This DVD is still from Stevo, now coming out under the Cherry Red label. Which means the band, Einstuerzende Neubauten will likely get no money for it from Stevo, who in the past never paid them any money for their major albums of the 80's under his previous label, Some Bizarre. Stevo ripped off many bands (Coil, Michael Gira) in like style and still profits from their music years later. Any of Stevo's discs, I consider worthy only to clean dead bugs off my windshield!
If a sense of fair play, concerning artists (not corporations) deserving proceeds for their expression, is not enough to sway you, consider that the EN authorized version has a DVD of the film plus an additional audio CD of remastered live music from the film.
Specifically included songs are:
1. Armenia
2. Sehnsucht
3. Abfackeln!
4. Zerstörte Zelle
5. Die Zeichnung des Patienten O.T.
6. Der Tod ist ein Dandy
Check out Neubauten.org for further information on the band and their remastered releases, put out by EN after winning back the rights to their music in a court case against Stevo. Far superior in sound, content and packaging to previous Some Bizarre releases they are well worth the extra inconvenience and the money goes to the band. Wow! What a concept!
After all that is said, Habler Mensch the film, deserves 5 stars as it exquisitely captures EN in 1985, just as they are gathering confidence in the full power of their expression. Raw, physical and spontaneous yet elegantly balancing beauty with fury; EN is like no other band and this video portrays them at what I consider their performing peak. Sogo Ishii was a great choice as director, echoing EN's sonic blasts with equally surreal imargery. This is a real deal film portrayal of a Band whose authenticity is their hall mark.