DiG!

Amazon.com

Italian fabulist Italo Calvino observed that there are two kinds of artists--those who are prolific and successful, and the tortured geniuses, each gazing at the other in deep jealousy and admiration. The two rock bands chronicled in the documentary DiG! fall easily into this equation. On the side of the tortured geniuses is the Brian Jonestown Massacre, led by the psychedelic and volatile Anton Newcombe. Portland's the Dandy Warhols, fronted by Courtney Taylor, fulfill the role of the artists who, while unable to plumb the artistic depths of their friendly rivals, achieve a fair degree of popular acclaim (in Europe, anyway). Shot over seven years and containing some astonishingly intimate footage, the film represents a labor of love for director Ondi Timoner, who befriended, lived, and traveled with the bands. DiG! will likely be most remembered for a remarkable scene of rock and roll implosion--a show in LA's Viper Room after which the Brian Jonestown Massacre were expected to ink a record deal. Instead, the band erupted in a fist fight onstage. Among themselves.

Does it go uphill or downhill from here? Depends on your definition of the terms. While dooming their careers, the Brian Jonestown Massacre manage to crank out an insane number of self-distributed albums--including three records in a single year. Courtney Taylor and the Dandies regard the musical output of their peers worshipfully and find themselves virtually ignored stateside but huge stars across the pond. While tens of thousands of fans in Germany and the UK sing along to every word at sold-out festivals headlined by the Dandies, Newscombe leads his crew in a nine-hour set in a dingy club for an audience of ten. Throughout the film there are controlled substances imbibed, clothing shed, sitars broken, punches thrown, arrests made. Taylor performs double duty as narrator of the film, begging the question of whether to accept his assertion that he fronts "the most well-adjusted band in America" at face value. The destined-for-greater-things Joel Gion, BJM's tambourine player, is the thief of every scene in which he appears, playing Flavor Flav to Newscombe's Chuck D. For those who want even more immersion, the DVD includes the option to "zoom," or expand, various scenes--a very cool feature. Those responsible for the hilarious excesses of DiG! have made a movie worthy of being mentioned in the same breath as This Is Spinal Tap, as mixed an honor as that might be.

DVD Features

The second of this set's two discs is practically its own sequel. Director Ondi Timoner had 1500 hours of footage to work with, so there was plenty of good material left on the cutting-room floor that found its way onto this supplemental disc. The deleted scenes include an unintentionally haunting pre-9/11 interview on a New York rooftop with BJM's Anton Newcombe; the twin towers loom behind the singer as he attempts to justify singing about love yet engaging in violence, drawing tenuous parallels between himself and militant prophets throughout history. This, and Newcombe's delight in listening to Charles Manson's musical recordings, is about as heavy as it gets, though. Other extras include various videos by the bands, with the conspicuous absence of the Dandy Warhol's David LaChapelle-directed "Not if You Were the Last Junkie on Earth." (The omission is understandable in light of the Dandies' sour grapes over the $400,000 video.) The Where Are They Now features find various members of the bands a little older and reflective, with new families and new gigs, reminiscing fondly on the seven years spent under Timoner's watchful spycam. As is the case with the film proper, the mood picks up whenever Joel Gion appears. When is this guy going to get his own talk show? For fans of Timoner's commentary on disc 1 there is--get this--footage of the director and her partners recording that commentary. Why there's no footage of Timoner watching and commenting on the footage of herself recording the commentary is anyone's guess. --Ryan Boudinot

Dig These Discs by the Brian Jonestown Massacre

Tepid Peppermint Wonderland: A Retrospective
Strung Out in Heaven
Bravery Repetition & Noise

And This Is Our Music
Thank God for Mental Illness
Bringing It All Back Home Again

Dig These Discs by the Dandy Warhols

Welcome to the Monkey House
Thirteen Tales from Urban Bohemia
The Dandy Warhols Come Down

Dig These Documentaries (and One Classic Mockumentary) on DVD

This Is Spinal Tap (Special Edition)
Metallica: Some Kind of Monster
Hype

X (The Band): The Unheard Music
End of the Century: The Story of the Ramones
Gimme Shelter

Description

Seven years in the making and culled from over 1500 hours of footage, DIG! plunges into the underbelly of rock `n' roll, unearthing an incredible true story of success and self-destruction. Anton A. Newcombe of the Brian Jonestown Massacre and Courtney Taylor of the Dandy Warhols are star-crossed friends and bitter rivals - DIG! is the story of their loves and obsessions, gigs and recordings, arrests and death threats, uppers and downers, and the delicate balance between art and commerce.

Customer Reviews:

I wanted more videos!.......2007-09-14

First time I learned about "Dandy Warhols" music group was when I saw (not so good) "9 Songs" movie. They were one of the featured bands and their video was in Special edition portion of the DVD. And then, I thought they were British only to learn (after this documentary) that they are from Potland, Oregon. What I definitely did not know is all the rivalry between them and the other band "Brian Jonestown Massacre" that turns out to be a really fine band too. Both bands are very talented but also very different too. I wanted to see more videos and performances from both groups. It is definitely not a "Ramones" movie - which of course is a let down. Skip the movie, get the CD music. You will miss watching the beautiful Courtney Taylor and handsome Anton Newcombe, but you will at least enjoy music that both bands - in their own way - are good at. There - I said it.

Great Doc.......2007-08-07

Anyone aspiring to be a musician, knowns alot about music, or just likes music will no doubt like this doc.

DiG!.......2007-07-19

Seven years in the making, Ondi Timoner's absorbing, eye-opening two-band portrait pillories the excesses of record-industry imagemaking and greed, but it achieves real fascination in its intimate glimpses of unhinged BJM frontman Anton--a megalomaniacal head case, but also a prodigiously talented musician. Next to the polished, even-keeled Taylor--a friend and supporter--Newcombe seems like an unhinged, tortured genius set to self-destruct. His fistfight with his own band members on-stage at an industry showcase is just the beginning of a long, slow ride to hell. You'll "Dig!" this sad, outrageous, engrossing portrait of dysfunction.

So you wanna be a rock and roll star...essential .......2007-06-18

My opinion: if you are thinking about starting a rock band, WATCH THIS FILM. This is how it is. I think that Spinal Tap was a great parody, but this is riveting to watch.

It's great they were able to get as much footage as they did over the amount of time they did it in, and left all the warts and bumps and scrapes in. You needed the 7 years to make the story out of it. You see why a lot of bands don't make it... some aren't as volatile as BJM were, but they're not that far off.

You see what "the industry" is like and their POV is on there. You see what they have to deal with on their end.... the indie and major label POVs both represented.

You see egos, big egos. Drugs. Lots of drugs. Living out of the van, promoting... gigs falling apart, gigs going great. The hecklers in the audience trying to give Anton a meltdown..it's a joke by the end. It's almost like you pay to see how long it takes before he storms off. Changes in band personnel, watching people come and go...quitting or getting fired. To have that stuff on film is great.

The extras on the DVD are definitely worth checking out.

Best rockumentary EVER!.......2007-01-27

I bought this immediately after watching it on DVD. It's a got- to- have item for music lovers, even if yu don't know who the Hell the bands are. It's like watching a train wreck in slo-mo as Anton drives both fellow band members and the Dandy Warhols away from him with his crazy behavior. I've now watched it several times and still get a kick out it, as have everyone that I've loaned it to. I even bought the Tepid Peppermint Wonderland collection by BJTM for myself to have more of their music. I gave them both to my mate in Scotland for Xmas, too and he was blown away by the film. The director worked on this for about 7 years and won several awards for it. A hell of alot better than the We Rock Econo crap on the Minutemen! At least try to rent a copy of it to watch and have a few friends over.

Average customer rating:

GUNNAR HANSON (LEATHERFACE) IS IN IT!
No Shakespeare here
Not For The "Politically Correct" Viewers!!! (But Ms. Quigley Is So HOT As Always!!!)
Great chainsaw fun
They get an arm and a leg- what do we get?

Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers
Starring: Gunnar Hansen (II) , Linnea Quigley , Jay Richardson , Dawn Wildsmith , and Michelle Bauer
Director: Fred Olen Ray
Manufacturer: Ventura Distribution
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005J9OQ
Release Date: 2001-05-08

Customer Reviews:

GUNNAR HANSON (LEATHERFACE) IS IN IT!.......2006-05-14

ok this is another one of those movies made for PUBESCENT BOYS to watch with the volume down late night while their parents are in bed!

Filthy and lots of NUDITY

the GEM to this is that GUNNAR HANSEN of LEATHERFACE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE fame is in it

and he runs like a girl at the end!

but yeah!

It's funny!

No Shakespeare here.......2005-11-19

If awards were given for exploitation movie titles, this one would qualify for Lifetime Achievement recognition. In this 1988 send-up of "splatter" films, female members of a blood cult pose as prostitutes and carve up their share of over-amorous males. With a title like this, you know exactly what kind of fare you're in for right from the start, so there's no point in expressing aesthetic outrage over any of the film's shortcomings. (This is not WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE'S HOLLYWOOD CHAINSAW HOOKERS, so keep your complaints to yourself.) Of special note is the participation of perennial "Scream Queen" Michelle Bauer, billed here as Michelle McLellan. Unlike some other SQs who perfunctorily scream and expose their breasts on cue, Bauer always conveys a sense of giddy enthusiasm in her performances; she actually seems to relish the idea of shrieking at the top of her lungs, getting splashed with fake blood, and cavorting buck nekkid. You've gotta love a trouper like that.

Not For The "Politically Correct" Viewers!!! (But Ms. Quigley Is So HOT As Always!!!).......2005-10-11

I just love this movie and it is perfect Drive In Movie Fare. It has nudity, beautiful women , gratuitous violence and the "Queen Of The B's" Ms. Linnea Quigley!!! Gee. What more could you want?If you don't like this movie then I suggest you get your Levels Of the Male Hormone Testosterone examined. Or maybe you are just suited to a sucessful career as a Politician or an Accountant!!!!

Great chainsaw fun.......2005-06-10

This movie has it all from full frontal nudity too chainsaw side spliting laughs . The acting anit too bad and the one liners had me laughing a few times . Some cheesy gore and great naked ladies makes this movie a gem for any collection .

They get an arm and a leg- what do we get?.......2004-04-07

A private eye's case to find a missing girl, leads him into the jaws of a sacrificial chainsaw cult- who want him to be their very special "John".

As a film, it has it's ups and downs. Watching it, even the most crude moments have a provocative side to them. But it always left me wanting more. For instance, the ending. To me, it seemed like such an obvious set-up to have the heroin Linnea Quigley pull out a chainsaw. Especially since her shoulders and entire midsection was blanketed in a trenchcoat, and since we never really know her character's been victimized at all. She could have jumped out with the chainsaw and ended the movie on a more appropriate note. But alas, it flakes.

There is very little plot to this story. And sometimes I want it. A little more dialogue would lend itself to interesting situations affecting the characters, but these people just exist for decoration. Except for Jack, the private eye character. He plays the really worn-out "cop on the beat" character, and with no real passion. Though, there are a few times where he brings some great physicality to the role, include small mannerisms. Such as the way he laughs, or how he reacts to the crazy events happening around him.

I found myself not digging most of the signature chainsaw kills. The one murder I felt actually delivered, was the 'baseball bat' modeling-for-pictures scene. Though the opening seemed to have the best touch, as one girl wraps up her Elvis poster in plastic covering before killing her victim. Also the "Virgin Dance of the Double Chainsaws" is a winner- with Linnea running the chainsaw across her collarline at least twice, blowing smoke coming from the saw right into the camera.

Description

The Hollywood Palms apartment building is managed by aging child actor Clark (Patrick Labyorteaux), who is still haunted by his career with a talking skunk. It's tenants are an esoteric blend of Californians...exactly what you would expect from a run down Hollywood apartment building.

Blair (Elizabeth Mitchell) and Jeff (Dean Cameron) have broken up but must remain together for financial reasons, which would be fine if Jeff weren't still completely obsessed with Blair. Between new boyfriend Michael (Judge Reinhold) and a secret admirer in aspiring musician Dexter (Jeff Russo), Jeff's possessive rage explodes into a near riot in the complex's courtyard. When Jeff plans a "surprise" for Blair as a result, Dexter assumes he plans to have her killed and plots with his band-mate Riley (Jay R. Ferguson) to thwart the crime.

Elsewhere in the complex roommates Phoebe (Paget Brewster) and Kathleen (Kristin Bauer) barely get along. Phoebe is a rationalist, and Kathleen is weird and experimental. When Kathleen accidentally throttles her date Joel (David Packer), Phoebe and her date Matt (Matt Adler) must jump into damage control mode.

Product Description

Come discover a state of unsurpassed natural beauty, dynamic cities and cultural wealth. From the majestic California coast to the snow-capped Sierra; from sun-drenched cities, to scenic wonders, discover the treasures of California like Come discover a state of unsurpassed natural beauty, dynamic cities and cultural wealth. From the majestic California coast to the snow-capped Sierra; from sun-drenched cities, to scenic wonders, discover the treasures of California like never before! NATURAL WONDERS - RICH IN HISTORY - DYNAMIC CITIES Californias natural wonders are legendary, Yosemite, Sequoia, Redwoods, Channel Islands and Death Valley. Trace California's colorful past through old photos and visit historic sites, including the California Missions, Gold Rush country and Hearst Castle. Millions of visitors come each year to enjoy the states cities and cultural attractions, San Francisco, Carmel, Monterey, Solvang, Palm Springs, Los Angeles, Hollywood, San Diego each has its own special personality and attractions. Great Bonus Features!

Average customer rating:

Destination: Palm Springs

Manufacturer: Travel Channel
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Description

Don't let the 120-degree weather fool you: Palm Springs is one of the coolest spots around. This vacation destination just two hours from Los Angeles is no longer just for golf cart driving retirees. From sipping martinis by the pool to spotting celebrities on the strip, join us as we explore the rebirth of this desert oasis on Destination: Palm Springs. We'll tour the ultra-cool Grand Parker Meridian Hotel and show you where to feast on a "zillion dollar omelet." We'll rocket to the mid century modern Orbit Inn and soak in the spas at Two Bunch Palms. In Palm Springs, there's Hollywood history everywhere you look and we'll show you where you can sleep in Marilyn Monroe's former home or Al Capone's former hide-out. But Palm Springs is much more than just funky hotels and cool places to stay. We'll cruise the Coachella Valley with Desert Adventures Eco Jeep Tours where Native American history comes alive. We'll walk the desert where Patton trained his troops, straddle the infamous San Andreas Fault and stare down a cheetah at the 1200-acre Living Desert zoo. From mid century modern architecture to festivals galore, we'll see how the city of Palm Springs made it back on the map - on Destination: Palm Springs.

Average customer rating:

GUNNAR HANSON (LEATHERFACE) IS IN IT!
No Shakespeare here
Not For The "Politically Correct" Viewers!!! (But Ms. Quigley Is So HOT As Always!!!)
Great chainsaw fun
They get an arm and a leg- what do we get?

Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers
Starring: Gunnar Hansen (II) , Linnea Quigley , Jay Richardson , Dawn Wildsmith , and Michelle Bauer
Director: Fred Olen Ray
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

( H ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B00004TL7Z

Customer Reviews:

GUNNAR HANSON (LEATHERFACE) IS IN IT!.......2006-05-14

No Shakespeare here.......2005-11-19

Not For The "Politically Correct" Viewers!!! (But Ms. Quigley Is So HOT As Always!!!).......2005-10-11

Great chainsaw fun.......2005-06-10

They get an arm and a leg- what do we get?.......2004-04-07

A private eye's case to find a missing girl, leads him into the jaws of a sacrificial chainsaw cult- who want him to be their very special "John".

Wanting more is the theme of this film. More life for the cult leader, and not enough energy and ambition from this film.

DVD:

DVD

DVD

Tepid Peppermint Wonderland: A Retrospective	Strung Out in Heaven	Bravery Repetition & Noise
And This Is Our Music	Thank God for Mental Illness	Bringing It All Back Home Again

This Is Spinal Tap (Special Edition)	Metallica: Some Kind of Monster	Hype
X (The Band): The Unheard Music	End of the Century: The Story of the Ramones	Gimme Shelter