Madonna: Rebel Heart Tour

You've heard the phrase “you had to be there,” but in the case of this Showtime-aired concert—filmed during Madonna's 2015-16 tour promoting her latest release—being there was only part of the show, as this post-production-enhanced filmed version illustrates. A meticulously-crafted presentation from its precisely-edited opening-to-closing frames, Rebel Heart Tour is pure spectacle (and often characteristically provocative)—a whiplash-paced, 24-song, two-hour set in which the musicians are almost never seen onscreen. The production features smart camerawork (with spot-on slo-mo touches), a giant video background wall, a troupe of skilled dancers performing intricately-choreographed routines, and an array of detailed stage sets—including an auto body shop and a Cirque du Soleil-level aerial ballet with dancers swinging on poles. Speaking of poles, many viewers will be offended by the scantily-clad, wimple-wearing nuns who pole-dance during the blasphemous-to-many song “Holy Water” (which includes the repeated line “Yeezus loves my pussy best.”). But this is Madonna—or as one song title puts it “Bitch, I'm Madonna”—so there is very little Judy-Garland-Wizard-of-Oz wholesomeness to be found here (also on the likely to peeve scale is the song “S.E.X.”, featuring couples—including gay—gyrating in obvious sexual fashion on a series of beds). While often shocking, the general vibe here is one that clearly celebrates tolerance and inclusiveness. Longtime Madonna fans will also appreciate the early hits, which include “Like a Virgin,” “Dress You Up,” “Material Girl,” and the rousing finale “Holiday,” the latter with guest stars (filmed over multiple shows) such as Amy Schumer, Katy Perry, Ariana Grande, and Anderson Cooper. Presented in DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1 and stereo on DVD, and DTS-HD 5.1 and LPCM stereo on Blu-ray, extras include a bonus audio CD, a bizarre “Tears of a Clown” black-and-white segment featuring a profanity-spewing Madonna in clown makeup interacting with an audience and singing “Don't Tell Me” and “Borderline,” and a bonus performance of “Like a Prayer.” Nearly 60, Madonna remains a sexy, cutting-edge, multi-talented, physical performer who not only continues to command a stage, but also outshines many younger contemporary artists. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (R. Pitman)