Slade in Flame (2007) 
DVD-9: PAL 720x576 (16:9) VBR | Dolby Digital 2.0 ch / LPCM 2.0 ch
2007 | Salvo / Union Square, USPDVD014 | Scans Included | ~ 7.76 Gb
Rock / Glam Rock / Hard Rock 1973 was undoubtedly Slade's best year career wise. Four hit singles, three of
them straight to number one on the day of release, a greatest hits
compilation (Sladest) in the charts. Slade even became the first band to
play (and sell out) a gig at Earl's Court. A Christmas record they
can't shake even to this day. The biggest downside news though was a car
accident where drummer Don Powell came close to losing his life. Where
to go next in 1974? Chas, according to Dave Hill used the Beatles as a
blue print for Slade's career. Hit singles; hit albums; successful tours
all over the most of the world, the next logical step would have to be a
movie as The Beatles had done ten years earlier with `A Hard Day's
Night'. So, a good part of 1974 would be spent filming the movie and
recording the soundtrack.
`Slade in Flame' hit the cinema in 1975 followed very quickly with a
British tour. However, Slade found that the tour was not a big sell out
as previous tours had been. What could be the problem? To this day some
think Slade's delve into the movie business was a mistake. The problem
was Slade in Flame did not portray Slade but a fictional band Flame's
rise and fall from grace. Although the screenplay used real events from
rock history it was not the story of Slade. It appeared fans could not
differentiate truth from reality (or could they?).
Thirty-two years later, Slade In Flame is regarded as one of the best
rock movies ever made. So what was wrong back in 1975 when it was
released? When Slade's manager Chas Chandler put the `feelers' out for
scripts for a Slade movie most, were unworkable. A spoof of The
Quatermass Experiment (entitled `The Quite-A-Mess Experiment) was
thankfully shelved. Slade wanted to make a movie of substance, a real
underbelly, and nitty, gritty story.
Along with up and coming actor Tom Conti (this being only his second
movie role), Johnny Shannon almost repeating his role from `Performance'
and Diana Dors' husband Alan Lake, Slade set off as one newspaper
reviewer wrote at the time to `Blow the glamorous skin off the pop world
like a blow torch'. The film is very dark, only has limited humour but
is all the better for it. This was Slade saying that when you do rise to
the top, it is not what most would imagine. It is not all sweetness and
light.
The story (directed by Richard Longcraine) is of two bands who split to
form one, Iron Rod and later Flame. It shows, dodgy managers, thugs and
is very seedy in parts. The bands fall from grace sees internal
arguments between Stoker (Noddy Holder) and Paul (Jim Lea). The other
members of the band Barry (Dave Hill) whose fame soon goes to his head,
using the roadie of old to fetch and carry for him and lastly the most
welcome comedy element comes from Charlie (Don Powell) who is just along
for the ride. Tom Conti plays Seymour, the Simon Cowell of the day,
using the band to make some money and not really caring for the music.
Seymour is man who is more used to selling large amounts of cigarettes
than music. Johnny Shannon is Ron Harding trying to get his old band
back when they hit the big time with an old contract, which according to
Seymour `ties them up for ever'. Sara Clee play Angie Barry's
girlfriend who later Stoker later happily steals away.
The music still stands up so well. The masterpiece of `How Does It Feel'
on the opening and closing credits fits perfectly. The album however
only reached number 6 in the charts and this really was the start of
Slade's first decline. They would however bounce back in the early
1980's.
Slade as actors all do a grand job. Nod having no problems, Don having
his own little bit mid-way through the movie is impressive as is Jim who
basically plays himself as the one who does not really like the fame
and public intrusion. Dave Hill's highlight as the one living the rock
star lifestyle immediately, is in the car showroom where he want to
purchase a Rolls Royce with some very much needed comic relief.
Reviews for this movie include: `The greatest rock movie ever made' (Q
Magazine), `A fascinating and at times incredible piece of work' (Uncut)
and `The Citizen Cane of British pop pics' (Mojo). Even Barry Norman
who never pulled any punches said at the time of release `For all its
failings it has some sort of charm at the end of the day',
This release is the best one to date. The film has been remastered and
uses the full Cinemascope edition. The set also includes the album
soundtrack, a 16-page booklet (includes comments from Jim Lea) and most
importantly, a brand new retrospective documentary that includes
comments all of the band as well as director Richard Loncraine and Tom
Conti.
By Geoffrey Lake, amazon Slade in Flame (2007): 
Tracklist: 1. How Does It Feel
2. Them Kinda Monkeys Can’t Swing
3. So Far So Good
4. Summer Song (Wishing You Were Here)
5. OK Yesterday Was Yesterday
6. Far Far Away
7. This Girl
8. Lay It Down
9. Heaven Knows
10. Standin’ On The Corner
All thanks go to the original releaser Disponible sólo a los usuarios 
