Watch Velvet Underground - Under Review

Velvet Underground - Under Review is a documentary film released in 2009 that takes a comprehensive look at the influential and controversial rock band Velvet Underground. The film is directed by Jeff Perkins and features interviews with former members of the band, music critics, fans, and other musicians who have been influenced by their music.

The Velvet Underground is widely recognized as one of the most important and influential rock bands of all time. Despite never achieving mainstream success during their time together in the late 1960s and early 1970s, their music has continued to be revered and celebrated by generations of fans and musicians alike. The band's unique sound, which mixed elements of rock, punk, and avant-garde art, was groundbreaking at the time and helped to shape the future of rock music.

The film features extensive interviews with John Cale, one of the founding members of the band, as well as former manager Norman Dolph and music critic Robert Christgau. These interviews provide valuable insights into the band's history and their impact on the music world. The filmmakers also use a wealth of archival footage, photographs, and rare recordings to showcase the band's music and performances.

The film is broken up into several chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of the band's legacy. For example, one chapter looks at the band's origins, while another explores their unique sound and the creative process behind their music. The filmmakers also examine the band's relationships with each other and with other influential figures in the music world. Throughout the film, the music of the Velvet Underground provides a powerful and evocative backdrop, underscoring the band's importance and impact.

The film also includes interviews with other musicians who have been influenced by the Velvet Underground's music. These include members of bands like Joy Division, The Strokes, and Sonic Youth. The documentary demonstrates how the band's music has continued to inspire new generations of musicians, long after their initial run.

Despite their reputation as innovators and influencers, the Velvet Underground faced numerous challenges during their time together. The film explores some of these challenges, including disagreements among band members, drug use, and their lack of commercial success. Despite these difficulties, the band's music has endured, and their influence can still be heard in countless bands today.

Overall, Velvet Underground - Under Review is a must-see documentary for any fan of the band or of rock music in general. The film provides a comprehensive overview of the band's history and impact, while also showcasing their unique sound and style. With extensive interviews, rare recordings, and evocative archival footage, the film offers a captivating look at one of the most important and influential bands in rock history.

Velvet Underground - Under Review is a documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.