Rating: Summary: A Very Pleasant Surprise, Rockers! Review: Upon first listen I was stunned. The crowd noise was way too present. It sounded mixed to that affect and I thought, What a horrible mistake. Really. Three songs in I realized I was merely tolerating the movie for the visuals, seeing the guys perform the same tour I watched when they toured Vapor Trails. Disappointed, I stopped it, went away and started it again later. My DVD player defaulted to 2 channel stereo with subwoofer and what a difference! It sounds great! The crowd noise fades away. The sound of the Boys comes up. They are performing at the top of their game presenting past and present gems like they are touring for the first time. Just an incredible DVD for any Rush fan or anyone that claims to be a rocker. It's playing right now. I play it alot. So will you!
Rating: Summary: Rush Rocks! - the director doesn't get it- Review: These guys are the awesome. I was so excited to get this DVD, a little worried about the sound from the reviews earlier though. The sound is fine, and the fellas are still on top of their game. The video, on the other hand is horrible. If it were any other band I wouldn't watch it. There seems to be enough cameras, but the direction was awful, hard to watch at times. I don't think he knew the songs, or had ever directed live music before. I hope this was cut live, because if it was posted the editor was just as bad as the director. There is no heart or soul to the pictures here and I'm terribly disappointed. It goes a bit deeper, too. There are far too many out of focus shots as well. I just don't get it. I've produced live events and cut several live videos before and this one makes me want to cry. I expected something put together as well as a U2 dvd. Don't get me wrong, it's worth buying, but watch something else as you listen to RUSH!
Rating: Summary: If You Don't See & Hear This DVD You Will Be Missing Out. Review: I had read some of the reviews of this DVD before I bought it and most were positive but of course there are always a few who nitpick at everything. Unfortunately the nitpickers gave me pause and I questioned whether or not I should buy. After all I didn't want to be disappointed with the audio mix or the camera angles or the blah blah blah blah.....What was I thinking? During the entire time I was watching the DVD not once did I think about sound production, camera angles or camera cuts. There are so many cool things to hear and look at (including the HOUR long behind the scenes documentary) that all I was thinking was cool, cool, cool. I don't have time to write a long review but let's just say that even if the price of this DVD was hundreds of dollars I would get it without the slightest hesitation. (No I'm not kidding).
Rating: Summary: horrible sound Review: maybe i got a bad pressing, but all you could hear was screaming.
Rating: Summary: I Cried... Review: I really did. Tears. I guess that is the good I got from the DVD. The sound channels for the drums and bass are wonderful, and the crowd is tolerable. Tweak your settings for 5.1 or 7.1 and the rabid audience fades. Alex is just tired, fat, and sounds so trashy that I cannot believe this is the man who played on "Cinderella Man." With the release of "Exit: Stage Left.", Alex Lifeson's guitar has been nothing but noise. Gone are the wistful solos, replaced by twangy string-stretches and vibrattos. But DESPITE THAT, the set was tolerable for a few songs...and certainly to see the bright-eyed Rio fans. The most disturbing part of the DVD is the continued attitude of Neil. He couldn't even SIT WITH GEDDY AND ALEX ALONE? I understand the need for privacy, and I understand Neil had tragedies that need not be replayed like Tom Sawyer on the radio- but RUSH is a BAND of THREE Mr. Neil Peart! The press conferences were ludricrous and it was hilarious to see Geddy's obsessive compulsive side-but all I see perpetually of Neil is this continued post-2112 "I am GOD" personna. If that isn't the case, then get in with Alex and Geddy and giggle it up a bit. The DVD sadly pushes Neil peart even farther from humanity, which is sad considering the lyrics to the contrary he often has written with passion. The other positive, despite the mix, was the set list. The band rehearsed and brought "By-Tor" back to life and some others, and I think that was a gift to the fans. I think RUSH have had their time in the limelight, and it's time to pack it in boys. I felt that way after "Grace Under Pressure." Neil mentioned the band's need to "evolve." How does a band evolve from 2112, Cygnus, Moving Pictures- to "Presto"? I don't see it. Band's like Yes and Dream Theater evolved. Rush, once progressive- digressed. You would have to have been a fan in the Seventies and a teen as I was to feel this way. The group spoiled me rotten, and then abandoned it's ways. Final note...for those whom are younger and can tolerate the noise of today's garbage music- this set is cheap but meticulously crafted in art and design far beyond any RUSH project, regardless it being a DVD. It was a joy to see the artwork and care in putting the package together, despite it's contents. Geddy, I hope you found your bag. Now go home and put on your slippers.
Rating: Summary: Rush Latin Style Review: I am a confirmed Rushfan(tm)...and if you know what that means you probably are too...hello former NMSers... I have multiple copies of every Rush Live ever released, and a bunch that never were by the record company anyway. This one except for a little trouble near beginning is one of the best they have done...although I'd have to say I wish it had been a tour earlier so it had a complete 2112 on it...I would say that the only dissappointment is that Neils Drums are washed out and buries at times so it doesn't have the punch I enjoy on other efforts.
Rating: Summary: This is a LIVE concert... LIVE!!!! Review: Let me start off by saying that I usually read all the one star rating reviews before I buy any DVD or CD. I'm more interested in what people didn't like about a DVD or CD than just hearing the rave reviews of hardcore fans. So when I decided to purchase this DVD, I wanted to know what wasn't right about it. The biggest complaint was the sound quality and the mix of the music and vocals. That made me somewhat concerned, but I went ahead and purchased the DVD anyways. I mean, how bad could it really be... it is after all a live concert, not a music video. Well, having watched the DVD... all I can say is that all those one star reviews came from people who are either illiterate or have been watching too many MTV "boy bands". If you are the kind of person who likes to watch Britney Spears or NSYNC stand up on stage and lip-sync to their albums, then this DVD is definitely not for you. If you have ever been to a real LIVE concert and sang your heart out till your horse in the throat, you'll completely appreciate this DVD. Live concerts don't sound like the album... if they do, then your band is lip-syncing or the music is being post produced to represent something that wasn't there when it was recorded. If you want pristine vocals and a quality sound mix, listen to the studio album or buy Rush Chronicles and watch the music videos. If you want to feel like you do when you are at the concert with the fans screaming and the band playing live... this DVD is for you. For those that can read, there are liner notes that come with the DVD (written eloquently by Neil Peart) that explain all the technical hurdles the sound people had to over-come in making this DVD in the foreign land of Brazil. It's fascinating reading and makes you realize how close this DVD came to NOT being made. So shut up (unless you're going to sing along)... sit back and just enjoy the LIVE concert of Rush. I don't care if you watch this through a $10,000 home theatre system or a 13" portable tv, just enjoy the fact that it is a LIVE concert. The DVD also contains a very informative (and at times funny) documentary on the band. Nice extra!
Rating: Summary: If you are a Rush fan, you NEED this DVD Review: All I can say is, it is by far the best Rush video I have seen. As some mentioned, the crowd is kind of loud, but that adds to the "being there" feeling to the DVD. If you have a decent home theater system, you can minimize the sound of the crowd so the music stands out more. Other than that, this video is great! A definate must-have!
Rating: Summary: Worth Every Penny!! Review: This is by far the best DVD I own. It's easy for me to say this for the following reasons: I love Rush and everything they do; the two DVDs allow you to see everything that went into the concert and how close they were to not pulling it off; the camera views are absolutely perfect, and many others. My favorite thing about this, next to the music (of course) is the crowd! In this DVD, the crowd is awesome and know everything. I would strongly suggest this DVD or CD set to any Rush fan. They are absolutely awesome in the studio, and they play a little better live, and that says a lot. Peart, Lifeson, and Lee are unbelievable in how hard they work and care about what they are doing. PERFECT, PERFECT, PERFECT!!
Rating: Summary: Blowing Review: Absolutely recommended for the one that ever knew Rush. It is bit harder (though also possible) for newcomer to enjoy, as sound track at the beginning numbers is full with echo, so music details get lost. If you know them from better records, it's allright. Otherwise, it is great show, all three musicians demonstrate mastership of their art. Combined with overwhelming response from the energized crowd, makes unique experience, rare even on DVDs (hey, Jamiroquai in Verona is next recommended). Even sound improves after several tracks, as crowd manages to not be high ALL THE TIME. Second half of concert is more delicate, though remains playful and even slips into purest jazz occasionally. Guys and crew accomplished applausible job, don't miss this one.
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