Devo - Men Who Make The Music/Butch Devo & The Sundance Gig

I am a fan going back to their 2nd release after seeing them on SNL as a kid. This is a great DVD. I was not surprised that it stood the test of time and the picture was great. the extras were very good as well. a must for a fan.

This, the re-release of The Men Who Make The Music, is probably one of the single most important pieces of videography in Devo's history. The content in this documentary (predating the traditional "home video" that would become ubiquitous in the 80's), is focused on Devo as they rode the coattails of success during their first two records (1978-1979). While most people tend to remember them from their iconic Freedom of Choice era and onward, here was a time when Devo were truly high concept, weird synth punk, and even with decent acting chops. In fact, that is the highlight of this release - the mini episodic skits Devo does with General & Booji Boy. You'll see scenes of Devo hanging out in strip clubs with synthesizers, and Devo wearing chrome ski makes discussing business with their managers. The other huge bonus is the live footage from their first major label tour in '78. If you loved the previous DVD for the Freedom Of Choice tour, then you're going to love this. This is prime Devo: Fast, bouncy, and tight as a knot. They sound youthful and vibrant here. Plus they throw in a show from 1996 ( similar set up as the previous lollapalooza show DVD from the same year). Only here they play in prison suits and grunge out their set a bit with mostly their guitar driven work and a few left field acoustic renditions. This release is really a no brainer for Devo fans. Cheers.

If you are a Devo fan - hardcore, soft core, or raw potato - "The Men Who Make The Music" is a must own. Possibly one of the most important early long form music video packages ever, it demonstrates how pioneering Devo really was, and it laid the ground work for MTV to step in and ruin music video as an art form forever. This is not only a must own, but a must watch regularly, lest you forget just how important Devo really was. Conversely, the Sundance gig is IMHO rather disappointing. Don't get me wrong, the set list is phenomenal, and it's awesome to finally have it available, but good lord the sync issues are disasterous. When the sound IS in sync to picture it's fun to watch, but so much of it is out of sync that it's painful. Nowhere is it more evident than during "Uncontrollable Urge", where Devo's synchronized leg jumps are literally opposite to where they should be with the music. This, of course, is not Devo's fault, it's the very amateur editor's. Devo's performance is stellar as usual; they start a little winded from apparent altitude, but they take flight at "Going Under", and from there it's relentless Devo assaulting the uninitiated film festival crowd (look, the crowd responds biggest to "Whip It", enough said). Get this DVD for "The Men Who Make The Music". It's critical viewing. Devo warned us decades ago, and the evidence is all here. The Sundance gig is fun if you can handle the she's out of sync issue.

Had been trying to get this for years. Great to see the re-release and good overall quality especially considering age of material.

Classic Devo.

Devo fans rejoice! There is some great concert video footage. Don't just die under Big Daddy's cap! Be a spud.

I saw it when it first came out,still a classic and the bonus concert footage is nice too

Great compilation with a variety of segments from other recordings and video comps with Devo...great for completists (sic). "The Story of De-evolution" and the "1980 Flipside" dvd are more focused on the ealier 'hardcore Devo' years-when the band was actually young!