Nirvana: With the Lights Out
Nirvana: With the Lights Out

Movie spotlight

Nirvana: With the Lights Out

2004
Movie
101 min
English

Highlighted on the With The Lights Out DVD is a previously unreleased video of nine songs performed in 1988 at bassist Krist Novoselic's mother's house in Aberdeen, Washington; the rare "In Bloom" Sub Pop music video, and 10 never-before-seen live performances. Noteworthy among them are debut renditions of "Pennyroyal Tea", "Smells Like Teen Spirit" both from early 1991. Also premiering is an unlikely performance of Jacques Brel and Rod McKuen's "Seasons In The Sun" shot at a Rio de Janeiro studio.

Insights

IMDb8.0/10
Director: Nirvana, John Hillcoat, Kevin Kerslake, Steve JonesGenres: Documentary, Music

Plot Summary

This comprehensive box set chronicles the iconic band Nirvana from their early days to their tragic end. It features a vast collection of unreleased audio and video material, offering an intimate look at the band's creative process, live performances, and personal moments. The set includes demos, rehearsals, music videos, and live concert footage, providing a deep dive into the influential grunge pioneers.

Critical Reception

"With the Lights Out" was widely praised by critics and fans for its exhaustive collection of rare and unreleased material, offering unprecedented insight into Nirvana's artistry and evolution. It is considered an essential purchase for any serious Nirvana fan, providing a definitive look at the band's legacy.

What Reviewers Say

  • An incredibly thorough and illuminating collection for dedicated fans.

  • Provides rare footage and audio that deepens understanding of the band's sound and image.

  • A fitting tribute to one of music's most influential bands.

Google audience: Fans lauded the extensive collection of unreleased material, praising its depth and the opportunity to revisit Nirvana's formative years and powerful performances. Many appreciated the historical significance and the comprehensive nature of the box set as a definitive look at the band's career.

Fun Fact

The box set's title, "With the Lights Out," is a direct reference to the opening line of Nirvana's hit song "Smells Like Teen Spirit": "Load up on guns, bring your friends / It's fun to lose and to pretend / She's over-bored and self-assured / Oh no, I know a dirty word / Hello, hello, hello, how low / Hello, hello, hello, how low / Hello, hello, hello, how low / With the lights out, it's less dangerous / Here we are now, entertain us / I feel stupid and contagious / Here we are now, entertain us..."

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