Search - Siouxsie and the Banshees: Nocturne on DVD

Worth the Wait

J. Brady | PAWLEYS ISLAND, SC United States | 05/15/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Absolutely worth the wait, and every cent I paid for it. This concert is among the most important of the post-punk era, and highlights the Banshees at an early peak. Sioux sings like her life depends on it, completely erasing the memories of the painfully off-key performances from the 7 Year Itch DVD. Here she is by turns menacing, alluring and mystifying; without a doubt one of the very best performers of our generation. The band, although terribly static,( Robert Smith rarely lifts his eyes from the fret board of his guitar ) is a powerhouse. Budgie's drumming in particular is a wonderful revelation, thanks to the new 5.1 Surround mix. The extras are a fascinating look inside the Banshees' Wonderland. Filmed for the BBC in 1983 and only now available to US audiences, this is part tea-party ( a total hoot - catch the band members in Alice in Wonderland drag, as well as producer Mike Hedges as the Queen of Hearts ) part poetry slam, part music video. And if nothing else it gives proof of the rabid acid intake of certain band members at the time. Nocturne is a must-have for Banshees fans new and old and is a long time coming. One final note about the DVD region mystery. My copy has a sticker on it stating it was manufactured in Germany and I've had no problems playing it on my computer, in my home theater system nor in my portable DVD player."

Questions Answered

Nicholas Wilhelmy | La Crosse, WI USA | 05/13/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"At long last, "Nocturne" is available on DVD. Since there is a bit of ambiguity to this release, allow me to answer a few questions:

1- The DVD is an official release from Universal Home Video and in stock. I don't know why Amazon.com isn't carrying it, but a Google search can easily lead you to an online merchant that has the DVD ready to ship.

2- Although this is an imported release, the DVD is regionless and in NTSC format, which means it WILL play in any DVD Player sold in America. I know this for a fact, because I played it in my American DVD player this afternoon.

3- Contents of the DVD are as follows:
-The entire "Nocturne" performance (same as the VHS, though the album features more songs).
-The rare "Play at Home" TV special that was broadcasted years ago, featuring the music of The Creatures, The Glove, and of course, Siouxsie & The Banshees.
-The video clip of Siouxsie's "Dear Prudence" cover.
-Two television appearances, featuring the performances of "Melt" and "Painted Bird."

There is no need to hesitate in buying this release. It's been years since this title has been in print; it documents an important time in the band's career; and it features a guitar player who ended up becoming rather famous..."

An incomplete Nocturne with full benefits

Plastic Robot | wonderland | 06/14/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"That's right folks, despite what one reviewer here has said, this is not the full concert. It is in fact missing 4 tracks ("Dear Prudence", "Paradise Place", "Slowdive", and "Happy House"), but that's not all - the tracks have been re-ordered which really changes the feel of this amazng event. Those who own the CD or vinyl will be aware that the concert ends with "Eve White/Eve Black" and "Voodoo Dolly". It truly went out with a bang. The re-ordering of the tracks really undermines the frenzied crescendo that was delivered by the orignal performance. It is however wonderful to have this concert in some form on DVD as I've been worried I'd wear out my VHS copy.

This is a true gem, especially for the behind the scenes look, but if you want to experience the concert more acurately be sure to play those two tracks ("Eve White/Eve Black and "Voodoo Dolly") last. However you play it, it still holds up triumphantly and I have yet to see a girl with the stunning stage presence of of Siouxsie."

At Long Last!!

James S. | 05/13/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For those of you wondering why Amazon does not carry this title, or why the DVD is region-ambiguous: The DVD listed is IMPORT ONLY! The title will be released state-side on June 20th, 2006 (thanks Tower Records for the info)."