JAMES : WHAT DVD REVIEW - GETTING AWAY WITH IT

What DVD, July 2002, Issue 40 

James: Getting Away With It... Live (E) 

On sale Mon 10 June, RRP: £19.99 

Director: Dick Carruthers 

Starring: Members of James, past and present 

Last December, James performed thier last ever concert in a career of almost two decades. Frontman Tim Booth had announced he would be leaving the band, making this concert the final chance for fans to see one of the Uk's greatest live bands. As a result, this show is not only a run-through of thier best-loved songs; it is a charged emotional journey, as each song receives a rapturous reception tinged with sadness.

For much of their career, James had existed on the fringes of the indie scene; not quite part of the Madchester and Britpop scenes, and unfairly pigeonholed as a student and muddy festival band, they nevertheless scored a run of memorable hits. Much of their appeal lay in their dramatic and exuberant performances, and they don't come much more dramatic than on this DVD.

For a farewell gig, it is a surprisingly unpolished affair. The breakdowns and false starts have been left on, because that has always been part of James' appeal. They're musically gifted, but they arn't a bunch of tightly-rehearsed musos; they're here to celebrate their music and freedom of spirit.

The band - and in particular, Tim Booth - are wrapped up in their enjoyment of the songs, and you can't help get sucked in by their enthusiasm. Tim sings each line as though he's lived through it and dances like a man caught in a swarm of wasps.

It's difficult for concert footage to capture the experience of the show - you tend to sit watching other people having a good time. But, although this DVD does contain a couple of audience shots with video effects, it still manages to go a long way towards recreating the drama of the show.

You know that sensation of excitement when you're watching your favourite band, and they play the introduction to your favourite song? That feeling that you don't want the song to end? This DVD gives you that feeling again and again.

Interviews: 

Two documentaries introduce the members of James and chart the band's history, complete with "I can't believe it's still here" visits to various rehearsal rooms and venues.

Veteran producer Brian Eno is interviewed in characteristically minimalist surroundings. The band members come across as a likeable, self-effacing bunch, and the documentaries capture much of the James' charm, even if they do not analyse it.

Other Extras: 

The promotional videos for Laid, Say Something, and She's a Star are included, mainly to remind us what Tim Booth looked like with hair; it's a pity there aren't more of them. If you prefer to select the songs individually from the menu, you'll find them preceded by breif interviews, jokey asides and backstage clips.

Disc Quality: 

The picture is quite stunning and vibrant; if you attended the concert but were stuck 20 rows back, you'll still be able to spot yourself. The home-movie feel of the documentaries, however, means they suffer by comparison. The sound quality is gorgeous, with great balence and separation; better than being there.

Best Bit: 

Sit Down - 1:46:40 

Gwan, you know you want to sing along: Woah sit down, woah sit down, woah sit down! Sit down next to meeee... Siddown, down, down, down dow-ow-own in sympathee-eeeeee... dowwwn...

If you like this: 

U2 - Elevation: Another veteran band with an uncanny knack for reinvention, caught live on stage in Boston last year. Astonishing.

Summary: 

James Live 

Picture: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1 

Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 

Year: 2001 

Running Time: 110 mins 

For: 

The hits at their best 

Throat-lumping goodbyes 

Fending-off-wasps dance 

Against: 

Distracting video effects 

Why only 3 promos? 

Fending-off-a-wasp-dancing 

Is it worth it? 

An essential purchase for fans, and an ideal way of getting acquainted with James. The only frustrating thing is, you'll end up wanting to go and see James live, and you can't...

Film: 4/5 

Disc: 4/5