PSN: Movement. Worth watching?
July 6th, 2008 Posted in Movies/TV, Music
If you don’t know what it is, you probably don’t have a PS3, or it’s not connected to the ‘net. Movement is something that suddenly appeared on PSN (for me at least, I knew nothing about it until the advertisement appeared as a download last week), and there hasn’t been too much news about it on the various sites on the ‘net. So here I am, ready to help you out, and answer your “what the hell are you talking about?” queries.
Movement is a TV show, of sorts,yet it’s only available on the PlayStation Network. Well, as far as I know, that is. Each episode (or webisode, as the case may be) only lasts about 5 minutes, and the first two episodes are available now. The first is an introduction, and the second covers their first contact with a French band called Minitel Rose. I’m guessing there are three more episodes to be set in Paris, as there are to be four bands in each territory, and there seems to be an episode dedicated to each band. On top of that, the full interview with the band is available, as well as two full songs. In addition, two songs and an interview are available for a second band, called Pravda, and I think at least one episode of the regular show will be dedicated to them on release this coming Friday, but I may be wrong. I’ve been wrong about things before. So that’s the show, in a nutshell. Any good?
Well… to be honest, it’s a bit short. I do understand, though — a free show, available only to those with a PS3/PSP (also available at the PC PlayStation store, so technically available if you have ‘net access), must be a bit of a strain on the resources. But to be successful, you have to provide the service that people are expecting. That is to say, somewhat more of a show. BUT — that is of course, part of the viral aspect of the video, especially considering it is also playable on the PSP, so it should be accessible in small bite-sized chunks, but still, I wanted a bit more.
You know what, though? I think that demonstrates that it is not a bad show. For me to want more means that I would be interested in seeing a longer show, which means the show as it is pretty good. And that much is true. It’s a great idea, the hosts are not boring, and they don’t try to be anything they are not, and they actually seem to be checking out bands that are not shit. Score! Unexpected!
The first band, Minitel Rose, is actually quite impressive. A three-piece electronic band, their sound is a little more mature and controlled than many similar bands around at the moment. A good choice for a representative episode. An apt choice, I guess, considering this is the point where they are trying to get new viewers. Suck them in, so to speak. The second band, Pravda, are a little more of an acquired taste, not as easy on the ears, but still quite impressive. I guess you would class them as some sort of electro-punk; in a way, they reminded me of ’80’s punk, which is not at all a bad thing. Although, like Mihoko said, they aren’t a band I would pay money to see.
Back to the show itself. I have two main gripes with it. First is the theme song. It’s pretty annoying, and the instrumental sections during the show are also too playful and carnival-like for the type of show they are trying to portray themselves as. Secondly, and more importantly, there are far too many small uploads! The first two episodes were released (and not titled ‘Episode 1′ and ‘Episode 2,’ which would have been far clearer than ‘Paris:…,’ which really doesn’t give a clear representation of where you are in the series), and on top of that, two songs and an interview for each band! Eight downloads, if you want it all. I suspect that many people will not go to the effort of downloading it all, although it is worth it in the end. It’s all worth watching, but probably only the dedicated episodes are worth keeping (if you have the space).
Yep, I said it, it’s possibly worth keeping. That makes it good. Check it out, if you’re into that kind of thing.
Very good article. I share the same opinion about this new tv show. It has so much potential, but it doesn’t use it to the fullest.
They really had to make one full episode, instead of the more than 10 episodes of ‘Paris’ and they better had titled it ‘Episode 1′ and ‘Episode 2′, as you said in the article.
But I really like the show!
Thanks Justin — actually, you`ve made me realise a couple of things… One, I haven`t written about this since I first watched it (and my opinion has changed somewhat), and two — I`ve been meaning to update this for a while!
Actually, I guess they`re kind of the same readon, but whatever…
And thanks forsaying it was a good article, because it was pretty poorly written!