The Black Sabbath Story

Black Sabbath has been so influential in the development of heavy metal rock music as to be a defining force in the style. The group formed in the late sixties, taking the name Black Sabbath in early 1969. Several dozen albums and over two decades later, the group continues to attract millions of fans.

The Black Sabbath Story is the definitive DVD retrospective which, over two single DVD volumes, tells the story of the band from 1970 to 1992.

Volume One covers the band's early years from 1970 to 1978 and features ten classic tracks from the band's original line-up including the seminal Paranoid and ultra-heavy Children Of The Grave. Bonus material featured on Volume One includes 'band-history' interviews with Cozy Powell, Tony Iommi, Bill Ward and ex-manager Jim Simpson as well as an illustrated album gallery and the "N.I.B" video.

Volume Two picks up the story in 1979, charting a period of frequent line-up changes including the departure of wildman vocalist Ozzy Osbourne and the arrival of his replacement, Ronnie James Dio. Interviews with many of these temporary members, including Ian Gillan, can be found in the DVD's extensive extra material which also includes a special 5.1 TV Crimes "rockumentary" featuring Tony Iommi and a special interview with Sabbath expert Hugh Gilmour. Standout tracks from this volume include Die Young, Neon Knights and TV Crimes.

Both DVDs offer a choice of Dolby Digital 5.1 Sound or Dolby Digital Stereo and animated menus.

The Black Sabbath Story was due for release on 21st May, was then put back to 5th June and has now been placed as pending, so it won't link with those witnessing the reunion of Sabbath's original line-up at the Ozzfest in Milton Keynes on 26th May.

Music from The Black Sabbath Story is also available on a deluxe VHS box set.

DVD Extras: Not specified

Also available on VHS for £9.99 per volume.

News page content input by Dominic Robinson, 2001.