New Jam, Doors Footage Comes to DVD With Help From RITY


Paul Weller of The Jam makes short work of his befuddled questioner during 1981's infamous "Scampi and Chips" interview from Swedish television. The footage was provided by RITY for the celebrated Complete Jam DVD release.

SAN DIEGO, CA: Reelin' In The Years Productions has recently made significant contributions to two highly anticipated music DVD titles, The Complete Jam, and The Doors' Soundstage Performances.

Now representing over 22 television stations worldwide, RITY has amassed the world's largest archive of musical footage. "It's a privilege to be involved with such top-notch products and people," said RITY president David Peck. "This footage is bound to excite Jam and Doors fans. We work in a wonderful business, but moments like these are particularly gratifying."

The critically acclaimed double-DVD Complete Jam package has set a new standard for music DVDs. Produced in England by Universal Music, the title celebrates the groundbreaking trio's 25th anniversary, and is topping the music video charts there. It is now being released in the United States.

Reelin' In The Years Productions worked with Universal's Jo Cavanagh and Jane Murch to include rare Jam footage from two of RITY's clients, Sweden's SVT and VARA in the Netherlands.

The 1981 Swedish material from the SVT program Mändagsbörsen is of particular interest because, in addition to stirring performances of "Absolute Beginners," "Tales From The Riverbank" and "Funeral Pyre," there is an amusing interview segment in which a bored and annoyed bandleader Paul Weller provides nonsensical answers to his clueless questioner. Uncut magazine said in its five-star review of the DVD, "Weller's legendary Swedish 'scampi and chips' interview shouldn't be missed."

In other RITY-provided Complete Jam material, surreal visuals kick off a live-on-film performance of "Start!" from Amsterdam's legendary Paradiso club that was originally broadcast by VARA's Popkrant in 1981.

A rare 1968 in-studio performance of the Doors landed in the hands of fans for the first time on DVD October 24 when Eagle Rock released The Doors' Soundstage Performances. The Doors' Danny Sugerman asked RITY to negotiate a deal for this footage on behalf of the band with Denmark's DR Television, a former RITY client.

The show is a particular favorite of The Doors themselves, not just due to its pristine sound and video quality, but because it offers an intimate, close-up look at the group's concert set. "The TV was in tight on him, so you can watch Jim up close. You never get to see him up close when you come to see The Doors in person," recalls keyboardist Ray Manzarek. "But here he is. Watch the emotion. Listen to the words of the man." Performed during the dreamlike, early morning taping are "Whiskey Bar," "Back Door Man," "Love Me Two Times," "When The Music's Over," and "Unknown Soldier."

RITY's Peck also served as a consultant on the entire Doors DVD, which includes a 1967 appearance in Canada and a performance on WNET, the New York PBS affiliate. "It took a while to get both sides to agree to terms," said Peck, "but it was worth it to see this footage finally released."