Various – Punk’s Not Dead [DVD]


Band: Various

Title: Punk’s Not Dead

Genre: Documentary

Release: 07/08

Distributor: MVD

The topic of the roots of punk rock seem to have been covered over and over again with few having new perspectives. It seems any tv or film to approach the topic only discusses The Ramones and The Clash while not looking at other acts that arose before and during those band’s rise to fame. IT isn’t the celebrity status that built punk, it was the bands who never stopped regardless of profit margins and record sales and it’s the bands tat have that heart and work ethic who have lasted until today. Punk’s Not Dead, a new documentary from MVD is not some boring tribute, but rather a look, era by era, of the bands who created ad kept punk alive and those who are still working in the genre today and it by far one of the best films I’ve ever seen that has even attempted to discuss punk. It’s endorsed by the band’s featured in the film and isn’t afraid to bash “fake” bands or expose the real world of punk outside of the glamour that bands like The Ramones experienced.

Before the opening credits of the film, we get the sole glimpse of The Ramones we really see in the film where they state that punk was their generation’s sound and that all the music out at the time wasn’t rock, but rather music for their parents. When asked for an example there is a sole response: “Styx.” From this moment, the tone is set for the film and you know this isn’t some dissection of the thought process behind punk, but rather a look into the reality of the scene and the moods and feelings expressed and felt by all those involved. The film begins with a discussion of the waves of punk [early 80’s, late 80’s, early-mid 90’s, 2000’s] and is told not through the director, but rather the bands who are or have lived these eras. Some bands featured are: The Adicts [who play a big role], Black Flag, Rancid, My Chemical Romance, The Offspring, Good Charlotte, The Damned, Green Day, NOFX, and many more. Outside of the story of punk we have a look into some punk subcultures around the country and world. This isn’t the eyeliner clad kids of today, but festivals in the UK where only bands like Sham 69 and The Adicts play to this day or a house in California where a group of punk youth hold concerts to pay the rent. This is all present day but seems to have the D.I.Y. feel of the early 80’s rise and that’s invigorating to see.

The film’s true appeal is that we get new perspectives on the genre and new stories about the rise from those who maybe weren’t national stars, but could still sell out venues. Also, seeing bands that have been on the road since 1976 still going in the new millennium is something I don’t think I’ve ever seen covered before in a film and it’s done wonderfully here. Susan Dynner has given those who’ve yet to speak a voice and shown something that anyone who claims to be or like punk needs to see and take notes from.

There are also two hours of special features with everything from interviews to tours of houses. It’s a lot of fun and engaging material that should not be missed.

If you love documentaries and/or punk music. Watch this. Plain and Simple.

**Written by: James Shotwell**
Grade: 9.5/10

James Shotwell
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