Synopsis
Hard Core Logo is a “documentary” about a fictional Canadian band of the same name and their last tour/reunion. Watch as the guys head off across the country and their van dies, gigs go very wrong and things start to unravel. Starring Hugh Dillon of the band The Headstones this is a rock and roll film without any frills, down and dirty and truer to life then most would admit.
Video
Being that this is supposed to be a documentary the look of the film is bleak and g…itty 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer. The look is unmistakably of documentary quality, colors are washed out and drab with inky blacks that obscure details. This is not a bad thing though as it adds to the feeling of authenticity. Menus are not animated but are scored.
Audio
Being that this is supposed to be a documentary the audio with this 5.1 Dolby Digital audio track is all over the place. Dialogue is generally easy to understand but can be a little difficult to decipher at times. Live band performances are just like real life and tend to distort. Overall things are pretty decent though, the other issue is that bass is lacking. The rears channels are only used occasionally but are put to good use in the Bucky Haight Peyote scene. Also even though the audio is somewhat all over the map it is supposed to be a documentary.
Special Features
Special features start off the original trailer for the film and cast and crew biographies. Next up is a Headstones music video from their first video and a Hard Core Logo video for the song “Who the Hell Do You Think You Are”. Lastly we have a commentary that is better then probably any other commentary I have heard to date with Bruce Campbell (director), Hugh Dillon and screenwriter Noel Baker. I almost forgot that there is also a “tribute” CD to Hard Core Logo featuring some very cool Canadian bands and a magazine about the film. I know this doesn’t sound like much but when you get a good look at it this is overall one of the coolest packages for a film ever.
Final Thoughts
Hard Core Logo is a fictional documentary about a fictional band with a tribute by real bands singing fictional songs. Only in Canada I tell you but, it is one of the best rock and roll films I have ever seen. At no point in time watching this film do you think that this thing is just a big joke, everything feels very real. We have great performances especially Hugh Dillon (who is the front man for the band The Headstones) and the rest of the cast, a tight well written script and a story that makes you laugh and suffer along with the band as their careers come to and end. If you are a fan of rock and roll then this is for you……raises lighter.
Special Features List
- Trailers
- Music Videos
- Audio Commentary
Screenshots
