Director's Series V. 4 - Work of Mark Romanek (A-)

Director's Series V. 4 - Work of Mark Romanek
Directed by Mark Romanek
Starring Beck, Johnny Cash, Audioslave, Mick Jagger, No Doubt, Fiona Apple, Janet Jackson & Red Hot Chili Peppers
MPAA: UR
Grade: A-

Review by Sebastian Francis Kennedy

The outstanding music videos of Mark Romanek are featured in the wonderful Director's Series DVD. This compilation of music videos is fantastic. In fact, watching the Director's Series set made me wonder why no one shows music videos anymore. Certainly videos have entertainment value for the consumer, and they also have the obvious promotional value for the labels. So why not show videos on television again? It is kind of a shame. But, I digress.

The work of Mark Romanek is truly unique and this Director's Series showcases his best. Everyone will have their favorites, but I prefer Fiona Apple's "Criminal", No Doubt's "Hella Good" and most of all, the hauntic, cryptic cover by Johnny Cash, "Hurt". The classic Beck video "Devil's Haircut" is also one of my faves, with it's homage to Midnight Cowboy in full view. Stylish and original, Mark Romanek has a great visual brush and every video on this compilation looks great.

Every Director's Series Volume 4 video also comes with a commentary track and this DVD is loaded with extras. Palm Pictures has done a brilliant job with this series and for fans of music video, this is a must have.