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For a band whose videos are on constant rotation on
MTV, not to mention various "behind the scenes" programmes,
it seems that odd that this, their first DVD, consists
of just about everything a fan could have have already
taped off TV. Make no mistake about it though, DESTIINY'S
CHILD are one of the most successful groups around us
at the moment. So if a beautifully clean, DVD quality
collection or video history is what you're after, then
this is perfect. But if it's not, approach with caution.
The cover photo may suggest a "SURVIVOR" outtake, but
all the promo videos available on THE PLATINUMS ON THE
WALL are culled from their sophmore effort "THE WRITING'S
ON THE WALL". Quibbles aside, the DVD still manages to chart the
progress of the band from their embryonic days as an
indistinguishable female R'n'B quartet to the a power
trio via their career re-routing performance of "Independent
Women" (part one) at this years Brits. What certainly DOES become clear during the course
of the videos, is how the band has developed in terms
of style, and how their music and member hierarcy has
less than subtly altered. In fact, there is no clearer
indication of the movement from Destiny's Child as a
"quartet" to "Beyonce's band" than the screen time she
is afforded on "Say My Name" compared with the previous
release, "Bug A Boo" Not coincidentally between these releases feisty original
members LA TAVIA ROBERTSON and LE TOYA LUCKETT were
replaced with MICHELE WILLIAMS and (the now departed)
FARRAH FRANKLIN. And another thing, the videos definitely improve as
the DVD progresses. The opener; is a relatively dreary
"No No No" featuring an almost unrecognisable BEYONCE
bleating out the lyrics - her unique staccato vocal
style conspicuous by its absence. Wyclef's remix, however
considerably inproves matters, but it is only on "Bills
Bills Bills" that we approach the hugely sophisticated
sound by which we recognise the band today. Musically and visually we are propelled into another
league with the double Grammy award winning "Say My
Name". One of the best singles and videos of last year
show the band posing vogue like in contrasting coloured
rooms. The DVD's definition is excellent, the contrasts are
very crisp and clear. The audio quality is of course first class, but there
really aren't too many surprises, however the mixes
of "No No No Part 2" and "Indepedent
Woman" are marginally better than that of their
counetrparts on CD. With no "Survivor" or "Bootilicious"
only the funky "Jumpin' Jumpin'" and the Brits performance
attaining anything close to the brilliance of the "Say
My Name". If only for the absence of these pleasures,
you really can't help but feel short-changed. With only three essential tracks, a disappointing lack
of extras this is not the Destiny's Child DVD we've
all been waiting for. That is still to come. DVD Special Features:
Digitally Mastered
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
PCM Stereo Interactive Menus
Instant Chapter Access To Songs
Biography
Bonus Video - Independent Women Part 1 Live at the Brits
2001
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