Blu-ray Movie Reviews

The Velvet Underground

Mike Mettler  |  Mar 24, 2023

Picture
Sound
Extras

The Velvet Underground is not for everyone—nor were they ever intended to be. The critically regarded avant-garde darlings of Andy Warhol's Factory scene of late-1960s New York, the VU forged a truly groundbreaking style of music that saw the doo-wop/pop songwriting and seedy poetry predisposition of guitarist/vocalist Lou Reed embed with the hypnotic, drone-centric playing style of violist/pianist/composer John Cale. Cale nailed it best here when he observed that the idea was to use long, sustained tones to find the natural harmonics within the music, which inevitably led to a sound both "elegant" and "beautiful."

Director Todd Haynes' love-letter film doc The Velvet Underground, which first aired on Apple TV+ in 2021, builds on the Warholian tenet of fusing music, art, and film together as an enmeshed art form by presenting the visual narrative in a variety of ways. Sometimes Haynes goes fully widescreen, sometimes he uses split-screens of multiple images—some static, some kinetic—and other times the visual shifts to a far quadrant of the main 1.77:1 frame, unafraid to accent all the adjacent pitch-black space.

The new 4K digital master is very clear. It mixes restored and/or cleaned-up black-and-white footage from the 1960s with color interviews from today, which are lit and shot in a way that makes them look "vintage modern." The Dolby Atmos mix is best deployed when the repetitive drone of Cale's electric viola rotates 360 degrees clockwise at not only the outset of the film. Also, during one late point in the proceedings when the topic at hand is his forced departure from the band, wherein the death-march drone goes around the world upwards of 50 times—perfectly mirroring the uneasy, unrelenting tension on screen.

As the song selection moves throughout the VU's brief recording career, the mix goes from almost claustrophobic to full-channel breadth to match the production-quality progression of each respective album. The difference is readily apparent between the decadent edginess of "Venus in Furs" (1967) and the unabashed glee of "Rock & Roll" (1970).

The extras live up to the Criterion Collection's high standards, with a commentary track with Haynes and two editors, a Zoom interview with Haynes, Cale, and VU drummer Maureen Tucker, and three avant-garde short films from the era. The Velvet Underground chronicles the rise and fall of a band that broke much A/V-infused ground and influenced countless musicians who followed in their wake—just like the best trailblazing artists do, regardless of their chosen medium.

BLU-RAY
STUDIO: The Criterion Collection, 2021
ASPECT RATIO: 1.77:1
AUDIO FORMAT: Dolby Atmos
LENGTH: 120 mins.
DIRECTOR: Todd Haynes
STARRING: Lou Reed, John Cale, Sterling Morrison, Maureen Tucker, Doug Yule, Andy Warhol, Mary Woronov, Jonathan Richman

COMMENTS
stainedcurious's picture
Submitted by stainedcurious on March 27, 2023 - 9:16pm

I really like the style of the group. From the way of writing lyrics to the style of performance geometry dash lite and the arrangement. Everything is great!

jessicaalex's picture
Submitted by jessicaalex on April 11, 2023 - 1:54am

There are many reasons why you should hire an assignment writing company. First, these companies have a team of professional writers who are experts in various fields. They can write assignments on any topic and any subject. Second, these companies offer affordable prices for their services. Third, these companies provide timely delivery of assignments. Fourth, these companies offer 24/7 customer support. i need an assignment Fifth, these companies offer plagiarism-free assignments.

Alexender's picture
Submitted by Alexender on April 28, 2023 - 10:27pm

This American rock band I love it. The original lineup of the Velvet Underground included Lou Reed on vocals and guitar, and John Cale on viola and bass guitar. I have the best gift for this band. Try Dapper Dap Mens Pink Hoodie for a new lock.

DavidValentine's picture
Submitted by DavidValentine on May 15, 2023 - 7:32am

Do you know which Yellowstone ensemble is the finest throughout each season? Well, Yellowstone Jimmy Hurdstrom Jacket is the solution. This fashionable and eye-catching jacket is ideal for any budget.

lenochris's picture
Submitted by lenochris on May 22, 2023 - 3:37am

I am very fond of listening to music and I used to listen to music, but I did not know much about music. I have enjoyed reading your blog and I would suggest you to use this Rolling Stones Military Green Jacket this winter season.

AnnGilbert's picture
Submitted by AnnGilbert on June 9, 2023 - 3:00pm

To know the truth about one more academic helper, check this link https://onlineessaywritingservice.review/reviews/academized-review/ You will be surprised to know why it is not a top choice among college learners.

lenochris's picture
Submitted by lenochris on June 24, 2023 - 4:43am

I didn't know much about the sound, then I read your blog and I got a lot of information. Now I also give you some information. In this winter season, I suggest you try this Murder Mystery 2 Jennifer Aniston Black Coat will wash

larvar's picture
Submitted by larvar on June 25, 2023 - 9:50pm

When you see the Pizza Tower link, it's time to let your excitement multiply. This site allows you to entertain yourself with a variety of games.

harry012's picture
Submitted by harry012 on August 11, 2023 - 1:10pm

Love your content its really amazing. thanks for sharing with Php Development

TreasaJCoates's picture
Submitted by TreasaJCoates on August 12, 2023 - 6:03am

There could be many reasons about this and I liked this so much. Thanks and there have many reasons about this source. thanks Jarod Kraus

jamessmith16's picture
Submitted by jamessmith16 on August 15, 2023 - 2:01pm

The skywassranch is the place where you can get services of horse boarding , training and riding so visit us and get unlimited enjoyment.

petrmartin123's picture
Submitted by petrmartin123 on August 18, 2023 - 5:44am

Their sounds are awesome I like to listen to songs. Thank you for sharing.
Click here

odysseyjackets's picture
Submitted by odysseyjackets on August 18, 2023 - 10:46am

Explore timeless style with our men's leather jackets. Crafted from premium materials, these jackets exude rugged charm and versatility for any occasion. Elevate your wardrobe today! Best Mens Leather Jackets

alexisrodger's picture
Submitted by alexisrodger on August 23, 2023 - 6:33am

I love the Director Todd Haynes' love-letter film doc The Velvet Underground it is an amazing movie everyone should watch it. Drive Jacket

Kaysee23's picture
Submitted by Kaysee23 on August 31, 2023 - 5:34am

They sound really good. I love to listen to their songs while working at Handyman Services Cedar City

peter1221's picture
Submitted by peter1221 on September 3, 2023 - 11:20pm

The Velvet Underground was an American rock band formed in New York City in 1964. The band is known for its unique and influential style, blending elements of rock, avant-garde, art, and experimental music. https://www.nyjacket.com/

peter1221's picture
Submitted by peter1221 on September 3, 2023 - 11:42pm

Hope more people will read this article keep up the good work This Article is Awesome. It’s help me a lot. Please keep up your good work. We are always with you and Waiting for your new interesting articles Superheroes Jacket

peter1221's picture
Submitted by peter1221 on September 3, 2023 - 11:51pm

Your article is very helpful for me. I hope you will continue to write such good articles as well. https://www.usajacket.com/

julie 004's picture
Submitted by julie 004 on September 4, 2023 - 9:10pm

Very nice Article Keep it up for your good Work Thanks for sharing information The content was really very interesting. I am really thankful to you for providing this unique information You have a good point here!
[url=https://chicagojacket.com/]https://chicagojacket.com/[/url]

julie 004's picture
Submitted by julie 004 on September 4, 2023 - 9:12pm

Very nice Article Keep it up for your good Work Thanks for sharing information The content was really very interesting. https://chicagojacket.com

Ellie Chamberlayn's picture
Submitted by Ellie Chamberlayn on September 22, 2023 - 6:01am

The Velvet Underground is an iconic band that has left an indelible mark on the history of music. Their unique blend of avant-garde experimentation and rock 'n' roll sensibility challenged the norms of their time and paved the way for countless artists to explore new horizons in sound and lyrics. From Lou Reed's enigmatic storytelling to their association with Andy Warhol, the band's influence is undeniable, and their music continues to resonate with audiences, showcasing the enduring power of innovation in art.
https://ultimateleather.co.uk/

Bruce Wayne's picture
Submitted by Bruce Wayne on September 22, 2023 - 10:16pm

The Velvet Underground is a well-known group that had an enduring impression on music history. They defied the conventions of the day with their singular fusion of avant-garde experimentation and rock 'n' roll sensibility, opening the door for many musicians to experiment with new sonic and lyrical boundaries. The band's impact is evident, and their music continues to resonate with listeners, demonstrating the ongoing force of creativity in art, from Lou Reed's mysterious narrative to their affiliation with Andy Warhol.
https://brown-leatherjackets.com/

X