Depeche Mode documentary gets new remaster

Virgin Radio

30 Sep 2021, 13:41

The band are releasing a new 4K HD remaster of their famous 1980s documentary film.

Depeche Mode have announced the release of a digitally restored and remastered version of their 1989 concert film and documentary, Depeche Mode 101.

The film documented the 101st and final stop on their Music for the Masses tour across the USA in 1988. The final show took place in Pasadena, California’s Rose Bowl Stadium to an audience of adoring fans. The film is not strictly a concert film and intersperses interviews with the band and clips from other shows along the tour. The film also follows a group of young fans who had won a competition to be in the film and attend the concert and their journey across the country to the gig in Pasadena.

"It's incredible to be able to see D.A. Pennebaker's film and this period of our career presented in this new high-definition light," said Depeche Mode.

The film was first reissued in 2003, with new commentary from the directors and follow up interviews with the band members and the same fans who had appeared in the original documentary. This new reissuing will contain the 2003 bonus footage, as well as three previously unseen performances from the Rose Bowl show.

As detailed in a press release from the band, the blu-ray also comes with: “a 48 page behind-the-scenes story of the day photo book; a 20" x 30" replica of original US theatrical release movie poster; a 16 page Anton Corbijn Photo Mode book as featured in the original album release; a double CD of the original 20 track 101 concert release; and a Download Card providing access to 4K downloads of the film and bonus performances plus 24-bit audio files of the 101 concert release.”

Co-director Chris Hegedus said: "DM 101's parallel realities following the historic tour of this pioneering British band as they storm across America bringing an exciting new sound to the masses, along with an intimate view of a bus load of ardent young fans on an unforgettable road trip to the Rose Bowl made this documentary a groundbreaking influence on the reality genre.”

“Making this movie was a grand adventure for both of us (Pennebaker and Hegedus).... By the end of the tour, we became their biggest fans. We are excited to introduce this new release to audiences."