T.Rex Born To Boogie DVD

T.Rex Born To Boogie
Cast: T. Rex
Studio: Sanctuary
Rating: 9/10

At last, the near-mythical feature-length motion picture featuring Marc Bolan and T.Rex has finally arrived, and in top form, I might add. Originally released in 1972, BORN TO BOOGIE was a hit in the UK, but was fairly scarce over here. “T.Rexstasy” had overtaken England of the early-’70s, where Bolan and the band reigned supremely over the singles charts and the emerging glam rock scene. And for a couple years, Marc Bolan breathlessly saved English rock’n’roll from mediocrity, and helped pave the way for punk.

By the end of the ’60s, the Beatles were on their last legs, and the youthful spirit of rock music had largely become jaded and self-indulgent. Many had become disenchanted with the peace-and-love movement, while pretentious prog-style jams and silly novelty singles were the order of the day, music-wise. Rock’n’roll needed a serious shot in the arm. With his Chuck Berry–inspired riffs, far-out lyrics and quintessential rock-star swagger, Marc Bolan single-handedly reenergized the music scene with hits like “Ride A White Swan, “Get It On,” and “Jeepster.”

Ex-Beatle drummer Ringo Starr was so enamored by the new king of the pop single, that he decided to make a film documenting Bolan’s eminent rise. Utilizing the massive resources of the film division of the Beatles’ Apple Corps, Ringo traded in his sticks for a director’s cap. Two concerts at Wembley Stadium were filmed, both of which drawing 10,000 screaming T.Rex fans each. Starr and his crew were intent on capturing this new phenomenon firsthand—a phenomenon that rivaled the hysteria surrounding his former band.

The live sequences showcase Bolan’s spirited routine, and emphasize the anthemic qualities of the material. There’s also an acoustic set that still evokes high levels of hysteria, even without the bombast of the plugged-in portions. Interspersed within the live sets is a studio jam featuring Bolan, Starr and Elton John doing a rousing cover of Little Richard’s “Tutti Frutti,” and a few surreal vignettes. Coming across like a Fellini foray into Alice and Wonderland, the fantasy pieces show the lighthearted, whimsical side of the band. One extraordinary sequence has Bolan emerging from a hollow piano to perform a blistering version of the T.Rex classic, “Children Of The Revolution” with Elton John. However silly and nonsensical, these bits show a seldom-seen, personal side of Bolan on film.

This two-disc DVD features a completely restored version of the film, plus tons of extras including additional concerts, documentaries and an insightful video exposé hosted by Bolan’s son Rolan Bolan. Born to Bolan and his girlfriend, soul-singer Gloria Jones, Rolan was just a baby when his dad died in a car crash in 1977. His interviews with former T.Rex associates such as producer Tony Visconti are fascinating. And it’s a nice addition to have an actual relative to aid in demystifying such legendary subject matter.

This set comes housed in a deluxe digipack with a slipcase, and features a color booklet. There is also a CD soundtrack companion that features similar packaging, and incredible remastered sound. So far, these two companion releases may be the finest reissues of the year. Highly recommended.

+ Jim Kaz


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