Depeche Mode: 101

source: Depeche Mode: 101

Trailer—Depeche Mode: 101

Depeche Mode: 101

This review includes SPOILERS..................... This is called 101 because it was filmed at the 101st concert of Depeche Mode's Music For The Masses world tour, set a the Rosebowl in Pasadena, California. It is set before they released Violator, their top selling album. This should have been called "Depeche Mode contest winners with cameos from Depeche Mode," because DM are only in about one fourth of it! One half is filled with the contest winners having non-DM conversations and wacky situations like a guy catching his lover in bed with his roommate. Blah! And the rest is live performances of the band. This is still a must for Depeche fan for the shots of Dave in his underpants and Fletch without a shirt. There are also cameos from Martin's then girlfriend, Dave's two ex-wives, and Fletch's future wife. I think I saw Anton Corbijn in it as well. I recommend this to obsessed DM fans only!

I liked this on videotape, I do kinda wish I could have seen it on the big screen however. Like "Rattle and Hum", this gives us a nice insight into a popular band, and the kids give a whole new angle that U2 never thought of.

Even though I'm a Depeche fan, I don't like this documentary that much. I think it is too "eighties" and too "american". A couple of nice scenes though, like Martin and Fletcher in the guitar shop, Martin buying a Johnny Cash cassette and the "Things You Said" soundcheck.

The 101 concert is one of the finest moments in Depeche Mode's lengthy career. DM fans simply cannot miss this. Even non-fans will be converted. DM is absolutely awesome live- one of the best live bands I've ever seen. With 101, they proved to the detractors out there that they were a serious band and had a huge following in America- how many bands so far in history can honestly say that they sold out the Rose Bowl?- only a handful of bands can claim that. I only wish that the director had included more behind the scenes and interviews of the band themselves during that time. The DVD version that came out a few years ago has some cool extra features, including recent interviews and commentary by Dave, Martin, and Andy(Fletch)- unfortunately Alan Wilder was not included. (Even though Alan left the band more than ten years ago, he will always be a part of DM for me and a lot of fans.) Anyways, basically what I'm trying to say is- Go see 101 now!

This is one of the most underrated documentaries around. Provides real insight into Depeche Mode. As you look back on the film (it was filmed in 1988) you realize the contribution Depeche Mode has made to electronic music (especially in the live performance arena). Pennebaker is a master documentary filmmaker and it shows with 101. It is usually overshadowed by "Rattle and Hum" which is nowhere near as interesting. This film puts the 90's electronic music craze into perspective.

I got this DVD about a year ago and the CD about three years ago....WOW. DM fans will not be disappointed . This concert is the only one live music show where I thought this is ahead of its time. The music is performed amazingly (probably because there was no drug influence in the band at that time), and the atmosphere in the crowds of thousands can be felt even through the cameras! The best songs performed by far in this concert are probably 'Stripped','Never let me down' and the famous 'Just can't get enough', performed in the way it should be with crowd involvement and full on synth with the simple drum beat! This is Depeche Mode's at the time at very best!

I've watched my copy of 'Depeche Mode 101' so many times I've had to replace my videotape at least twice. All of the band members look their rip-rocking best, but if any of the members could give David Gahan a sizable competition for 'Best-Looking Musician In A Band,' that title would have to go to their former keyboardist Alan Wilder since he's the most striking mixture of rock-and-roll decadence and postmodern beauty I've ever seen on screen and in concert. Incidentally, I've seen Depeche Mode in concert three times and I still try to outvoice their lead singer! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend '101' or any of their other concert videos. And one more thing: check out how sexy Alan looks in that leather bomber jacket and jeans and put him side by side with David and see which one you think looks the better in your opinion. And as for the tour bus double-bed scene, that is one of the funniest outtakes of the movie.