Review of Michael Jackson: HIStory Video Greatest Hits

Introduction

Michael Jackson is one of those rare talents that makes you sit up and notice whenever he is on the stage/TV/news... you name it. So rare is this talent that he has become an icon of the 20th century. Whatever you think of the man and his relationships with young boys, I am not here to discuss or debate them here. I am simply here to review the work of the man as a singer, dancer, and all round entertainer.

History Volume II is the second collection of videos... "short films" as he likes to call them - side one dedicates itself to the 80s and side two to the 90s. And in both sides you can find some real gems. The DVD is book-ended by the most sycophantic narcissism I think I`ve ever seen - girls fainting, children everywhere call out to their hero as a large statue of Michael is revealed, all to the rousing tune of Terminator 2. This is propaganda that Hitler, Stalin and various Middle Eastern dictators could only dream of.

However, lets get onto the "short films" themselves. Michael is very theatrical in his presentation, especially in the earlier works. Whilst these have dated somewhat, you can see the original appeal, and some still have tremendous power to excite. The original showing of Billy Jean at Motown 25 is exceptional. His dancing skills are unique as his body snaps, spins and moonwalks through this classic Motown hit. There are so many artistes who have taken snippets of the many facets of his performance but have never come close to the electricity that this man can generate on stage.

Other highlights include the quirky Liberian Girl - with many notable American actors of their day talking candidly waiting for Michael`s appearance. The very theatrical and excellently choreographed Smooth Criminal, which neatly brings us to the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards Performance, which borrows heavily from Smooth Criminal, and is a standout performance (possibly until the last, rather saccharine third piece with all the children). Finally on side one we come to Thriller - definitely his most famous and best selling song, and a stunning video for its time.

Side Two starts with the very imaginative Scream - you can tell Michael had a lot more money to play with by this time. The technology has obviously moved on with some very nice CGI and a very entertaining dig at the media. This time in Jackson`s life bought us some very interesting songs - something which his latest album - Invincible - can`t live up to. I think adding some spice into an artists life is essential to bring out something special, and this clearly did. There are some very sappy pieces here, Childhood and You Are Not Alone, the former giving an insight into the cruelty he endured (mainly via his father) in his earlier years, and the latter pathetically trying to depict MJ in love with his then wife, Lisa Marie.

Earth Song is a great political statement, although veers into Disneyesque sentimentality when "turning back the clock". They Don`t Care About Us takes on a very South American feel with drumbeats akin to ones used by Paul Simon some years earlier. Stranger is Moscow is an excellent ethereal tune with some wonderful slow motion photography mixed with live motion - a sort of precursor to CGI used in The Matrix if you like. Blood On The Dancefloor takes on a funky Jamiroquai sort of jibe, and then that narcissistic ending comes into play.

Video

The videos were shot in 4:3 and generally have that televisual "look" about them. All are clean however, the newer 90s videos having better clarity, definition and contrast. Some of the 80s videos look dated with a more muted pallet and less definition. Nothing to worry about though.

Audio

I was looking forward to the 5.1 mix on these, but unfortunately it doesn`t live up to expectations. If you`re looking for a whizz-bang 5.1 effects extravaganza, you are going to be disappointed, as this score keeps itself mainly to the front 3 channels. Whilst I`m not looking for this rather brash approach to music recordings, I am expecting something a little more involving, and this fails to excite. The rears are simply there to add ambience. Again, the later the music, the better the recording, and subsequently the better the mix. Not one to fully advertise Dolby Digital though.

Features

Nowt

Conclusion

If I were to be honest this one is for fans only. Whilst others will sit, stare and marvel at this double-jointed performer with his constantly innovative dance style, the media smoke about his relationship with children has enflamed the public sufficiently that he has lost the favour he once held. As a fan of the jaunty Motown/dance style I can listen to and watch this performer time and again, but only bother if you`re avid.