Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

Few bands have taken the world by storm since their inception. Sure, the Beatles were big and the Rolling Stones were pretty successful from the beginning. However, no band has achieved the complete and insurmountable success as quick as The Greatest Band On Earth, Tenacious D.

Jack Black and Kyle Gass compose Tenacious D and are primed to take over the rock world. In 2001, they released their debut self-titled album to much critical acclaim. The fans clamored for more and a tour soon followed and quickly out grossed every other band for the calendar year. Of course, the fans still weren’t happy. They wanted more. So, Tenacious D responded with a fury by releasing their first full length DVD, Tenacious D: The Complete Master Works.

(Please note that the previous two paragraphs contain slight exaggerations)

Tenacious D: The Complete Master Works is a two-disc DVD opus that fulfills every D fan’s fantasy and probably creates a few more. The first disc contains Tenacious D’s complete concert from London’s Brixton Academy from November 2, 2002. The set list covers just about their entire catalog. It’s also important to note, that it’s more than a concert, but a journey through the friendship of JB and KG via dueling acoustic guitars.

I'm a little leery about listing the entire setlist from the show. I know that I personally would like to know the setlist before I purchase any music/concert DVD so I'm choosing to share with you. I will not analyze every song, only highlighting some of the most entertaining and outrageous cuts:

Flash, Wonderboy, Explosivo, Medley, Karate, Kyle Quit the Band, Friendship, Kielbasa, Dio, The Road, The Cosmic Shame, FHG, Tribute, Rock Your Socks, Double Team

The concert starts off a little slow with Flash, but then kicks in with a rocking, yet acoustic version of Wonderboy during which Black slays an inflatable dragon. The real genius of the show starts with Medley. KG starts with a nice little classical guitar jam. Soon to follow is JB with some a capella instructions. The classical jam moves into a cover of the Blue Oyster Cult classic, Don't Fear The Reaper. Black changes the lyrics and finally concludes that it doesn't work without the cowbell (thank you Will Farrell). Next up in the medley is the D's version of Paranoid Android by Radiohead. Once again, Black changes the lyrics yet it remains incredibly entertaining.

During the midpoint of the concert, tension erupts during Karate. Black gets upset and Kyle quits the band. So, what better to follow than Kyle Quit The Band? As always, Tenacious D works out their differences and a rocking Friendship wraps up the mini-soap opera (or maybe rock opera).

The concert comes to an epic end with probably their four best songs. FHG kicks it off and what a way to begin. This is my favorite D song and it’s always a welcome presence in the setlist. This is one of those songs that contains some serious adult language, so stay away if you are squeamish. Tribute is up next and it proceeds to rock your socks off. Of course, the only thing that can follow is Rock Your Socks and it continues the theme. Finally the concert wraps up with Double Team.

Along with the concert, there are the six episodes from HBO's Mr. Show where Tenacious D first made their appearance. They truly are a treat. The shorts focus on the development of the band and the trials and tribulations that they faced before they became the "Greatest Band On Earth." One of the highlights takes place on "The Fan." Tenacious D makes contact with their first die-hard fan. First, they think he's stalking them. Quickly, the tables turn and The D begin stalking him. This episode is only eclipsed by "Road Gig." The boys get their first gig away from their home turf and end up upon a cult where the only escape is via a battle of the bands with the feds.

While the first disc is for the fans, the second disc is for the "psycho fans." There is some hilarious stuff included, as well as some things that just don't click. The only items that don't work on the entire collection are the three HBO short films. While I can handle farts jokes better than anyone, all three shorts fail to achieve any degree of humor. Sure, Tenacious D can be vulgar and disgusting, but there's always satire and parody included. In these shorts, there is neither.

So, what's good on the second disc? Well, just about everything else. There are three television appearances included from Mad TV, Crank Yankers and Late Night With Conan O'Brien. The Mad TV performance of Tribute is simply one of the best television performances that I've ever seen by any band. The Crank Yankers appearance actually sees Tenacious D taking on puppet form with all of their nude glory. Certainly it's a sight to be seen. The performance of Wonderboy on Conan is good, but not up to par with the other two.

Three music videos are also included and all three are excellent. Tribute focuses on the creation of the world's greatest song as demanded by an evil demon played by Foo Fighter's own Dave Grohl. The video for Wonderboy is an epic directed by Spike Jonze. Finally, FHG is an animated version of the song. If you are aware of what the theme of FHG is about, you'll understand why it has to be animated. Still, it's a hilarious video yet certainly not for the kiddos.

There are also two psuedo documentaries within the collection. The Tenacious D On The Road Documentary chronicles the band on tour. It focuses on the dynamics of the band and the crew. Of course, everyone is completely self aware as is evident from the hilarious diary entries from both Jack Black and Kyle Gass. The second documentary takes place during the recording of the band's debut record. There is some fun and entertaining stuff included here especially at the expense of Black.

Be sure not to miss the three Easter eggs included on the main menu of disc two. Maneuver to either cactus for both of the commercials that advertised The Osbournes on MTV with Tenacious D in full Ozzy mode. Check out the mask for a funny, yet somewhat crude ad for the album.

Without question, Tenacious D: The Complete Master Works is a great DVD. However, is it for everyone? Obviously, the answer is no. If you don't like Tenacious D, Jack Black individually or extremely crude language and humor, this DVD has absolutely no place on your shelf. But, if you have the cd and enjoy it, you'll love this collection. If you like Jack Black, well, you've probably already purchased these discs. If you enjoy great rock and roll with a satirical, yet goofy edge to it, you'll also want to find a place among your other discs for this wonderful musical tour de force.


Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Good for Groups
Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age