Apple TV+ releases 'The Velvet Underground' trailer ahead of Oct. 15 debut

Apple on Monday released a trailer for "The Velvet Underground," an upcoming Apple TV+ documentary from director Todd Haynes that follows the band's beginnings and explores the indelible mark it left on the music scene.

The trailer features clips from the documentary, which examines the genesis of the Velvet Underground at the intersection of experimental art, music and film during a shift in prevailing cultural winds that was the 1960s.

Haynes' documentary tells the story through the lens of exclusive interviews with surviving band members John Cale and Moe Tucker, as well as commentary from musician Jonathan Richman, Exploding Plastic Inevitable dancer Mary Woronov and others. Interspersed throughout is rare unreleased footage pulled from performances and Andy Warhol films.

Lou Reed appears to feature large in the documentary, with bandmates and more commenting on his approach to rock and roll.

"The Velvet Underground created a new sound that changed the world of music, cementing its place as one of rock and roll's most revered bands. Directed with the era's avant-garde spirit by Todd Haynes, this kaleidoscopic oral history combines exclusive interviews with dazzling archival footage," Apple says of the film.

Haynes and music supervisor Randall Poster worked together to curate the film's soundtrack, mixing popular tracks with deep cuts to present an eclectic view of the band.

Apple won rights to "The Velvet Underground" last year. Haynes directs and serves as producer alongside Christine Vachon, Julie Goldman, Christopher Clements, Carolyn Hepburn and David Blackman.

The documentary, one of the rare Apple TV+ films to receive an R rating, is slated to debut in theaters and on Apple TV+ on Oct. 15.

9 Comments

JWSC 1203 comments · 7 Years

About 3 years ago

I am sooooo watching this! Awesome Apple!

RonnyDaddy 36 comments · 3 Years

A fantastic band whose influence is still felt strongly on today’s real music. Good move Apple!

GeorgeBMac 11421 comments · 8 Years

I don't remember them as shaping or changing much of anything. There were bunches of fringe bands around at the time and the Velvet Underground was one of them.

But, perhaps that was the late 60's: the underlying feeling (aside from Vietnam and its side affects) was optimistic, confident and hopeful. Yes, there was a lot of dissatisfaction -- but that was underpinned by fundamental optimism and confidence that a better world was not only possible but was on its way.

It was, as I remember it, that atmosphere that fringe players like the Velvet Underground thrived.

crowley 10431 comments · 15 Years

Ooh, this sounds exciting. Todd Haynes and the Velvet Underground is a smashing combo.

Spitbath 97 comments · 5 Years

GeorgeBMac said:

I don't remember them as shaping or changing much of anything. There were bunches of fringe bands around at the time and the Velvet Underground was one of them.

It is often the fringe artists who shape the culture and influence future artists.

https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20131125-do-the-velvets-beat-the-beatles

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mL4W_mo7G_U&t=29s