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The History Of Iron Maiden Part 1: The Early
DaysRating: M15+ Disc 1: 120 mins (approx), Disc 2: 195 mins (approx) EMI There are very few band-based documentaries that I'd be willing to subject myself to, let alone any that would keep me enthralled for its duration. Iron Maiden are an exception. The documentary 'Part 1: The Early Years' takes us from 1972, when a young trainee draughtsman named Steve Harris decided he wanted to form a band, right up to the completion of the 'World Piece Tour' in Germany, 1983. Along the way we meet several of the important figures in Iron Maiden history, from singer Paul DiAnno (who makes the shocking admission that his replacement, Bruce Dickinson, was the best singer Maiden ever had) and drummer Clive Burr, to lesser known characters like Ron 'Rebel' Matthews (drums, 1975-76). These interviews are engaging and give an insight into the inner workings of 'Maiden and into the mind of Steve Harris, who comes across as almost megalomaniacal in his quest to form a band that would make an impression on the world. As well as seeing the band's constant shuffling of members, we also see the band's almost instant rise in fortune and following, from playing small pubs in London's East End to gigantic stadiums worldwide. The extras are a completist's dream with many from Harris' own archives (including a poorly-shot show at The Ruskin Arms, 1980, that was thought to be lost until Harris found it at the bottom of a box while gathering material to be included on the DVD). This show also contains 'possibly the only known filmed versions of Another Life and Charlotte The Harlot. The DVD also contains several television appearances, and an episode of Granada TV's '20th Century Box' which profiles Maiden and the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal. There are also several promo videos, taken directly from the 'Visions Of The Beast' DVD. The list goes on; there are tour programs, T-shirts, photos and the like, all scanned for inclusion on the disc. Unfortunately, and this is my only complaint about this collection whatsoever, the pictures of the memorabilia are rather small and much of the detail is lost, in particular, the artwork of Derek Riggs. Not only is there too numerous features to mention, almost every single menu page contains an Easter Egg, which are mostly anecdotes from members of Iron Maiden and their entourage, including a tale of rock'n'roll excess from Bruce Dickinson, in which he does a remarkable Ozzy Osbourne impersonation. Clocking in at over five hours worth of footage, 'The History Of Iron Maiden Part 1: The Early Days' is a must for every Iron Maiden fan, from newbies to grizzled old veterans of the NWOBHM, and should keep them satisfied until the release of 'Part 2'.  |
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