Twisted Sister - Live at Wacken: The Reunion (DVD)

Twisted Sister is a band that has defined itself through distinctive makeup, angst-filled anthems of rebellion, and big hair, not necessarily in that order. After a successful 15 year stretch in the 80s, these long Islanders went on a hiatus of almost 20 years. After reactivating in the early 2000s, the band had the opportunity to headline the Wacken Open Air Festival in 2003. Luckily, cameras were on hand to record this groundbreaking performance. Live at Wacken: The Reunion was initially released as a DVD and a CD separately through Detonator Records. Eagle Vision has reissued the DVD/CD set this past fall as part of their ongoing effort to reissue all past Twisted Sister CDs and DVDs by the end of 2011.

The DVD portion of this box set is certainly more content-rich than the CD. The format generally alternates between the Wacken performance and interview segments with band members. The interview segments essentially retell the history of Twisted Sister through the anecdotes of each individual member, which gives fans an intimate look into the circumstances of the band’s breakup and reformation. Pay close attention for gems such as Jay Jay French describing the band’s 1987 breakup as “the most bitter breakup in the history of Rock ‘n’ Roll”.

I’m not a videographer by trade, but it appears that the WOA show as well as the interview segments of this DVD were shot to tape, most likely to Betamax, which is an antiquated format, rather than directly to digital. The interview segments are often complemented with visual effects that are equally antiquated. It seems that Jedma Associates, the original production company, has an affinity for equipment that was purchased in the late 80s/early 90s. Although it effectively creates a “vintage” feel, there should be no doubt that a DVD released in 2003 is in fact a DVD and not a converted VHS.

Getting past the semantics and the reminiscing during interview segments, the WOA reunion show is really the focal point of this DVD, hence the title. Twisted Sister’s performance is absolutely electrifying, and I am definitely ready to back that statement up. I’m not going to name names, but I cannot make this statement about several other reunited 80s metal bands’ lineups. Dee Snider is all over the stage and is as energetic as ever, constantly on the move and headbanging, while a makeup-free Mark Mendoza can be seen playing his melodic bass lines with high spirits, often adding slapping and over-the-head playing to liven up the performance. Jay Jay French and Eddie “Fingers” Ojeda both deliver a nearly flawless performance, keeping perfect time and hitting close to every note in their solo breaks and dual guitar harmonies.

Live at Wacken: The Reunion is definitely a strong buy for the seasoned TS fan. This reunion show should definitely be up there with Iron Maiden’s Rock in Rio DVD and the like. Unfortunately, the dated feel of the production and interviews depreciate the DVD’s value. The music is what matters, though, and from this triumphant return it’s easy to realize that these guys still “Wanna Rock.”

Re-release Date: October 25, 2010
Label: Eagle Vision/
Rebellion Entertainment

TRACK LISTING

1.  What You Don’t Know
     (Sure Can Hurt You)
2.  In the Beginning *
3.  The Final Show…1987*
4.  The Kids are Back
5.  Stay Hungry
6.  The Speaks Reunion*
7.  A Night for Jason*
8.  Destroyer
9.  Like a Knife in the Back
10.  TS on TV*
11.  The New York Steel Benefit*
12.  Under the Blade
13.  Old School Returns*
14.  You Can’t Stop Rock ‘n’ Roll
15.  The Fire Still Burns
16.  South Korea April 2003*
17.  Shoot ‘Em Down
18.  We’re not Gonna Take it
19.  Festivals*
20.  The Price
21.  Reflections*
22.  Burn in Hell
23.  I Wanna Rock
24.  Band Intro
25.  S.M.F.
26.  Credits
*Denotes Interview Segment

Total playing time:  1:40:00

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*Comments:

Reviewer: The Stream

February 28, 2011