Watch David Bowie - Under Review 1976-79 The Berlin Trilogy

David Bowie - Under Review 1976-79: The Berlin Trilogy is a documentary film that explores one of the most intriguing eras of the late David Bowie's musical career. The film casts a spotlight on the period from 1976 to 1979, when Bowie released three consecutive albums known collectively as the "Berlin Trilogy," consisting of "Low" (1977), "Heroes" (1977), and "Lodger" (1979).

The documentary provides a detailed analysis of each of the albums, examining how they came to be and the influences that shaped them. The film features rare archival footage and interviews with music critics, industry insiders, and other musicians to provide a comprehensive view of this era of Bowie's career.

The film begins with Bowie's decision to leave Los Angeles for Berlin in the mid-1970s. At the time, Bowie was dealing with a number of personal and professional issues, including drug addiction and dissatisfaction with the commercial direction his music had taken. Berlin, with its bohemian atmosphere and avant-garde arts scene, provided an ideal environment for Bowie to reinvent himself creatively.

The documentary delves into the making of "Low," Bowie's first album of the trilogy. Released in 1977, "Low" represented a departure from his previous work, as Bowie experimented with electronic and ambient music, collaborating with musician and producer Brian Eno. The film explores the influence of the German electronic music scene and Bowie's own personal struggles on the sound and themes of the album.

The second part of the trilogy, "Heroes," is examined in detail as well. The album, released later in 1977, was once again produced in collaboration with Brian Eno. It included the hit song "Heroes," which became one of Bowie's most iconic tracks. The documentary explores the creation of this song, as well as the other tracks on the album, which were also heavily influenced by the Berlin environment and Bowie's personal life.

The final album of the trilogy, "Lodger" (1979), is also examined. Though the album was not as commercially successful as its predecessors, it continued to explore themes and sounds that Bowie had developed during his time in Berlin. The documentary provides insight into the recording process of the album and its impact on Bowie's career.

Throughout the film, various music critics and industry insiders offer their insights into the Berlin Trilogy and its impact on Bowie's career. They discuss the context of the era in which the albums were released and the broader musical landscape at the time. Other musicians, including Eno and Carlos Alomar, who played guitar on many of Bowie's albums, offer their perspectives on working with the iconic musician during this period.

Overall, David Bowie - Under Review 1976-79: The Berlin Trilogy provides a fascinating look into a particularly innovative and influential period of David Bowie's career. Through extensive archival footage and interviews, the documentary examines the making of each album and the broader context in which they were created. For fans of Bowie's music, this documentary is an essential watch, shedding light on some of the most seminal and intriguing work of one of the most important musicians of the 20th century.

David Bowie - Under Review 1976-79 The Berlin Trilogy is a 2006 musical with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes.