| The Simpsons: Backstage Pass is a veritable rock & roll extravaganza: you'll hear a classical version of "Insane in the Membrane" and watch The Who destroying rubbish with pure guitar power. It also features guest performances by The Who, Cypress Hill, The Smashing Pumpkins, Peter Frampton and Spinal Tap. In "Homerpalooza", Homer has a mini mid-life crisis caused by his inability to recognise new bands in the local record store (not even Sonic Youth). The result is a trip for him and the kids to the "Hullabalooza" festival where Homer fulfils his rock star dreams by touring as part of the freak show. "A Tale of Two Springfields" sees the town divided by a change in area code, which only The Who can solve with their infinite wisdom: "Why don't you get phones with auto-dial?". In "The Otto Show" Milhouse and Bart enjoy their first outing to a rock gig to see top super-group, Spinal Tap. Finally, "Homer's Barbershop Quartet" offers the rare opportunity to see Homer sing as part of Springfield's B Sharps, who allegedly rocked America back in 1985! On the DVD: The Simpsons: Backstage Pass offers a collection of Otto's finest moments, proving what a cooool guy the local bus driver is. Otherwise the disc is barren of extras. Picture is standard 4:3 and you can choose between English, French and German audio languages with a vast range of European subtitle options. --Nikki Disney |
