Sum 41: Introduction To Destruction

Sum 41: Introduction To Destruction (2002)
Universal Home Video
Cast:
Extras: Audio Commentary, Featurette, Still Gallery, Home Movies
Rating:

Music video DVDs are growing in popularity and young punk band Sum 41 have decided to throw their hats into the ring with ’Introduction to Destruction: Video Treats to Move Yo Feets’. This DVD is basically divided into two sections. First, we have a live performance, which was recorded at The Astoria in London, on September 28, 2001. This 41-minute show features the band playing all of their hits, including the MTV favorites, ’Fat Lip’ and ’In Too Deep’. This concert allows the band to show off the boundless enthusiasm and energy, as they rock through 12 selections, allows keeping the crowd involved. The show was captured on digital video and the look is acceptable, but not outstanding (especially when compared to the recent Nine Inch Nails DVD). The image is clear, but there is a great deal of video distortion present. This concert is available in either Dolby Digital 5.1 or Dolby 2.0 Stereo. The 5.1 track brings the concert out into the room with surround effects, but sounds very tinny, and the audio from the rear speakers often seems to be mimicking the front speakers.

The true highlight of this DVD are the four music videos. Offered here are ’Makes No Difference’, from the band’s first LP ’Half Hour of Power’, and the three videos from their smash-hit follow-up ’All Killer, No Filler’, which are; ’Fat Lip’, ’In Too Deep’, and ’Motivation’. While these videos are far from original, their ’Let’s Party’ attitude is infectious and the band’s sense of humor shows through in each one. (The video for ’Fat Lip’ is either one of the best or worst videos ever. I haven’t quite decided.) Each of these clips look fantastic, rivaling digital broadcast quality. The images are clear and the colors are quite good. Unfortunately, each is offered only in Dolby 2.0 Stereo. While the stereo separation is quite impressive, a 5.1 multi-channel mix would have been better. ’Makes No Difference’, ’Fat Lip’ and ’In Too Deep’ all include audio commentary by the band. But don’t expect any studious insights here, as the band simply comments on the conditions under which the videos were made and how they feel about the extras in the videos. A brief featurette on the making of ’In Too Deep’ is included here, which offers pretty basic behind-the-scenes footage and some humorous moments with the band. This section is rounded out by outtakes from ’Fat Lip’ and ’In Too Deep’. Be warned, these sections contain brief nudity. (Which is odd, as the profanity is edited from the music videos. So those hoping for the unedited versions will be disappointed.)

There are several extra features included on the ’Introduction to Destruction’ disc. Feature Films is a section devoted to six home videos made by Sum 41in 1997. These are basically short, humorous videos, mostly shot in a van. More home-made fun is available in Home Movies, which offers an assortment of five short clips that offer a look at the band on their most recent tour. Three of these selections include audio commentary from the band. There is another section devoted to the ’Half Hour of Power’ LP, which include TV spots for the record, a ’homemade’ music video, and an audio-only track for the song ’Machine Gun’. Finally, we have a still gallery, featuring many photos of the band.

While the quality of the live show is a bit disappointing, overall, this is a fun DVD. The music videos look great and the behind-the-scenes footage is very entertaining. ’Introduction to Destruction’ is a prime example of how music labels are beginning to understand the capacity and scope of DVD.