Search - Bjork: Volumen Plus (1998-2002) on DVD

A masterpiece with flaws

Cardigans8 | Los Angeles, CA United States | 06/30/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"To tell the truth I enjoyed the original Volumen much more than Volumen Plus. The consistency of originality of Volumen is not found here and the innovations are scattered. The videos include:
1.Alarm Call (Radio Mix) - definitely one of my least favorite Bjork videos. Nothing much even happens, except for the occassional exchange between Bjork and random jungle creatures. The only interesting scene is where Bjork bears her fangs to repel a group of pirahnas. Otherwise, this video is well below Bjork's standards.
2.All Is Full Of Love (Video Version) - one of the best Bjork videos, showcasing the love between two female robots. The theme of the video matches the song's message and is truly masterful visually.
3.Hidden Place (Edit) - this video shows paths of glitter crawling constantly across Bjork's close-up face. Although a bit repetitive, the video is very entrancing and enjoyable.
4.Pagan Poetry (Video Edit) - Bjork's most visually disturbing video, banned from television. Much of the video displays strange black and white line compositions that make up a sort of heat map display of what is happening. This begins with a sex scene hidden in this drawing format. This then changes to a drawing form of Bjork singing, which transforms to live images. In this scene, you can observe many piercing all over her body, that are part of a dress she wears that starts below the breasts. The last scene is a graphic one of piercing the skin. Definitely a powerful video, but not for the easily shaken.
5.Cocoon - one of my favorites. The scene of the entire video is a naked Bjork (somehow it doesn't seem graphic at all, more like she's wearing a body suit). As she sings, red ribbons grow out of her nipples to encase her in a cocoon. Very innovative and fresh.
6.It's In Our Hands - not the best Bjork video, but not bad either, it shows a pregnant Bjork walking through a forest, equal in height to all the small plant growth and insects she encounters. It is filmed in nightvision, giving it a strangely surreal feel that adds to the atmosphere of the video.
7.Nature Is Ancient - this song is a b-side from the Family Tree box, made into a video. I have to say that this video really ruins the song in a way. It shows microorganisms making a fetus, almost like watching something happen under a microscope. Although it matches the song, it is not at all exciting or satisfying."

Don't Throw Away "Volumen"

Steve | Vancouver, Washington United States | 07/01/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I was all set to sell my Bjork "Volumen" DVD when I saw that Bjork put out an updated version of the video collection. It wasn't until I saw that she was kind enough to put out an addendum to her previous release as well that I decided to hold on to my disc. "Volumen Plus" is a collection of videos made after the release of the intital disc. I was worried that the updated "Volumen" might have extras that wouldn't be on any other release but luckily that wasn't the case so for all of you Bjork fans worried that your copy would be lacking, no need to fear. Stick with "Volumen" but add "Volumen Plus" to your collection as well since you'll have a complete collection of innovative videos (not to mention Bjork nude in two of them). For those with a decent sound system, 5.1 surround for several of those videos is added as well as normal dolby sound. Bjork has some of the most intriguing videos out there and this collection highlights just how progressive and artistic she is when it comes to making pieces that compliment her music for the better. While not as encompassing as "Volumen", "Volumen Plus" still is a worthy disc for those who want to add to their collection or just want to see what how this Icelandic pixie has progressed as an artist since her early nineties "Debut"."

Remarkable - Bringing the avant garde to the masses

Syed Alkarimi | New York, New York United States | 06/30/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you already have Volumen (the first part, previously issued) this DVD is the perfect supplement to catch you up on what has happened since. The videos are fresh, somewhat daring and visually stunning. This is not you regular MTV "dime a dozen" video. Bjork, once again, teams up with true visual arts masters and brings us video art worthy of university level discussion in art classes. One of my favorites here is "All is Full of Love", simply one of the best "music videos" made. The effects are amazing, the narrative simple, and probably one of the most sensual scenes of robots on film."

Amazing

calicocatbda | Hamilton Bermuda | 02/27/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A wonderful companion to volumen, it is worth the purchase if only for the video to "all is full of love", the most gorgeous music video I have seen to date. "Pagan Poetry" is also a standout with its pearl piercing content and the obsessive delivery of one of Bjork's most touching songs. "Cocoon" gives the erotic song of the same name an almost virginal futuristic geisha treatment and the cocoon spinning nipples are precious and surprising. A must buy for Bjork fanatics."