Wetlands Preserved (2007/First Run Features)
Picture:
C Sound: B- Extras: C+ Documentary: B-
In its
time, a very important and little-discussed venue in New York City called
Wetlands was a very important center for music, running an entire decade before
“Giuliani Time” made sure it was pushed out of its location. That may have even been for political
reasons, though the former mayor’s drive to makeover New York by erasing its
culture and replacing it with a cartoon version is as much a part of the
madness as anything. Johnathan Healey’s
cleverly named Wetlands Preserved
(2007) documents the rise and fall of a music locale that is slowly growing in
legend long after its gone.
Bringing
neo-hippies, stoners, blues and some alternative acts together, it became a
center for known acts and many who have gone on to be some of the biggest in
the music industry. The names are
impressive and many, including Dave Mathews Band, Spin Doctors, Blues Traveler,
Fishbone, Joan Osbourne, Ani DiFranco, Sublime and a list so massive that they
included it in the film’s credits. Even
if these acts do not represent music genres you like, their talent and
popularity, as well as endurance are undeniable and prove just what a vital and
valued place this venue was. The result
here is a fitting tribute worth a look.
The
anamorphically enhanced 1.78 X 1 image is softer than a new production should
be, including the consideration to older analog video. Why, I don’t know, but despite lower
expectations for documentaries, this can be trying at times. The PCM 16/48 2.0 Stereo may have some
harshness in places, but is a nice change from the usual substandard Dolby
Digital 2.0 we would get otherwise.
Extras include stills, outtakes and more concert footage.
- Nicholas Sheffo
