How to explain the Kiss phenomenon? As players and singers, they've always been average, at best. As songwriters they've rarely been even that good, notwithstanding a certain flair for catchy, fist-pumping arena rock anthems. But as rock stars (especially the libidinous Gene Simmons), not to mention cartoon characters, they epitomize a certain dumb ethos that has proved irresistible to their self-described “Kiss Army” for more than three decades now. This DVD, containing two full-length programs, should more than satisfy the faithful. The exact time frame is unclear, but both seem to hail from the early ‘90s, when Simmons and co-founder Paul Stanley were carrying on with guitarist Bruce Kulick and drummer Eric Singer (the original lineup, with Peter Criss and Ace Frehley, reunited in '96 and have been touring off and on ever since). Konfidential is principally a concert--featuring hits such as "Deuce," "Hotter Than Hell," "Lick It Up," and "I Love It Loud"--with various backstage interviews and some mild raunch (including a babe crushing a beer can between her ample breasts) thrown in for good measure. X-Treme Close-Up is a documentary, with Simmons and Stanley holding forth on the group's history, aided by plenty of videos and early concert footage. They're both likeable, well-spoken guys, and their candor about the group's ups (the hit records, the tours, the chicks) and downs (the wretched TV movie, for instance) is both refreshing and entertaining. A strong optional purchase for Kiss fans. Aud: P. (S. Graham)
Kiss: Konfidential & X-Treme Close Up
(2004) 179 min. DVD: $14.95. Universal Music & Video (avail. from most distributors). Color cover. Volume 20, Issue 3
Kiss: Konfidential & X-Treme Close Up
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