If Henry Rollins is one thing it’s opinionated. This concert presents the “post-punk renaissance man” talking consistently for some 90 odd minutes and over various topics that seem like a steam of consciousness from this intelligent, hyperactive performer.
What the back of the box says: “Henry Rollins: Uncut From NYC, filmed at The Town Hall in New York City during a stop on Henry's spoken word tour, contains Rollins' uncensored commentary on politics and pop culture. The multi-talented Rollins is known for his entertaining and thought-provoking spoken word shows and this is no exception!
The bonus feature Rollins: No Holds Barred includes exclusive outtakes from the show. Henry Rollins is known as a spoken word artist, actor, musician and writer, and his tours have taken him all around the world. He is not afraid to speak his mind, and is at his opinionated best in Uncut From NYC!”
Henry Rollins is like a jack of all trades. He’s known as a musician, author, actor, and has worn many other hats in his ongoing career (who know how many more he is to wear before all is said and done). He covers a variety of topics in his set (and there’s even some leftovers for the extra features) and appears to never stop talking from the moment that he walks onto the stage. He waxes on a variety of topics and it’s pretty clear that he doesn’t like George W. Bush, the war in Iraq, and Wal-mart (to a degree).
He’s a born storyteller and although you might not think so he does offer up some respect for his elders. He strikes an imposing figure with his muscular frame and numerous tattoos and you wouldn’t think that he would be as well read and intelligent as he is (I know I shouldn’t stereotype). He’s also can’t seem to stand still for very long, both on the stage and in his life. He hates “dead time” and when he’s off for any amount of time has to find some activity to fill it.
This leads to one of his best long-form stories on the disc when he decides to take the Trans-Siberian Express through desolate wintry landscapes all by his lonesome. He doesn’t plan well and his “guide” is a burly, non-English speaking Russian tyrant. This, of course, leads to a long dissertation on the effect of bitter cold on the human testicles and vomiting.
Rollins is probably an acquired taste and the more of a rebel or counter-culturalist you are the more you’ll like him. The concert has adult language and descriptions and is not for the kiddies.
Henry Rollins Uncut from NYC is presented in a matted format and is not enhanced for 16x9 televisions. Special features are “Rollins: No Holds Barred” which is 13 minutes of subjects that were “cut” from the concert.
Guess it’s not so uncut after all, is it. Actually, they must’ve been gingerly snipped from it since Rollins appears to begin his tear and not let up till the credits roll.
Even though I didn’t like him ragging on some subjects (hey, I like to shop at Wal-mart and ironically so does Rollins when he’s on tour), I still thought that he was interesting, intelligent, and quite the speaker.
Henry Rollins: Uncut from NYC is now available at Amazon . As of yet, there is not a release date for the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.
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