DVD : Stomp Out Loud / Brooms [1995]

Rating: - rhythmic brilliance
What astounds me about these dance/percussion numbers is their intricacy, which must have required relentless rehearsing, and yet there is almost an improvisational, immediate quality about them; some of them are performed on a stage, some on location in New York City, and they seamlessly segue from one to another. I especially like the transition from the alley ball game into the kitchen with the marvelous cigar-chomping chef.

This innovative show was created in the early 90s in the U.K. by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas (who met in 1981 as members of a street band called "Pookiesnackenburger") and they share directorial credits for this HBO film; the show in its stage version has received numerous awards with its many productions around the globe.
Some of these performers have star quality, and it's a shame names are not put to the faces, but with so many different casts world-wide, even the ones in this film remain only as part of a list in alphabetical order. The cinematography is also excellent, by Christophe Lanzenberg.
One would think that a wordless show with only percussion for music would become monotonous, but it captures and holds our attention because of its imaginitive skill, its humor, and the talent and energy of its performers. Dance fans will love "Stomp Out Loud". Total running time is 50 minutes, and that includes a 5 minute sketch on the who, how, and where of the film.

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Rating: - Unbelievable, totally, totally UNBELIEVABLE!
I saw the "Stomp" cast perform in London in December 2002, and I was just absolutely blown away by what they could do with everything from refuse can lids to plastic bags. This DVD was being sold in the lobby, and there was no question that I would buy it. Sadly, it was "confiscated" by a relative a few months ago and hasn't been given back yet, but that just shows that everyone loves, loves, LOVES it. This DVD is magnificent, with the Stomp people doing their stuff in a stage show in New York, but also in other milieux, including an awe-inspiring rhythm piece that is mostly underwater. There is humour in the programme, too - a laugh-out-loud "Stomp" scene in a restaurant kitchen and a short segment in which four regular guys do a "Stomp" thing with their keys. This is not a DVD to be missed - you will be tapping your toes while you watch, and it will not leave you for a long, long time.

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Rating: - Be dazzled, be inspired
In the opening sequence, performers from the group hang suspended high above the city of Manhattan, banging on all kinds of iron and metal junk, that instantly leaves you tapping with whatever is available. Then, in sequences using basketballs in the street, rhythmic havoc in a kitchen with a cool sense of humour, playing pipes underneath a bridge, tapping and honking in a car as well as several other high-intensive acts filmed live on stage, the dvd is dazzling and inspiring beyond what can be captured in words. My son at age 2 taps with toy drum sticks on everything in the apartment as he mimicks what he hears and sees on the screen. Soon, my whole family will create a Stomp act on our own (for our own enjoyment only!), but that is only to show how infectious it is. If you are into intoxicating percussion, don't hesitate to buy it, you won't be disappointed!

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Rating: - Absolutly amazing!
What percussion! These guys rock the room with sounds and rythms born in the street and pieced together to form a "symphony". Stomp have taken everyday objects like dustbins and barrels and written emotive music that's sure to get you banging your coffee table with the remote control! Being a drummer I appreciate the timing and rythm that Stomp accomplish, every track on this disk is awesome and mood inspiring, they capture the heart of their audience with ease and hold one their attention to the last stroke. This is definately the type of music video that I'd watch over and over, well done Stomp for being original.