Rundgren, Todd

Theremin - An Electronic Odyssey

Leon Theremin was the secret link between sci-fi films, the Beach Boys, and Carnegie Hall. His self-named electronic musical instrument--the first of its kind--took the world by storm in the 1920s and '30s. Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey, winner of Sundance's Filmmakers Trophy, explores the inventor's strange life and times, including his mysterious 50-year disappearance beginning in the 1940s. Interviews with theremin virtuoso Clara Rockmore, synthesizer pioneer Robert Moog, and Theremin's contemporaries, as well as clips from movies such as The Day the Earth Stood Still, featuring the unworldly sounds of his creation, show an eccentric genius working toward success until his sudden vanishing in the Soviet Union. Footage of Theremin at 94 years old, finally rediscovered and rewarded for his achievements, brings a celebratory ending to what could be a grim or at least uncertain story, but instead is a fascinating documentary. --Rob Lightner

The stranger-than-fiction true story of the father of electronic music is captivatingly told in this highly acclaimed and endlessly surprising documentary (Leonard Maltin) that garnered the prestigious Filmmakers Trophy at the 1994 Sundance Film Festival. Set against the backdrop of the instrument's ethereal sound, Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey is nothing short of sensational! In the 1920s and 30s, Russian émigré Leonard Thereminthe inventor of the world's first electronic musical instrumenthad it all. His self-named theremins were in high demand from filmmakers and musicians around the globe; he was married to a beautiful American dancer; he lived among New York's socialelite. And then, in 1938, he mysteriously vanished, not to be seen again for over 50 years!

Todd Rundgren - Liars Live

This DVD was shot in June 2005 in Albany, NY and features no less than 8 songs from the "Liars" album. Another 8 great songs from Todd's more recent history plus the classic "Hello It's Me" and a unique cover of The Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps."

Utopia - Redux '92: Live in Japan

Classic Albums - Meat Loaf: Bat out of Hell

The songs and story of this classic album with contributions by Meat Loaf, Jim Steinman, Todd Rundgren, Ellen Foley and Karla DeVito. Since its release in 1977, Bat Out of Hell has gone on to sell an estimated 30 million copies and become one of the top five biggest selling albums of all time. Released during the days of the disco boom and the advent of punk rock, Bat Out of Hell totally bucked those musical trends, yet as Meat Loaf recalls, the record is "more honest than 99% of all records released." The remarkable story of Bat Out of Hell is told here by its leading contributors, including Meat Loaf himself, composer Jim Steinman, record producer Todd Rundgren, and backing vocalists Ellen Foley and Karla DeVito, together with others who helped in the construction of Bat Out of Hell's "wall of sound." Featuring archival footage, interviews and live performances, this is the compelling story of the making of one of rock music's finest hours, a true classic album. 58 minutes.

Todd Rundgren - Live in Japan

Todd Rundgren performs his greatest hits in this exciting live stage show recorded in Japan! Rock's original Renaissance man--producer, founder of the band Utopia, writer of such hits as "I Saw the Light," "Hello, It's Me," and "Bang the Drum All Day," and general music maverick--rocks the house with this dynamic performance, featuring a room-shaking remastered soundtrack! Recorded at the Tokyo Sun Plaza Hall. Songs: Real Man, Unloved Children, Parallel Lines, Can't Stop Running, Compassion, Secret Society, Something to Fall Back On, Love of the Common Man, Can We Still Be Friends, Mated, The Waiting Game, Love in Action, Rock Love, Hawking, The Want of a Nail, Hello It's Me, I Love My Life.

Todd Rundgren - Live in San Francisco

Rock's original Renaissance man brings his vast array of musical styles to the stage in this raucous live concert at Maritime Hall in San Francisco, California. Producer extraordinaire, writer of such hits as "I Saw the Light," "Hello, It's Me" and "Bang the Drum All Day," founder of the band Utopia and general music maverick, Todd Rundgren performs many of his greatest hits and a wealth of new tunes in this video capturing his live stage show. Songs: I Hate My Frickin ISP, Yer Fast, Black and White, Number 1 Lowest Common Denominator, Open My Eyes, Trapped, Love in Action, Bang the Drum All Day, Temporary Insanity, Medley: Mystified/Broke Down and Busted, Buffalo Grass, One World, The Ikon, Hammer in My Heart, World Wide Epiphany.

Todd Rundgren - The Desktop Collection & 2nd Wind Live Recording Sessions

Neither a live recording nor video retrospective--or even biography--this unique package is a combination of all three. The program begins with a set of songs recorded live in San Francisco for 1991's 2nd Wind. Rundgren briefly introduces each number, and interviews with band members, backup singers, and fans are sprinkled in between. It's an illuminating look at Rundgren's creative process, but only snippets of each song are included (presented in a four-camera, split-screen format). The Desktop Collection, on the other hand, consists of complete videos, most incorporating computer graphics. Ironically, the one that works best is "The Want of a Nail" (featuring Bobby Womack), from 1989's Nearly Human, which doesn't feature animation, but is instead a straight studio performance. The program concludes with a short interview with the musician billed as "TR-I" (the I is for interactive), the moniker Rundgren took on for 1993's No World Order. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Once again, rock 'n' roll maverick Todd Rundgren takes us into uncharted musical territory with his far-out experimental arrangements and intriguing music videos. This special double feature includes a live recording session at San Francisco's Palace of Fine Arts and an assortment of this prolific writer/producer/composer's computer-generated videos which have cultivated a ferociously dedicated cult audience. Each program also includes poignant interviews and insights into this pioneer's eclectic repertoire. Music videos: Change Myself, Theology, Fascist Christ, Property, Our Friend the Brain, Want of a Nail; Live music excerpts: Change Myself, Love Science, Who's Sorry Now, The Smell of Money, If I Have to Be Alone, Love in Disguise, Kindness, Public Servant, Gaya's Eyes, 2nd Wind.

The Ever Popular Tortured Artist Effect

Classic Albums: Meat Loaf - Bat Out of Hell [Region 2]

Classic Albums 1 - Bob Marley, Meat Loaf, The Who

The Classic Albums series presents the songs and stories behind some of rock's most enduring masterpieces. Catch a Fire, released in 1973, introduced reggae legends the Wailers, featuring Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer, to an international rock audience. Here the principal figures tell the story of how this record was designed to "cross over." The DVD features a unique interview and performance by Bunny Wailer, rare archival interviews with Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, and contributions from many of those who performed on the record. Featuring home movies of the Wailers in Jamaica, previously unseen footage, and unique performances of many album tracks such as "Stir It Up," "Stop That Train," and "Kinky Reggae," this is a documentary that will endlessly fascinate the viewer.

The remarkable story of Bat Out of Hell is told here by its leading contributors, including Meat Loaf himself, composer Jim Steinman, record producer Todd Rundgren, and backing vocalists Ellen Foley and Karla DeVito, together with others who helped in the construction of the album's "wall of sound." Featuring archival footage, interviews, and live performances, this is the compelling story of the making of one of rock music's finest hours.

Who's Next is viewed by many as the greatest testament to the songwriting talent of Pete Townshend and the musical power of the Who. The story of how the Who came to record the album is told by group members Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey, and John Entwistle, together with contributions by those who were close to the group during this recording, also providing insight into the importance of the late great Keith Moon to the success of the Who. The songs recorded for Who's Next are featured here, including such classics as "Won't Get Fooled Again," "Baba O'Riley," and "Behind Blue Eyes." Also included in this documentary are previously unseen performances of songs from the album that prove the longevity and lasting appeal of a true classic album.