NewDVDs

The latest releases reviewed

THE NATIONAL
A Skin, A Night
Beggars Banquet
****
Those seeking reasons why The National have become everyone's favourite indie band may find some clues on A Skin, A Night. It's an hour- long documentary directed by Vincent Moon, the French film-maker probably best known for his online Take-Away Showsfeaturing such acts as Arcade Fire, REM, Sufjan Stevens, The Shins and others performing in a variety of ad-hoc venues. Moon has past form with The National, so there is considerable empathy between director and subjects. Ostensibly, it's the story of a band making their new album (and much of the footage comes from the recording sessions for their last album, Boxer), but Moon prefers to dwell on other aspects of the creative process and to delve into the psychology that keeps a group of individuals focused on a common goal for so long. The DVD also comes with The VirginiaEP, a 13-strong selection of B-sides, demos and live tracks.  www.americanmary.com
JIM CARROLL

FALL OUT BOY
Live in Phoenix
Universal
***
You've got to be more than just an emo band these days - witness Panic at the Disco's musical about-face on their latest album. Where Fall Out Boy differ is in their creative approach - they still retain their ferocious intensity while remembering to lace their assaults with a strong dose of melody. Captured in June of last year at Phoenix, Arizona's Cricket Pavilion, there's little doubt that the Chicago act know how to cut it on stage. The live show encapsulates some neat sleight-of-hand visual touches ("we wanted to deliver a show that was all marshmallows and no cereal," says vocalist Patrick Stump, clearly never having heard of Dr Gillian McKeith). Extras include a rake of promo videos, a bonus CD, and behind-the-scenes footage. A very decent package for Heroesfans, then.
TONY CLAYTON-LEA