Siouxsie and the Banshees: Nocturne

Absolutely worth the wait, and every cent I paid for it. This concert is among the most important of the post-punk era, and highlights the Banshees at an early peak. Sioux sings like her life depends on it, completely erasing the memories of the painfully off-key performances from the 7 Year Itch DVD. Here she is by turns menacing, alluring and mystifying; without a doubt one of the very best performers of our generation. The band, although terribly static,( Robert Smith rarely lifts his eyes from the fret board of his guitar ) is a powerhouse. Budgie's drumming in particular is a wonderful revelation, thanks to the new 5.1 Surround mix. The extras are a fascinating look inside the Banshees' Wonderland. Filmed for the BBC in 1983 and only now available to US audiences, this is part tea-party ( a total hoot - catch the band members in Alice in Wonderland drag, as well as producer Mike Hedges as the Queen of Hearts ) part poetry slam, part music video. And if nothing else it gives proof of the rabid acid intake of certain band members at the time. Nocturne is a must-have for Banshees fans new and old and is a long time coming. One final note about the DVD region mystery. My copy has a sticker on it stating it was manufactured in Germany and I've had no problems playing it on my computer, in my home theater system nor in my portable DVD player.

That's right folks, despite what one reviewer here has said, this is not the full concert. It is in fact missing 4 tracks ("Dear Prudence", "Paradise Place", "Slowdive", and "Happy House"), but that's not all - the tracks have been re-ordered which really changes the feel of this amazng event. Those who own the CD or vinyl will be aware that the concert ends with "Eve White/Eve Black" and "Voodoo Dolly". It truly went out with a bang. The re-ordering of the tracks really undermines the frenzied crescendo that was delivered by the orignal performance. It is however wonderful to have this concert in some form on DVD as I've been worried I'd wear out my VHS copy.This is a true gem, especially for the behind the scenes look, but if you want to experience the concert more acurately be sure to play those two tracks ("Eve White/Eve Black and "Voodoo Dolly") last. However you play it, it still holds up triumphantly and I have yet to see a girl with the stunning stage presence of of Siouxsie.

Siouxsie and the Banshees is quite possibly one of the greatest bands to exist ever, even through all of their transformations. Their range, and legacy, is astounding, and Nocturne does not even touch base with their later endeavors, like my favorite album, *Tinderbox*, as well as Peepshow (etc). However, the live performances captured here are undeniably brilliant. Anyone will recognize their depth and talent with Nocturne, and Siouxsie's dynamic stage presence is enough to make anyone respect the band. This is one of the greatest live shows in history!!!

Luvs me sum Siouxsie and this dvd takes me back in time.

What a great DVD. It takes you back to a time when it was easy to see a band up close and very much help define a decade that was ahead of it's time.

This was one of my fave records when I was 14 years old - I played it to death. I had never before seen the film - and what a joy it was. Siouxsie was at the height of her popularity then - Juju and A Kiss in the Dreamhouse are most prominently featured here. "Voodoo Dolly" is so incredibly intense, you just watch transfixed. If you, like me, loved this album, you must see the concert film.

Same as the one on you tube for free....Doesn't have the Dear Prudence i was hoping for but its still freaking great! DVD player couldn't access the extra features so maybe its in there?

Classic Siouxsie

Un concert fascinant, envoûtant, le son est puissant et précis, la lumière et les couleurs parfaitement restituées, le show spotlights s'accordant avec la magie qui s'opère, l'ambiance est à la fois froide et prenante, sensuelle, profonde, chaotique et incroyablement énergique, chaotique et charmante en même temps ; Siouxsie nous submerge, les musiciens et le chant sont parfaitement ensembles pour des morceaux d'anthologie extrêmement énergiques, violents ou sinueux, obsessionnels qui vous donnent le frisson- l'atmosphère de ce concert est étrange, la gestuelle, les expressions corporelles saccadées et agiles de Siouxsie qui disparaît et réapparaît derrière les spots, les avalanches de contrastes et de lumières, puis de black out sont saisissantes- Siouxsie nous entraîne dans une féerie en forme de cauchemar, ce concert est très très impressionnant- grande fille envoûtante, sa voix nous glace et nous ensorcelle, cette fille est loin, loin dans la perfection sur scène, il s'y passe quelque chose de bien au-delà de tout ce que l'on a pu voir et , j'insiste, la remasterisation de ce concert exceptionnel où tout a été réglé au millimètre (gestuelle, morceaux comme showlight) donne un spectacle DVD de qualité bluffante tant visuelle qu'acoustique, dans une ambiance symbiotique /

Very good

I first bought this many years ago on video and recently bought it to re-enjoy its pleasures in better quality. Do I still like it? Absolutely - the rating of five stars provides the answer.IMHO, I think this is a great concert, superbly well captured. (Some people might say Siouxsie's 'dancing' is a bit mannered and irritating but , on balance, I'm not one of them). It's also interesting to see Robert Smith of The Cure concentrating hard on playing the guitar!One of the few concerts that can be watched again and again - and the closing song of 'Helter Skelter' is simply brilliant.As an added bonus, I found that the Special Features section contains a programme that I watched decades ago on television where each member of the band contributes to a separate 'short'. I remember enjoying Siouxsie's contribution - quite chilling - and regretting I wouldn't see it again. Well now I can see it; a Special Feature that's worth seeing.

Only wish Kiss them.... was included on the cd.

IF YOU ARE INTO THE BANSHHES THIS IS THE SIOUXSIE DVD IS FOR YOU.TOP SOUND AND FOOTAGE OF THE BAND PLAYING AT THE ALBERT HALL.I HAVE THE CD OF THE CONCERT LIKE MANY OF YOU,BUT TO SEE THE GIG ON DVD IS A BIG BONUS.SO GET YOUR SELF THIS ONE IT IS THAT GOOD.ONLY DOWN SIDE IS THAT THEY HAVE CUT OUT 4 TRACKS FROM THE ORGINAL GIG AND GIVEN YOU SOME RATHER DULL EXTRAS,THE OLD GREY WHISTLE TEST STUFF IS OK,BUT WHY CUT OUT THE ORGINAL STIFF IS BEYOND ME.BUY IT KNOW.