The unconventional Irish folk-punk septet Flogging Molly wouldn't just put out a concert recording or collection of videos for its first DVD. Instead, its gone all out with a feature-length documentary on the history of the band accompanied by a bonus CD, that includes acoustic and live renditions of some of the band's more popular songs.  

Pretty much everything you could ever want to know about the group is contained in the hour and 40 minutes, a useful reference guide for hardcore fans. The documentary covers the roots of the band, from leader Dave King's childhood in Ireland to the collective's eventual worldwide success. It plays out like VH1's “Behind the Music,” without the riveting, edge-of-your-seat viewing .

In fact, it's a bit boring. By the time it gets to the really interesting stuff, like a fan's reaction to meeting the band in a bar one night and Dave King's reunion with his mother, the documentary is almost over. The informational bits are inter-spliced with songs from a sold-out concert at the Wiltern, and would've been nice to have an option to just watch the songs. However, at least the band took that extra step and put effort into the DVD instead of just tossing out a quick cash-in.

Besides, the bonus disc is almost worth the price of alone for fans of the band. Watch the documentary once, put it back in the case, and then enjoy the real reason Flogging Molly is so popular: the music.

Grade: B