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Under the Volcano

Play trailer 2:08 Poster for Under the Volcano 2021 1h 37m Documentary Music Play Trailer Watchlist
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94% Tomatometer 18 Reviews 95% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Under the Volcano charts the rise and fall of AIR Studios Montserrat, the recording studio at the center of the pop universe in the 1980s. Built by Beatles' producer Sir George Martin in 1979, AIR Studios Montserrat was a custom-built, state-of-the-art recording facility tucked away on a Caribbean paradise. In the shadow of an active volcano, the studio not only attracted the biggest musical talent on the planet, but was the birthplace of mega-hits such as Money for Nothing and Every Breath You Take. For a decade, AIR Montserrat formed the backdrop to monumental events in music history including the break-up of The Police, the reunion of The Rolling Stones, and the reinvigoration of Paul McCartney after the tragic murder of John Lennon. After a decade of hits, and at the peak of its popularity, the studio was destroyed when the island was hit by a series of devastating natural disasters. Through personal accounts and backed by a blistering soundtrack, Under the Volcano is the definitive account of George Martin's Studio at the end of the world, a place that generated a perfect storm of talent, technology and isolation, ushering in music that would live on long after the last tape rolled.
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Under the Volcano

Critics Reviews

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Paul Byrnes Sydney Morning Herald 09/09/2021
3.5/5
We get a sense of island life, which was all about to change. The film argues that an era in music was ending too, with the shift from analogue to digital. Go to Full Review Glenn Kenny New York Times 08/19/2021
Almost 40 years later, it's hilarious to see Stewart Copeland speak of Sting with still-fresh feelings of exasperation, irritation and admiration. Go to Full Review Chris Willman Variety 08/18/2021
The doc will be catnip to the class of record nerds who care about which great records came out of which bygone studios... and this one certainly offers better scenery than, say, the Van Nuys-set "Sound City." Go to Full Review Serena Seghedoni Loud and Clear Reviews 08/26/2023
3/5
there's much more to AIR Montserrat, and to the island, than what is shown in the film. Go to Full Review Leigh Paatsch Herald Sun (Australia) 09/03/2021
3.5/5
While plenty of platinum-selling performers front up to pay homage to the studio and wax nostalgic for the cameras, the real stars of an enjoyable show are the laid-back Montserrat locals who worked on the AIR support crew. Go to Full Review Graeme Tuckett The Post NZ 09/01/2021
4/5
Gracie Otto's Under The Volcano is a breezy, gossipy, but nicely grounded documentar. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Chris V 01/18/2025 The archival footage and the conversations with the bands and engineers are interesting enough to hold viewers. The title is a curious choice as the volcano was not the reason the studio closed, it was a hurricane, neglect and the changing music business that closed it, and it's influence on the music that was made there ventures too far into woo and mystical territory. See more Carol B 05/06/2023 I loved it, recorded it and watch it every couple of months. I breaks my heart that the jungle is reclaiming it, but everything ends. Great documentary! See more 12/13/2021 For anyone interested in music overall, this is a MUST see show. Very enlightening, and after you watch it, you can hear the sound that emanated from this studio. See more 10/20/2021 AMAZING! Loved it. Highly highly recommended! See more 09/15/2021 Would like to have seen more scenes of Plymouth but old footage must be hard to find. There was a lovely old pub in wapping with a tree growing through the roof of the dining room where they served huge lobsters. One thing that was not mentioned was the tax advantage in setting up the studio which I would think was a deciding factor as there are plenty of other beautiful islands. I lived there 1973 1974 my husband worked for the tax department there and was partly instrumental in setting up a tax system that encouraged investment in the island as there were ver little employment opportunities for locals . See more 08/29/2021 Loved this movie. Had no idea so much hit music was produced on the little island of Montserrat. See more Read all reviews
Under the Volcano

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Cast & Crew

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Gracie Otto

Director

Sting

Self

Stewart Copeland

Self

Andy Summers

Self

Mark Knopfler

Self

Jimmy Buffett

Self

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Under the Volcano

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Under the Volcano

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Movie Info

Synopsis Under the Volcano charts the rise and fall of AIR Studios Montserrat, the recording studio at the center of the pop universe in the 1980s. Built by Beatles' producer Sir George Martin in 1979, AIR Studios Montserrat was a custom-built, state-of-the-art recording facility tucked away on a Caribbean paradise. In the shadow of an active volcano, the studio not only attracted the biggest musical talent on the planet, but was the birthplace of mega-hits such as Money for Nothing and Every Breath You Take. For a decade, AIR Montserrat formed the backdrop to monumental events in music history including the break-up of The Police, the reunion of The Rolling Stones, and the reinvigoration of Paul McCartney after the tragic murder of John Lennon. After a decade of hits, and at the peak of its popularity, the studio was destroyed when the island was hit by a series of devastating natural disasters. Through personal accounts and backed by a blistering soundtrack, Under the Volcano is the definitive account of George Martin's Studio at the end of the world, a place that generated a perfect storm of talent, technology and isolation, ushering in music that would live on long after the last tape rolled.
Director
Gracie Otto
Producer
Cody Greenwood
Screenwriter
Cody Greenwood, Gracie Otto, Ian Shadwell, Ian Shadwell
Production Co
Rush Films
Genre
Documentary, Music
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 17, 2021
Runtime
1h 37m
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