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The DVD: Number 5 the latest issue from Circuit, the interactive DVD music magazine that has been publishing efforts for a while now. There is still one minor issue that I have with the series, but there are also some big improvements with this issue that definitely heighten the experience of the disc. The only complaint is the complaint that I've had with other issues, and it's a minor one. The menus try to be flashy, but I still think they're a little too much. I'd rather have a more simple approach without the clips, and possibly music from the artists in the background. Once the viewer gets to the section menus, they're fine - but the clips between when the viewer first selects to visit a sub-menu and when they arrive at that menu are not needed. Now that I've gone through the minor complaint, I'll chat about the positive aspects. The material offered on this disc is more enjoyable than past issues that I've sampled. There are some very cool interviews and behind-the-scenes clips, such as a behind-the-scenes look at the Jayhawks recording in the studio. There are also four "live in concert" scenes, from Breakbeat Era, Death In Vegas, Royal Trux and Supreme Beings Of Leisure. This section also illustrates what I consider the "layer" concept(that's what I like to call it) that Circuit seems to function on. At first glance, we just see the live performances. But, with a closer look, the disc also offers things such as interviews with the band on alternate tracks - and some also have more than one alternate track for additional material. There's a lot of neat extras to look through or listen to once you've watched many of the presentations The band covered in this issue is the Replacements, and the disc offers short films and videos from them, as well as a live performance and a biography/discography. All of the bands highlighted throughout the issue are: The Jayhawks, The Residents, Breakbeat Era, Death In Vegas, Royal Trux, Supreme Beings Of Leisure, Gomez, Scritti Politti, Deathray and The Wiseguys. If you want to learn more about the band, most of the sections offer a nice interactive biography. Before I move on, I also want to talk about where I felt this issue makes a big leap from previous issues. The sound is more consistently in 5.1 on these segments, which pleased me a great deal. Although the live recordings were not quite the strongest concert recordings I've heard on DVD, they're definitely above average, and stronger than the sound for previous issues. Bass is warm and rich for the performances, and the music comes across with pleasing clarity and detail. The additional segements that are in 5.1 also sound wonderful, as well. The picture quality varies from good to very good - the only flaws are the occasional artifact and slightly grainy looking image on occasion. Also, there are a couple of trailers for Warner Brothers movies. "Three Kings" is presented in 2.0 and full frame, and "House On Haunted Hill" is letterboxed and in 5.1(and it sounds very good). The "junk drawer" section offers some strange clips that, honestly, aren't needed on the disc and could have been used for something else. My final thoughts on this disc are that Circuit just needs to smooth out the menus and presentation a little. There's nothing wrong with the material itself, and the clips that are in 5.1 sound excellent. At $14.95(and lower online), the price is certainly right. I'm recommending this issue, and I really like where the series is heading. Grade:B+ BACK TO THE SITE: Listing Of DVD Special Sales Back To A Guide To Current Film A List Of Current/Upcoming DVD For Sale Soundtracks For Current Films |