Rating: 
Summary: Symphonic-Orgasmic
Review: This is why DVD was created. Who cares how many times they do "that" song or here's "another live" CD: this is YES.
This is the greatest Yes music ever heard or seen - period.
I saw the NYC concert and was blown away, I remember Jon saying we're recording tonight and we all went wild, (shame its all europe here, but still) then Ritual started and i was mesmerized. Is this the greates YES song ever???, that middle percussion passage that just grew and grew and then when you think it's Steve Howe time they have added more drums japanese?)and it's just breathless.
I remember thinking can't wait for that DVD and now it's been some months and I play Ritual over and over-again, really, really loud in full 5.1. So go out today or order right now then get 2+ hours alone, sit down and play this loud without any distractions. It's like an event, so indulge your senses.
Rating:
Summary: Listen in DTS
Review: Some of the songs are among the best you'll hear in this format if you use the DTS feature in a good stereo
Rating: 
Summary: Where is the bass?
Review: I must say i was VERY disappointed with the mixing on this DVD. Where is the low end? Yes shows used to be all about Chris Squire and his bass pedals shaking the whole arena. When i watch the Keys To Ascension DVD, And You and I makes my chest hair vibrate. On this cd, you would not know Squire has bass pedals. I tried all three soundtracks and could not find the bass.Perhaps they should have focused on getting one soundtrack right, rather than three half-... ones. The video quality is way better than Keys to Ascension though. Hopefully they will get things right when they release the 9012Live DVD. In case anyone is wondering I have a Sony DA4ES reciever, a 12" 400 watt JBL sub, a 8" 100 watt Polk sub, and six polk r50 speakers for 7.1 surround so it is not a matter of not having the right equipment to shake the house or get the optimal sound.
Rating:
Summary: Well worth the money
Review: Yeah, its kind of late to be entering a new review, especially since I bought this DVD the day it was released. But hey, I got inspired. This DVD isn't perfect, for all the reasons that others have noted (Steve's lack of stage presence, his weak electric guitar tone, less-than-perfect sound mix), but as a visual and aural record of an amazing tour, and as a statement of what Yes has accomplished during its career, this is absolutely perfect. And that's what one wants out of truly artistic music, right? When the sum somehow magically transcends the individual parts? Yes has managed to make a career out of true transcendance. Or, "Ascension" rather. Other reviewers have mentioned other highlights ("Starship Trooper", "Gates of Delirium", "Close to the Edge", etc.), but I wanted to point out two others. The first is "In the Presence Of." When I saw the band on this tour in Atlanta, I didn't particularly care for this song at all, except for the fourth section (the "sacred ground" part). When the album came out, I liked this song even less. But for some reason I kept listening to it. Eventually, I got used to it and started liking it quite a bit. But when I first heard (and saw) the version on this DVD, I was blown away. This song truly does transcend. There are parts where the orchestra and Steve's guitar reach this peak where you feel like you're soaring. This song now never fails to sweep me up when I hear it, whether it be the version here or on the album (MAGNIFICATION). My other highlight is "Ritual". This of course originally came from TALES FROM TOPOGRAPHIC OCEANS, and is sort of the culmination of that album. It's an astounding piece of music, compositionally speaking. Originally 21 minutes, their live arrangement has always been closer to 30. The most inspired and exciting moment of any Yes concert is when the band breaks out into the percussion feature, and the orchestra comes in with that chord that just keeps building and building as the band is wailing away on various drums...and then it all comes to this great crashing climax where everything stops while Steve comes in on guitar with this single note...that constrast between the thunderous excitement and then that almost bittersweet loneliness of Steve's guitar is a crushing moment, and literally brought tears to my eyes on the "Masterworks" tour. And that's another thing that one wants from truly artistic music: something that has the power to move the listener emotionally, spiritually...to make one's spirit leave the physical world for a little while and soar to another plane... *That's* that reason to buy this DVD. Alan
Rating:
Summary: THE true definition of 'music'
Review: Now THIS is what DVDs are all about. This disc looks and sounds beautiful. I'd give the audio 4 out of 5, and the visual maybe 3.5. However, the most important part of this DVD is the concert itself. This one evening's performance could be the definitive statement of Yes's music. Forget that Steve Howe's guitar tone isn't very good, and just concentrate on the sound of these musicians as a whole, creating magic in your living room. Words can not describe how amazing this concert is. I really regret that I didn't make the trip to Toronto to see them when they come around with the symphony. Now, for criticism(which is what people really want in these rewiews). The orchestra sadly is not loud enough in the mix (in my opinion) there are times when you see horn players blasting away, but can barely strain to hear the notes they are playing. I have to admit, Steve Howe is one of the great guitarists of the past century, but I don't like the way his guitars sound on this recording (with the exception of the acoustics). Overall, he's got the treble too high, and while he really stands out in the mix (which was probably his intention), high notes are piercing at loud volumes. That being said, the DTS track sounds great (obviously superior to the dolby). Nice low end on this disc, and the bass solo in Starship Trooper will knock your socks off! Which brings me to another point of complaint: the layer switch on this DVD is right in the middle of Starship Trooper!!! Why this happened is beyond me. They could have easilly put it at the start of the track. This song may be one of the strongest of the night, but the layer switch gets really annoying. However, the point of the song where it occurs if probably the best place for it. oh well. Other low points on this disc are "And You and I" and the same 3 encores that they've played at every show for the past 40 years or so. I've seen all good people, Owner of a lonely heart, and roundabout (while all great songs) fail to impress. Perhaps because the orchestra is not encluded on thse songs. Personally I was looking forward to hearing roundabout with a nice string arangement, but no such luck. I've been HIGHLY critical of this disc. Keep in mind that I've outlined probably the ONLY negative features of this amazing performance. The vocals are AMAZING, all the harmonies are bang on. It's incredible to see these old men singing so prcisely. In response to a review that I just read of this disc, I actually really enjoy the keyboardist's jumping around and rocking out. He (and the orchestra) added a very youthfull energy to the show. Jon Anderson gives me chills during Close to the Edge. Chris Squire rocks out as usuall.. vocal harmonies amazing, but bass playing less precise than in the past. It's ok though, you can tell that he's having the time of his life (and maybe getting into the drink a little much... watch the Dreamtime documentary on the 2nd disc, then watch what chris is doing in between songs, and let me know what you think) but we all know he's maybe the best bass player perhpas ever. I think the guy that wins my "coolest dude" award has got to be Alan White. Sure he's wearing spandex, but sometimes you gotta be who you gotta be. His playing is so emotionally powerfull, it's like he's putting his heart and soul into every beat. Just look at the expression on his face and you'll understand. all in all, this disc could be the highlight of your music collection, even if you don't consider yourself a Yes fan.
Rating: 
Summary: Great but....
Review: ... 'Yes - Symphonic Live'. When I read this was a tour of YES and Orchestra I was pleased, especially seeing the track list. Close to the Edge, Gates of Delerium and Ritual are the long form tracks. All three sound outstanding with good orchestration arrangements. Of the three Close to the Edge impresses the most. Parts of Gates... just seem limp. Far from bad but at times uninspired in particular Steve Howe. I'm not sure what it is but he seems to have become fixated with clean guitar tones. The problem is some of his best and most fluid work are based on mildly to highly saturated distortion. Even his pedal steel has more grit than many of his other traditional guitar parts. Also, his stage presence while non-existant wasn't a problem, it just seemed like he was keeping an eye on everyone else. His solo pieces are pleasant although it seemed weird that all players other than the keyboardist get chances to be featured. Obviously he plays a diminished role between the orchestra and the main YESmen but at times you wish he was more involved. On Close to the Edge he aquits himself nicely, getting most of Wakeman's parts down, sometimes cleaner. In the 'wish this had been recorded' mode I could have done without another version of And You And I, Owner of a Lonely Heart and a few frequently recorded live tracks. On the other hand it is great fun to watch some of the orchestra dance around on Roundabout. There are muscular versions of Starship Trouper, Magnification and the long form songs. What is somewhat sad are the band's performances, in particular Steve Howe who has traded in the fire in his playing for precision. This is a shame as I love this guitarist's work. Also, Chris Squire is often so busy prancing around the stage that he doesn't pay attention to some less than spectacular lapses. The showmanship on this DVD comes from Alan White who seems to be the quarterback of the YES/Orchestra synergy. Jon Anderson seems to be having a great time and it radiates from the stage. The keyboard player is overdramatic, as if studying 70's prog rocker keyboardists and trying to emulate their theatrics. He doesn't have the look and seems too reserved for the faux high energy performance. Also, what was the director thinking with the cheesy special effects that crop up (thankfully) only a few times? But the icon for animations seems to show up no matter if you check the 'turn off icon' selection. Beyond this the picture is excellent with reasonable tight shots on soloists although there are still plenty of scenes of Jon Anderson playing gong while the rest of the band or orchestra go nuts. Still, the camera placements and editing are good and Dreamtime on disc 2 is revealing and worth watching. After viewing the documentary on the 2nd disc it is obvious that Howe is something of a control freak and does not play well with other guitarists, a shame as I like his playing and had hoped his personality would be as dynamic as his playing. For all the critical remarks I've made I can only dock Yes - Symphonic Live one star. The concert as a whole is very exciting and the playing is very good to exceptional. YES at it's worst is of better quality than most rock acts in existance. Watching them play is a great experience although the contrast of middle aged men rocking out with an orchestra of young, attractive people is a visually stark contrast. Even as a music DVD it's a great concert. The visuals are worthwhile and even the animations are pleasant although they can be turned off. Most importantly this DVD should appeal to old fans who will find a few newer tracks from the Magnification album which blend well with the classics.
Rating:
Summary: Just Wonderful
Review: Yes - Symphonic Live is IMHO the finest musical experience available on electronic media.
I am a devoted fan from "back in the days" and this DVD really makes me feel like "I must have waited all my life for this moment".
It is wonderful, just wonderful.
Rating:
Summary: well...
Review: as i was just trying to add another quality dvd to my growing selection, and not being a yes fan, i failed.
the quality is great, but the songs arent that familiar to regular people, (dumb review this is...i know), and the lead singer is, well, annoying. extremly!
sorry, no fun here... cant "grow" on this band, dvd will go for charity...
Rating:
Summary: The Best
Review: A "holy freakin buttkickin wonderful awsome once in a lifetime peak performance on "ritual", jeezzzuuus-h-christ.
Much of this DVD will remind you of a usual (above average Yes performance) until you see/hear what they have done on "Ritual". Most symphonic concerts re-hash studio stuff and drown out the orchestra anyway, but here the stellar performances by the Yes members is really enhanced. I'm a huge Steve Howe fan, but it was John Anderson's killer vocal sound in this cut that makes it unforgettable. The Poet-Singer is captured in all his glory on ritual, framed by the usual impecable musicianship of the other band members. A top shelf DVD even for this one song. highly recomended for people that remember when music wasn't all about Top 40!
Rating:
Summary: Awesome Job Again!
Review: An awesome performance with great camera work.!
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