MEAT LOAF – Bat Out of Hell [Classic Albums]

Is there any Rock music fan out there that hasn’t been touched somehow by Meat Loaf’s classic album from 1977, Bat Out Of Hell? The album was a Theatrical Rock Opus that has managed to sell over 30 million copies to date, and has produced Classic Rock hits like “Paradise By The Dashboard Light,” “You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth,” and “Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad.” Eagle Rock Entertainment hopes that enough nostalgia exists in fans’ hearts as they’ve released a DVD of the story behind the making of the Bat Out Of Hell album as one entry in the label’s critically acclaimed, “Classic Albums” DVD series.

The format of the DVD is pretty straightforward as it’s the telling of the story of the Bat Out Of Hell album through the eyes of its creators as well as some popular “fans.” The majority of the documentary is told by Meat himself, as well as composer Jim Steinman and producer Todd Rundgren. Additionally, comments are interjected by singers Ellen Foley, Karla DeVito, and others involved in the production. There’s even commentary by “fans” like drummer Max Weinberg (Springsteen/Conan O’Brien Show).

Commentary is intertwined with live concert (“Heaven Can Wait” from 1994) and video footage. It’s quite entertaining to see Meat and Rundgren tell segments of their story from within a studio behind a mixing board. Both end up having access to individual “tracks” (in this sense … instruments versus songs) and use bits and pieces of vocal tracks, piano tracks, drum tracks, etc. straight from the mixing board to convey their points. It’s also very enjoyable to see and hear the passion that Meat, Steinman, and Rundgren exude in their faces and voices when they are communicating their stories.

The 60-minute DVD, portrayed in a 4:3 aspect ratio, isn’t necessarily high on “extras.” There is a text-based discography and biography included, both of which are accessible from the main menu. Given the reasonable price tag on the DVD, this “extras” list shouldn’t be misconstrued as a “rip-off.”

Bottom line, this 60-minute documentary is a joyful ride behind the making of one of Rock’s classics. Being a documentary versus a live concert DVD, it probably doesn’t provide as much value in the arena of “re-playability.” Given the price, though, it’s well worth buying even if you view it once, especially for any die hard Meat Loaf fan who might learn a thing or two they hadn’t previously known about concerning the making of Bat Out Of Hell.