LIVE IN TOKYO/5 YEARS IN A LIVETIME

This is a two DVD set containing "Images and Words" Live in Tokyo in 1993 (Disc One) and "Five Years In A Livetime" (Disc Two). Disc One contains their live performances with most tracks coming from Images and Words album plus first album. Before I purchased this DVD I already got the VCD version with exactly the same content. One thing I like about this live performance in Tokyo is the footage during the concert in Japan with some short interviews of the band members, plus putting signatures to the fans. It's interesting to see band members that look very young and different with what they look today, especially Mike Portnoy with his very long hair. Only John Myung who does not change a lot. My favorite track is the band's favorite's live track where they always play live everywhere they played concert: "Pull Me Under". I still enjoy watching this performance of "Pull Me Under" until now! The singing performance of James LaBrie for this song is the best one in this concert compared to other ones. It's quite interesting live set plus some video clips.

Disc Two is a collection of definitive moments from five years in the life of the band from 1994 - 1998. This includes: footage from the "unplugged" fan club show in Rotterdam, June 1998; footage from the "uncovered" fan club show at Ronnie Scott's in London, January 1995. The DVD concert opening was in June 25, 1998, Paris where Derek Sherinian opened the DVD with a short interview. Sound quality is not as good as Live in Tokyo. Mike Portnoy has cut his hair. I like the performance of "6:00" because this was the first song I heard for the first time that introduced me to this band. The opening drums solo by Portnoy is really brilliant. The overall performance of this tune is truly masterpiece! It also features vocalist of Napalm Death, Steve Rothery and Steve Hogarth of Marillion playing "Easter". In fact, I like it very much seeing Marillion meets Dream Theater! Steve Rothery has not accumulated weight yet. Oh there is Steve Howe of Yes as well playing "Starship Trooper". The video clip of "Hollow Years" is so catchy.

Overall, this is a worth collecting DVD set for those who have known the band or newbie. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

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