Duran Duran DVD review

DURAN DURAN
Classic Albums: Rio
(Eagle Vision)
Grade: A

For audiophiles, the “Classic Albums” series (which has aired periodically on VH1 since the early ‘90s) is must see TV. It’s always fascinating to watch veteran musicians sit at a mixing board and show how various parts of a track came together.

The latest installment focuses on Rio, one of Duran Duran’s most successful releases. This insightful DVD runs more than two hours. It features interviews and song demonstrations by four of the British band’s original members, who also perform live in an exclusive studio session. Bob Geldof, MTV co-founder John Sykes, director Russell Mulcahy and other key players from the ‘80s provide additional insight.

Keyboardist Nick Rhodes unveils sonic secrets behind “Save a Prayer” and “The Chauffeur,” bassist John Taylor tells why “Hold Back the Rain” was so complex and drummer Roger Taylor notes “Duran Duran was really a rock band with synths…everything we touched seemed to turn to gold.” Indeed. Rio went multi-platinum, spawned the hit title track and “Hungry Like the Wolf,” plus several iconic music videos. Overall, an excellent time capsule.