Search - Inside Argent on DVD

Much better entry than typical of the Critical Review series

07/12/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I would rate this at 4 1/2 stars because, while not perfect, it's well thought out and achieves everything it sets out to do and perhaps a bit more. As one reviewer pointed out, the entire Granada performance should've been included as a bonus since it was obviously available. I suspect that the reason, as noted, is rights related or rather paying additional $$$ for those rights.

That said, what is available as bonus footage are three live performances, including two of the band's best IMO, "Liar" (Russ Ballard's classic made famous by Three Dog Night's cover), "Hold Your Head Up" (the powerful, unforgetable feminist rock anthem which was waaay ahead of it's time) and the prog rock excursion "Rejoice." These are NOT lip/instrument synced performances like the oft-aired "God Gave Rock and Roll To You" shown on The Old Grey Whistle Test.

The bonus footage may be considered an extra by the producers, but as fans rarely get the opportunity to view these rare archived performances, this should be a standard part of this series. It elevates the criticism part of the program which can be hit or miss dependent upon the reviewer's knowledge and sensitivity, which extends to the accuracy of the information provided and depth of the coverage.

Inside Argent is fortunate in this regard. The reviewers have sensible albeit differing perspectives of the band's success and failures. Their opinions don't even concur on the capabilities of the individual members, but the information is sufficient to educate the viewer about the band, and the bonus footage allows the viewer to make personal assessments. Not a bad approach; hopefully, this will become a trend.

Finally, the guitar method segments are sufficient to provide an overview for novice guitar players while not interrupting the flow of the critical review of the band and it's albums. Overall, Inside Argent may be the best release of the Critical Review series thus far, much better than the dismally deficient Inside Slade, which is at the other end of the scale for comparisons sake."

WHY DON'T THEY TALK ABOUT THE NEXUS ALBUM ?

Richard Perusse | longueuil,quebec,canada | 06/04/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I'M A GREAT FAN OF ARGENT FOR SURE BUT THEY CRITICAL GUYS IN THAT DVD DON'T MAKE THE REVIEW OF THE NEXUS ALBUM.

THE CRITICAL IS ON THE ALBUMS WITH THE FIRST LINE UP BAND MEMBERS AND NEXUS WAS MADE BY THESE MEMBERS.

ALSO , I UNDERSTAND ENGLISH BUT I'M NOT BILINGUAL AND THERE'S NO FRENCH SUBTITLES, FOR ME A FRENCH-CANADIAN GUY, SUBTITLES ARE IMPORTANT, EVEN MORE WHEN CRITICS ARE MADE BY BRITISH ACCENT PERSONS.

OF THAT "CRITICAL REVIEW" SERIE FROM CLASSIC ROCK PRODUCTIONS, DEEP PURPLE, RAINBOW AND DAVID BOWIE DVD'S HAVE THE SUBTITLES IN 2 OR 3 DIFFERENT LANGUAGES.

ALSO THERE'S 3 COMPLETE LIVE SONGS OF A SAME TV CONCERT IN THE BONUS SECTION, IT'S OK BUT IN THE DOCUMENTARY, THERE'S MORE FOOTAGE OF THAT SHOW(OTHER SONG EXCERPTS):

WHY DO THESE SONGS ARE NOT IN THE BONUS SECTION AS COMPLETE SONGS ?

ALL THESE THINGS IN THAT DVD ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE, SO EVEN I LOVE THAT BAND, I ASKED FOR A REFUND !

"

Who are these commentators?

Michael T. Lockett | Colorado Springs | 06/29/2005

(2 out of 5 stars)

"The video quality was mediocre, which is to be expected since most of the footage is from the early 70s, mostly from one performance. The sound is pretty good. The most dissapointing part was that there are no interviews with any of the members of Argent. Most of the video time is dedicated to commentary by various individuals whose titles simply say "Record Producer" or "Classic Rock" and most of their commentary is generic... very little inside stories or scoops, just basic commentary that an music-lover watching the video could get.

Who are these commentators? I just want to see Argent."