"When I first purchased this, I doubted whether or not I had made a sound purchase. Of course I hadn't watched the DVD yet, so that was just stupidity on my part. I mean I already had the regular edition and the packaging itself, while very nice, isn't worth the money. Then I actually watched the DVD, what a novel idea!? Clandestine. Where do I begin? I don't think I will. I have several ideas what its about, but I will leave them inside my head so as not to offend anyone. I will say that it manages to be ingenious, funny, and haunting at the same time. I was creeped out half the time and laughed out loud at one point. Jade's soundtrack is the definative one, but personally I like Hunter's, I have a soft-spot for good bass-work! So, in short, great item to have. Certainly not one of my favorite pieces of cinema, but I'm glad I have it. Now, the main attraction. 5.1 mixes of Death of Seasons, Silver and Cold, ...but home is nowhere, The Great Dissapointment, and Reiver's Music. While having Reiver's Music is technically the real kicker, these songs are the best use of 5.1 audio I have ever heard. These mixes are simply [insert cliche positive adjective here]. A must have if you don't already own Sing the Sorrow, but also worth getting if you do have it, if you're a huge AFI fan."
AFI's Masterwork
J. Flynn | Hampden, MA USA | 04/27/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Alright, I'm going to review this in 2 parts, owing to the 2 discs:1- Tha Album
Sing the Sorrow is AFI's most polished, fully-realized work to date. Their newfound major label status hasn't done anything to their sound that they weren't already doing anyway, it just gave them the funds and producers to make it sound better than ever. The lyrics are top-notch, as is the music. This is, hands down, AFI's best album thus far.2- The DVD
I'll be frank here: Clandestine (the short film by the band) is somewhat bizarre. A silent, nigh-Lynchian effort, with alternate soundtracks. I prefer Jade's, myself. But it's creative, and interesting to watch. As for the music tracks, the 5.1 mix is excellent if you've got the system for it, and just getting the bonus track (Reiver's Music, from the Now The World picture vinyl) is worth it.Also, the hard-bound book (containing the lyrics and pictures of the band) is very nice, and well-suited to accompany the album and DVD.
All in all, the Special Edition is a must-have for hardcore fans of AFI. However, casual fans may wish to simply get the standard edition, sans DVD and book."
Buy this in ADDITION to Sing The Sorrow
hysteriapara | NC United States | 10/16/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I wasn't exactly sure what i was getting myself into with a "limited edition w/ Bonus DVD" thing. but, i haven't regreted it one bit! this package gives you Sing the Sorrow, a beautifully illustrated book, and a DVD which contains a short film (done by AFI, acted by AFI) and great sound enhanced versions of some of the songs off the album and one not on the album, riever's song. yea, it's definately worth the extra money. because now, you have a copy for in your car and in your house...i do not joke, it's actually quite smart. If you are skeptical about the short film, well, let me put it this way, it's very college-film-school-esque, but it's the best i've ever seen. It is a silent film, but dear lord, stop being dumb, and get it, it's amazing."
Well worth it if you're a die-hard fan
Dragonsgrrl | Olympia, WA United States | 03/08/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I had no qualms paying fifty bucks for my copy of this, but then, I am a complete and utter devotee of all things AFI. Granted, I am a relatively new fan, but still no less devoted than the ones who have been around since their inception. Since I've already written a review of STS from a musical standpoint for the CD, I will go by the DVD. Clandestine is a companion piece to the album, meant to guide you in your path of discovering its meaning. It's rife with clues and hints that tie in directly with songs. AFI in no way spells it out for you, you have to figure it out on your own. But I tell you, once it hits you, it's mind-blowing. But this edition is really only going to appeal to the die-hards. The casual fan just doesn't care about the underlying theme of this album, and therefore will just be wasting their money. Otherwise, it is WELL worth the money and time spent on this. OH, and let's not forget the 5.1 remixes of some of the songs, and the fact that you get Reiver's Music, which is only otherwise available on the 336 vinyl (also out of print and hard to find). Anyways, if you love AFI as much as I do, get this as soon as you can get your hands on a copy."