Better Living Through Circuitry
by Jon Reiss
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Lady Galore, Lord T. Byron, McGuinnes, Moby, Shai De La LunaDirector: Jon Reiss
Brand: Music Video Dist
Cinematographer: Byron Shah
Cinematographer: Jim Matlosz
Cinematographer: Jon Reiss
Producer: Brian McNelis
Producer: Christopher Cronin
Producer: Jessica Postigo
Producer: Stuart Swezey
DVD: Region Code 0
Audio: English (Unknown), Dolby Digital 5.1; English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 5.1
Format: Color, Dolby, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 85 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2000-11-21
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Mvd Visual
Movie Reviews of Better Living Through Circuitry
Movie Review: A great explanation of the U.S. rave scene
Summary: 5 Stars
Being an 'active member' of the rave scene I was very happy to see that a documentary was made about it. Finally, someone was able to expose a culture that, to many, still remains unknown (maybe they choose not to know what goes on). Thanks to such 'mainstream' techno artists as Fatboy Slim, The Chemical Brothers, Crystal Method, and Moby, electronic music sparked an interest in people who would otherwise be unfamiliar with names like John Digweed, Sasha, BT, and Roni Size. Now with the advent of radio airplay, and even MTV, there is a wider audience that this music has reached. There are, still, many DJs and producers that remain almost anonymous to anyone other than ravers; people like Rank 1, Oliver Lieb, or Future Breeze. That's a good reason why "Better Living" works so well. Not only is the average Joe exposed to this culture but he or she is also given the chance to hear from people who have experienced raves and can share their experiences. I bought the DVD because when the movie came out it was only in selected theaters across the U.S. My expectations were high because I knew that a film like would not be limited to just talking about the scene today. With the help from a transvestite (who appears one too many times) the viewer is given the chance to understand how the music made its way over here from England with the development of the 'acid house' movement in the late 80s. From then DJs and producers took that style and added their own flair which developed into the many styles that make up electronic music (featuring a great interview with Carl Cox).
The DVD has some cool features like a couple of clips that have some previews of computer generated graphics, more interviews with Roni Size and DJ Dan, among others, and a party flyer montage. Some great highlights are interviews with some of the leading electronic producers today like BT (who rarely gives interviews), Roni Size, Scanner, the Crystal Method (with a great explantion of an underground storage facility a la studio), and Frankie Bones' superb interview. Even superego DJ Keoki has a bit while watering his garden. I also liked the computer generated visuals that appear between segments. Although, the downside of the film is some really ditzy e-ed out kids who act a little too childish (which is why some people hate ravers). But with that aside, the overall feel of high energy and excitement are made apparent by the great shots of the dancefloor and seeing DJs like, BT, DJ Spooky, and Carl Cox showing the crowd some of their abilities.
If you are familiar with the scene this movie will appeal to you on many different levels. But even if techno music seems like something you can't even understand, this movie sheds quite a bit of light about what the rave scene is about and what is means to the people involved in it. Definitely check out this little gem.
Summary of Better Living Through Circuitry
BETTER LIVING THROUGH CIRCUITRY - DVD Movie
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