FILM: 7.0
Diving into the documentary "Welcome to the Darkness," I found myself immersed in the journey of The Darkness as they reclaimed their spot in the limelight in 2015 after a hiatus. The lineup changes, especially the arrival of drummer Emily Dolan Davies, set the stage for a new chapter, though it's clear this iteration doesn't endure. Here our story begins.
Filmmaker Simon Emmett skillfully captures the band's ground-up reimagining as they transition from intimate pub gigs to the grandeur of stadium rock shows. The documentary delves into the band's tumultuous history, particularly the impact of their extravagant lifestyle on members like Justin Hawkins.
While it's no surprise that the documentary centres on Hawkins, the charismatic front man, it somewhat neglects other band members, leaving Frankie Poullain without a substantial story. Even the significant moment of Rufus Taylor joining the band is somewhat overshadowed by the focus on Hawkins' vocal health issues.
The exploration of the strained relationship between brothers Justin and Dan adds depth to the narrative, portraying an ongoing effort to mend their rift following the band's reformation.
Clocking in at 90 minutes, the documentary covers a significant chunk of history. However, a more extended look into the "quieter" band members could have enriched the narrative. Although small glimpses of performances are nice, a full song or two would have added musical substance.
Despite these critiques, "Welcome to the Darkness" provides an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the band's inner workings, making it a worthwhile watch, especially for fans eager to dive into The Darkness' journey.
FORMAT: Digital Screener
VIDEO: 7.0 1080/24p streaming presentation Detail level: Good Colour reproduction: Good Level accuracy: Moderate Encode: Good Master condition: Excellent
AUDIO: 8.0 Dolby Digital 2.0 streaming audio Dialogue reproduction: Good Soundtrack & effects clarity: Good Dynamics: Good Surround sound presentation: N/A LFE content: Moderate
MOOFIEMETER: 7.0.
Filmmaker Simon Emmett skillfully captures the band's ground-up reimagining as they transition from intimate pub gigs to the grandeur of stadium rock shows. The documentary delves into the band's tumultuous history, particularly the impact of their extravagant lifestyle on members like Justin Hawkins.
While it's no surprise that the documentary centres on Hawkins, the charismatic front man, it somewhat neglects other band members, leaving Frankie Poullain without a substantial story. Even the significant moment of Rufus Taylor joining the band is somewhat overshadowed by the focus on Hawkins' vocal health issues.
The exploration of the strained relationship between brothers Justin and Dan adds depth to the narrative, portraying an ongoing effort to mend their rift following the band's reformation.
Clocking in at 90 minutes, the documentary covers a significant chunk of history. However, a more extended look into the "quieter" band members could have enriched the narrative. Although small glimpses of performances are nice, a full song or two would have added musical substance.
Despite these critiques, "Welcome to the Darkness" provides an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the band's inner workings, making it a worthwhile watch, especially for fans eager to dive into The Darkness' journey.
FORMAT: Digital Screener
VIDEO: 7.0 1080/24p streaming presentation Detail level: Good Colour reproduction: Good Level accuracy: Moderate Encode: Good Master condition: Excellent
AUDIO: 8.0 Dolby Digital 2.0 streaming audio Dialogue reproduction: Good Soundtrack & effects clarity: Good Dynamics: Good Surround sound presentation: N/A LFE content: Moderate
MOOFIEMETER: 7.0.