The Police - Everyone Stares: The Police Inside Out

I would assume anyone reading these reviews or looking at purchasing this DVD know who the Police were, and knows their music. Knowing who they were is where this DVD takes off from, and it brings a 'behind the curtain' view of the performers across the years. Stewart Copeland, the band's founder/drummer, glommed onto an 8mm sound camera and hung on as it commanded his soul. The obsession with this camera grafted to his hand was evident in some of the early photo shoots and videos. Now you can see all that footage edited down and put to a story of this famous rock band's rise to fame.It starts with still photos from the earliest years and quickly transitions into the film as Stewart (and Andy Summers) procure their cameras. Instead of getting a pre-polished, over packaged, over thought, mush glorification of the band you get the band, as themselves, filmed by one of them, narrated by the band (one, or two of them depending on the audio track). Due to the film being a home effort, it wasn't taken with any specific purpose in mind other then Stewart having fun or documenting things of immediate interest in the day. He experiments with stop motion, titles(Kim dumps a take?), time lapse, makes a fiction with Andy and supporting act, but more importantly he is holding the camera as the band starts touring as a stripped down, low rent act and builds to a gigantic world consuming success. Looking back you can laugh sympathetically as Sting has to lug his suitcase and bass into the hotel room, or as he finds the limo at the airport isn't for him. Then you see a rock star's pov as a surprise crowd mobs his band at the airport for the first time. Clips of the band and crew all over the world, as well as silly, impromptu humor give the video a lively, warm feel. It's a home movie! But, it explains what the band did that you never saw.There are two audio tracks. The first is Stewart's narrative, and I found it adequate but a little boring. Half way through the film I was wondering what I was doing watching, but it picked back up and got me through. The second track is commentary by Stewart and Summers, and their comments make the film fly by as they explain the context of shots and also joke about the images.Additional footage edited, but deemed important or entertaining, is lumped in the extras section.If you loved the band, and want to see them in their more private spaces, then $10 is a pittance. I thoroughly enjoyed this little trip to Uncle Stewart's basement movie night.

Since I was only 5 years old in 1977, I don't have any recollection of The Police in the early days. As a `tween' I was hooked on the popular MTV videos ("Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic", etc.), and in college I bought a cd of their `Greatest Hits'.The point is I was NOT a die-hard Police fan--that is, until I bought the `Certifiable' DVD/CD from the re-union tour. And then that was it. I had to hear more, know more, see more. I had a LOT of catching up to do.I've always listened to Sting. But the music by The Police was entirely different.And the primary reason is Stewart Armstrong Copeland.Thanks, to `You Tube', I began watching snippets of old Police concerts and footage and it's clear that this band was extraordinary. Their music is NEVER the same twice. Stewart modifies the drum patterns, Sting changes up the vocals and bass, and Andy plays around with the guitar riffs. So I recently bought "Message in a Box", a few live concerts, Stewart's studio albums and a few of his film scores. And after finally appreciating and understanding the depths of this band's sheer and raw talent, I had to get this film, too.And it was worth every penny. Any Police fan should have this in their collection. PERIOD. This footage is priceless.Some memorable scenes include (SPOILER ALERT):1) Sting lugging around his bags and gear to cheap motels2) Andy `trashing' the candy store3) Andy getting his makeup done4) Stewart recording himself jamming during a live concert (MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE SCENE--WATCHED REPEATEDLY)Throughout the film, Stewart's narration and the scrolling captions are witty and humorous. And the live concert footage and music, of course, makes a wonderful background.I really tried to find something wrong with this film, but I couldn't.It was just the right length (although I wouldn't have complained if it was longer).The technology was what it was, so you can't find fault with the grainy-ness of the film.This film is part of music history and part of these talented musicians' lives and I am eternally grateful that Stewart recorded and shared these memories with us.And if I should ever be lucky enough to run into Stewart, say at a book-signing for his memoir this fall, I'll try not to stare.

Ok

I am a long time Police fan, and am delighted that they decided to reunite at least for a tour (a couple of new songs are rumored...you never know). This is certainly a most interesting take from the inside of their unique experience. Stewart is The Kinetic Kid by definition, and often the images reflect this very non-stop, hyper-ADD aspect of his personality. Thank goodness for his being hyper, because he has given the world some of the finest drumming ever heard by human ears. The movie is really like entering Stewart's mind. I was surprised by his very professional, patient tone of voice, while I remember him as a very fast *duh!* talker. In particular, I appreciated the parts that show the genesis of the famous riffs etched in every fan's mind, and the claustrophobic feeling brought in by the non-stop assault of the fans, a little reminding of Hard day's night. You understand why worldwide success can also last so much, as can a musician's patience, focus, and inspiration. After all, it becomes a blur, and Stewart is masterful at conveying the feelings of the Man in a Suitcase's line: "bird off a flying cage, you'll never get to know me well, the world's an oyster, a hotel room a prison cell".I was expecting more bitching at Sting - there is some, but not so bad as I had anticipated - therefore, our Kinetic Kid was also rather well-behaved. Maybe the passing of his beloved brother Ian and of the "fourth member" Kim Turner have somewhat changed the feelings that led to the acrimonious split of a great band at the very top of their game.

Big fan of police back then. Little disappointed just lots of amateur recording, with narrative from Stewart Copeland. Mildly interesting but not amazing

Very good quality. I'm a huge Police fan but I was disappointed by this - it was very samey all the way through and didn't show them off that well musically.

Loved it

Brilliant book from the world's best drummer from the world's best band! Loved it!

patchy stuff for hardcore fans only