Stages: Three Days in Mexico

Stages: Three Days in Mexico is the fifth video album by American recording artist Britney Spears, released on November 26, 2002, through Jive Records. It is a documentary featuring Spears during a pivotal moment in her career and provides an intimate behind-the-scenes look at her Dream Within a Dream Tour as it came to an end in Mexico City.

Stages: Three Days in Mexico
Video by
ReleasedNovember 26, 2002
RecordedJuly 26–28, 2002 (Mexico City); April 25, 2002 (Tokyo)
GenreDocumentary
Length89:31
LabelJive
DirectorJudy Hoffman
Britney Spears chronology
Britney Spears Live from Las Vegas
(2002)
Stages: Three Days in Mexico
(2002)
Britney Spears: In the Zone
(2004)

Background

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On September 18, 2002, Jive Records announced the release of a photographic book and DVD titled Stages and Stages: Three Days in Mexico. The DVD was directed by Albert Maysles and chronicled her stay in Mexico and Japan. Spears explained the release, saying, "I wanted to share with my fans all the things that they never get to see that make it all so special for me. It's my way of saying thank you''. As Britney Spears approached her 21st birthday, she was at the height of her fame and grappling with the pressures that came with it. The documentary captures her reflections on fame, performance, and her future in the music industry.[1]

Synopsis

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Stages: Three Days in Mexico offers an intimate glimpse into Britney's whirlwind journey during her tour stop in Mexico City. Over the course of three intense days, we witness the highs and lows, the chaos and calm, and the sheer dedication that fuels her performances. The documentary takes us through a microcosm of bodyguards, hotel corridors, and stages. We see the ever-present faceless hordes of hysterical fans, their adoration palpable. But amidst the frenzy, Britney remains grounded, her not-so-commercial southern accent and undeniable natural beauty shining through. As she approaches her 21st birthday, Britney grapples with the weight of fame, the pressures of perfection, and the desire to connect with her audience. Through candid moments, we witness vulnerability—the exhaustion after a show, the quiet contemplation backstage, and the genuine smiles shared with her team.[2]

Reception

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The film did not receive a theatrical release and was distributed only as an insert in the back of a Britney photobook, with minimal promotion from the record company.[3] It received additional attention later on thanks to the attention garnered by #FreeBritney,[4] as the film presents a "intensely melancholy" view of Britney facing extreme pressures while on tour. Writing for Business Insider, Jason Guerrasio praised the film, "Stages: Three Days in Mexico" is a must-watch for Spears fans and those who are just fascinated by ever-evolving celebrity culture. What also gives it that I have to see this pull is the fact that it's a lost artifact in Spears' career."[4]

Track listing

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The DVD includes footage of rehearsals, performances, and candid moments of Spears and her team as they navigate the complexities of touring. It also features interviews with Big Rob, Felecia, Richard Channer and Spears where she discusses her thoughts and feelings about her life and career.[5]

No.TitleLength
1."Interactive Book" 
2."Movie"1:00:18
3."Special Features" 
4."Britney in Japan & Interviews"29:18
Total length:1:29:31

Photobook

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Stages: Britney Spears
AuthorBritney Spears
LanguageEnglish
GenrePhotobook
PublisherNVU Editions/Team Power Publishing
Publication date
December 19, 2002
Publication placeUnited States
Media typePrint (paperback)
Pages104
ISBN978-0972457507

In Japan, a photobook titled ‘Stages: Britney Spears’ was released. It features 104 pages of photographs, including images of Britney Spears and moments from her fourth world tour ‘Dream Within a Dream’ tour spanning 2001 to 2002 to promote her self title album Britney. The photobook also includes a poster of Spears laying onto a bed with flowers. At the last page, it includes a DVD attached of Stages: Three Days In Mexico. [6][7]

Release history

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Release dates and formats for Stages: Three Days In Mexico
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
United States December 7, 2002 Photobook + DVD Jive [8]
DVD [8]
Japan December 19, 2002 Photobook [9]
February 19, 2003 DVD [8]

References

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Soundtrack of Stages: Three Days in Mexico - Britney Spears at IMDb