Disco de INXS: “I'm Only Looking: The Best of INXS”

If, like me, you were the first generation of MTV watchers, then INXS was a band you also saw around the clock, particularly in 1987/88. Rhino Records does a pretty good job of rounding up key videos, live footage, rare videos and interviews on this two disc set.

Disc One: 25 of their most famous videos all remastered in 5.1 surround sound or DTS, your choice. The videos document the band's progression throughout their entire career with an absence of any material from their second album, "Underneath The Colours". I enjoyed watching some of the videos I somehow missed over the years plus revisiting the ones everyone knows--particularly "What You Need" and "Need You Tonight/Mediate". To me, the one glaring omission is 1987's "Good Times" video from "The Lost Boys" motion picture. Any omissions seem minor compared to the generousity of 25 videos, plus several others on disc two.

Disc Two: Also remasterd in 5.1 surround sound or DTS. This makes for enjoyable listening when viewing 10 selected live performances from throughout the band's career. This, too, gives a progression of how the band changed and matured over the years. Michael certainly seems more self assured by the time of "Elegantly Wasted". I could have done without the four remixed videos. There really wasn't anything to see with them, just four remixed/extended versions of four songs from "X". The 18 minute documentary surrounding "Welcome To Wherever You Are" was okay, but didn't really give any insight into this popular band. The independently directed videos from "Full Moon, Dirty Hearts" were amusing, particularly the video for "Make Your Peace". It was nice to see Ray Charles and Michael in the video for "Please (You Got That...)". The rare and unreleased videos were also interesting, and this is where "Good Times" ought to have been placed but wasn't. Of interest are the videos for "Everything", "Searching" and "Don't Lose Your Head"--all from "Elegantly Wasted", which should have received more airplay back in 1997. The only video I ever saw was "Elegantly Wasted". The 18 minute behind the scenes documentary was somewhat annoying because the music slightly overwhelmed the dialogue from manager Chris Murphy, director Richard Lowenstein and band members as they recounted making their videos. You see clips of some videos that were not included on this compilation too! In fact, there's even mention of a video for "Guns In The Sky" which does not see the light of day on this compilation. Lastly, the photo montage of the band throughout the years set to an instrumental, orchestrated version of "Baby Don't Cry" was good. There's a segment about the band's website as well. When I went to the website the one thing that disappointed me was that fans do not have access to any desktop wallpaper or images of the band. In fact, the site says that only media people can access such material. Gee, Van Halen offers fans desktop wallpaper, as well as many other bands, but not Inxs.

So, for a career spanning collection, this is above average but could have been even more complete.

I was introduced to much of INXS' back catalogue via this release. While I had owned a few INXS albums for several years this 2-DVD set gave me a much broader experience of their back catalog via video, live performances, and documentary.

First of all, Rhino does it once again. The remastering on here is absolutely stunning! While only a part of INXS' catalog was remastered in 2002 the mastering on this DVD set is much, much better! The songs have never had so much depth and range! Compare the 2002 CD remaster of "Disappear" to the 2004 remaster featured here in the video. A huge difference!

The remastering is a real treat on the earlier cuts, such as "The One Thing" and "Original Sin." They've obviously gone back to the original master tapes and worked to give us brilliant new sound. The drums have never sounded crisper. The guitars have never sounded lounder. The 5.1 mix is EXCEPTIONAL! The clarity is unbelievable!

Disc two features a ton of rare and unreleased material. My favorite of the live cuts is "Searching" - a performance which I had never seen before. The sound quality is stunning, and the band's performance is one of their best, in my opinion.

As pointed out in several other reviews, several videos are missing from this collection, including "Burn For You". I can only hope that Rhino/Atlantic/Warner will issue another DVD disc collection of these missing videos in addition to the remaining 'Pictures From A Full Moon.'

Even though some rare material is missing I cannot rate this below five stars. The sound quality alone merits a 5-star rating. With nearly 4.5 hours of material, this 2-DVD set is one of the best video compilations I've ever bought - and for a very good price. It's worth twice as much as the listed price.

If you're looking for a definitive INXS video collection - this is it. The "New Sensation" video at Wembley Stadium continues to give me chills. Highly recommended!

This is such an awesome 2 disc collection. I thought no DVD collection could top the Pet Shop Boys Pop Art but I think this trumps that. The first disc contains a lot of INXS videos, I think 25. The reason I say I think is because I have heard their are hidden videos. Also, I noticed the video for "Dancing On The Jetty" isn't on here and I know one exists I saw it on Launch. The videos look awesome and the title screen is easy to navigate and interesting to look at.

Disc two contains mega extras like live performances and much more. The packaging is nice and the discs are arranged so they almost lye on top of one another. If you watch the videos on disc one in order you can hear commentary from group members.

There are a few things that I noticed. If you select a video and go to it on the menu and watch a video, it's followed by commentary of the following video. You can just skip the commentary. If you hit the skip, it will take you to the commentary for the next video, so essentially you have to go back to the disc menu to select the video.

The DVD also includes a full color booklet. It''s just a really great collection with a ton of extras. I will be enjoying this for weeks.

Disc #1 is fun in a flash-back kind of way, remembering the early days of MTV and how INXS was setting trends in music and music videos. It's also interesting to see how their early stuff has obviously influenced modern bands like The Killers and Franz Ferdinand.

But the real gem is Disc #2. Tons of footage from their concert tours spanning 20 years, behind the scenes material, commentary, and candids. There are a bunch of 12 minute long remixes by popular DJs set to fantastic tour footage, a couple of short documentaries, and some really great videos that weren't commercially released, which is a shame because they are high quality, and the guys and Michael look great. Strangest Party and the soundtrack for Face Off, Don't Lose Your Head, are two videos that come to mind that I wish were being played on MTV and VH1 today.

The best part about this set is realizing how much terrific music this band has created, and watching them perform it live is a truly savory experience. I highly recommend this set, and the price can't be beat.