DREAM THEATER - SCORE: 20TH ANNIVERSARY WORLD TOUR LIVE WITH THE OCTAVARIUM ORCHESTRA

Dream Theater has outdone themselves once again. Usually after a band's been around for 20+ years one would figure a band has worn out its welcome. This cannot be further from the truth with Dream Theater, especially after seeing the absolutley incredible DVD "Score" Live at Radio City. Labrie sounds bettter than ever, and Portnoy has proven to be an architectural wizard when it comes to originality. "Score" is not a recycled track list. Instead, it has a freshness to it, just like Budokan has. "Score" isn't nearly as heavy nor progressive as the Budokan Concert, but in many ways it is better. First off the PCM stereo option is flat out kick ass. The sound quality is truly sick!!! If you have an HDTV, this is the concert for you. The classic tracks from the "Majesty" days and WDADU was at first a dissapointment, but I've never garnered the respect for DT's older stuff like I have now. "Raise The Knife" was a nice surprise, considering I had never heard it before. Not to mention it is a total slam in the face to Ex-Keyboardist Kevin Moore. Listen to the lyrics carefully, and you'll see what I mean. "Under a Glass Moon, Sacrificed Sons and Metroplis" all kicked total ass, as to be expected. The higlights of the show were the two epics "Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence" and of course their most recent masterpiece "Octavarium" which has quickly become a fan favorite. Just wait until you see this song live, it is truly on an epic scale. The last 4 minutes of "Octavarium" is the most inspirational section of music I've ever heard in any song!!!! "Score" isn't without it's flaws. First off is the microphone feedback. Every so often you'd hear a loud buzzing sound during important parts of certain songs, and it really hinders from the emotions one would feel while watching a paticular song. Secondly is the "DT drown out affect"? Another words, Dream Theater is simply more talented than the orchestra can ever dream of, and actually outshines the orchestra in many aspects, especially during "Six Degrees." Overall the addition of an orchestra was an interesting touch, but not as effective as it could've or should've been. However, they sounded great on Octavarium , and especially Metropolis which was a great way to finish out the set list. The crowd went absolutley berzerk when Metropolis was played, and is one of the greatest sights in any Dt concert. What really sets this dvd over the top is the bonus features, especially the wonderful documentary. The bonus tracks are a nice touch, but the sound quality isn't nearl as good, which is to be expected. Overall I'd give this concert a 4 1/2, but since I can't I must give it a 4!!! Pop in this dvd, and fall into infinity with Dream Theater. Enjoy!!!!!