Arctic Monkeys - At The Apollo [DVD] [2008]

This is a concert DVD like almost no other released today.
The camera doesn't jump about all over the place or cut from one image to another with such lightning speed it sends the viewer dizzy. Nor is there constant cutting to the audience, showing people jumping up and down and exhaustively clapping with their hands above their heads, as it seems audiences feel obliged to do these days to show they are 'having a good time!' Indeed the audience aren't featured at all. The only time you can see them is from the backstage camera when they are viewed in the distance and individuals can't be picked out. The jumping up and down and clapping actually looks even sillier in microcosm.
No, this is a concert film that could have been made forty years ago in that the camera often lingers on the musicians long enough for the viewer to take in what's going on. Even the split screen technique is straight out of 1970 Woodstock, and rather than gimmicky seems quaintly old fashioned these days, certainly when compared with the lightning intercutting of most modern music DVD's
All this is actually quite refreshing and makes for a pleasant change. However the DVD isn't perfect.
The stage is often rather dark, again this is how concerts used to be and it takes a bit of getting used to after the frequently brightly lit modern concert films.
Although the number of songs is generous, featuring all the well known numbers a few of my favourites such as 'Mardy Bum', 'Riot Van' and the ep tracks 'Despair in The Departure Lounge' and 'Who The F Are the Arctic Monkeys?' are missing; and the extras which are supposed to be worth 'over an hour of extras' don't actually amount to that much. Why the two tracks featured in the extras 'Balaclava' and 'Bad Woman' aren't just included in the main feature I don't know. Apart from these and some more split screen and different mix stuff there is nothing else - no interviews or videos for example.
Although a refreshing change from most modern concert videos, the whole concert has rather an odd feel at times. With the lack of reference to the audience it almost feel sometimes like the band are playing in the studio or appearing on the Old Grey Whistle Test! Although I don't like lots of shots of the audience, I think a few are okay just to show the atmosphere. Similarly, although Alex Turner does talk to the audience, at times he seems rather self conscious and certainly self effacing, and the band sometimes give off an endearing amatuerism. There is certainly no rock star posing. Indeed what comes over mostly is their very ordinariness, especially when Alex starts talking about whether to take his jumper off or not. Most rock stars don't even wear jumpers!
All in all, this is an interesting and different concert DVD in that it's essentially old fashioned style makes it seem unusual when compared with virtually every other music DVD released in the past ten years.
However, I can't help feeling that the Arctic Monkeys perhaps have a better DVD release in them at some time in the future.

I was lucky enough to attend the premiere of this film at the Show Rooms in Sheffield on 5th October where it was very well received. This is an amazing film like no other I have ever seen. It is an intimate and exciting portrayal of the bands gig in Manchester in 2007. It is a slick, well shot film of a cracking, intense performance with a great song list. This brilliant, humourous film, with a few surprises, is well worth having.

How do you capture a band like the Arctic Monkeys and still preserve their shear excellence? This is how. Shot like a film showing the band as a whole, no crowd capturing gimics like the BBC to show the crowd are enjoying themselves. A film, documenting the genius. Capturing the energy and brilliance. Great setlist. If you havent seen this band live, this is the closest you'll get to feeling the vibrance. If you have, this is the perfect way of reminding yourself!