On December 8, Depeche Mode and Anton Corbijn will debut their legendary music video compilations Strange and Strange Too on DVD for the first time. These videos were previously exclusive to VHS and Laserdisc, which are no longer in production. However, they are now being reissued with brand-new commentary and features, including never-before-seen material from the band. 11 music videos and 6 outtake vignettes are included in the compilation, according to a Depeche Mode website announcement. Filmmaker Anton Corbijn directed each of the videos, and Corbijn’s liner notes and brand-new artwork will be included in the compilation. Originally issued as two compilations, Strange and Strange Too will now be available on DVD and Blu-Ray as a single release. On Depeche Mode’s web store, preorders for the compilation are accepted. The 1988 film Strange (A Black and White Mode by Anton Corbijn) was filmed entirely in black and white on Super 8.
The videos included were for the 1987 album Music for the Masses singles “Strangelove,” “Never Let Me Down Again,” and “Behind the Wheel,” the 1986 album Black Celebration single “A Question of Time,” and the instrumental last track from Music for the Masses, “Pimpf.” In 1990, Anton Corbijn’s Strange Too (Another Violation) was published in full color. Strange Too features two bonus videos for “Halo” and “Clean,” in addition to all the videos for the singles “Personal Jesus,” “Policy of Truth,” “Enjoy the Silence,” and “World in My Eyes” from the 1990 album Violator. This compilation was likewise shot exclusively on Super 8, just as Strange. The band released a statement saying, “Anton Corbijn’s photography and art direction have played an indispensable part in the evolution of the Depeche Mode aesthetic.” “Corbijn’s distinct ability to capture the spirit of Depeche Mode on film is exemplified by Strange and Strange Too, which are essential titles in both the Depeche Mode and Anton Corbijn catalogues.” For years, Corbijn has been crucial in helping bands like Depeche Mode and U2 improve their style; Strange/Strange Too benefits from his expertise and command of the Super 8 medium. Although the new collection has been reconstructed from the original footage, Super 8 film has a distinct grain and texture that elevates it to the status of art. It is impossible to remove that unique look, therefore Strange/Strange Too will undoubtedly maintain the integrity of its original format.
