Buzzcocks: Hamburg '81 - Auf Wiedersehen [DVD] [1980]

Buzzcocks: Auf Wiedersehen, a document of one of the final shows played by the influential U.K. pop punk band during their first incarnation, has finally been given a North American DVD release after a number of European VHS versions in this package from Cleopatra Records. The concert video has been transferred to disc in its original full-frame aspect ratio of 1.33:1, and the image quality is fairly good, though a bit dark in spots and without a broad color palate. The time code that appeared in the upper right hand corner of the screen in earlier editions has been covered with a Buzzcocks logo, which is somewhat less distracting, though still obtrusive. The audio has been mastered in Dolby Digital Stereo, and the recording and mix is good, despite the occasional flaws that are common to live rock recordings. The songs are performed in English, with no subtitles or multiple language options, though group leaders Pete Shelley and Steve Diggle briefly attempt to address the German fans in their native tongue. As a bonus, this edition includes a fairly complete Buzzcocks discography, listings of other titles available from the British Cherry Red label, and a clip of the 1996 lineup of the Buzzcocks performing "Boredom" at the "Holidays in the Sun" punk revival festival. All in all, this is a fine release for U.S. Buzzcocks fans, though most European followers of the band will already have the U.K. edition of this title.