Dir. Jeff Stein
Feat. Keith Moon, Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend
- Chaotic yet compulsive documentary defining the eclectic career of 'The Who', made shortly before the death of drummer Keith Moon. The others, of…
- Rust Never Sleeps (1979)
- Dir. Neil Young
Feat. Neil Young
- King loser Neil Young triumphs in this concert film of him and Crazy Horse at the height of their rustic charm. Twenty songs, a great guitar sound…
- Grateful Dead Movie, The (1977)
- Dir. Jerry Garcia
Feat. Jerry Garcia
- Rockers (1977)
- Dir. Theodoros Bafaloukos
Feat. Leroy Horsemouth Wallace
- Possibly the best Jamaican film of the 1970s, this mix of documentary, light–hearted thriller and roots–reggae musical features many…
- Bolshoi Ballet - Ivan the Terrible (1976)
- The Bolshoi Ballet present their version of Sergei Prokofiev's 'Ivan the Terrible', choreographed by Yuri Grigorovich. Stars Yuri Vladimirov, Natalya…
- Tosca (Puccini) (1976)
- Dir. Gianfranco De Bosio
Feat. Raina Kabaivanska, Placido Domingo
- New Philharmonia Orchestra. Conductor: Bruno Bartoletti.
- Janis: The Way She Was (1974)
- A moving portrait of husky–voiced rock singer Janis Joplin, through interviews and intense live performances.
- Madama Butterfly (Puccini) (1974)
- Dir. Jean-Pierre Ponnelle
Feat. Mirella Freni, Placido Domingo
- Vienna Philharmonic. Conductor: Herbert Von Karajan.
- Don Quixote (1973)
- Feat. Rudolph Nureyev
- A renowned ballet version of Cervantes masterpiece, with Rudolph Nureyev both performing and choreographing. Inspired by earlier Russian dance…
- Rainbow Bridge (1972)
- Dir. Chuck Wein
Feat. Jimi Hendrix
- A thinly–contrived hippy fable, notable though for featuring footage of the last–ever concert by Jimi Hendrix.
- Sunbury (1972)
- Held near Melbourne in 1972, the Sunbury music festival was a mini–Woodstock of the antipodes, featuring all–Australasian bands including…
- Bolshoi Ballet - Carmen (Poem of Dance) (1969)
- Another classic from the famous Russian ballet troupe, here choreographed by Alberto Alonso. Featuring Maya Plisetskaya. Narrated in English.
- Tchaikovsky (1969)
- Dir. Igor Talankin
- Dramatised biopic of the great Russian composer which uses natural imagery and impressionistic structure in a way reminiscent of Ken Russell's early…
- Complete Monterey Pop Festival, The (Monterey Pop, Jimi Plays Monterey, Shake! Otis at Monterey) (1968-1997)
- Dir. D.A. Pennebaker
Feat. Jimi Hendrix, Otis Redding
- In 1967 the acclaimed documentary maker D.A. Pennebaker recorded performances at the Monterey Pop Festival, California.
This…
- Barber of Seville, The (Rossini) (1967)
- Dir. Jean-Pierre Ponnelle
- Teatro alla Scala Orchestra/Chorus. Luigi Alva, Enzo Dara, Teresa Berganza. Conductor: Claudio Abbado
- Essential Opera (1967)
- Feat. Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, Joan Sutherland…
- Twelve excerpts from the most popular operas – Turandot, Carmen, Rigoletto, Aida, Marriage of Figaro and more, performed by opera luminaries.
- Elgar (1962)
- Dir. Ken Russell
Feat. Peter Brett, Rowena Gregory, George McGrath
- Restrained and brilliant TV docudrama on England’s greatest 20th century composer, Edward Elgar, that made the director’s name and…
- Song Without End (1960)
- Dir. Charles Vidor, George Cukor
Feat. Dirk Bogarde, Genevieve Page, Capucine…
- Pleasant biopic of the great composer Franz Liszt which despite focusing mostly on his love affairs does boast a terrific score. This was Charles…
- Delius (1958)
- Dir. Ken Russell
- Ken Russell's BBC film biography of the music and life of English composer Frederick Delius, who had to overcome blindness and paralysis to fulfil…
- Bolshoi Ballet - Romeo and Juliet (1955)
- The Bolshoi Ballet presents Sergei Prokofiev's interpretation of Shakespeare's play. Features the daning talents of Galina Ulanova. Narrated in…
- Bolshoi Ballet - Stars of the Russian Ballet (1953)
- Three ballets are presented by the Bolshoi Ballet – Tchaikovsky's 'Swan Lake' and 'The Fountains of Bakechisarai' and 'The Flames of Paris'.…
- Great Waltz, The (The Life of Johann Strauss) (1938)
- Dir. Julien Duvivier
Feat. Fernand Gravey, Luise Rainer, Lionel Atwill
- The lIfe story of Johann Strauss is given a rich if somewhat corny treatment in this otherwise well–mounted musical biopic.
- Abba - Gold
- 19 hit irresistable songs as they originally appeared on telly from the pop's formidable four. The ultimate 70s nostalgia trip.
- Aretha Franklin - Greatest Hits
- Compiles recent material from the Queen of Soul, from 1980 to 1994, including collabs. with Eurythmics and George Michael.
- Bauhaus - Shadow of Light
- Dir. Christopher Collins
- Compile of live stuff and videos from these gothic new wavers.
- Bizarre Music Television
- Some of the most outrageous, insane and hysterical music videos ever made are compiled here, none of which you'll be familiar with, but still…
- Complete Beatles, The
- Feat. Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison…
- Almost everything you ever wanted to know about the pop music phenomenon is here contained. Their performances, recording and marketing techniques…
- Cox and Box
- Feat. Russell Smythe
- First comic opera from Gilbert and Sullivan, here with Russell Smythe and the London Symphony Orchestra.
- Cult, The - Electric Love
- 5 early 90s songs from these indie rock stars of the time.
- Distant Harmony
- Feat. Luciano Pavarotti
- Celebrated tenor Luciano Pavarotti is captured on his sensational tour of China. His magnificent voice combines with the cultural mystique of…
- Doors, The - Dance On Fire
- A video compilation of promotional clips, live performances and rare behind–the–scenes footage.
- Doors, The - Soft Parade
- A candid and insightful glance of the band at the peak of their notoriety, centering around their last televised performance.
- Doors, The - Tribute to Jim Morrison
- An interesting documentary on which much of Oliver Stone's film was based. Much rare footage is intercut with interviews from band members and…
- Endless Summer - Donna Summer
- Feat. Donna Summer
- The curvaceous Queen of Disco flaunts all her hits.
- Essential Sutherland, The
- Feat. Joan Sutherland
- Highlights from Australian opera diva Dame Joan Sutherland's greatest roles, performing with Luciano Pavarotti, conducted by Richard Bonynge.
- Front 242 - Integration Eight X Ten
- Compilation of the mid–late industrialists, before they went all funky. Includes both live and clips, including 3 directed by Anton Corbijn.
- Grateful Dead - Live
- Captures the Dead (incl. the late Jerry Garcia) in full–flight in New York,1980, with their unique mix of R'nB and psychedelia, and lengthy…
- Herbert Von Karajan
- Highlights from the German master's conducting career with the Berlin Philharmonic. Movements from Beethoven's 5th and 6th Symphonies, Rachmaninov's…
- HMS Pinafore
- The classic Gilbert and Sullivan musical. Played by the London Symphony Orchestra.
- Home of the Brave
- Feat. Laurie Anderson
- A stunning live multi–media show from Laurie Anderson, one of the best modern performance artists of our era. Features ten songs not available…
- Indie Top Video
- Compilation of 14 music clips from alternative rock bands including The Charlatans, Buffalo Tom, Pale Saints, Front 242 and Teenage Fanclub.
- Industrial Symphony No. 1
- Dir. David Lynch
Feat. Julee Cruise
- David Lynch and Angelo Badalamenti present an eerie multi–media show featuring Julee Cruise and an assortment of cryptic characters. It's a…
- Leonard Bernstein
- The career of the celebrated conductor/composer is examined in this documentary narrated by Lauren Bacall.
- Michael Jackson - Dangerous
- Feat. Michael Jackson
- Video version of the pale one's album includes behind the scenes sneaks, TV commercials and Michael at the Grammys.
- Mission, The
- Music videos from the UK goth–rock band.
- No Alternative
- Dir. Hal Hartley, Derek Jarman
Feat. Lou Reed
- A benefit for AIDS education and relief, indie bands (Smashing Pumpkins, Breeders etc.) and directors (Hal Hartley, Derek Jarman etc.) fuse their…
- Noisyland
- 17–track compilation from New Zealand's Flying Nun records – includes classic clips from Skeptics, NRA, The Gordons, Tall Dwarfs, The…
- Pavarotti and Friends
- Feat. Luciano Pavarotti, Brian Eno, Bono …
- In a charity performance for the children of Bosnia, the world's favourite tenor shares his stage with a line–up of rock luminaries.
- Peter and the Wolf
- Sting narrates Prokofiev's fantasy – animated by members of the Theatre de Complicite, the puppets of Spitting Image and Claudio Abbado…
- Public Enemy Strikes Live
- Rap's pre–eminent spokespeople captured live at the birthplace of rap, the legendary Apollo theatre.
- R.E.M. - This Film Is On
- Red Hot Chilli Peppers - What Hits!?
- Video compilation up to Under the Bridge of these California funksters.
- Rolling Stones Live
- Feat. Mick Jagger, Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts…
- Stones caught live and still including Bill Wyman, in 1991 ('Steel Wheels' album tour). Good set of mostly oldies.
- Roxy Music - Total Recall
- Feat. Bryan Ferry
- This videography traces the story of one of most inspiring rock bands from the 1970s. Features live footage and rare video clips of over 40 songs.
- Snub TV
- Highlights from the British alternative rock music programme, featuring interviews and music clips from the likes of The Fall, Tackhead, Happy…
- Sonic Youth - Goo
- An eleven song video version of the album from New York's godfathers of grunge.
- Sonic Youth - Screaming Fields...
- Collection of live material and video 'hits' from their early career, incl. Death Valley 69, Addicted to Love and Teenage Riot.
- Sorceror, The
- Comic opera from Gilbert and Sullivan, performed by Clive Revill and the London Symphony Orchestra.
- Stakker Humanoid
- A funky marriage of colourful computer imagery and throbbing basslines made at height of the acid–house craze.
- The The - Infected
- The perfect visual compliment to Matt Johnson's subversive musical testament, crafted with the same precision and intensity that distinguished the…
- Trial by Jury
- Comic opera from Gilbert and Sullivan, performed by Frankie Howard, Kate Flowers and the London Symphony Orchestra.
- Van Morrison (Live)
- Feat. Van Morrison
- Village People
- 18 non–stop dance hits from the irrepressible '70s campsters. The ultimate cheesy party pick–me–up.