A Band Called Death

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "A Band Called Death" is a finely crafted visual experience that showcases the depth and breadth of the band's history through a diverse array of footage. Filmed by various camera operators, including the Hackneys themselves with handheld devices, and directed by Covino, the cinematography brings together a rich tapestry of visual sources. These range from vintage VHS tapes and photographs, which have been meticulously scanned and enhanced to emphasize individual subjects, to archival footage and crisp, contemporary interviews recorded digitally. The transformation of these disparate elements into a coherent visual narrative speaks volumes of the filmmakers' dedication to authenticity and detail, ensuring that each frame, whether old or new, contributes to the overarching story in the clearest possible resolution.

Presented in a striking 1080p resolution on Blu-ray by Drafthouse Films, the video quality of "A Band Called Death" is a remarkable achievement. The modern interviews are particularly notable for their clarity and sharpness, capturing the subtle nuances of the Hackneys' expressions with exceptional precision. This level of detail extends to the careful restoration of older footage, where every effort has been made to preserve the original character of the material while enhancing its clarity and color. The transfer excels in delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks, creating a visually engaging experience that draws viewers into the heart of the narrative. Despite the inherent challenges posed by the varied quality of the original sources, the film maintains a consistent and appealing visual aesthetic throughout.

By harnessing a wide range of video sources, from Super 8 and HD to VHS and Mini DV, and employing innovative techniques such as animating photographs with 3D elements, the documentary not only tells the story of A Band Called Death but does so with a visual dynamism that breathes life into every frame. The careful cleaning and processing of vintage footage, coupled with the lively presentation of photographs, ensures that both static and moving images contribute equally to the storytelling. This attention to detail in the video presentation underscores the documentary's homage to the band's legacy while providing viewers with a visually stunning experience that enriches their understanding of the subject matter.

The audio presentation of "A Band Called Death" on its 4K UHD Blu-ray edition showcases an expertly balanced and mixed DTS-HD MA 5.1 track, accompanied by an alternative Dolby Digital 5.1 mix. Crafted with the refined touch of Skywalker Sound and featuring original scoring from Tim Boland and Sam Retzer, the film's sonic landscape is meticulously designed to emphasize the spoken word, primarily from the Hackney family and other interviewees. Their voices are rendered with striking clarity, ensuring every emotional nuance and subtle detail is captured, providing a crisp and immersive auditory experience. The documentary’s dialogue-driven nature benefits greatly from this sharp focus on vocal clarity, with the center channel being particularly noteworthy for its precision in delivering speech without any loss of detail.

Despite "A Band Called Death" being a documentary with limited live performance segments, the audio track impressively manages the interplay between dialogue and music. The film's punk tracks are integrated seamlessly across the surround sound spectrum, enriching the viewing experience without overshadowing the spoken elements. This careful balance maintains an equilibrium that prevents any need for manual volume adjustments, allowing the energy of the music and the depth of the interviews to coexist harmoniously. The soundtrack’s engineering ensures that even though documentaries might not typically be expected to stand out for their audio prowess, this film defies such expectations with a sound mix that equally respects both its rocking riffs and insightful commentary.

Moreover, the inclusion of optional English closed captions alongside the main audio tracks underscores the filmmakers’ commitment to accessibility. The humorous touch added by Earl Hackney’s commentary track—highlighting his unexpected popularity due to his entertaining delivery—adds a personal layer to the film’s auditory component. Overall, the audio presentation of "A Band Called Death" is a testament to the skillful handling of sound in a documentary format, ensuring that both its music and its message are delivered with equal parts energy and eloquence.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray extras for "A Band Called Death" provide an enriching, multi-faceted view into the documentary's creation, the band's history, and their unexpected resurgence. The dual commentary tracks serve as the cornerstone of the extras, offering unique insights from both the filmmakers—Mark Covino and Jeff Howlett—and the Hackney family, with each group providing different perspectives on the documentary and the band's legacy. Particularly notable are the extensive deleted scenes, which afford a deeper dive into the band's story and its impact. The live performance at SXSW 2013 and the various Q&A sessions, including those from SXSW 2010 and the Vermont International Film Festival, give fans a front-row seat to the band's reemergence and contemporaneous reflections. The inclusion of music videos, trailers, and a thoughtfully compiled insert booklet augments the comprehensive celebration of Death's pioneering role in punk music.

Extras included in this disc:

Commentary with Directors Mark Covino and Jeff Howlett: Insightful recollections from the film's production phase and their relationship with the Hackney family.

Commentary with the Hackney Family: Offers new perspectives from the family, reflecting on the documentary and their journey.

DEATH Live at SXSW 2013 (Blu-ray Exclusive): An exhilarating hour of concert footage showcasing the band's live prowess.

Q&A at SXSW 2010: Panel discussion delving into the band's origins with key members.

Q&A at Vermont International Film Festival: A dialogue with the band and directors on the documentary.

Deleted Scenes: A treasure trove of footage offering extended insights into the band's history and influence.

Let the World Turn Music Video: A crisply presented live performance video directed by Covino, showcasing the band's dynamic energy.

Trailers for A Band Called Death and related programs: Promotional materials providing a glimpse into the band's reemergence and historical context.

Trailers: A compilation of trailers for related films and projects.

Insert: A booklet containing photos, credits, an introduction by Wayne Kramer, and an essay by Zack Carlson, enhancing the disc's collectibility.

"A Band Called Death" (ABCD) intricately unfolds the untold story of the Hackney brothers—David, Bobby, and Dannis—from Detroit, who daringly morphed from their Motown roots to forge a unique sound that predated punk rock by several years. This documentary, brought to life through the meticulous direction of Mark Covino and Jeff Howlett, delves deep into a saga not just of music lost and rediscovered but is a profound narrative of familial bonds, unyielded convictions, and a spirit undampened by adversity. Set against Detroit's gritty backdrop in the 70s, influenced by rock icons like The Who and Alice Cooper, ABCD charts an alternative music genesis story, one where the band Death, despite their groundbreaking sound, remained obscured from mainstream success due to their unwavering stand on their name.

The narrative is enriched with archival footage, intimate family interviews, and first-hand accounts from the Hackney family and significant figures within the music industry, painting a vivid picture of a journey marked by innovation, loss, and eventual vindication. The brothers' initial brush with potential fame crumbled when David's refusal to change the band's name led to their music languishing unheard for decades. The documentary doesn't dwell on what could have been but instead highlights the indomitable legacy left by David and the subsequent rediscovery of Death's music in the digital era—ushering in a long-overdue celebration of their pioneering sound.

Central to ABCD's emotional core is the Hackney family's resilience and unwavering faith in each other amidst personal and collective trials. Their story transcends music; it inscribes the power of legacy and the undying belief in one's art. The film climaxes poignantly with a reflection on death—not as an end but a continuance—underlined by the familial spirit that led to Death's music finally reaching its audience. Covino and Howlett have not merely chronicled a band's history but encapsulated an ethos of perseverance, familial fidelity, and the ultimate affirmation of life through the legacy of music.

"A Band Called Death" on 4K UHD Blu-Ray offers an enthralling and deeply poignant exploration into the world of two distinct bands sharing the evocative name "Death." The documentary, expertly crafted by Howlett and Covino, delves into the enduring legacy of the Detroit-based Hackney brothers, who predated the Florida metal band by over a decade. The film elegantly balances the intricacies of the music world, the Hackney family's emotional journey, and a broader exploration of the themes of legacy and spiritual continuity. It takes a deep dive into how the Hackney brothers waited thirty-five years to receive recognition for their pioneering sound, all the while maintaining a fervent dedication to their band's profound name. This saga is portrayed with the utmost respect and technical prowess, featuring a striking DTS-HD audio track that captures the raw intensity of their music, alongside a vivid 1080p transfer that brings their story to life.

The achievement of "A Band Called Death" transcends mere documentary filmmaking, offering a narrative that appeals to both aficionados of music documentaries and viewers previously unacquainted with this underappreciated band. Its ability to entertain, enlighten, and engage audiences across the spectrum stands as a testament to the film's quality and the compelling nature of its subject. Drafthouse Films' exceptional handling of this release ensures that the Hackney brothers' pioneering impact on music is presented with both clarity and emotional depth, making it difficult for any viewer to simply "put this one back on the shelf."

In conclusion, "A Band Called Death" is an essential viewing experience that masterfully interweaves a rich tapestry of musical innovation, personal sacrifice, and undying perseverance. Its compelling storyline, enriched by stellar audiovisual quality, makes it not only a landmark achievement in documentary filmmaking but also an enlightening exploration of a pivotal yet overlooked chapter in music history. For its profound narrative, technical excellence, and engaging presentation, this documentary earns our highest recommendation.