This is a review of the PAL format Version which is released on 5th June, 2006. Those wanting the NTSC Version are going to have to wait for the Autumn! So if you want to see it before then, get a 'multi-region' DVD player and order the PAL One!
Much, though not all, of the material on this DVD has been released on bootleg videos over the years and more recently bootleg DVD-R's. However, unless you're 'in the know' about where to get these from you may well never have known they existed. And of course, although the 'completist fan' assumes everyone has everything, most people simply can't afford to buy every one of the hundreds of bootlegs which come out. So here it is on one DVD. And …
… The main difference with this release is that with the exception of 'Rollin Bolan' which uses a video copy of the performances the quality is far better than we've previously seen because they come from master tapes. And of course there are a few totally unseen gems too.
The DVD Booklet gives details of each section, performance etc with the date it was recorded as well as the date it was transmitted.
Ten Greatest Hits The Ten Greatest Hits Section features versions of Marc's Hits with performances from Top of the Pops for all us, Brits who 'were there' to remember how we were sitting, noses pressed to the TV during the 'high-light' of our week - Top of The Pops!
This section also features performances from Europe. The Highlight for me is the fabulous (even in Black and White) Ride a White Swan, transmitted in February 1971, though recorded in December 1970, At first glance it looks like it could have been filmed in the 'Cavern Club'. Mickey is playing a bass for the performance, although the eagle-eyed will notice that there are actually no microphones on the stage! :-) The last of the 'Ten Great Hits' is 'Teenage Dream' from April 1974.
Supersonic/Get It Together - Where the 'Ten Great Hits' finished the Supersonic/Get It Together footage 'takes over, dating as it does from 1975 to 1977. Anyone who knows the story of the 'mechanical star' where it would be 'flicked' if Marc had annoyed the operators will see it in operation here!
In many ways, seeing Marc's performances 'condensed' into from 1970 to 1977 really brings home the changes in Marc's weight and how you can see his fabulous 'sparkle has 'dulled' in many of them.
Some of the footage brings back painful personal memories for me though. The 'Ride a White Swan' sees Marc in a 'Swan' as it sort-of 'glides' around the stage. Unfortunately you can make out (sometimes painfully obviously) the top of a bald man's head as he propels the Swan. Boy did I suffer ridicule about that for simply ages!
The highlight simply has to be the Supersonic Christmas Show recorded at The Drury Lane Theatre. Marc is wearing a fabulous Red Outfit and the colour of this footage is stunning.
As I've already said the 'Rollin' Bolan' concert is lower quality and is clearly from a copy. Also on our version 'Soul of my Suit' sticks, so I'll be interested to find out if this is a problem with our copy of a production glitch.
The Pop Quest Interview is short but Marc looks great as he answers questions. Although of course there is the Huge 'fib' that he was soon to be appearing in a film with David Niven which of course didn't happen and David Niven when asked said he knew nothing off! Whoops! The footage then cuts to the end of 'Pop Quiz' when Marc gives away a copy of his album to the winning team. The Pop Quest Presenter looks just sooo 'square' though :-) As there were three in 'the winning team' I wonder which one of them got to take it home?
"It's About Me Really …" Interviews and Music
The Music in the Round show, which many will have seen snippets of, is presented as the complete show and for anyone who hasn't seen it … it's a gem. The performances are interspersed with interview sections including some from the audience who positively 'beam' when talking to 'the main man'.
The Interview often known as 'The Russell Harty Show' interview is listed as 'Eleven Plus' which was the actual name of the programme.
Again this is complete and a tragic joy to watch in light of what Marc said in relation to getting old. It's haunting to know that just over five years after the interview Marc would be dead.
The DVD also contains the 'Dandy in the Underworld' Documentary. Many will have seen this and have copies because it has been broadcast on TV a number of times and sold on DVD-R. It wonderful, though tinged with sadness to see Mickey Finn and Chelita Secunda being interviewed as they have passed over now.
The 'Dandy in the Underworld' Documentary was made in 1997, for broadcast for Marc's 20th Anniversary. Although it is good that interview footage with Gloria was included it is a tragedy that there was no footage of June. Although June died in 1994 extensive interview footage of June had previously been recorded and some, though not all was used for the two earlier Bolan Documentaries produced by The Bramleys. It's a shame that 'Bolan Politics' prevented Marc's wife from 'speaking' in this documentary through the use of this footage and for that reason I'd disagree with the DVD claim that it is 'The Definitive Documentary'. Maybe one day, the 'Definitive Decomentary' will be made, bringing together all the key interviews from the various documentaries which have been made over the years.
The DVD Box is White which, along with the Mostly White Cover Art I can't say I was overly impressed with. Confused Hmm could it be because I design this sort of thing and it didn't come up to my exacting standards ? SmileOverall 'Must Have' Rating - 
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