This is a review based on a screener copy.
Kelly Clarkson – Behind Hazel Eyes is a behind the scenes look at the former American Idol winner. The documentary format suits the work well. We get to see Kelly revisiting her old high school haunts, in the studio, and going camping with her girl friends (among other things). The portrait that emerges, or the portrait Kelly wants to have emerge (a slightly more cynical opinion), is of a young woman who hasn’t lost touch with her “roots”.
Right…from the very first scene, Ms. Clarkson presents an image that is slightly self-depricating. She’s not afraid to make fun of herself, or this video. I suppose this is refreshing. You never know with these things if this “down home” act is for real. Generally, I do think Clarkson is genuine in her goofiness. Unlike Britney Spears, Kelly has a naturalness that is not “glamed up”. We see the Idol star skipping rope in her old high school and playing on her old playground. We also get to see baby pictures…awww. There are also snippets of her in the studio. We get to see an “insider” look at how songs are created, and get a little bit of musical theory too. The camping scenes are also slightly amusing, as the girls aren’t afraid to send up The Blair Witch Project.
Audio
I was a little alarmed by the harshness off the top. Fans were screaming for Kelly, but I’m guessing that’s the source material. For the most part this 2.0 Dolby Digital mix is clear and clean. It’s very front heavy. Rear speakers are barely used. But this is an “intimate” portrait. Not a lot of scope here.
Video
Presented in 1.78:1 Widescreen, the feature (which I assume was shot on digital video) looks as good as it can get. Some of the lighting looks a bit flooded at times, but I suppose that adds to the whole “cinema verite” feel of the video. Some graininess creeps in from time to time, but overall the image is clean. Ms. Clarkson is not glamourous in this video. Her “down home” natural quality comes through (which was intentional). For what it is, this is a “good” looking video transfer.
Special Features
On this screener copy, I think I was able to detect a “making of” featurette for her video “Breakway”. This is a 4 minute feature that shows us a “behind the scenes” look at the making of her biggest hit. It’s an appropriate song to deconstruct, as the lyrics are relevant to her situation. Kelly had to “break away” from her home town in order to “learn how to fly”. Like Kelly Clarkson, we all must follow our dream, but not lose sight of where we come from. Sniff.
Final Thoughts
For fans mostly. But we do catch a glimpse as to what’s behind Kelly Clarkson’s eyes. And I guess they’re hazel. The “behind the scenes” documentary has been done before, but I found the goofy tone of this video kind of charming. I hate to be admitting this. I won’t go out and buy her album, but it’s nice to know she’s not an airhead.
Special Features List
- “Making of” Video
