Marilyn Manson: Guns, God and Government World Tour

Shock rock evangelist Marilyn Manson and his band of melancholy men take the stage in Tokyo, Berlin, London, New York, and Rome, among other cities, in this concert-clip compilation from 1999-2001. Arriving in a chariot pulled by two scantily-clad women, Marilyn Manson kicks things off with the boisterous “Irresponsible Hate Anthem,” one of 17 tunes that include favorites such as “The Reflecting God,” “The Beautiful People,” “Disposable Teens,” “Sweet Dreams,” and the oldie-but-goodie “Lunchbox,” presented in Dolby Digital stereo. Though other band members are sometimes visible (John 5's characteristic head shaking, Madonna Wayne Gacy's swinging keyboards), this is Manson's show all the way, and viewers will be treated to the full range of traditional MM antics: corset-clad gyrations, simulated sex acts, walking on stilts, wearing a pope getup, and damning conservative ideals (apparently scraping the bottom of the barrel for opposition, with digs at taxes, nature, breakfast, etc.). While the smoke and strobe lights can't hide Manson's diminishing vocal power, stale stage larks, and tattered attire (without doubt more tacky than offensive), the huge, rowdy crowds prove that Manson-mania is still alive and well. DVD extras include the 30-minute Manson-directed behind-the-scenes featurette “The Death Parade,” which features, among other sights, a transvestite urinating into a bucket, as well as Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, Eminem, and Manson at a Wal-Mart. Definitely earning its "parental advisory" label, this is a strong optional purchase for more adventurous collections. Aud: P. (J. Williams)