ARRIVING SOMEWHERE...

Looks like the dog pile is starting! I just picked this up today and have only had one chance to view it. Musically, performance-wise and sonically, this is one heck of a release! The bass line and percussion are as crisp as you'd ever want, and the sound is totally in balance, especially in DTS surround! Plus, I love the fact that Maryland-made Paul Reed Smith (PRS) guitars are featured so well (I live in Maryland).

But I fall into the crowd that feels that the visuals are just too frenetic and overly stylistic (for no apparent reason). For example, at the beginning of "Even Less," I just can't figure out why the camera angles should shift every 1.5 seconds during a passage that is considerably more mellow and reflective. I couldn't help but feel that whoever did the video editing (Lasse Hoile), must not be very familiar with the "feel" and "direction" of the songs. I watched this DVD before having read the reviews here, so I was kind of relieved to find out I wasn't the only one who thought this. That symphonic start to Even Less ought to have long-held shots, holding on the faces of the players as they themselves slow it down and get into the synch with that particular piece of music.

But beyond the silly visuals (which will look dated in a couple of years, or may be dated already...) it is a top notch concert. Amazingly, it sounds so good, especially considering that there is little interplay between the individuals. Its like everyone knows what to do, but I think there could be room for a little more sponteneity and "fun" between the members of band. They seem SO serious!

Muscially: 5 stars Engineering/sonic quality: 5 stars, Among the best DTS DVDs I have. Visually: 2 stars (an extra star for those moments free of "dust" and film printing)

It's "essential" even though I give it 4 stars. I just have to get past the visuals.