Eschewing the normal rock-doc mythmaking benchmarks for an intensely focused record of electro-rock outfit LCD Soundsystem’s final Madison Square Garden show, “Shut Up and Play The Hits” was indeed a hit when it first premiered at Sundance, as well as the one-night-only screenings held nationwide for the film’s release last month. However, most fans will be waiting for the Blu-ray/DVD release to catch up on what they missed at those quick screenings — while fragments of the entire MSG concert were shown theatrically, audiences will be able to experience the whole thing on the home video release of the movie.
For the film, directors Will Lovelace and Dylan Southern ("No Distance Left To Run") lovingly assembled band frontman James Murphy’s emotions the week before, the night of, and the day after the MSG event, but for those looking for just the concert in and of itself, Oscilloscope has announced that the DVD will feature the full three-and-a-half-hour show on a second disc. The first disc will include the film as shown theatrically, and also features extra interview footage with top music journo Chuck Klosterman interviewing Murphy about his career and future plans. The Klosterman sections of the film were one of the most divisive aspects, with some finding the author’s interjections grating, and others seeing it as a suitable tribute to a band looking back.
Whatever your relationship to the band, “Shut Up And Play The Hits” remains a compelling and unconventional look at fame and touring, while also knocking off a string of fantastic songs in the process, so check the Blu-ray and DVD out when it hits on October 9th. [Oscilloscope]