Blue Man Group: How to be a Megastar Live!

A multimedia event, Blue Man Group: How to be a Megastar Live!—captured here in a 2007 show from Dallas—features the blue-hued trio deconstructing the traditional rock concert experience. During the show, the three percussion-playing performance artists (actually four altogether) front an eight-piece band that serves up a combination of techno, progressive rock, and experimental music, as the BMG's wordless presentation style draws from dance, comedy, and mime. Of the 18 selections here, 15 are originals, while the other three are covers of Pink Floyd's "One of These Days," Donna Summer's "I Feel Love" and the Who's "Baba O' Riley." For singing, they turn to guest vocalists, while a Big Brother-like narrator provides instructions from the "Rock Concert Instruction Manual" (how to head bob, fist pump, and the like) and indulges in intentionally clichéd stage patter, such as "Are you feeling good tonight?" and "Are you ready to rock?" Video screens alternate between short films, animated sequences, and fake infomercials featuring comedian Fred Armisen (Saturday Night Live). Although the audience participation segments throw off the pace, there's something here for music lovers of all ages, especially those who like things loud (presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 and stereo). DVD extras include a video for "I Feel Love," a spoof PSA called "Mono Makes a Plea—Save the TVs" (with Armisen satirizing a certain Irish rock star), the clip-heavy featurette “Inside the Tube” (in which the founders of the troupe recount their history), and a bonus 19-track audio CD. Recommended. Aud: P. (K. Fennessy)