Frank Zappa - Baby Snakes
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Movie Reviews of Frank Zappa - Baby Snakes
Movie Review: I think Frank would love how this turned out
Summary: 4 Stars
I remember seeing Baby Snakes at a film festival here in Los Angeles when it was first released, and one thing I never forgot was the amazing clay animation by Bruce Bickford (which still seems to rival any claymation I've seen even today), and how well that imagery seemed to compliment Zappa's music. It appears that Zappa found Bickford's claymation to be not so much a visual representation, but rather a perfect visual companion to his music. With the film clocking in at just under 3 hours, the inclusion of Bickford's claymation, as well as some backstage stuff, still leaves plenty of time for an extensive amount of musical performances (27 songs). In those performances, the brilliant musicianship of Zappa's all star band can be seen and heard in their execution of some of his more complex compositions (yes, Frank's own guitar playing included). Some of the comments regarding the transfer of this DVD have been negative, but after waiting years for this film to be released on DVD, I'm glad to find that the picture and sound on this DVD is actually much better than most of the DVD transfers I've seen of concert films or documentaries from the 70's (with the exception of The Last Waltz). This DVD also comes with a pair of "No-D" cardboard glasses, and the insert is done via a mock Baby Snakes Secret File. I think that if Frank were alive today, he'd be glad with how this DVD turned out.Movie Review: Zappa Delivers
Summary: 4 Stars
I just viewed Baby Snakes for the first time and I thoroughly enoyed it. The music and concert scenes were tremendous. 'Punky's Whips' was outstanding, Terri Bozzio's drumming was phenomenal, and Frank's guitar riffs were, well lets just say that Frank delivered as only Frank can do. Those that are familiar with Frank Zappa know that he is one of the best guitarists ever. I must admit that after reading the reviews before purchasing the DVD, I was not too excited about having to view the claymation scenes, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that I actually enjoyed the claymation. I have to agree with other reviewers regarding the excessive blow up doll exposure - I wasn't too offended - but I think it did more to hurt than help the film.
Overall though, this movie rocks - Frank always surrounds himself with fantastic musicians. I am a huge Zappa fan and the DVD was better than I anticipated. Buy this DVD is you are a Frank Zappa fan. Buy this DVD if you enjoy excellent rock and roll music. You can always skip the claymation and other backstage antics if you don't find them entertaining.
Movie Review: This...is...FZ
Summary: 4 Stars
Frank Zappa fans will salivate over this DVD. The concert footage is stupendous (especially since it's from Halloween, FZ's favorite time to perform). The claymation is...well really weird, but it is for a Zappa project, y'know?The 5.1 mix is made to sound like a real concert. A lot of 5.1 concert DVDs squeeze all the lead vox into the center, and then kinda distribute the other stuff around to it's own little corner. That's not how rock shows sound. It's one big, loud, all-encompassing vortex of music, with little flourishes sent to a certain channel for dramatic effect once in a while.
Okay, so the backstage goof-off footage gets a little tedious, we have to bare in mind that this is Frank Zappa, and anybody who knows anything about FZ will tell you he was often given to a bit of self-indulgence. So much of his humor remains to this day things that only he will ever understand completely, but that's what makes it fun.
And then of course there's the music...
Whoa...
So break out your zircon encrusted tweezers and turn this "mother" up!
Movie Review: for fans of Zappa only
Summary: 4 Stars
I've always appreciated Zappa as musician; his music has so many complex layers. Watching him perform with his band blew me away. It's obvious that only exceedingly talented musicians can perform his songs.The claymation was nothing short of incredible. The nightmarish sequences are guaranteed to haunt you long after viewing the DVD.
Zappa's stage performance is unique. The way he interacts with the audience demonstrates his love for his art and appreciation for those who embrace his music.
For those who aren't that familiar with Zappa, I'd recommend first purchasing his "Does Humor Belong in Music?"
If you are a fan, this DVD is a must have. I managed to watch it in one sitting. There are times it is difficult. I found the repeated sequences with the blow up doll disturbing at times; however, I just find blow up dolls to be disturbing in general. Maybe, that was just Zappa's point.
Is Zappa a musical genius? This DVD will certainly make you ponder that possibility.
Movie Review: You can't do that on stage anymore
Summary: 4 Stars
There's no two ways about it, Frank Zappa is an acquired taste. For the casual viewer, Baby Snakes - clocking in at 2 hours & 45 minutes - may prove to be unendurable, but for Zappa fans it's not nearly long enough. Like an overstuffed avant-garde cannoli, its bursting with concert footage, backstage buffoonery, improvisational noise-making, nightmarish claymation and lots of audience participation. This is a unique document about a specific time & place - NYC in the late 70's - and the annual ritual that was Frank Zappa's Halloween shows. Seeing this film again for the first time since it played 24 hours a day in a Times Square theater and having attended a few Palladium shows during that same era, Baby Snakes sure brings back many fond memories. FZ was many things - composer, musician, critic & comedian - all of which are clearly displayed in Baby Snakes.