Rating: 
Summary: A Celebration of Life, A Legacy of Power
Review: Written in memory of Maestro Michael Kamen, (15 April 1948 - 18 November 2003), by a fan of his.There is no doubt in my mind what an amazing and passionate spirit Michael Kamen is...this only made it even more evident. The arrangements, of course, were spectacular, and I cannot think of a single song that did not benefit tremendously from Michael and his orchestra. One could hardly imagine two more different genres of music--and yet the result was such that every note, every majestic chord was exactly where it should be...as if it had been destined from the very beginning. I began my musical life through classical music and only later moved into rock when I heard Pink Floyd, with whom Michael collaborated--and for me, having enjoyed both genres, this is the perfect synthesis. I will probably not ever investigate Metallica's other works...for I feel like all that I need to know is right here. Obviously from a visual standpoint, I wish there would have been much more footage of Michael, as I am much more his fan than I am of Metallica, but I am very pleased that they honored him with his very own "Maestro" section in the bonus materials, and I was also very happy with the interview he did in the documentary. When he was visible, I couldn't help but feel invigorated by the sheer energy of his personality. His joy was obvious--watch for when he shouts "MASTER!" along with the audience during "Master of Puppets"! And his vitality becomes all the more amazing and wonderful when you realize that Mr. Kamen was already having to deal with the challenges of MS--but he never allows that to stand in his way here. That in and of itself is a testament to the power of his spirit. Even when he isn't visible, that power reverberates through that orchestra and into the heart of the listener! Even now, when I sit here writing this in silence, the memory sings joyously in my heart...where it will be treasured forever. Despite S & M being a DVD of bold statements, experiencing it was often a case of being touched by the little details...one of the most wonderful moments was as Michael came back onstage for the second part of the concert, and one of the hardcore Metallica fans in the front row greets him with that 4/4 time gesture, just as enthused about Michael's presence as he was with the presence of the band. It was clear that the audience loved him--and at one point, I could very clearly read Michael's lips as he looked out at them: "I love you!" And somehow, even the song with the grimmest lyrics became part of this great celebration. And that's how I think he was...smiling even through the most difficult things--and in a different way, smiling even now. "How does it feel to be alive?" What can I say after watching this, but WONDERFUL! Both this life and the life that is eternal! There is one fact that cannot be denied...Michael Kamen will ALWAYS be remembered. I don't think he'd want it any other way...I feel that I have just experienced a celebration of life, a legacy of power.
Rating:
Summary: Metallica at their finest
Review: Metallica took a big risk performing with the San Francisco Symphony as the result could have swung either way. However, being Metallica and all, they do not dissapoint one bit. James' vocals are very powerful and sound amazing. All the bands playing is to perfection. The songs sound great with the symphony and the whole concert was a huge success. Even the really heavy songs sound kool on here and this dvd is one more success for Metallica........this dvd is well worth the money!
Rating:
Summary: Yes a Masterpiece
Review: I have been a hard core time metallica fan for years. At first, i was bit skeptical, but i read a few reviews and figured what the heck. this dvd is amazing with the exception of minor details. someone metioned it and yes, its true: if metallica didnt sit on their ass and moan about it the whole time and let mike kamen do all the work, it would have been a better show. Still, it gets, and deserves 5 stars. I suggest you buy this DVD, you wont be dissppointed. tons of good songs, not many bad ones, 1 or 2 i didnt practiculary like, only because they didnt really need that "orchestral touch." still overalll, a great performance, pick it up because this was probably the last good tour before they send out that f$#king st. anger tour which will suck ASS ON ICE.
Rating:
Summary: The DVD that started my obsession
Review: I did not believe that the dvd craze had much more to offer over VHS,until I witnessed this at a friends place about a year ago.So I figured out a way to sell my wife on buying a nice system and I am now officially hooked.I own about 25 DVD concerts and S&M is still my reference.Ilove all kinds of music and my collection reflects that,but this DVD ,technically &sonically,is still the most complete DVD I own.Visually,it stands up to repeated viewings because it is tastefully shot & free of the headache inducing MTV 1 to 3 second cuts.The orchestrations compliment the songs greatly & allow for a deeper appreciation of the songs.The true measure of this disc though,is the sound.I still get goosebumps when I pop in this disc.Superbly mixed,thunderous bass extension,& the best use of surrounds(in the flesh by roger waters a close second)I have heard.The band is truely inspired on this night.Other reviewers are right when they talk about people who weren't into Metallica,but loved this DVD.Fun for the whole family,really!10 stars!
Rating:
Summary: Highest Quality Ever
Review: What happens when you mix a heavy metal band with the San Francisco Symphony? High quality sounds that compliment one another. This is a highly creative (and original) task. Although I am not typically a fan of this gentre, Metallica knows how to transcend one's worries into the emotional impulses flowing through one's mind when listening to the work. The music demands--yes, demands--that it be played loud to hear the different symbols, vibrations, and impulses from the work. The base is particularly noticeable, vibrating entire rooms if played loud enough. My favorite songs on this track include "Nothing Else Matters," which send shivers down my spine, especially if listened to during a particularly negative mood swing. Nothing else matters indeed, especially after you listen to this and get over the pain you may experience at a particular time. A great band: Just wish they created more albums! -- Michael Gordon
Rating: 
Summary: Good DVD
Review: In 1999, Metallica finally decided to release an official live album. They had not done so yet in their career, even though it spanned over a decade and a half (unless you count their Live S*it - Binge And Purge box set.) However, the band didn't want to make a typical live album - they wanted to do something different. They got together with Michael Kamen and his orchestra, and recorded something unlike anything in their career. And now the album has arrived on DVD! Read on for my review of Symphony And Metallica - better known simply as S and M. PROS:
-Metallica wanted to do something unique, and to put it simply, they did just that. Even if the band isn't what it used to be, there is no denying that this is a unique recording.
-The band plays many of its classics, as well as newer-era stuff, too.
-There are two previously unreleased tracks, as well as a take on the classic tune Ecstacy Of Gold. These new tracks employ the orchestra well.
-The orchestral take on a few of these songs is EXCELLENT. I'm not a big fan of anything Metallica did in the nineties and beyond, but I can honestly say this is THE BEST VERSION of The Call Of Ktulu ever recorded!
-This DVD is readily available in most major stores. CONS:
-NOT EVERY ONE OF THESE SONGS NEEDED AN ORCHESTRAL TOUCH. This really hurts songs like the already mediocre Fuel, which obviously weren't written with such a concept in mind.
-James' voice change for the nineties makes some of the older songs sound downright terrible (which is the exact same reason I hate the Live S*it box set.) The band should've stuck to its newer material.
-VERY FEW of these songs are outstanding. Most are downright weak compared to their classic studio counterparts.
-Two discs means a higher price.
-This concert ultimately doesn't succeed. OVERALL:
As good an idea as this concert was, it just isn't pulled off very well. To put it simply, if you're one of the people who only likes the band's eighties stuff (and that's MOST Metallica fans), you're not gonna like this. ONLY BUY THIS IF YOU LIKE THE BAND'S NINETIES MATERIAL!
Rating: 
Summary: Pleasantly Pleased
Review: I bought this as a gift for hubby...I am not a Metallica fan. I have to admit I LOVED IT! It is just nothing like you have ever heard!
Rating:
Summary: FURIOUS PRECISION
Review: Awesome, the orchestra adds texture and fills that allow the band to emphasise the potent riffs, crunchy tight rythmns and razor edged solos. All backed with the furious precision of blisteringly fast percussion. Hetfield sings from the heart while Lars goes completely insane during One - until you have heard that song on this DVD you have not truly heard it. This may well be Metallica at the very height of their musical abilities. If so this will be a fitting tribute. The production quality of the DVD is fantastic. Audio is the best I have heard, camera work is very good, and the bonus material is truly that and not just filler for the sake of the format. And your neighbours will love it.
Rating:
Summary: Almost Perfect
Review: Mixing the sacred and the profane, Metallica perform some of their best (and worst) with the 104-piece San Fransisco Symphony Orchestra. Certain songs, like "The Call of Ktulu", "Of Wolf and Man", "The Thing That Should Not Be", "For Whom the Bell Tolls", "One", and "The Outlaw Torn" improve vastly with the extra textures that the orchestra adds, giving the songs more depth, and in some cases, balls-to-the-wall power. Others, like "Sad But True" and "Fuel", make you wonder why the hell they were included in the first place. Sound production on this is perfect and second-to-none. It's incredible to be able to hear the orchestra and the world's loudest rock band mesh together so well on some songs. Camera/visual work is impressive as well. Turn the lights out and watch this on a big TV screen with the sound turned way up. Guaranteed to make the neighbours move. Especially with "Of Wolf and Man" blasting out.
Rating:
Summary: The Holy Grail of Concert DVD's
Review: I'm a big fan of concert DVD's in general, and I can say that this is by far the best on the market. With over 2.5 hours of concert footage, a 40 minute documentary, 4 different audio tracks (including Dolby Digital!), and 4 songs with 5 different video feeds, it's simply amazing the number of different ways you can experience Metallica live. Then, if that weren't enough, add the audio wizardry of Michael Kamen and the San Francisco Symphony into the mix. The sum is a concert DVD that will not soon be forgotten. If you think you might be at all interested in live concert videos, this is the place to start!
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