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Rating:  - A unique volume in the always impressive Criterion Collection
The fact that this collection was released by Criterion is strongly indicative of the quality of the music videos within. The Beastie Boys have made so many great videos of their career that they fill two DVDs - only Bjork can rival them in terms of volume and quality. Now they're compiled in this awesome package from the best DVD studio in the world.
The two criticisms this collection regularly receives are, despite what some might say, not the fault of Criterion. The videos from "Licensed to Ill" are missing because that album was released on a different label and for some stupid reason, they didn't want to license the rights to Criterion. No surprises there - record companies do this sort of thing all the time.
The second criticism deals with the censoring on these videos. Reviewers are incorrectly blaming Criterion for this. Just the smallest amount of research reveals that basically every music video is made censored. This makes sense, as they're made for TV, which has strict guidelines as to what is permissible to say. It's not like these videos have been censored. They were never UNcensored. It's not like there are some "original" "uncut" music videos sitting in a vault somewhere. Yeah, it's unfortunately that the music gets changed, but that's more the fault of the FCC than anything. Anyone who is thinking of not buying this simply because some words get bleeped out doesn't understand how music videos work. Personally, I've never thought of the Beastie Boys as particularly profane, and thus, it's not distracting to me at all. It's not like censoring gangsta rap where every fourth word gets cut.
Setting aside these issues, lets look at who will find this collection interesting. Many people buy whatever Criterion releases, because whether they know the film or not, they know that Criterion only releases top quality material. This is a little bit different because it's dealing with music that I would guess the typical Criterion collector who is a fan of Bergman and Godard is unfamiliar with. Criterion deals mainly in the art film tradition, so the presence of a popular music group may give people second thoughts.
My view is, these are such great videos that they make the collection interesting, even if you're not a fan of the music. That is, unless you find the music unpleasant. The Beastie Boys have a unique style which involves a lot of a lot of yelling. It's not particularly obnoxious, but I could see how it would grate on some viewers. The music is actually very good, not just as hip hop, but as music in general. The best advice I can give is to listen to some samples online and if you don't hate the music, you're probably going to enjoy the videos. I wasn't a huge Beastie Boys fan myself until I saw their music with these incredible videos and finally it made sense to me. They're just that good.
Rating:  - Perfect except.....
Love this collection, except that it is censored... beeps all over the place and it kinda ruins it for me. I have been a beastie fan since the beginning, and this is a bit of a disappointment. Criterion should be ashamed for this, as they don't even give you the option of turning the beeps off. Seems this release doesn't follow Criterion's commitment to preserving the integrity of the artist's work. would have given 5 stars if it weren't censored
Rating: - Great disc
I'm just writing to echo all the praise for these discs. It's a great collection and the audio features are very extensive with all the remixes.
NOTEWORTHY: all songs are CENSORED, shame on you, Criterion. There is worse language in PG rated movies and TV sitcoms than what gets bleeped out of all the music here. And I don't just mean the occasional 'f' and 's' words, I mean even the mildest curse words are bleeped out. Why? There's no reason whatsoever to alter the music on a DVD release, especially with a publisher like Criterion who have prided themselves on presenting films as they're originally made. I think the fact that the packaging doesn't specify that all content has been censored is misleading not cool, and I'm only pointing this out to others who might think it's noteworthy when deciding whether to buy this.
3 stars for content, -2 stars for creating a bleeped DVD just so Walmart will stock the title.
Rating:  - The best compilation.
When I found this compilation will be released by criterion I could not believe it, that means they will treat the videos with the best quality and extras, and i was not dissapointed.
The extra material is great, video angles and mixes that can be switched anytime during the video play.
I remember back when Sabotage was released and frequently played on Mtv back on '94, they were and still are the coolest dudes.
Truly recommended if you like the band.
By the way what happened to the very first videos?
Rating: - So whatcha whatcha whatcha want?
Way too cool!
I had no idea the Beasties had so many sweet videos! I'm no die hard fan or anything, but this is worth picking up just for the cool beats and amazing production.
I love Criterion, this is the only DVD of music videos in the collection that I know of. It offers some cool extra stuff to the songs as well, like alternate angles, remixes, storyboards, info, and more.
My faves have got to be Intergalactic and Sabotage, those are awesome. The Beastie Boys have fun rapping, they don't try to act gangsta or degrade women, which has became the norm nowadays. They left out their early hits though, like Brass Monkey, No Sleep til Brooklyn, and Fight for your Right to Party. Not sure why, oh well...
2 Discs, 18 videos, a fun time!
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