The Best of Judge Victor Valdivia (Nov 2007 - present)
Down the Tracks: The Music That Influenced Bob Dylan
Okay, so maybe I was a little harsh. I've seen far worse unauthorized DVDs. Maybe, just maybe, I laid my venom on a wee bit thick. It doesn't deserve that much better, though, because even if it's not that bad, it's still not good. I still don't understand how Eagle Rock -- who is to music fans what Criterion is to film buffs -- could put out something so terrible.
Whale Wars
I probably had more sheer fun writing this review than almost any other. There's just nothing better than puncturing self-righteous hypocrisy, even if the target of my barbs probably couldn't care less what I think of him... as long as I spell his name right.
Iron Maiden: Live After Death
This review provoked one of my favorite negative e-mails. One reader took umbrage at my depiction of Maiden as "long-winded" by sending me a 5-paragraph screed to insist I was wrong. Hey, didja read my review, sir? My writing style (and musical taste) is closer to Emerson, Lake & Palmer than The Ramones, so I'm hardly off the hook. I am aware of the irony.
Jay-Z: Reasonable Doubt
Considering I don't own a single Jay-Z album and have only really liked one or two of his songs, I'm surprised at how much I was able to write about him. I used to be an active Jay-basher, but after watching this DVD and writing about it, I developed a more nuanced appreciation for his music. He's still not one of my favorites, but I don't bash him anymore.
Speaking Freely: Hugo Chavez
This review was so vitriolic I believe it may have provoked another Verdict Judge (who shall remain nameless) into taking a shot at me, without using my name, in one of his reviews... or maybe I'm just being hyper-paranoid. Either way, I still think Chavez is an utterly loathsome individual and I stand by the review. I just wish I'd thought to insert a swipe at Che Guevara somewhere in it.
New York, New York: 30th Anniversary Edition
My original draft of this review was about 4 times as long as what I handed in. I learned what the meaning of the words "cut to the chase" were, while editing it. It's interesting that I had so much to say about such a flawed movie, while DVDs I love can sometimes be a real struggle to write about.
Rolling Stones: Shine a Light
I actually wavered about requesting this one when it was offered, but in retrospect I'm glad I got to write about it. It allowed me to finally crystallize my thoughts about how much I love what The Stones used to be and how much I detest what they are now. I just wish they would put out more archival releases instead of tedious filler like this disc.
Popeye The Sailor: Volume Two (1938-1940)
I had already seen or liked the old Fleischer Popeye cartoons when I sat down to watch this set, so I wasn't prepared for the sheer exhilaration of watching these all in a row. This is probably the biggest revelation I've ever reviewed: I expected it to be at least good, but I was astounded that it was so spectacular.
Led Zeppelin: The Song Remains the Same
My first Verdict review. I was used to writing shorter, punchier critiques, so getting a chance to use a more detailed form was a real pleasure. This review also proves why Verdict's policy allowing writers to request their assignments works. A non-Zep fan might have simply trashed the movie outright without really understanding why it doesn't work, but I felt I could give a real fan's perspective without being a slobbering fanboy.
America at War
The absolute worst review I've ever written. I'm embarrassed to have written it, I'm embarrassed about how long and tedious it is, and I'm especially embarrassed it took me a long time to write. There's nothing about it I like or recognize. I included it here because I believe in honest self-appraisals, but hey Michael, how about a Mulligan?
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