Blu-ray Essentials: 'Weird: The Al Yankovic Story', Bill Idol's 'State Line

Those looking to get the perfect gift for a favorite music lover in their life should consider picking up one or both of the terrific titles featured in this column.

Movie Title: Weird: The Al Yankovic Story (Shout! Factory)

You might like if you enjoy: "Weird Al" Yankovic, 1980s music, "This Is Spinal Tap" rockumentary, actor Daniel Radcliffe

Tell me more: "Weird Al" Yankovic's unique career path forged by a groundbreaking artist who writes, records and performs songs that are extremely funny while also poking fun at the world around him has made him a favorite since the late 1970s. Now the 2022 parody biopic Weird: The Al Yankovic Story has been released (the film is available on 4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD formats) to own. Directed by Eric Appel, the film stars Daniel Radcliffe as "Weird Al" along with Evan Rachel Wood and Rainn Wilson. Not only is Weird: The Al Yankovic Story a compelling and seriously funny flick, but the newly issued title (released by Shout! Factory on Dec. 12, 2023) features a slew of terrific bonus features of interest to fans of the film and the multi-Grammy Award winning Yankovic. The "4K Ultra HD" version reviewed by this writer includes a new 4K master with HDR and Dolby Vision, a new audio commentary with Yankovic and Appel, a new presentation of deleted/extended/alternate scenes hosted by Yankovic and Appel, and a featurette on the making of the film. Additionally, there are movie trailers and promos, press interviews with the cast and crew, the lyric video for "Now You Know" and a fun "Late Night with Seth Meyers" interview with Yankovic and Radcliffe. Information: shoutfactory.com.

Artist: Billy Idol 
Title: State Line: Live At The Hoover Dam (MVD Visual)

You might like if you enjoy: Billy Idol, New Wave rock

Tell me more: Following its successful limited theatrical run, Billy Idol's historic and rousing performance at the Hoover Dam in April 2023 is now available on both DVD and Blu-ray (the latter reviewed here) courtesy of MVD Visual. The aptly-titled State Line: Live At The Hoover Dam chronicles the first-ever concert ever performed at the dramatic setting located on the Nevada/Arizona state line; Idol along with his terrific band and several notable guests are definitely up for the occasion and the film and bonus features capture every moment of the event. The audio and video quality on the Blu-ray are truly outstanding and the viewer is treated to a front row seat at every turn. Directed by George Scott and Vincent Adam Paul, the highlight of the title is the 16-track full length concert where Idol performs a mix of his enduring rock hits and compelling new songs. 

Billy Idol performing at the Hoover Dam.
Photo credit: Jane Stuart

Kicking things off with a hard rocking "Cradle of Love," Idol and the troupe of other musicians and backup singers are obviously having as much fun as the intimate crowd of 250 fans treated to attend the show in person. Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones and No Doubt bassist Tony Kanal join in the fun on "Dancing With Myself." There is not a single wasted moment during the performance; early standouts include the dynamic "Flesh for Fantasy" (featuring spectacular guitar work from Idol's longtime guitarist Steve Stevens), the reflective mid-tempo rocker "Bitter Taste," and semi-acoustic "Eyes Without a Face" where Idol showcases his strong vocals. Late performance highlights include a strong performance of "John Wayne" with Idol sharing lead vocals with singer Alison Mosshart (The Kills, The Dead Weather), the confessional melodic rocker "Running From The Ghost," spirted extended version of "Blue Highway," and rousing closer "White Wedding." Bonus features include an exclusive Q&A with Steve Stevens and an acoustic performance of "To Be A Lover," "Eyes Without a Face" and Rebel Yell." There is also a colorful six-panel concert booklet. Information: billyidol.net.

Robert Kinsler