Rolling with the Man in Black

DVDs have become such an essential part of the pop experience that it’s not unusual for fans to spend as much time going through the new DVD releases as new albums in record stores.

That’s one reason record labels are so caught up now in the DualDisc format, which features a traditional audio CD on one side of a disc and some type of video features on the other. Bruce Springsteen’s “Devils & Dust” album will be released exclusively in DualDisc on April 26.

The joy of DVDs, however, isn’t just in the new programming but in the way they allow us to relive great moments in pop history. Most of the great, high-profile rock movies, from “Don’t Look Back” to “A Hard Day’s Night,” have long been available on DVD, but now, in the rush to release more DVDs, companies are turning to material that seemed all but forgotten.

Johnny Cash’s “Ridin’ the Rails: The Great American Train Story” is a great example. Due May 17 from Rhino Home Video, “Rails” was a 1974 ABC-TV special that looked at the history of the railroad in this country. Besides hosting the show, Cash sings numerous train songs, from Steve Goodman’s “City of New Orleans” to older folk material.

“Rails” was an obvious labor of love for Cash, and his spirit infuses the program with winning warmth. It’s not meant for a mass audience, but it’s encouraging to see that the DVD market is big enough for companies to find room for something this engaging. The list below of coming releases may alert you to more hidden treasures -- as well as encourage browsing through the DVD racks.

*

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX)

Pop music on DVD

This is a list of selected jazz and pop music DVD releases coming soon. All pricing is manufacturer’s suggested retail and may vary at different outlets. Release dates and titles may be subject to change.

Elvis Costello & the Imposters: Club Date -- Live in Memphis. Costello plays a retrospective set in late 2004 in a tiny club in Memphis. Red Distribution: $19.98, April 19.

Miles Davis: Cool Jazz Sound. A 1959 television performance featuring Miles’ band (John Coltrane, Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers and Jimmy Cobb) and the Gil Evans Orchestra. Music Video Distributors: $14.95, April 19.

Di Meola/Clarke/Ponty: Live at Montreux 1994. Al Di Meola, Stanley Clarke and Jean-Luc Ponty performing their high-energy jazz, much of the material for the first time together at this concert. Red Distribution: $14.98, May 3.

Flaming Lips: Fearless Freaks. An intimate look at the flamboyant Oklahoma band’s 20-year history. Sony Music Video: Extras include interviews with band members past and present, live clips, $19.98, May 17.

Iggy Pop: Live San Fran 1981. The adrenalized androgynous raw power of Pop on a tour during a relatively undocumented period of his career. Music Video Distributors, $16.95, April 19.

Loretta Lynn: Songs of Inspiration. Lynn sings over 20 classic and contemporary gospel songs; includes clips from performances as a regular on the Wilburn Brothers Show. MPI Media Group: $14.98, April 26.

Public Enemy -- It Takes a Nation: London Invasion. This 1987 performance by P.E. during its first U.K. tour marks an important step for the quintessential rap group, and for rap music in general. Music Video Distributors: Extras include bonus audio CD, $16.95, April 19.

Rockers: 25th Anniversary Edition. The definitive roots reggae film, with performances by Burning Spear, Peter Tosh, Abyssinians and many more. Crucial. Music Video Distributors, $19.95, June 21.

Sparks: Lil’ Beethoven -- Live in Stockholm. The Mael Brothers bring their own theatrical musical joy to Sweden in this live performance of the “Lil’ Beethoven” album. Kultur: $24.99, April 26.

The Stranglers: Live in San Francisco 1978. Fronted by the darkly enigmatic Hugh Cornwell, these forerunners of British punk are captured on their first U.S. tour. Music Video Distributors: $14.95, May 31.