Talking Heads - Stop Making Sense DVD Review
by David Demarest

Rent it, buy it, steal it- Do whatever it takes to make Stop Making Sense a part of your collection. I'm not sure how much credit is due director Jonathan Demme (Silence of the Lambs, Philadelphia), but watch and be awed as David Byrne and the Talking Heads put on the performance of a lifetime. 

The new digitally re-mixed and re-mastered DVD offers three audio mixes to chose from, along with some very interesting special features. Of course, the new sound quality available on the 19 tracks (only 8 available on the original CD!) is the major selling point of this newest version of the fantastic Stop Making Sense. However, even those already familiar with The Talking Heads' music only know half the story before seeing the full stage production available live in the 80's or now on DVD. 

Consider that the music and stage presentation are meant to combine to tell a story, and to captivate the audience in a way that even the most decadent live rock shows can only approach. The audience here is fully involved in both the music and the setting of the stage, as performance art and rock and roll come together seamlessly. 

David Byrne opens the show with 'Psycho Killer,' using only his acoustic guitar and a boom box, as an unfinished stage lays open behind him. For the next 6 songs band members are added, finally completing the full line up in time for 'Burning Down the House.' Thus privy to the literal building of the show, the audience is offered a visual testament to the building excitement and enthusiasm taking place within the theatre. 

Such artistic touches continue as the set continues to grow and change, a steadfast reflection of the energy and movement of the Talking Heads. An instant classic when first released, Stop Making Sense has only improved with time and re-mastering. Perhaps the most exciting and interesting thing I have ever seen on a DVD, and meriting the first 5 Star rating I have ever awarded, Stop Making Sense is a visual and musical masterpiece. 

Talking Heads - Stop Making Sense DVD

Label:Palm Pictures
Rating:

DVD Features

 Region 1 
Keep Case
Anamorphic Widescreen - 1.85
Single Side - Single Layer
Audio
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround - Theatrical Mix
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround - Studio Mix
Stereo 2.0

 Additional Material
Commentary -
1. Jonathhan Demme - Director
2. Talking Heads 
Interview - David Byrne

 Bonus Tracks -
1. Cities
2. Big Business/I Zambra
Trailer -
1. Original Theatrical Trailer
2. Promotional Clip
Film to Storyboard Comparison 

Tracks 
1. Psycho Killer
2. Heaven
3. Thank You For Sending Me An Angel
4. Found A Job
5. Slippery People
6. Burning Down The House
7. Life During Wartime
8. Making Flippy Floppy
9. Swamp
10. What A Day That Was
11. Naive Melody (This Must Be The Place)
12. Once In A Lifetime
13. Genius Of Love
14. Girlfriend Is Better
15. Take Me To The River
16. Cross-Eyed And Painless
17. Cities
18/19. Big Business/I Zimbra

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