Discover Movies

System Of A Down exploded onto the music scene in 1998 with an irrepressible sound, confounding all preconceptions and redefining expectations of hard rock. But where did the band come from, what did it take to make them famous and what are the real inspirations behind the music? 'Psycho Messiahs' takes you on a journey into the unknown, revealing the amazing story behind these unique and elusive prophets of sound.

The thrilling Riverdance show live from Geneva.

An animated poem that explores issues surrounding body image. Supported by research from BodyKind festival, it encourages people to break down the stigma that controls us and to find comfort in our own skin.

Glyndebourne's celebrated production of Nikolaus Lehnhoff's Tristan und Isolde is a supremely intelligent achievement; gravely beautiful, haunting and meditative, it is deeply reflective rather than visceral, fortified by Roland Aeschlimann's stunningly effective set, a womb-like space through which the protagonists move like gods. Conductor Jiří Bělohlávek mirrors Lehnhoff's approach in his sophisticated plumbing of the score's depths, with every shift in texture carefully laid bare by an inspired London Philharmonic Orchestra. Nina Stemme's Isolde and Robert Gambill's Tristan, both gloriously lyrical, are matched by superb performances from René Pape as the betrayed and vulnerable King Marke and Bo Skovhus as Kurwenal, deeply touching in his helpless devotion to Tristan. This High Definition recording of a production of uncommon intimacy reveals the opera's music and drama in a new light.

To mark his 80th birthday, the BBC pays tribute to Welsh icon and international superstar Sir Tom Jones with this archive-based celebration. Looking back over 60 years in showbusiness, the film takes us on a journey through Tom’s career via some of his greatest songs and performances - from Delilah and It’s Not Unusual to The Green, Green Grass of Home and Kiss - many of which will have a special resonance for a Welsh audience. Additional context to Sir Tom’s incredible longevity is provided through rarely seen archive footage and interviews with the great man himself.

Live performance of DEVO's debut album, "Q:Are We Not Men? A:We Are DEVO" at the Forum, London in 2009.

Captain Morgan and his crew return from their trip to Australia with a huge treasure in the belly of their ship. "Live at the End of the World" documents their highly energetic Melbourne show which took place in early 2013. Chris Bowes and band present the rabid fans with an explosive best-of set including fan favourites "Keelhauled", "Shipwrecked" & "Nancy the Tavern Wench". The Pirate Metal sensation fired from all cylinders and played a show that will go down in Metal history!

In an opera version of the famous literature classic, during World War I, an airplane pilot crashes his plane in the Sahara Desert, where he has a very unusual near-death experience.

A tourist guide in Naples is taken on by an English woman impressed by his singing, and who regards him as her protege.

The Orb's Adventures Beyond the Ultraworld: Patterns and Textures is a 1992 video by the UK electronic music collective The Orb. It was filmed and recorded at a live performance at Brixton Fridge, London, 12 May 1991. A limited edition of the original UK VHS tape release came with a bonus CD (catalogue number ORBFREECD1) of the soundtrack. The soundtrack was also included as a bonus disk on a limited edition of the initial UK vinyl pressings of U.F.Orb.

Filmed at the Barbican in January 2010 and curated by Joe Boyd, producer and general champion of Nick Drake, 90 minutes of performance highlights from a diverse but renowned cast of modern day troubadours. Presenting their own interpretations of Drake's songs are Vashti Bunyan, Green Gartside, Lisa Hannigan, Scott Matthews, Teddy Thompson, Krystle Warren, Robyn Hitchcock, Kirsty Almeida and Harper Simon.

Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe live performance documentary

Based on footage shot in the early seventies and lost for more than thirty years, we see and hear the young Bob Marley before he was famous. The film shows us the Wailers' first rehearsal, when the idea of a Jamaican supergroup was still just a dream. Sit in as the albums of Bob Marley and the Wailers brought reggae music and Rasta consciousness to the world, starting a revolution that would change rock music and contemporary culture.

Revelers mingle, drink, and dance at a street carnival.

Live performance for Garsington Opera, June-July, 2016.

Recorded live at the Empress Ballroom, Blackpool, 12th August 1989. Setlist: 1. I Wanna Be Adored 2. Elephant Stone 3. Waterfall 4. (Song for My) Sugar Spun Sister 5. Made of Stone 6. She Bangs the Drums 7. Where Angels Play 8. Going Down 9. Mersey Paradise 10. I Am the Resurrection

A tale of thwarted love and mistaken and assumed identities, this comedy revolves around an ordinary man becoming ‘King for a Day’. Cavaliere di Belfiore has, to distract attention from the genuine monarch, assumed the identity of King Stanislas of Poland, and arrived with much pomp at the castle of Baron Kelbar near Brest. There he finds himself in the middle of preparations for two weddings: the baron's daughter Giulietta is, most unwillingly, to marry the elderly La Rocca, while a local military official is hoping for the hand of the Marchesa del Poggio. Can ‘King Stanislas’ use his regal power in time to disentangle these unhappy betrothals before his true identity is revealed?

Short animation by Shynola & Ruth Lingford

Rick Wakeman tells the story of the concept album from Woody Guthrie to the present day - a musical format usually based around a structured narrative that developed to become the equivalent of rock 'n' roll theatre.

This 1969 BBC production is about as close as we can get to a definitive version of Benjamin Britten's PETER GRIMES, one of the greatest 20th Century operas. The story of the individualistic fisherman hounded by his neighbors who believe he murdered his young apprentice packs tremendous emotional power. The compelling narrative is richly enhanced by its subtexts: the lone outsider versus the conformist mob; the dreamer of improbable dreams that lead to tragedy; the artist (dreamer) versus the Philistines, and the homosexual overtones of Grimes' abuse of his child apprentices. Britten is conductor of his work and tenor Peter Pears is Grimes, 25 years after he created the title role at the opera's premiere. As the widow Ellen Orford, soprano Heather Harper is magnificent. Best of all, the sea is an ever-present actor here. When we don't see it in the background it exerts its presence in the abundant visual references to nets, barrels, and other paraphernalia of a seaside fishing village.

A look back, from 2017, at the journey of one of the UK's longest-lasting and most successful bands. Featuring clips from various BBC programmes, including Multi-Coloured Swap Shop, Synth Britannia, The OZone, Def II and The Whistle Test. From their first appearance on Top of the Pops in 1981 and the tales of how they got there, to performing on Later... with Jools Holland in 2009, the programme shares archive testimony and recent interviews from core members Dave Gahan, Vince Clarke, Martin Gore and Andy Fletcher. New Life, Just Can't Get Enough, Blasphemous Rumours and Personal Jesus are among some of the classic tracks performed.

This documentary shows the mindset of the some of the most original and influential artists of the experimental scene (Coil, Current 93, Foetus, Test Dept.). An unprecedented insight into the workings, the methods and the ideas that made these names legendary. Filmed in Hamburg, Amsterdam and London, 1985-1987.

Richard D'Oyly Carte, the theatrical impresario who brought Gilbert and Sullivan together, is tormented in a dream by his memories of this most tempestuous partnering.

In a claustrophobic Venice of lavish dress and gilded interiors, Casanova is preparing for a career in holy orders when an erotic encounter sets him on a different path. Performed by the Northern Ballet live at the Palace Theatre, Manchester.

In February, Just Jam's event at The Barbican was cancelled at the last minute. It was an event that seemed to be yet another victim of the London authorities now notorious risk assessment procedure, Form 696.

A delightful Christmas musical about a young Jamaican woman who flees her humdrum Liverpool lodgings in search of her glamorous London cousin. Broadcast live on 28 December 1964, this rare TV musical is one of few to have survived from the 1960s. A tale of Afro-Caribbean immigration, the show is unusual for its time in that it doesn't labour the issues around racial tensions in Britain, but simply celebrates Christmas and family.

A stunning audio/visual document of Steve Hackett's show at the iconic London venue in October 2024; Hackett and his live band celebrate the 50th anniversary of the legendary Genesis concept album 'The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway', with a selection of his favourite tracks, including 'Fly on a Windshield' and 'Lilywhite Lilith'.

The Who reunite for the first time at Wembley

A portrait of Richard Thompson, co-founder of folk-rock group Fairport Convention and also an eminent singer/guitarist/songwriter in his own right.

One record company has been a constant presence in popular music throughout our lives. EMI brought The Beatles to the world and in every decade since has been instrumental in producing some of Britain's most celebrated and enduring music.

Don Quixote, based on Miguel de Cervantes’ epic novel of the same name, regales the adventures of the eccentric nobleman Don Quixote and his faithful squire Sancho Panza, as they help to bring a vivacious young couple, Kitri and Basilio, together.

Live performance in which Emmylou Harris presents her ten rules of what makes a great country song, personally chosen from her own extensive repertoire. Filmed in Los Angeles in an intimate venue, the show features songs with Emmylou accompanied by her blue grass band. Each track illustrates one of her ten commandments, with a short introduction to explain why it was chosen and what element of country music it best represents.

Donny Osmond is joined by Blue and Westlife in renditions of One Love and Crazy Horses, and is reunited on stage for a performance with his brothers Wayne, Jay, Merrill and Alan.

TGV is a limited edition 7 DVD set of archival footage of the English industrial band Throbbing Gristle. Included in this set were some of Throbbing Gristle's live performances, as well as rehearsals and short films. The release was limited to 2000 copies and was initially only available direct from the band's website.

Legendary guitarist Steve Hackett is pleased to announce 'Genesis Revisited Live: Seconds Out & More', the visual document of his 2021 UK tour celebrating the classic Genesis live album. Released on the 2nd September 2022, it sees Steve and his band perform 'Seconds Out' in full and in sequence, as well as a selection of solo material including tracks from his most recent studio album 'Surrender of Silence'.

A short musical film.

Few could have predicted the unique evolution that Harry Styles would make after leaving his band One Direction back in 2015. Playful and inclusive, sexy and subversive, he has transcended music and become both a screen star and an eccentric fashion trailblazer. ARE YOU CURIOUS? tells Harry’s remarkable story, from a teenage heartthrob to the most distinctive artist of the modern age.

Jake Thackray and guests performed songs live in a variety of venues

Dave Davies, the legendary guitarist of the Kinks, relives his tumultuous life and times amidst the serenity of his Exmoor sanctuary. Walking across the moors that have fascinated him since childhood, Dave takes us back to life with Brother Ray in an extended working class family amidst the austerity of postwar London. Bringing to life its deprivations and triumphs, he reveals the profound sense of community and family bonds which underpins the extraordinary story of the Kinks. From their formation at a North London Secondary Modern, through time spent as backing band to an upper class crooner at debutante balls, Dave tells how the Kinks career as Searchers sound alikes was almost over before it began.

Motion Control examines the synergy of camera and performer. Shot on 35mm, it explores from the camera's pov, the physical and emotional entrapment of the ageing and glamorous dancer in her private and personal spaces. The film is notable for hypersound foley overlaid with text and electro-opera composed by Billy Cowie and sung by soprano Naomi Itami.

A countdown of memorable events from the singer's career, from the time the north London teenager first burst onto the scene in 2008 to the present day. The programme visits some of the key places in Adele's life, from her old school to the studios in which she has recorded her record-breaking albums, and hears from those who have known her along the way.

A snapshot of the Manic Street Preachers tour of Japan in 1993, from the perspective of a fan that travelled across Japan to attend each concert

Arctic Monkeys play the Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, NY in support of their new album "The Car"

On 11th August 1980, Metro trains started running in the North East of England. BBC Newcastle and BBC Look North commissioned a musical composition to celebrate its 30th anniversary. This film is performed by people who use or work on the Tyne & Wear Metro.

Part of the Operavox series.

Live at the Brixton Academy in London, England on the 12th of December, 1986. Setlist: 1) Ask 2) Bigmouth Strikes Again [with "Panic" drum tease intro] 3) London 4) Miserable Lie 5) Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others 6) The Boy With The Thorn In His Side 7) Shoplifters Of The World Unite 8) There Is A Light That Never Goes Out 9) Is It Really So Strange 10) Cemetry Gates 11) This Night Has Opened My Eyes 12) Still Ill 13) Panic 14) The Queen Is Dead 15) William It Was Really Nothing 16) Hand In Glove *This concert, put together as a benefit for the Artists Against Apartheid, was originally due to be held at the Royal Albert Hall on the 14th of November but it had to be rescheduled following Johnny’s car accident. It turned out to be the last time the Smiths were on stage together, bar a few TV appearances. This was the only time “Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others”, “Shoplifters Of The World Unite” and the “London”/”Miserable Lie” medley were ever performed by them.

Niall Horan first rose to fame in 2010 when he auditioned as a solo artist on the British X factor. His X Factor journey led him on a path that would see him become a member of the boy band One Direction. He quickly established himself as a fan favourite as One Direction started to become a global phenomena. As One direction started to become global superstars, it was Harry Styles who was expected to become the bands leading man, but as their popularity grew, it was apparent that the boy from Ireland was by far the most popular member, especially in the USA. As One Direction establish their name as the biggest boy band of all time, we invite you to follow the story of their leading man …Niall Horan.

On November 16th, Amon Amarth will release their new documentary and supporting live album(s), The Pursuit Of Vikings: 25 Years In The Eye Of The Storm – which includes a retrospective documentary that features a wealth of live and behind-the-scenes content and extensive band interviews. This film tells the Swedish quintet’s history, through both their own eyes and those of the fans that have supported them along the way. It is a thrilling collection that pays respect to the faithful, as well as making for a detailed and riveting introduction for those new to their inspiring story. Paired with this documentary is the live video/audio, which contains two different sets at 2017′s Summer Breeze Festival in Dinkelsbuhl, Germany, capturing the unit at their very best.

In an exclusive BBC4 session filmed at BBC Television Centre, Paul Weller performs numbers from his album 22 Dreams, solo hits including From the Floorboards Up and Peacock Suit, and a couple of classics from The Jam's back catalogue. Weller performs with his regular five-piece band and is joined on some numbers by the Wired Strings and a brass section. He also has special guests, including Oasis guitarist Gem Archer on Echoes Round the Sun, fiddle player Eliza Carthy on Wild Wood and Where'er You Go and Blur guitarist Graham Coxon on Black River.

Opera superstar Cecilia Bartoli offers her first operatic release on DVD in 12 years, and also her first opera in English. Bartoli stars as Semele (a role usually taken by a soprano) in Handel s late opera, which features such well-known arias as Endless pleasure, endless love, Myself I shall adore, and Oh sleep, why dost though leave me? Robert Carsen s stylish modern dress production hints at parallels with the problematic relationship between the late Princess Diana and the British Royal Family. Recorded live at the Zurich Opera House in January, 2007.

The Cribs are a band from Wakefield in Britain, consisting of three brothers Gary, Ross and Ryan. This film documents the process of writing and recording their fourth album "Ignore The Ignorant" in Oregon and Los Angeles, whilst also incorporating the addition of legendary guitarist Johnny Marr (formerly of The Smiths and Electronic among many others) into their line-up.

Paul and Barry set off for Morocco in search of an old treasure map which is being used as a table cloth in a restaurant and end up on a mad-cap adventure.

"The Beginning Of Their So-Called Dark Phase…" - A documentary about the making of the album A Broken Frame, featuring interviews with the group including former band member Vince Clarke, new live member Alan Wilder and other relevant personnel such as Daniel Miller of Mute Records. It also features vintage footage from UK television.

Camel concert recorded live at the Barbican, London, England. October 28. 2013 Including: The Snow Goose, Never let go, Song within a song, Echoes, The hour candle, Tell me, Watching the Bobbins, Fox Hill, For today and Lady Fantasy.

The incredible journey of Taylor Swift all began with a girl, a guitar and a dream. Taylor Swift is a ten time Grammy winner, and the youngest recipient in history of the music industry's highest honour, the Grammy Award for Album of the Year. She in the only artist in History to have an album hit the 1 million first week sales figure three times. She's a household name whose insanely catchy yet deeply personal self-penned songs transcend music genres, and a savvy businesswoman who has built a childhood dream into an empire.

A documentary chronicling the production of British prog rock band Porcupine Tree's ninth studio album.

An enchanting story of two teddies who magically come to life when their human "Huggy Friends" go to sleep, Once 'awake', Max and Mimms make their way to the children's toy box which, when opened, reveals a magical staircase to a world full of Nursery Rhymes and adorable teddy bear characters.

Is it a Drama? A Comedy? Or Music Hall dream? Director Julien Temple (The Great Rock n Roll Swindle, Absolute Beginners) takes a stage show, adds some drama, archive, animation and music, then shakes it all up for MY LIFE STORY where singer Suggs, takes a hilarious, yet moving, look back at his life in music and words. The death of Suggs' beloved cat on his 50th birthday triggers a personal quest to discover what happened to the father he never knew. Stunned by what he learns Suggs is taken back through his life to a childhood on the streets of Soho featuring music written by The Kinks, Ian Drury and, of course, his beloved Madness.

Handel is a thoroughly 'modern' composer whose genius for expressing human emotions is undimmed by time. This performance-based film, A Night with Handel, stylishly dramatises some of the composer's most beautiful arias, linked together over the course of one night in present-day London. Presented by Handel biographer, Jonathan Keates, the arias are specially recorded by world-class singers, accompanied by the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.