Search - Baby Snakes: Starring Frank Zappa on DVD

Content Advisory: Adult Situations, Not For Children, Adult Language Movie Release: 1979 DVD Release: 12/09/2003 Format: DVD Edition: Dual Layered Audio Tracks: English SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 2 hrs 44 mins Studio: Eagle Vision USA Members Wishing: 5 Genres: Comedy, Music, Concerts, Vocal Music, Sketch Comedy

Composer, bandleader, satirist and all-around mad genius Frank Zappa offers an up-close look at "people who do stuff that is not normal" in this off-center concert documentary. Primarily filmed during a 1977 Halloween show by Zappa and his group (which at the time included Adrian Belew, Terry Bozzio, Roy Estrada, Patrick O'Hearn, and Ed Mann), the performance is interspersed with backstage footage of the group, visits with Zappa's fans, and clay animated sequences from filmmaker Bruce Bickford. Songs include "Disco Boy", "City of Tiny Lights", "Curse of the Knick-Knack People", "Punky's Whips", "Jones Crusher", "Black Page #2", and more. Baby Snakes was originally released in a version running 166 minutes, but at the insistence of the film's distributor it was edited down to 91 minutes; the complete version was later restored for release on home video and DVD. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Frank Zappa
Adrian Belew
Terry Bozzio

Long available in only its abbreviated 91-minute version, Frank Zappa's mind blowing concert film finally arrives on DVD in the original 166-minute version courtesy of Honker Home Video. Presented in 1.33:1 full-frame, the image looks as good as ever. In addition to some prime concert footage of Zappa and the band, this disc is a fantastic showcase for Bruce Bickford's wildly imaginative clay animation. It simply has to be seen to be believed, and even in the age of The Matrix, his surreal, homespun images never fail to fascinate. Soundtracks are offered in both Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Digital Stereo. Though the stereo soundtrack is a great way to enjoy the movie, the 5.1 track is a great mix and truly places the viewer in the midst of all the on-stage wackiness. Sure, there may not be a lot of extra features on this disc aside from a few trailers and television spots, but viewers also get the opportunity to check out the actual MPAA ratings certificate and a few other small, but fun, goodies. The packaging here is also great -- presented in the form of a "Top Secret" file and offering a special pair of "No-D" glasses, in addition to a handful of documents concerning the film and offering some fun pictures. Overall, this is a package that will surely please Zappa fans, and, hopefully, be a good indicator of things to come from Homker Home Video. This disc is a fantastic way to commemorate the ten-year anniversary of Zappa's untimely death. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide