Frank AlexanderWelcome to Death Row

For me, this film raised a lot of interesting questions -- like for one, in the wake of the damaging press on Death Row's alleged "drug money" funding, why hadn't Interscope heads Jimmy Iovine or Ted Fields ever been questioned? When Death Row received all the bad press during the East Coast/West Coast feud, or when stories of Death Row's alleged brutality in their studios came to light, how and why did Jimmy Iovine and Ted Fields come away unscathed, with not so much as one speculative article? These two guys literally owe their fortunes (about $400 million from Death Row) to Suge Knight and the rest of Death Row records, who only saw about half as much. Interscope Records was going out of business -- the Chronic album saved it...I have never witnessed interviews as candid and intriguing as these, and from such a wide variety of (as far as I can tell) credible sources. For me, the value of this documentary isn't so much in the slandering of anyone's name. Rather, "Welcome To Death Row" provides extremely valuable lessons on the pitfalls of show BUSINESS, because it is a business (Jerry Heller, David Kenner, Ted Fields, and Jimmy Iovine never forgot that!). Snoop Dogg has over 10 minutes of an interview where he discusses his very beginnings. We get to hear from a man named Michael Harris, and I'll leave that at that. Folks at S.O.L.A.R. records, (where Babyface got his start), early Nate Dogg, D.O.C., Death Row's launch party, it's all here. My man Kevin Powell (the only journalist to ever really get close to the late Tupac Shakur) also adds some great insights. Right now you are reading the words of a highly impressed reviewer.Your viewing experience of this film will not be complete without the DVD extras. If you don't have a DVD player, buy a DVD player; Snoop's solo interview (DVD only) is by far one of the best segments on here. Also look out for clips of the Death Row launch party in Beverly Hills, and outtakes (featuring great footage) of the various sources interviewed. I cannot say enough about this film. "Welcome To Death Row" is not a music video -- it wasn't made to "entertain" anyone. If you're serious about the URBAN music industry, then this is required viewing...

Although not being the big rap fan I once was in high school, I have always been fascinated by Death Row Records and all of the controversy that surrounded the notorious record label since day one. "Welcome to Death Row" is a thought-provoking documentary that tells the story of how a dangerous and popular record label changed the music industry, and how it all came falling apart. The documentary is filmed with new interviews with Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and other former Death Row artists, as well as interviews with big names in both the music and media industry. They tell their side of the story and reveal just what exactly went on while working for Death Row.I found this documentary to be extremely fascinating and well-done. It seems to stick with the facts for the most part, instead of reverting to a bunch of conspiracy theories. There's enough respected people who appeared on the film, which makes it easier to believe. While it answers some questions, it doesn't answer all of them. We still to this day do not know who shot Tupac and for what reason. And although it reveals most of what went on at Death Row, I am sure there are more untold stories that have yet to see the light of day.The DVD is really impressive for a documentary. It's shot in widescreen, which is something I wasn't expecting. The picture and sound quality is really good. The extra features are also very impressive and make their presence felt. Some of the features are extensive interview outtakes, commentary from the filmmaker, the trailer, and more."Welcome to Death Row" is an intriguing and interesting documentary. Filled with things we had known all along and things we never knew, this is a documentary worth watching over and over again. You don't even have to be a big rap fan to enjoy it. If you know enough about the record label's history and you are a music fan, I think you'll really find this all interesting. Very well worth the money and very well worth the time.

Video very glitchy.

I've been a fan of Death Row Records since 1992, when they dropped the LEGENDARY album The Chronic by Dr.Dre, and later Snoop's LEGENDARY debut album Doggystyle. Everything was all good until situations, planned or unplanned, caused the company to spiral out of control and crumble. Due to the legal problems, Dre leaving the company, and all things related caused Death Row's unfortunate and untimely demise. Now, normally I would review what's on the DVD, so what I'll do is basically talk about how AWESOME and REAL this dvd is, as opposed to giving aways what's on the dvd. The way the rise and fall of Death Row is told here by Suge, Dre, Snoop, Nate Dogg, and others in nothing short of amazing. We start in the very beginning to when NWA was formed in the mid 80s to the end when Dre left the company. All of the information here, I knew some of it before I saw it for the first time. But the information told here that I DIDN'T know before surprised me. @ times during this film, it's SO intense that you just can't help being captivated by the content. Don't believe me? In addition to the individuals telling the story, look @ the eyes of Lydia Harris and Simone Green. As you look @ their eyes when they tell the parts of the story, you're immediately drawn into the emotions of the storytelling. Also, all of the pieces of information are blended together superbly. NO history and incident is forgotten here, and you receive everything you could possibly know about the rise and fall of Death Row Records. Overall, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this dvd to any fan, long time fans, new fans, etc. You won't regret this purchase, and like me, after the first viewing, you're going to view this dvd repeatedly. It's just that good.LONG LIVE DEATH ROW!!!

Item arrived in great condition. Thank you very much

Good documentary

Arrived earlier than expected. good fun entertainment. must have

Good

Nothing to do with 'death row'.