Madonna: The Immaculate Collection

While Madonna is, without a doubt, one of the most defining icons of recent popular culture, her rise to success could not have been achieved without the advent of the music video industry. Madonna IS the video music artist. In the early 80's, with the future of the recording industry in question, record execs desperately needed a product that would add visibility and credibility to the music being produced. Faced with a critical and popular backlash against disco, country, and pop rock, the only solution seemed to be radio contests and prolific DJ's. Yet even this solution fell short until a little television series, run on Nickelodeon Television, achieved status as a channel all its own--Music Television (MTV). MTV came on the air in August, 1981. Now, record execs and music video execs alike realized the "gift" they had been given--music videos could provide vision to music and offer audiences a face behind the names heard singing on the radio. And indeed it did just that as artists like Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, Prince, and Madonna profited both financially and socially from this new art form that had emerged. (I might add that those economically shaken record companies profited too!)

But of the four artists mentioned, one especially used the video music medium to her advantage, artistically and culturally . . . Madonna. Her first few videos, "Lucky Star," "Burning Up," and "Borderline," helped her establish an image behind the club-based hits she was putting out. In fact, many believed Madonna was a black singer prior to seeing her perform on MTV in these videos. I might add that these videos all appeared shortly after MTV's first anniversary (it is a "marriage" still in existence after nearly 20 years). But it was not until the release of the video for "Like A Virgin," coupled with her memorable wedding dress-bedecked slinking on the stage of the First Annual MTV Video Music Awards, that Madonna rocketed herself to superstardom. Not to be boxed into any given image, this iconic chameleon transformed herself, her videos, and ultimately music videos in general. From her Marilyn Monroe homage in "Material Girl" to her Metropolis-based turn in "Express Yourself," Madonna has set the standard for music video as an art form and means of expression. In doing so, she has given credibility to herself not only as a musician, but more importantly as an artist. Therefore, I give this collection of videos a 10 out of 10, although some in the collection lack the visual and artistic qualities of what many consider to be "great," all in the their own way have had an influence on MTV, the music industry, Madonna, and most importantly, pop culture.

For a collection of Madonna's videos in the Nineties, see "Madonna: The Video Collection, 93-99."

Basically a hits of hits collection of Madonna's best of, this is fairly worth the purchase (if somewhere available, it might be fairly cheap if found in the stores). It's really her at a peak, and even if you're not a big fan (like me) it would still be worth a look-see. If for nothing else, you do get to see when music videos were actually good, and not just throw-aways or (as is the case today) near non-existent. Like a Virgin, Borderline, Open Your Heart, Lucky Star, all the 80's Madonna hits are here, but there are also the videos for Express Yourself and Vogue, which not only put her up the charts (for better or worse in the early 90's controversy) but also helped give a lot of leverage to music video-turned-post-modernist impresario David Fincher. So, if you're tired of hearing all this Kaballah stuff and phooey about her and the life she leads now in England and her new "look" and "style to her albums, for a nostalgia trip you could have a lesser deal (i.e. the film Desperately Seeking Susan).

The first female mogul of the 21st century, Madonna made her mark on the entertainment industry in 1983 and since then things have never been the same. Her controversy has only managed to see her through one great success after another. While the Christians and other prudes criticize and rally against her for her obsession with sex, lude choreography and salacious attitude, millions have flocked to her concerts, purchased all of her highly-publicized albums and emulated her every move. While being a second-rate actress in the movies, her music videos have defined an entire generation.

And that is what this collection features, covering the first seven years of Madonna's career. From the primitive LUCKY STAR and BORDERLINE, following through the star-turning LIKE A VIRGIN and MATERIAL GIRL, the serious subject matter of PAPA DON'T PREACH, the religiously glorified LIKE A PRAYER, the futuristic EXPRESS YOURSELF, the fun-loving CHERISH and concluding with her 90s mega- triumph VOGUE, Madonna has proven that the feminine strength and sheer force of will can take a woman farther than a man would imagine. To take a chance and make material as risque as hers only adds to her legendary star power. This compilation is a standing testament to the determination of one woman.

Definitely an immaculate collection. These music videos were a huge part of my childhood, and the songs and stories/sets still hold up today. Madonna is fabulous in all her different dresses and styles, and owns the screen. My favorites are "Open Your Heart", "Cherish", "Borderline", "Express Yourself" and "La Isla Bonita". "Oh Father" is an especially beautiful track and video. Of course there are her hits "Like a Virgin", "Vogue" and "Material Girl" to look forward to as well.

Every track is catchy and great though. I am glad I still have this gem on cassette and can bust it out at anytime. Fans of Madonna probably already know and love this series of tunes, but for anyone else interested, give it a try.

Technically this isn't a movie. It's just all of Madonna's MTV music videos strung together from the earliest (1985 I believe) to 1990. If you hate Madonna there's no point in even considering looking at this. But if you're a fan this is a must have collection. The video images are crisp and clear and the sound is nice and strong. Not every video works--I've NEVER liked "La Isla Bonita" but the highlights outnumber the bad ones. The best are "Borderline", "Express Yourself" (some STRONG homoerotic imagery in this one), "Oh Father", "Material Girl" (her Marilyn Monroe imitation is incredible), "Papa Don't Preach" and "Open Your Heart" (this one is pretty sleazy--even for Madonna). I do have a few complaints. Where's "True Blue" and "Crazy For You"? And do we REALLY need to see "Vogue" twice? The video itself is fine but her appearance at the MTV video awards is bewildering and has the WORST lip syncing I've ever seen. Still this is a fun DVD. Recommended.