Rating: Summary: Great performance, disappointing video quality Review: I'm a big Kansas fan, and have seen them live several times. I looked forward to a state of the art DVD of their performance to play on my big screen/home theatre 5.1 system. Although the audio was fine, I was surprised to see the video quality. It is nowhere close to the level you see on recently released DVD's by other classic groups (e.g., Yes). The video quality was so grainy on my progressive scan DVD player, 65" High Definition screen, it was actually distracting. It almost looked like some of the cameras were entry level home equipment. So, if you're a videophile, be forewarned. If you want to close your eyes and enjoy the music, go for it.
Rating: Summary: Coming around full circle Review:
I grew up with Kansas and became aware of them with the release of "Leftoverture" in 1975 when I was just 12 years old! I grew up thankfully in the city of Topeka, Kansas which was were the band was incepted and a place were KANSAS was its favorite native sons. Their music is timeless. There have been several previously commercially released videos: 1981's "Best of Kansas" from the "Vinyl Confessions" period and the "Whiskey A Go Go" concert from the mid 90's. Both splendid, do not capture what this video has to offer. Although physically absent is Kerry, he is still there as it was his brain & pen that wrote many of the songs presented here on this dvd. So in a sense.... he is there.
With 4 of the original 6 players they cover the entire history of the band. It is a well played and relaxed performance. Steve Walsh still has it vocally. There isn't one spot that it doesn't miss or strain on the trademark songs that has proven him as one of the greatest vocalists in any style of music ever. Rich handles the guitar parts brilliantly. Phil and Billy on their instruments do the same. The shining prescence of Robby back to the band (still new after a hiatus of nearly 20 years... he returned a few years back to those that didn't know and is included here.)
This performance causes nothing but pure bliss within the heart to those that consider their non hit material crucial. Seeing them playing "Belexes" & "The Pinnacle" supports that claim. What you have here from the band is a performance that is one of celebration and one of feeling comfort, joy and happiness of a group that has stood the test of time. When you experience this performance it brings back all the warm vibes to those that have enjoyed this music throughout the years. Those that are truely knowledgeable to the KANSAS legacy will find joy in this DVD and those people new to the band will enjoy the discovery that will leave them yearning for more. Being recorded in 5.1 Surround gives testament to a well filmed (although grainy & dark in some scenes) and well recorded and a well played show document leaving unlimited plays refreshingly new each time in the DVD player. My only regret would be that it is too short due to my personal zeal for the band's material.
Heavily focused on the earlier material of the band gives testament to the strong musical passages created by this true musical band. Although containing a majority of their "hits" this showcases such timeless fan favorites.
18 tracks later leaves my thirst quenched to some degree but partially. If the show was even longer would still be too short. Truely one of the most serious, relaxed and enjoyable discs I have ever experienced make this one a must have. When KANSAS announced that they were going to make a DVD sometime back, I knew it was going to be this marvelous. For fans old and new this is truely money well spent.
Patrick Recob
Rating: Summary: some reviewers Review: I saw Kansas live in 1982, and again (when they were "washed-up") in 1989 and now this DVD. Let me tell you they are playing better than ever. It's simple folks. Kansas tours non-stop practically and they never "phone it in" thus they continuously improve their skills. Get over the fact that Steve Walsh doesn't sound like a 25 year old man anymore he still sings great, and get over it that Richard Williams is heavy, he's pushing 50 for God's sake! Lets see how you look at 50. This band is still a formidable live act. For all you kids out there, wait till your fav bands get old. (along with you as well) It will be funny to see if The Vines, or The Strokes can still rock and roll when their 50. Just wait your turn to get old because it's right around the corner.
Rating: Summary: kansas DVD review Review: Good sound, nice songs selection, bad image. What's with Steve Walsh clothes , those pants and belt are best suited for any grandfather over 65.
Rating: Summary: good to see and good to hear Review: This is the ultimate Kansas video to have with the recent technology, good sound and picture. The visuals are also great with good light show and lasers. But the most important thing is the great set list.It's show you that this band is more progressive that we could think by listening to their more popular songs. Highly recommanded!
Rating: Summary: Outstanding work from every angle Review: If you have any appreciation for live bands that were important to the history of rock and roll, you would do well to purchase Device Voice Drum. A band with a 30 year history that can bang out the complicated melodies and rhythms that made them famous is a real treat. You may have read in some reviews that Steve Walsh has lost his high notes. When's the last time you heard the Rolling Stones live? Deal with it! Walsh and company spin through the most demadning of live shows with total focus and passion. Steve sounds great, the ensemble and precision of the band is awesome. I miss Kerry Livgren's presence, yes - but this quintet manages to cover his absence better than anyone could have imagined. The camera work, production and directing of this project are among the best of any DVD of its kind. There are some moments where audio balance could be better, but those moments are minimal. This is a must have buy for anyone who appreciates a musician's best friend in rock and roll history. Kansas has done the profession justice once again.
Rating: Summary: Superb Review: I am not sure which DVD gverstoep from Florence SC. was watching, but it certainly not Device Voice Drum. I watched this DVD with my friend ( we both played in rock bands in the 70's He on the West coast, me in the Midwest )We both have seen numerous Kansas concerts since 1974 and could not believe how Great the band sounded. The band was tight, the harmonies fantastic and Steve's voice was powerful and right on the money. They sounded better than they have in years and probably just as good as what I remember from the Point of Know Return tour back in the 70's. The first few minutes were a bit grainey, but that was worked out during the first song. By the way, gverstoep, we watched it on my 51" HDTV with Polk Audio speakers, JBL subwoofer and a Denon reciever. We both felt like we were as close as you could get to a great concert without actually being there. Which musical instrument do you actually play to offer such a review?
Rating: Summary: Disappointing purchase Review: Based on all the 5 star reviews of this DVD, I really was looking forward to a terrific concert. Unfortunately, while the 5.1 audio is superb, this DVD is ruined by very grainy picture quality. As a benchmark, I use 'House of Yes' and the Eagle's "Hell Freezes Over" DVDs, which on my 56" HDTV are stunningly clear. As a test I tried the Kansas DVD on my smaller tube TV and it was just as bad there. Steer clear of this one unless you are not bothered by the picture quality.
Rating: Summary: Impressive Review: I'm fan from Kansas band since their first LP, and I'm waiting for a long time to see them in concert, so it's done with this DVD. Some criticals : The image is not really clear, probably due to the spolights colors, The songs "Fight Fire With Fire" and "Play The game Tonight" seems to be out of context in regard of the real master pieces played here, What about "Distant Vision" track release on the double audio CD ? The sound is really great (but where are the surround speakers ?) very clear and powerful, the band is perfect and the songs are executed with a "diabolic precision". In french in the text "ce DVD est indispensable" for the fans and for all the poeple who want's to see one the most impressive progressive band.
Rating: Summary: Kansas at their Best!!! Review: I guess everyone is entitled to their opinion even the deaf customer from Florence, South Carolina who gave a rating of 1 star. This is an excellent performance and I defy any current "Rock & Roll" band to match Kansas in either compositional skills or musicianship. These guys are musicians in every sense of the word and they prove it on this DVD. The stuff I hear on the radio is pure crap and has been for the last 20 years. Kansas is too good for todays pathetic radio format. If you want to see real musicians play real music this is your chance. Don't blow it! In the mean time the guy or girl from South Carolina can go swap his DVD's for the latest Madonna CD, or Backstreet Boys and get happy. Besides, we all get older. So what.
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