Although the presence of Dave Gahan, Martin Gore, Andrew Fletcher, Alan Wilder and/or Vince Clarke is sorely missed here (a trace amount of bits “borrowed” from the 2006-2007 CD+DVD re-issues of DM’s older albums), the makers behind Depeche Mode - The Dark Progression ultimately succeed in making something entertaining. The film is presented in a full frame 1.33:1 ratio with an English 2.0 stereo sound mix. Since most of the footage has been taken from several sources, the quality varies overall, but the newer stuff (which there is a lot of) shot specifically for this documentary is definitely the best looking. The stereo sound comes through fine and suffices admirably. There are no subtitles or captions included.
You don’t normally expect to find any special features on these biography/documentary DVDs, so the addition of anything is much appreciated. The main extra here is “Playing For The Masses” (10:53), which is actually an unused portion of interviewing with Andy McCluskey and Thomas Dolby in which they reminisce about playing with Depeche Mode at the sold out Rose Bowl Stadium during the Music For The Masses tour. The only other extras here (aside from a plug for a website) are some bios for the individuals who were kind enough to lend the filmmakers their time for interviews.
While most DM fanatics probably already know most of the information divulged in this documentary, Depeche Mode - The Dark Progression is a nice way to kill some time and explore the history of one of the world’s greatest music groups in the process. Go on, give it a go.
Article comments
1 - Mary
I just watched the YouTube videos from Depeche Mode's comeback concert at Leipzig. They were better than the Concert for the Masses at the Rose Bowl. I had been hoping I would not have to spring for tickets to see them but now I'm sorry to say I have to see them, just once before I die.
I'm serious. Watch the videos from Leipzig. They were so good I thought I was going to pass out. It's unbelievable.