(MVD, 196 Mins.)

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BY BRIAN STAKER

The absence of Steven Morrissey casts its pompadour-coiffed shadow over this two DVD set. As an unauthorized production, the lack of his side of the story, particularly when discussing his solo career, makes it feel a bit like telling tales out of school. That said, the drama circling around renders him a fascinating persona. It makes more sense to watch the second disc, "The Smiths Under Review" first, essaying the history of the Smiths, interviews with people in the scene detailing the group's impact on pop music as well as gender politics. It's clear from "Morrissey: The Jewel in the Crown" that the rancorous breakup was just the beginning of the tempestuous post-Smiths years, but it suffers from a lack of his tunes. Video clips of the Smiths demonstrate his genius better than any testimonial.

SPECIAL FEATURES: Quiz, discography, "After the Split" featurette.