Setting the standards in music video: Design of The Decade DVD

Never has any female ever contributed to the art form of music video like Janet Jackson. Unparalleled choreography, fantastic wardrobe, a solid message and attitude all make her videos some of the best that MTV has ever seen. When I saw this compilation of her videos on DVD, I immediately snatched up this piece of history and prepared to watch my life flash before my eyes. I have always been fascinated with the fact that Janet Jackson has been able to be the ultimate woman on camera for the last 15 years. Anyone who has any doubt about this statement need only watch this collection to understand exactly what I mean.

The DVD starts out with her sassy hit “What Have You Done For Me Lately.” Set in a diner we begin with Janet and a very young Paula Abdul talking about what a loser her boyfriend is. As the music starts, the whole scene just comes alive where every action is planned and orchestrated to make the ultimate statement. One man is rhythmically slapping a bottle of ketchup, for example. Then the subject of the song (who is stunning I must say) walks into the diner and him and Janet dance in such a manner that shows the conflict between them. This video doesn’t have nearly the advanced choreography that later videos do but its sleek and well done. Tina Landon, who choreographed a good portion of the Velvet Rope tour also is one of the dancers in this video. (although to be honest I can’t recognize her, but I know she’s there). This video is bright and colorful, with vivid images throughout.

The next video is another historical piece of 80’s fare. Seething with attitude and bite, “Nasty” was a undeniable hit and the video played a gigantic part. The song is good on its own but when coupled with the brazen image of the video it was plain irresistible. The video starts with her and her two girlfriends entering the movie theatre when they are followed by a bunch of guys who are hitting on them mercilessly. Janet gets a little irate and then barks the unforgettable command “Stop!! Give me a beat!” The choreography in this video is more crisp and feisty than that first video and you can just feel her attitude pulsing through the whole video.

“When I Think Of You” is another colorful video. I love the wild cast of characters and the very exaggerated style of the performers.

The next video I found to be somewhat humorous. “Control” is here in its uncut version and I actually saw some footage I never saw in those days. Janet gets mad at her parents and says she’s going to move out and her friends (Jimmy Jam and company) come pick her up. Then she begins the traditional video we’ve seen. I also forgot that the video sound different than the actual song. This video is phenomenal and really shows the qualities that made her such a star.

“The Pleasure Principle” is yet another fantastic video on this collection. Dancing with no other dancer, Janet Jackson is definitely a vision to behold. All the effects and staging in this video is perfect. Dancing across light pouring between wooden slats, doing complex dance moves in front of a fragmented mirror and all the subtle moves make this video special. I still find myself transfixed by the video even fifteen years later. “Lets Wait Awhile” is one of her weakest videos but still very endearing. Probably one of the few videos that she comes across almost virginal, I feel it’s a nice peek into one of the many sides of Janet.

Next we move onto the videos from Rhythm Nation 1814. I definitely feel this was the pinnacle of her video library. “Miss You Much” begins the chronicle of this period. The choreography is unbelievable but I was highly disappointed with the fact that the famous chair sequence was left out. What the h*ll were they thinking? Her outfit is fantastic, the dancers are top notch and the sharp contrast of black and white is beautiful.

Then we have one of THE best videos ever. “Rhythm Nation” is a song that shaped my views of racism and the world. The dancing in this video is pretty much unbeatable. (Only her brother has reached the same plateau) I shake my head in amazement every time I watch the intricate choreography this group of magicians performs. There is a sequence in this video where they keep hitting there shoulders and legs in a very militant manner that is just perfect. I felt the black and white imagery was essential and every single element was carefully considered.

“Alright” and “Escapade” are completely opposite of the other two videos. Cheerful, spirited and appropriately given looser more fun choreography these videos are fantastic contrasts to “Rhythm Nation” and “Miss You Much”. I love the set design and the costumes on both of these videos and each video capture the mood perfectly. “Alright” features some old school performers like Cab Calloway and Sid Charisse. Several dance sequences are phenomenal in this video as well. “Escapade” is a very light video with a Mardi Gras feel to it. “Come Back To Me” is filmed in Europe and has a very melancholy feel to it. I love the scenery and I feel she really portrays the emotion of the song.

“Black Cat” is another performance video and she gives a performance fit to compete with any of the arena bands that were popular at that time. A screetching guitar and a hard image all work together to form a video that is different from anything in her catalog and something that combined and improved on all the things going on around her at that time.

Then she came out with a very sensual, image changing video called “Love Will Never Do (Without You). Alternating from black and white to color, exhibiting limited choreography and a whole lot of her flesh it was as unrestrained and sensual as “Rhythm Nation” was militant and restrained. Featuring the African actor who was in “Amistad” and some gorgeous white guy it was simply a love song and a video of a woman interacting with a man. Using silhouettes to accent her amazing form, they showed her in a light that changed her image forever. Virginal definitely would no longer be used for Miss Jackson.

“That’s The Way Love Goes” picked up where that video left off and integrated the sensual version with the more polished version. A very sexy video, Janet is filled with longing yet that all comes across in a sophisticated manner.

Included also with this DVD is a video called “Whoops Now” which is really just a candid Janet Jackson home movie set to music. The video “Runaway” and a documentary of making that video rounds out this outstanding collection for the MTV generation.