Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Strange Too

Strange Too – Another Violation by is a 1990 music video compilation by the English electronic band , serving as the third in a series of video releases and featuring six full-color films directed by for tracks from the band's album Violator (1990), including "," "," "," "," "," and "." Originally released on and , the compilation highlights Corbijn's distinctive visual style, which helped define Depeche Mode's iconic imagery during their breakthrough period in the late and early . The videos, all shot in color unlike the black-and-white focus of the preceding Strange (1988), capture the band's evolution toward a more polished, atmospheric sound and aesthetic, contributing to Violator's commercial success, which peaked at number two in the UK and number seven on the 200. In December 2023, Strange Too was reissued as part of the combined Strange/Strange Too collection on DVD and Blu-ray by labels including Mute and Sony Music (worldwide, excluding North America, where Warner Music Group handled distribution), featuring 11 restored music videos from both compilations plus six previously unreleased outtake vignettes, all sourced from original Super 8mm film negatives and involving Corbijn in the restoration process over several years. The 68-minute program includes new artwork and liner notes by Corbijn, preserving the grainy, artistic texture of the Super 8 format while replacing deteriorated footage with the best available alternatives, and it charted at number 95 on the UK DVD chart and number 18 on the Blu-ray chart. This release celebrates the 40-year collaboration between Depeche Mode and Corbijn, underscoring their enduring influence on electronic music and music video artistry.

Background and production

Development

Strange Too originated as the second music video compilation directed by for , following the 1988 release of Strange and serving as a visual companion to the band's 1990 Violator. The project was conceived to highlight the band's evolving aesthetic and sonic identity during the Violator era, capitalizing on the 's commercial breakthrough by compiling videos that captured its thematic depth and electronic innovation. Corbijn, a long-time collaborator with since the mid-1980s, selected and directed the six core videos—"," "," "," "," "," and ""—with the latter two created specifically for the compilation to round out the Violator representation. Planning for Strange Too took place from late 1989 through 1990, aligning with the production of Violator's promotional materials and involving close coordination between Corbijn, the band, and Mute Records, the project's primary label. Mute Records oversaw the overall vision, emphasizing a cohesive visual strategy that extended the band's narrative beyond audio releases, while Corbijn focused on curating footage to underscore Depeche Mode's transition toward more cinematic and introspective visuals. A key conceptual decision was to film entirely in color using Super 8mm, departing from the black-and-white aesthetic of Strange to broaden the visual palette and better reflect Violator's vibrant, expansive sound. The compilation's structure was finalized late in the process, with Corbijn proposing to interlink the videos into a continuous augmented by fabricated segments, all assembled on a modest through experimental techniques. was targeted at approximately 32 minutes to suit the constraints of the format, ensuring accessibility for home viewing while maintaining a tight, immersive experience that complemented the album's promotional cycle. This approach not only reinforced Depeche Mode's integrated audio-visual identity but also positioned Strange Too as a pivotal extension of their Violator-era success.

Direction and filming

Anton Corbijn directed all the videos featured in Strange Too, serving as both director and cinematographer to maintain his signature visual style throughout the production. Richard Bell acted as the producer, overseeing the project for State Productions to ensure cohesive execution across the compilation. The videos were filmed using Super 8mm format, which imparted a grainy, textured aesthetic that became a hallmark of Corbijn's collaborations with Depeche Mode, emphasizing raw, intimate visuals over polished production. Filming occurred between 1989 and 1990, aligning with the release of the Violator album and its promotional cycle, with individual videos captured in locations across Spain, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and the United States. A notable element of the production was the introductory segment, shot at the Motor Vu Drive-In in Erda, , immediately following Depeche Mode's concert at the Acord Arena in on July 25, 1990. This sequence framed the compilation as a drive-in movie program, enhancing its thematic unity. Among the key personnel, actress appeared uncredited as a waitress in the "" video, contributing to its casual, everyday atmosphere. Post-production involved specific to preserve the vibrant, saturated tones inherent to stock, distinguishing Strange Too from the black-and-white aesthetic of its predecessor. Editing techniques further unified the disparate videos into a whole, with transitions and the drive-in wrapper creating a seamless flow that evoked a curated experience.

Content

Included videos

The "Strange Too" compilation features six music videos from Depeche Mode's Violator album, showcasing the band's exploration of desire, guilt, and introspection through visually striking, often surreal aesthetics that enhance the album's electronic synth-pop essence. These videos, directed by Anton Corbijn, blend performance elements with narrative motifs to evoke emotional depth, aligning with Violator's dark, sensual undertones. , released as a on August 29, 1989, opens the compilation with a color Western-themed video where members, clad in attire, perform amid ranch-like scenes, symbolizing a quest for personal salvation and intimate connection that ties into the song's themes of desire and dependency. The stark visuals underscore the track's bluesy synth riff, creating a gritty, introspective atmosphere reflective of Violator's emotional intensity. , released as a on May 7, 1990, employs an interrogation motif, depicting the band in a confined, tense setting where themes of and unfold through stark lighting and shots, highlighting the psychological tension of hidden truths in personal relationships. The video's claustrophobic framing complements the song's pulsating synth bass and rhythmic drive, reinforcing Violator's focus on moral introspection and emotional vulnerability. , the album's lead single issued on February 5, 1990, presents a surreal in which frontman , dressed as a carrying a , wanders desolate landscapes, embodying the song's plea for quietude amid relational turmoil and . This wandering motif visually mirrors the track's layered synth melodies and introspective lyrics, evoking a sense of isolated longing that amplifies the electronic production's hypnotic quality. Halo, though not issued as a single, features a video produced specifically for "Strange Too" in 1990, portraying Gahan as a strongman performer in a circus-like environment, grappling with guilt and forbidden desire through exaggerated, theatrical poses that evoke a reversed halo of shame. This symbolic narrative aligns with the track's soaring synth chords, visually capturing the album's blend of sensual allure and self-recrimination. , also created for the 1990 compilation without a prior single release, features and his then-partner watching projected live performance footage from the band's tours in a domestic setting, representing emotional purification and release from past burdens in a minimalist, cleansing aesthetic. The subdued visuals echo the song's ambient synth washes and reflective tone, tying into Violator's themes of redemption and inner clarity. World in My Eyes, the final single from October 1990, unfolds in psychedelic club scenes with vibrant, fluid camera movements around the performing band and surrounding figures, inviting viewers into a hedonistic journey of shared ecstasy and perceptual expansion. These dynamic, colorful elements enhance the track's euphoric synth hooks, embodying the album's celebration of desire as a unifying force while maintaining an introspective edge.

Exclusive bonus videos

The exclusive bonus videos in Strange Too consist of two original productions directed by for non-single tracks from Depeche Mode's 1990 album Violator: "Halo" and "Clean". These were created specifically for the compilation to offer fans additional content beyond the standard promotional videos for the album's singles, enhancing the release's value and contributing to its total runtime of approximately 29 minutes while deepening the thematic exploration of , , and present in Violator. The video for "" features lead singer portrayed as the "Strongest Man in the Universe" leading a traveling troupe in a desolate, middle-of-nowhere setting that evokes symbolic imagery of protection, vulnerability, and loss. appears as a , while Andy Fletcher and take on undertaker-like roles, with the narrative unfolding through performances amid sparse, arid landscapes filmed in Super 8mm color at , . A notable element is the inclusion of a young as a tall dancer, adding to the eccentric, performative visuals that align with the song's themes of emotional shielding. This bonus video, not tied to a single release, was shot on August 2, 1990, just before the band's concerts at [Dodger Stadium](/page/Dodger Stadium). In contrast, the "Clean" video presents an abstract narrative centered on themes of purification and renewal, blending performance footage of the band in a stark, minimalist environment with evocative imagery that mirrors the song's lyrics about emerging cleansed from turmoil. Directed by Corbijn in Super 8mm color and produced by Richard Bell, it incorporates tour elements projected in a domestic setting, featuring Martin Gore and his then-partner Angela watching performance clips, which reinforces the introspective closure of Violator. Like "Halo," it remains exclusive to Strange Too and was not released as a standalone single, serving to bridge the compilation's focus on Violator's core visuals with fresh, interpretive content.

Release

1990 VHS release

Strange Too was initially released on VHS on 6 November in the United Kingdom through and in the United States through and . The video compilation, subtitled Another Violation by , served as a visual companion to Depeche Mode's 1990 album Violator, featuring music videos directed by that aligned with the album's thematic and promotional elements. The VHS format ran for approximately 31 minutes and 56 seconds, available in PAL standard for the and markets and for the , with audio. Distribution targeted the market, with releases handled by partners like BMG Video in various regions, emphasizing accessibility for fans during the band's . The release was marketed as an extension of the Violator era, capitalizing on the tour's momentum to showcase Corbijn's full-color visuals for the album's singles and exclusive tracks. Initial packaging featured cover art with black-and-white photography of the band members by , maintaining the artistic continuity from Violator's aesthetic while highlighting the video's focus on his directorial work.

2023 reissue

In , Depeche Mode's video compilations Strange (1988) and Strange Too (1990) were d together for the first time on digital home video formats by Rhino Records in the USA, , and , and by Entertainment worldwide. The combined collection, titled Strange / Strange Too, was released on December 8, , in both DVD and Blu-ray editions, marking a significant upgrade from the original and releases. The remastering process involved restoring the 11 music videos—five from Strange in black-and-white Super 8mm and six full-color Super 8mm films from Strange Too—directly from the original film sources, overseen by director and the original production team. Where original footage had deteriorated, the next-best available sources were used to achieve improved resolution suitable for high-definition viewing, along with enhanced for the color segments and precise audio syncing to preserve the raw aesthetic while adapting it to modern standards. The set also includes six previously unreleased vignettes, presented in a digipack edition with a 16-page featuring new photographs and by Corbijn. This reissue formed part of Depeche Mode's broader efforts to preserve and digitize their video archives, coinciding with the band's 2023–2024 , which supported their fifteenth studio album and highlighted their enduring visual legacy.

Commercial performance

Chart performance

Upon its release in late 1990, Strange Too achieved success on video charts, reaching number 12 on the Music Video Chart, marking a solid performance for the VHS compilation amid the band's rising popularity. The compilation entered the UK chart in the final months of 1990 and maintained presence for several weeks, capitalizing on the momentum from Depeche Mode's Violator album and its accompanying singles. This timing aligned with heightened fan interest following the album's global breakthrough earlier that year. Its chart performance was bolstered by strategic ties to the World Violation Tour, which promoted Violator tracks featured in the videos, and the burgeoning home video market in the early 1990s, where music compilations gained traction as affordable extensions of concert experiences. Compared to the predecessor Strange (1988), which peaked at number 8 on the UK video chart, Strange Too reached a lower position, though it reflected Depeche Mode's continued commercial presence as a major act. The 2023 reissue of Strange/Strange Too charted at number 95 on the DVD chart and number 18 on the Blu-ray chart.

Certifications and sales

Strange Too was certified platinum by the (RIAA) on February 22, 1991, for shipments exceeding 100,000 units in the United States. This milestone reflected the video's commercial success amid the burgeoning popularity of VHS music compilations in the early , a format that allowed fans to own high-quality collections of outside of television broadcasts. No certifications were issued by international bodies such as the (BPI) or equivalents in other regions, though the release saw robust performance in the European video market, bolstered by Depeche Mode's established fanbase there.

Reception

Critical reviews

Upon its release in 1990, Strange Too received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised the high quality of the and Anton Corbijn's direction. Retrospective coverage of the 2023 reissue has further appreciated Strange Too for its role in preserving the artistry of music videos, emphasizing Corbijn's innovative use of stock and composited effects to create a lo-fi, homemade aesthetic that defined the period's visual storytelling. For instance, a blu-ray.com review awarded the combined Strange/Strange Too release 4 out of 5 stars, praising the and video quality. Common praises across critiques focus on Corbijn's atmospheric direction, which masterfully complements the band's electronic soundscapes through minimalist yet impactful cinematography.

Fan and cultural impact

Among Depeche Mode enthusiasts, Strange Too has long been celebrated for its inclusion of exclusive music videos for the non-single tracks "Halo" and "Clean" from the Violator album, which were specially produced by Anton Corbijn to complete the compilation and provide visual interpretations of these album deep cuts. These videos, featuring Corbijn's signature stylized cinematography, are frequently highlighted in fan discussions as standout elements that enhance the compilation's appeal, with user reviews on Discogs averaging a 4.9 out of 5 rating based on nearly 80 submissions praising their artistic value and historical importance. The release's focus on Violator-era visuals has cemented its status as a cherished artifact in Depeche Mode fan archives, underscoring the band's dedication to comprehensive visual storytelling. As a quintessential example of early music video compilations, Strange Too exemplifies the era's shift toward auteur-driven short films, with Corbijn's Super 8mm footage influencing subsequent fan-curated video collections and bootleg archives that preserve and remix Depeche Mode's aesthetic. This work bolstered Corbijn's reputation as a pivotal collaborator in electronic music visuals, blending narrative depth with the band's sound to create enduring imagery that fans replicate in tribute projects and online montages. During the peak of the Violator promotional cycle in 1990, Strange Too played a key role in solidifying Depeche Mode's enigmatic, cinematic image, transforming the album's success into a phenomenon that elevated the band to status within electronic music by visually extending its themes of desire and introspection. The compilation's release amid the reinforced this visual branding, helping to bridge the gap between the band's studio output and live performances for a growing . The 2023 reissue of Strange and Strange Too on DVD and Blu-ray, restored from original sources, has revitalized interest in the collection, leading to heightened streaming engagement on platforms like where official uploads of the remastered videos have garnered significant views and renewed fan appreciation for Corbijn's contributions. The edition received positive user feedback, including 4.8 out of 5 stars from 479 ratings on as of November 2025, and includes previously unseen outtake vignettes, further entrenching the compilation's place in Depeche Mode's visual legacy and encouraging new generations to explore the band's formative era.

References

  1. [1]
    Strange Too' 2023 - Depeche Mode
    Strange/Strange Too presents 11 Anton Corbijn/Depeche Mode music films, newly restored from original Super 8mm sources, alongside six previously unseen outtake ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  2. [2]
    Depeche Mode: Strange Too (Video 1990) - IMDb
    Rating 8.7/10 (278) Strange Too - Another Violation by Anton Corbijn is the third music video compilation by Depeche Mode, featuring more videos directed by Anton Corbijn, ...
  3. [3]
    Strange + Strange Too : Depeche Mode - Amazon.com
    Depeche Mode and Anton Corbijn's Iconic Film Collection Strange/Strange Too to be Released for the First Time Ever on Blu-ray.
  4. [4]
    DM Archives | Discography / Home Videos: Strange Too
    The second compilation of Anton Corbijn music videos, this time focused on the "Violator" album. Both "Clean" and "Halo" were made for this compilation ...Missing: development origins planning
  5. [5]
    Depeche Mode and Anton Corbijn's Iconic Film Collection Strange ...
    Oct 26, 2023 · Strange/Strange Too presents 11 Anton Corbijn/Depeche Mode music films, newly restored from original Super 8mm sources, alongside six previously unseen outtake ...Missing: origins planning
  6. [6]
  7. [7]
    Depeche Mode - Strange Too (Another Violation By Anton Corbijn)
    ### Summary of 1990 VHS Versions of "Strange Too (Another Violation By Anton Corbijn)"
  8. [8]
  9. [9]
  10. [10]
    Depeche Mode: Strange Too (Video 1990) - Plot - IMDb
    Strange Too - Another Violation by Anton Corbijn is the third music video compilation by Depeche Mode, featuring more videos directed by Anton Corbijn, ...Missing: development origins planning<|control11|><|separator|>
  11. [11]
    Depeche Mode "Strange Too" 1990
    Depeche Mode 'Strange Too' 1990. Another Violation By Anton Corbijn. Depeche Mode ... Running Time: approx 32 minutes. Other: PAL / SECAM DIGITAL AUDIO ...
  12. [12]
    A SCENE IN RETROSPECT: Depeche Mode - "Violator"
    Mar 26, 2022 · Violator-era Depeche Mode. Carrying their dark, sensual style into the new decade, they adopted or effectively presaged trends in alternative and electronic ...
  13. [13]
    Depeche Mode's "Violator": Analyzing Themes and Musical Impact
    Nov 24, 2024 · “World in My Eyes” opens “Violator” with its positive statement about the best pleasures of life. The band considered this song an anthem for ...
  14. [14]
    When did Depeche Mode release Personal Jesus [single]? - Genius
    Depeche Mode released Personal Jesus [single] on August 29, 1989.
  15. [15]
    Depeche Mode: Personal Jesus (Music Video 1989) - IMDb
    Rating 7.8/10 (383) The video opens on a ranch as the band approaches on horseback and on a pickup truck. The band sings while dressed in cowboy hats and western gear. They appear ...
  16. [16]
  17. [17]
    Enjoy The Silence - Depeche Mode Live Wiki
    Feb 13, 2025 · "Enjoy The Silence" is a song from the 1990 album Violator by Depeche Mode. It was released as a single on 5 February 1990.
  18. [18]
    Depeche Mode: Enjoy the Silence (Music Video 1990) - IMDb
    Rating 8.4/10 (470) "Enjoy the Silence" is a song by Depeche Mode, taken from their seventh studio album, Violator. The single is Gold certificated in the US and Germany.
  19. [19]
  20. [20]
    When did Depeche Mode release Policy of Truth [single]? - Genius
    Depeche Mode released Policy of Truth [single] on May 7, 1990. Policy of Truth [single] · Depeche Mode.
  21. [21]
    Policy Of Truth - Depeche Mode Live Wiki
    Jun 1, 2025 · "Policy Of Truth" employs sampled hi-hat rhythms sequenced in an alternating pattern to form dynamic loops. Wilder explains the benefits of ...
  22. [22]
  23. [23]
    Note the tall dancer in the video. That is a young Jenna Elfman.
    Sep 2, 2025 · Halo. Date Of Release: 1990 ... That is a young Jenna Elfman. Halo appears on: depeche mode - line. Select a music video by clicking on a video icon below...
  24. [24]
    Depeche Mode: Halo (Music Video 1990) - IMDb
    Rating 7.2/10 (142) "The Strongest Man in the Universe" (Dave Gahan) sings while giving a show with a traveling circus in the middle of nowhere.
  25. [25]
    Depeche Mode – Halo Lyrics - Genius
    Songwriter Martin Gore told NME “Halo” was written about giving in to immorality, yet still feeling a sense of wrongfulness about it. Its music video features a ...
  26. [26]
    video / music videos - Depeche Mode: The Archives
    Date Of Release: 1990 ; Video Director: Anton Corbijn ; Producer: Richard Bell ; Notes: This video was shot for the "Strangetoo" home video release.
  27. [27]
    Clean - Depeche Mode Live Wiki
    Jun 1, 2025 · "Clean" is a song from the 1990 album Violator by Depeche Mode. Contents. 1 Quotes; 2 Lyrics; 3 Composition. 3.1 Sample sources. 4 Music video ...Quotes · Lyrics · Composition · Music video
  28. [28]
    Depeche Mode - Clean (Official HD Video) - YouTube
    Apr 28, 2025 · Depeche Mode - "Clean" (From "Strange Too") (Official Video) directed by Anton Corbijn Original song from the 'Violator' album (Sire/Mute ...
  29. [29]
    World In My Eyes - Depeche Mode Live Wiki
    Jun 1, 2025 · "World In My Eyes" utilises a timestretched "clicking" percussion rhythm throughout its verse, chorus, and outro sections that is derived from ...Notes · Lyrics · Composition · Music video
  30. [30]
    When did Depeche Mode release World in My Eyes [single]? - Genius
    Depeche Mode released World in My Eyes [single] on September 17, 1990. World in My Eyes [single] · Depeche Mode.
  31. [31]
    Depeche Mode: World in My Eyes (Music Video 1990) - IMDb
    Rating 7.3/10 (143) "World in My Eyes" is a 1990 music video by Depeche Mode, the fourth single from their album Violator, directed by Anton Corbijn.
  32. [32]
    Depeche Mode Detail STRANGE/STRANGE TOO DVD/Blu-ray ...
    Oct 26, 2023 · Depeche Mode Detail STRANGE/STRANGE TOO DVD/Blu-ray Collection · 1. A Question of Time · 2. Strangelove · 3. Never Let Me Down Again · 4. Behind the ...
  33. [33]
    Depeche Mode: Halo [MV] (1990) - MUBI
    DEPECHE MODE: HALO [MV]. Directed by Anton Corbijn. United Kingdom, 1990. Music Video ... Photo of Jenna Elfman. Jenna ElfmanCast · Photo of David Gahan · David ...
  34. [34]
    Jenna Elfman reveals past as Depeche Mode video star
    May 5, 2014 · Jenna Elfman reveals past as Depeche Mode video star: 'They told me to dance badly! ... video for "Halo," which was directed by Anton Corbijn. But ...
  35. [35]
    THE VIDEO WITH NO SINGLE NUMBER 1 - HALO
    Mar 9, 2020 · Halo is a sensational song, a glorious melody that builds to a mesmeric conclusion, all of which envelops some of Martin's greatest lyrics.
  36. [36]
    THE VIDEO WITH NO SINGLE NUMBER 2 - CLEAN
    Mar 24, 2020 · The video sees Angela and Martin sitting on a couch watching the World Violation tour film for Clean play over a pair of curtains.
  37. [37]
    Depeche Mode: Clean (Music Video 1990) - IMDb
    Rating 7.2/10 (104) Depeche Mode: Clean: Directed by Anton Corbijn. With Depeche Mode, Andrew Fletcher, Dave Gahan, Martin Gore. Music video for Depeche Mode: Clean.
  38. [38]
    Strange/Strange Too | Rhino Media
    Dec 8, 2023 · Released in 1990, Strange Too (aka "Strange Too – Another Violation by Anton Corbijn") was shot in full-color, opening up a visual/sonic ...Missing: planning | Show results with:planning
  39. [39]
    Depeche Mode / Strange & Strange Too blu-ray release
    Oct 30, 2023 · Strange/Strange Too will be released on 8 December 2023, via Sony Music Entertainment. Compare prices and pre-order. Depeche Mode. Strange - ...Missing: details | Show results with:details
  40. [40]
    Depeche Mode Releasing Video Collection Strange/Strange Too on ...
    Oct 26, 2023 · Filmed mostly in black and white, Strange features videos for the three main singles for Music for the Masses and “A Question of Time” from ...
  41. [41]
    Gold & Platinum - RIAA
    ### Certification Details for Strange Too by Depeche Mode
  42. [42]
    STRANGE TOO (video album) by DEPECHE MODE sales and charts
    STRANGE TOO certifications and sales ; United StatesUS, 100,000, 1x Platinum ; Sales. Previous certifications. Date. 50,000. 1x Gold. 1991-02-22 ; Total sales in 1 ...
  43. [43]
    Depeche Mode - Strange | Strange Too
    ### Summary of User Reviews for Strange Too
  44. [44]
    Depeche Mode albums and songs sales - ChartMasters
    Nov 10, 2023 · Depeche Mode have been the flagship of the British 80s music scene for more than 40 years, we reviewed their sales figures, check them out!
  45. [45]
    Strange Too - Depeche Mode | Album | AllMusic
    Rating 6.2/10 (17) Strange Too by Depeche Mode released in 1990. Find album reviews, track lists, credits, awards and more at AllMusic.
  46. [46]
    Depeche Mode: Strange/Strange Too Blu-ray (DigiBook)
    Rating 8/10 Dec 15, 2023 · Depeche Mode: Strange/Strange Too Blu-ray delivers great video and audio in this excellent Blu-ray release.
  47. [47]
    depeche mode dot com
    Released in 1990, Strange Too (aka "Strange Too – Another Violation by Anton Corbijn") was shot in full-color, opening up a visual/sonic palette for the ...Depeche Mode and Hublot · Memento Mori Tour · Discography · The Archives<|control11|><|separator|>
  48. [48]
    Anton Corbijn's Depeche Mode videos get an overdue repackage
    Dec 7, 2023 · Strange and Strange Too, collections of promo videos made by Anton Corbijn for Depeche Mode, were originally released on VHS in 1988 and 1990 respectively.Missing: compilations list
  49. [49]
    The sweetest perfection: Why Depeche Mode's 'Violator' album ...
    Sep 4, 2020 · Indeed, thanks to the Anton Corbijn-directed music video collection 'Strange Too' that accompanied the album, 'Halo' and 'Clean' also got a ...Missing: companion | Show results with:companion