John Lennon: The Messenger

While just about any video or DVD having to do with the Beatles is a probable circulation magnet, this production scrapes the bottom of the Beatle barrel with its mostly grainy b&w footage and frequently static images purportedly exploring John Lennon's life and career (in fact, much of the program focuses on Lennon's assassin, Mark David Chapman--his motives, delusions and remorse). Given the fact that most of this is available elsewhere in superior documentaries on the Beatles and/or Lennon, this very substandard production seems unnecessary. The DVD is packaged with a “32-page super colour booklet” (featuring five color pix amongst the 21 illustrations), and an audio CD carrying snippets of Lennon's opinions on various topics. Beatlemaniac completists may want to consider, but for others this is not recommended. Aud: P. (M. Tribby)