White Diamond

KYLIE MINOGUE (2 HOUR DOCUMENTARY)

 

White Diamond / Show Girl Homecoming [DVD] [2009] (DVD) Barcode: 5099951302597

Kylie Minogue sure knows how to treat her fans. Not only do we get the DVD of the brilliant Showgirl Homecoming Tour that got its CD release earlier in 2007, but we also have amazing documentary film, White Diamond that i luckily got to see on its premiere night at the cinema. That night remains to this day one of my finest memories of being a Kylie fan, the film illustrating just why she is one of the world's favourite popstars.

But let's take a quick look at the live show DVD first. Showgirl Homecoming represents one of the finest examples of a modern pop concert, the filming and imagery is of the highest class and captures the night in perfect quality. Fantastic costumes and amazing dance moves galore are to be found here and at the heart of it, Kylie really does shine like a White Diamond.

All era's of Kylie's amazing career are represented here from the glossy pop of her SAW days, through her adventurous days in the mid 90s and all her modern classics like Can't Get You Out Of My Head and In Your Eyes. Stand-out tracks include an amazing updating of the aforementioned 'CGYOOMH', a version of 'Light Years' that flows seamlessly into the beautiful early album track 'Turn It Into Love' and a rave-esque medley of 'Shocked', 'What Do I Have To Do' and 'Spinning Around'. And who could forget 'Dreams' or Kylie's version of 'Over The Rainbow', two songs that truly showcase her incredible voice.

Also, one of the things i like best about Homecoming is that as a whole it presents a more intimate concert than the original Showgirl. Kylie appears more open, talks to the audience at length and is all charming smiles throughout. All round, a truly awesome concert.

But what about White Diamond itself. As William Baker, the director and amongst many other things Kylie's long time friend, puts it - this is an attempt to show the wider public the 'real' Kylie. Many people only know her as a result of I Should Be So Lucky, Michael Hutchence, the gold hotpants, CGYOOMH and cancer. For them, those things = Kylie. White Diamond tries to show to these people that there is more depth to her and presents an extremely intimate look at Kylie's life and to those who say this film isn't gritty, revealing enough, Kylie really is this nice, charming all the time!

Following her on her Homecoming tour, like Madonna's 'I'm Going To Tell You A Secret' this goes to show just what it takes to put on a massive concert like this. Amongst all the fun and hard work, we get some charming moments with Dannii and Bono who come to sing with her. The film is truly inspiring in the way Kylie caries on through everything, determined to give her fans the best experience possible - i was close to tears at the part where she was too ill to carry on with the show but couldn't bare to just leave the audience. Kylie's strength of character is truly admirable.

I also love the way we see that in many ways Kylie is just like us, she gets tired, she laughs, and she plays on her computer. I love it! And with loads of bonus extras, this DVD is well worth getting. A true joy to watch!