Janet Jackson: The Velvet Rope

Janet Jackson? Hmm… The name rings a bell… She's been in the news recently, right? Did something titillating at a football game? Of course, this program captures a moment long before that shocking event--way back in the ‘90s, to be exact, when the singer hit the road in support of her The Velvet Rope album. It's quite a spectacle: 20,000 people crammed into New York's Madison Square Garden to witness the HBO-aired extravaganza, and nearly that many on stage, or so it seems, as a buff, aerobicized Janet and her army of dancers, singers, musicians, mimes (yes, it's true), and God knows who else run through a long set of tunes ranging from infectious dance-o-funk to pure pop, hard rock, and more. Truth be told, Janet's a better performer than artist--she and her wispy voice (if it's not lip-synced, it certainly sounds, well, enhanced) aren't in the same league as big brother Michael--but there are some mighty grooves here (like the Control medley), and big hits, such as “What Have You Done For Me Lately?”, “Runaway,” “Escapade,” and “Black Cat.” Oh, and let's not forget the sex: the show's one seemingly spontaneous moment comes when she pulls some boob…I mean guy…from the audience and simulates a pole dance for him. It's all quite entertaining, and presented in DTS and Dolby Digital 5.0 it's sure to appeal to Jackson's many admirers. Recommended, especially for those who don't already have Janet: Live in Hawaii (VL-11/02). Aud: P. (S. Graham)