Supertramp - The Story So Far (2002) Review

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(More customer reviews)This could have been done so much better. Let's start with the best bits first; the band is in fine form throughout and a healthy dose of great songs. The interview segments are, not surprisingly, rather old but still give pretty good insight into how the band started.
The picture quality and transfer are so-so. It could simply be the master tape or the transfer itself. It's difficult to tell. Considering the length of most Supertramp concerts, this one is rather short. Given the dual layer DVD capacity to hold information, this could easily have been stretched out to include material not on the original DVD release. The videos, fine though they are, aren't essential but are fun to view.
The sound quality is mixed. While the band sound great throughout most of the disc, the audience is mixed way too loud. This could have easily been remedied during the remastering phase for the DVD. Most of the hits and popular songs are included but, again, there was plenty of room for inclusion of lesser known Supertramp tracks included on the Paris live album. It's rather surprising that so little is included from Famous Last Words (although admittedly that's the weakest of their later albums).
There's other areas that could have used improvement as well. There is concert footage from a variety of venues over the years (1977 and 1975) but they're incomplete. Since the footage exists, why not include all of it? It would make for an interesting look at the band over the years. Or, for that matter, why not include some of their television appearences (well that would involve more $ and they'd have to clear the rights).
The Story portion plays like a poor man's Behind The Music. There are a number of mistakes throughout (including the "fact" that the same line up recorded the first two albums. In fact, only Roger and Rick remained and they recruited three new musicians who also left shortly). There really isn't much insight generated into what made the band click in version three. Also, there could have been more said about how Rick and Roger's songwriting partnership worked. Like the great sounding remasters, it appears that A&M/Universal did little to enhance the original video packaging. Basically, they just took a couple of video titles, stitched them together and created this companion piece to the remastered CDs/Best of collection.
I didn't expect a warts and all video but I also expected a bit more quality from A&M given the wealth of material to work from. All the members (from the original first line up to the third most successful) could easily have been contacted for a better, overall view of what occurred. It's not a bad video but it doesn't live up to its title, either.

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Frank Zappa: Dub Room Special (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)I've been waiting for this release since it contain the only official performance of Zappa/Mothers in 74 (from the "A Token of his Extreme" show). I have seen it twice and I have to admit I'm quite dissappointed since there's no improvement on the vintage footage and the extra material it's absolutely useless (Moon Valley feature, discography,...). This is the SAME VHS or Beta(max) we all ordered from Zappa's mail order service back in the 80's, but packaged under a DVD mask.
Most of the tracks from 1974 and 1981 are edited, cut and/or mixed with additional images. Also there are lots of "noises" added to some tracks. Bootleggers who used to offer the 1974 performance must be very happy with this edited video.
I wish they had included a CLEAN, FULL and CONTINOUS live performance at KCTTV Culver City Studios on 08/07/1974 with Zappa / Mothers and SEPARATELY the 10/31/1981 New York Halloween Party concert at the Palladium. Also they could have put as a worth - having extra "The Amazing Mr Brickford" video (the man behind those great clay animation).
If you want an in deep review, here is:
- (1974) DOG BREATH (VARIATIONS) / UNCLE MEAT
Uncomplete: no intro. and there's fade at the end. Original film is heavily distorted with additional images (mostly from Brickford), video effects and external "noises". Nevertheless you can see for brief moments Frank playing drums with Ruth Underwood (former Ruth Kammanoff)
- (circa 1974) PORTIONS OF MR BRICKFORD: Formerly shown on Baby Snake VHS / DVD
- DIALOGUE AT COMPACT VIDEO (the place where this video was made)
- (1974) ROOM SERVICE
Uncomplete: Maybe introduction is lost and there's CUT at the end. This is a classic Zappa talking - number. Just listen to that funky back up rhythm by Fowler, Duke, Underwood & Thompson.
- (1981) NIG BIZ Uncomplete.
- DIALOGUE AT COMPACT VIDEO
- (1974) APPROXIMATE
Perfect. Complete number. Zappa at his most DADA / Experimental phase. Simply great.
- (1974) COSMIK DEBRIS
Right after Approximate comes this number which is sadly cut and glued to Cocaine Decision
- (1981) COCAINE DECISION
Uncomplete number. It's mixed with video images of Massimo Bassoli a man supposed to be funny. Not for me.
- (1982) MASSIMO BASSOLI IN PALERMO / DIALOGUE AT COMPACT VIDEO
- (1974) MONTANA: Introduction is lost. Seriously cut at the end.
- (1982) MASSIMO BASSOLI - SINGLE: Useless.
- DIALOGUE AT COMPACT VIDEO
- (1974) FLORENTINE POGEN
Beginning of original broadcast is mixed with images at Compact Video. Cut before the number really ends. Edited Frank speech "Thank you. Chester's Gorilla was played by Marty Perellis"
- STEVIE'S SPANKING: This is an edited number from a longer one.
- DIALOGUE AT COMPACT VIDEO
- (1974) STINK FOOT
Introduction is lost. Heavily mixed with Mr Brickford clay animation and finally cut and glued to 1981's Flakes.
- (1981) FLAKES: Uncomplete number.
- (1974) INCA ROADS
No introduction. Mixed with Mr Brickford clay animation which at the same time is overdub with studio "noises". The main part of this number was used for "One Size Fits All" album (except guitar solo). Parts of this number were broadcasted on The Midnight Special TV show back in the 70's.
- (1981) EASY MEAT: Uncomplete
- DIALOGUE AT COMPACT VIDEO


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Previously released on VHS and Beta and only available through mail order, Frank Zappa’s Dub Room Special is an extremely rare TV special comprising two live performances from one of Rock’s great individuals.Zappa’s unparalleled abilities as a composer, guitarist, and absurdist/social commentator run rampant on The Dub Room Special - and it is a unique window on his willingness to push the envelope of what is possible no matter how improbable.Selections from two separate concerts, one, called A Token of His Extreme, shot in 1974 at Los Angeles public television station KCET and one in 1981 filmed at his annual New York Halloween show, are interspersed with then-cutting edge claymation/stop motion animation from Bruce Bickford and assorted comedy bits.Since 1966, Zappa had established himself as perhaps the most fearless musician known to popular music. He incorporated modern classical music, blazing rock and blues and doo wop, guitar solos he called "air sculpture" and an extremely cynical point of view to forge a legacy that remains completely unique 12 years after his death.

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Opeth: The Roundhouse Tapes (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is an amazing DVD worth getting by all means. First off I'll get the only bad thing about this out of the way so the I can get to all the greatness. Besides the show there aren't a lot of extra bonus features. Some band/fan interviews and galleries. But that's not even really a complaint, just the letting you know part. And now to the greatness, The performance. First off they give you 3 audio options. Stereo, 5.1 Surround, and DTS. Also the chain has been broken of them playing older tunes which really makes this DVD special as it has some of the older tunes sounding even better than they did on the original cd. It's only a 9 song set but if you're familiar with Opeth you know why that is and it is a great set. Under the Weeping Moon and Night and the Silent Water have never sounded better. The picture is so clean it looks almost hi def. Also this might be the best mixed DVD I've ever heard. No instrument is too low or too loud. It's simply perfect, as is the performance by the band. Every song is played flawlessly and it's good fairwell to Peter Lindgren who will be missed even though his replacement is great also. Anyways, fans and any fan of great metal should pick this up. This is an amazing band and an amazing performance. While Lamentations was a great DVD this one edges it out due to a better setlist and amazing visual and audio quality. Highly recommended.

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Since their formation in 1990, Opeth has risen to the forefront of the metal world; bringing many aspects of progressive Rock/Metal to a whole new audience by combining soft acoustic ambience with complex, melodic & heavy guitars, perfectly concocted into a completely peerless sound. This 2 DVD set contains a captivating Opeth performance from the Camden Roundhouse, London in 2006. It shows the band in scintillating form playing a selection of classics from their illustrious career. The Roundhouse Tapes was filmed during the band's Ghost Reveries tour.

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Tool - Parabola (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)I desperately wanted this and Schism when I discovered they would be made available to the average joe. Tool is a band I consider my favorite and thus far, I have yet to be disappointed by any of their releases. Salival was interesting and somewhat satisfying for completists or die-hard fans. It was unfulfilling as I wanted more like a better DVD menu layout and maybe more songs like b-sides and more live stuff. Regardless, I was excited to get more Tool with Parabola and Schism. I have always thought that Lateralus warranted more than two videos, but whatever. I could at least get what was available.
Boy, was I disappointed when I made it home. I watched the videos, tried to watch the commentary (but became bored) and listened to the overlong, repetitive remixes. If the remixes were available on CD and the videos on a seperate DVD in one package for 10 bucks I would have been a little more satisfied. Instead, I dropped 20 bucks on something I will never watch or listen to again. For those who were disappointed by the lack of material available on the filler; Salival, you will feel even more cheated. I don't think Tool was even involved in the process of creating these sets. I can't sit here like some people and rave about how amazing this set is or how Tool came through again. I honestly loathe these releases and I am frankly appauled at the value.

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Actors: ToolFormat: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, NTSCLanguage: EnglishRegion: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1Number of discs: 1Rated: NR (Not Rated)Studio: VolcanoDVD Release Date: December 20, 2005

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Dream Theater - Live at Budokan (2004) Review

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(More customer reviews)this DVD show Dream Theater (DT) live at the historical japanese avenue, the Budokan, at their finest. i think DT have taken their music at another highest after having Rudess on keys, he is much more than just a keyboardist, combining speed, technique, musicality, together with Petrucci, Portnoy and Myung, they expanded their musical level to somewhere that no one had done before. and this DVD show what the best the fivesome can probably do (not the last one, Metropolis 2000, though that feature Rudess as well but the whole DVD is badly produced).
the concert footage consist of 18 songs, 5 from the lastest ablum "Train of Thought" (As I Am, This Dying Soul, Endless Sacrifice, Stream of Consciousness and In the Name of God), and some old stuff, also a new "Instrumedley", a combination of some their highly technically instrumental medley from their old songs, neck-breaking solo, breathe-taking unison, head-turning drum works, what else can i say about this... i really can't find one second from the performance that's not satisfying, their performance is no doubt at their finest.
and on disc 2, you'll be amazed that they are much more that a player/musician, they have so much knowledge on their instrument, Rudess's "turnable" keyboard setup is mind blowing, he even considered about the emergency power supply, and Petrucci's guitar setup is just as stunning, he take care of his instrument to a very subtle detail, not to mention Portnoy monster drumkit and his drum solo......
DT is no doubt one of the most influential band nowadays, not only because their superb music and musicianship, but also on their devotion on their instruments, fans and the business as well... this DVD will become one of the classic live DVD of all time, don't miss it!!

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