Post by Ineedanewname on Aug 21, 2004 15:05:40 GMT
The Movie:
A benefit for the Teenage Cancer Trust, the Who returned for this
charity engagement at Royal Albert Hall, bringing together some
special guests for the event (Eddie Vedder, Bryan Adams, Noel
Gallagher and others). The show's guests occasionally join the band to
add their own little touches to the band's classic numbers, but the
majority of the show has the band simply giving it all they've got as
they intensely roar through a lengthy and entertaining set. The amount
of energy the now somewhat older band offers during the performance
really compares and outdoes the kind of spirit that most bands half
their age bring to the stage. A really incredible performance from one
of rock's best bands.
The DVD:
"Live at Royal Albert Hall" is presented in 1.77:1 anamorphic
widescreen by Image Entertainment. One of their best concert film
transfers, the presentation offers excellent sharpness and detail
throughout the majority of the show, with the exception of a few shots
here and there that seem a little softer in comparison. Pixelation and
edge enhancement are kept in check and really don't show up during the
show and I didn't find any other concerns or problems. Colors appeared
richly rendered and vibrant. A stellar presentation.
The sound:
"Live at Royal Albert Hall" is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS
5.1. Before I go any further, I must warn that this is one of those
DVDs that, for those of you who have neighbors, they might not like
you very much if you play this full blast for a few hours. I must say
that, although I've been extremely pleased and often impressed with
the audio side of Image Entertainment's concert offerings, I've never
heard one that sounded this ferocious. From the opening moments on,
this is an extremely L-O-U-D soundtrack, but one that's also quite
positive in the way that it delivers its sonic assault.
The amount of depth to the sound is truly remarkable. Where concerts
usually present a strong amount of ambience, I've never heard one
present such a convincing feeling of space. The information coming
from both the rears and the front seemed to extend outward and provide
an incredibly immersive and enveloping experience. Crowd noise and
general hall ambience seemed almost breathtakingly realistic - I have
to say that I don't think I've ever felt more like I was at a concert
while listening to a DVD presentation than this. The surrounds
provided solid re-verb for the music that seemed like it would
strongly resemble the actual experience of the show. Thankfully, this
isn't one of those presentations that throws too much musical
information into the surrounds; the rear speakers offer just the right
mix of crowd sounds and music to envelop the listener without taking
the focus away from the front speakers.
Again, the sound quality is marvelous. Although the music is presented
at a level so powerful and dynamic that it may startle some at first,
the actual sound quality itself is simply superb. Loud, but definitely
not thin or shrill, this is a well-recorded live performance that is
entirely comfortable and often thrilling to listen to. For those that
don't have neighbors who are easily irritated, I'd definitely
recommend pushing the volume to "11" while watching this performance.
The entire performance offered some very strong low bass to go along
with the already fierce sound, as well.
The instruments also sounded very well defined across the front
speakers, not simply blending into a mess. Vocals also shared space
terrifically, really very strongly delivered by the front three
speakers. I think there are some tremendous sound presentations of
concerts out there on DVD and I've reviewed many of them. This was
really something above and beyond, delivering a really exciting, rich
and dynamic sound experience that really gives the viewer a
"you-are-there" feeling.
The menus:
As usual, nicely laid-out menus from Image that are easily navigated.
The second disc has all of the options presented on one menu, which is
always nice.
The extras:
All of the extras are on disc 2 of this 2 DVD set.
The second disc offers a performance of "Pinball Wizard" with seven
different angles.(Also in DTS/DD 5.1, Dolby 2.0).
Backstage: A short backstage clip is offered that shows rehersal
footage and crew at work.
Rehersals: Clips from pre-show rehersals for Eddie Vedder, Kennedy,
Bryan Adams, Paul Weller, Noel Gallager and Pete and Roger.
Interview: There's an interview with Roger Daltrey about the Teenage
Cancer Trust. 7 1/2 minutes.
Final Thoughts: A truly stunning performance that gets an amazing
presentation on this DVD release, "Live at Royal Albert Hall" simply
rocks. The DVD's sound presentation is unbelievable, an absolute treat
for fans of the band and really, anyone who likes to experience a rock
show on DVD. Highly Recommended.
www.currentfilm.com/dvdreviews4/wholiveroyaldvd.html
A benefit for the Teenage Cancer Trust, the Who returned for this
charity engagement at Royal Albert Hall, bringing together some
special guests for the event (Eddie Vedder, Bryan Adams, Noel
Gallagher and others). The show's guests occasionally join the band to
add their own little touches to the band's classic numbers, but the
majority of the show has the band simply giving it all they've got as
they intensely roar through a lengthy and entertaining set. The amount
of energy the now somewhat older band offers during the performance
really compares and outdoes the kind of spirit that most bands half
their age bring to the stage. A really incredible performance from one
of rock's best bands.
The DVD:
"Live at Royal Albert Hall" is presented in 1.77:1 anamorphic
widescreen by Image Entertainment. One of their best concert film
transfers, the presentation offers excellent sharpness and detail
throughout the majority of the show, with the exception of a few shots
here and there that seem a little softer in comparison. Pixelation and
edge enhancement are kept in check and really don't show up during the
show and I didn't find any other concerns or problems. Colors appeared
richly rendered and vibrant. A stellar presentation.
The sound:
"Live at Royal Albert Hall" is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS
5.1. Before I go any further, I must warn that this is one of those
DVDs that, for those of you who have neighbors, they might not like
you very much if you play this full blast for a few hours. I must say
that, although I've been extremely pleased and often impressed with
the audio side of Image Entertainment's concert offerings, I've never
heard one that sounded this ferocious. From the opening moments on,
this is an extremely L-O-U-D soundtrack, but one that's also quite
positive in the way that it delivers its sonic assault.
The amount of depth to the sound is truly remarkable. Where concerts
usually present a strong amount of ambience, I've never heard one
present such a convincing feeling of space. The information coming
from both the rears and the front seemed to extend outward and provide
an incredibly immersive and enveloping experience. Crowd noise and
general hall ambience seemed almost breathtakingly realistic - I have
to say that I don't think I've ever felt more like I was at a concert
while listening to a DVD presentation than this. The surrounds
provided solid re-verb for the music that seemed like it would
strongly resemble the actual experience of the show. Thankfully, this
isn't one of those presentations that throws too much musical
information into the surrounds; the rear speakers offer just the right
mix of crowd sounds and music to envelop the listener without taking
the focus away from the front speakers.
Again, the sound quality is marvelous. Although the music is presented
at a level so powerful and dynamic that it may startle some at first,
the actual sound quality itself is simply superb. Loud, but definitely
not thin or shrill, this is a well-recorded live performance that is
entirely comfortable and often thrilling to listen to. For those that
don't have neighbors who are easily irritated, I'd definitely
recommend pushing the volume to "11" while watching this performance.
The entire performance offered some very strong low bass to go along
with the already fierce sound, as well.
The instruments also sounded very well defined across the front
speakers, not simply blending into a mess. Vocals also shared space
terrifically, really very strongly delivered by the front three
speakers. I think there are some tremendous sound presentations of
concerts out there on DVD and I've reviewed many of them. This was
really something above and beyond, delivering a really exciting, rich
and dynamic sound experience that really gives the viewer a
"you-are-there" feeling.
The menus:
As usual, nicely laid-out menus from Image that are easily navigated.
The second disc has all of the options presented on one menu, which is
always nice.
The extras:
All of the extras are on disc 2 of this 2 DVD set.
The second disc offers a performance of "Pinball Wizard" with seven
different angles.(Also in DTS/DD 5.1, Dolby 2.0).
Backstage: A short backstage clip is offered that shows rehersal
footage and crew at work.
Rehersals: Clips from pre-show rehersals for Eddie Vedder, Kennedy,
Bryan Adams, Paul Weller, Noel Gallager and Pete and Roger.
Interview: There's an interview with Roger Daltrey about the Teenage
Cancer Trust. 7 1/2 minutes.
Final Thoughts: A truly stunning performance that gets an amazing
presentation on this DVD release, "Live at Royal Albert Hall" simply
rocks. The DVD's sound presentation is unbelievable, an absolute treat
for fans of the band and really, anyone who likes to experience a rock
show on DVD. Highly Recommended.
www.currentfilm.com/dvdreviews4/wholiveroyaldvd.html