Subgenre Sampler
Rental > Music > Documentary: 32 Films to Rent on VHS
- 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…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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,…
- 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…
- 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.…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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,…
- 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.
- 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…
- 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.
- 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…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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.
- 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,…
- 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…
- 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
- 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…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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…