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Not regrettable

I rarely watch DVDs all the way through, but I made a rare exception in this case as I was glued to the TV all the way through.

Initially I was afraid I would hear the same old stories and inside information all over again. Being a Deep Purple fan for all these years, what else could I possibly hear that I don't already know? Well I found it here.

Did you know that there is a song on Machine Head whose riff is based on the theme from Batman? I didn't. Ritchie explains it. Featuring all new interviews with all members of Mark 2 plus producer Martin Birch, writer Chris Charlesworth and others, there are no bad words spoken here by members of DP (past or present). In fact, there is a lot of praise. Roger smiles from ear to ear at the mixing desk as he singles out individual instruments in our favorite songs. If you weren't a current fan you would think Mark 2 was still together.

Each member gives information about each song including occasional instrumental demonstrations by Ritchie, Jon and Roger (not together unfortunately). The program talks about each track from the album including When A Blind Man Cries, but for some odd reason Lazy is not mentioned.

The live footage is a real treat. I'm sure most Purple fans have a 10th generation video copy of Space Truckin' and Strange Kind Of Woman from Hofstra University 1973. You know, the one where the color bleeds all over the picture. On this DVD we're treated to multiple clips from Space Truckin' and Smoke On The Water (yes, Smoke!) from that very show in near perfect quality. I have a friend who watched that show on ABC TV here in the USA back in 1973. He remembers that it was a full show. Now we just need to get Dick Clark, who owns the footage, to put it out. Whether or not it all still exists must be determined. Also featured are clips from the Black Night promo and the complete Never Before 1972 promo.

I can't imagine how anyone would be disappointed in this release. Do not hesitate purchasing this one. You won't regret it.

Maybe one day this series will tackle the reunion era release Perfect Strangers. Then we can watch that footage of Son Of Alerik that Roger has confirmed exists.

Russ Wagus

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