Genesis - The Movie Box

Genesis: The Karma Chameleon years

This conclusion to the Genesis career overview is the companion to the recent Genesis Live 1973-2007 CD set, with cut-down packaging of four live DVDs (with a space for your When In Rome collection) to fit alongside those lovely CD box sets.

The best here is Three Sides Live: unloved audio is made real with visuals and captures Phil Collins roughly at the midway point between prog and end-of-the-pier. Unfortunately, he’d discovered all the extra notes that were at his disposal, so Afterglow, that most hymnal of all Genesis’ oeuvre, has lots of words with six or seven extra syllables in them. But, you can’t take your eyes off him – his charisma provides the human focal point between all those lights and motionless fellow members.

The Mama Tour and Live At Wembley Stadium capture the era of showmanship and workmanlike songcraft. Here, Turn It On Again sees Collins don shades and become a Blues Brother for Everybody Needs Somebody (To Love), while also delivering a version of Karma Chameleon. At least it was more straightforward for The Way We Walk, where the band had realigned itself.

Beautifully presented and, with documentaries and bonus DVD material covering 1970- 82, this is a comprehensive visual collection of one of the UK’s most cherished bands.

3 stars 3 stars 3 stars

Virgin | 5099951132699 (4-DVD)

Reviewed by Daryl Easlea
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