Rating: Summary: Why Is Audio Out Of Sync? Review: I agree with much that has been written: Good song list, good performances, annoying camera angles and too-frequent scene changing. When I watch a dvd or vhs, what I want is a virtual concert experience. My biggest gripe here is that the audio does not sync with the video. How, in this day and age, and from perfectionists like Steely Dan, can this be? It strongly detracts from the viewing experience to feel like I am watching a dubbed performance. Maybe Fagan and Becker are guilty of misguided perfectionism. Guys: Let the actual audio from the show stand, in sync, warts and all. To redo the audio and get the out-of-sync result, however much better you feel about getting all the right notes, is a real deal-killer.
Rating: Summary: Can buy a thrill Review: Firstly this is top of the range in quality of sound and clarity of picture. Make no mistake this really is very plush and truly sensuous. Even with that camera seeking out Fagen's sabre tooth-like incisors this is a faultless production and I must take issue with the criticism of the comic interludes. I thought they were very welcoming. As for the performances I did find Fagen's voice faltering on a couple of pieces. I know these are minor quibbles but the early songs from the new album didn't quite work here. Would loved to have heard the title track two against nature too. You could hear them rehearsing it, so I presume they did play it. Anyway as I say, very minor faults, the players are all top notch, song plaudits going to Babylon sisters, an immaculate rendition. I think this one will only grow on me and it's a definite buy. Go ahead, treat yourselves people!
Rating: Summary: You the man.. DAN...... Review: If you only ever buy one music DTS DVD in your life you owe it to yoursef to get this one. The sound quality on this DTS version is awsome. I saw the DAN in '96 during their world tour and to be honest I was dissapointed with what I heard I did'nt like the new arrangement of the old songs. But the new 2000 arrangements are spot on, more in keeping with the way the songs were first recorded - and to be honest I believe this is how most people would prefer to hear them. So, buy it, 'CRANK IT UP' and enjoy......ahhhhhh
Rating: Summary: Can anyone top this? Review: These guys are the most demanding tandem in the biz... Perfect to the last chord. Excellent audio/video. This is why it is imperative to record in Dolby Digital 5.1 and record on a studio soundstage. I have watched this a dozen times in a month. Everyone loves it, you will toooo!
Rating: Summary: Great musicianship and a perfect sound mix make for a winner Review: After the VH-1 "Storytellers" edition featuring Steely Dan, I honestly didn't have too high hopes for this DVD. "Storytellers" left me wanting for better sound (of course...TV, what could one expect? ), and quite frankly, something that didn't smack of simply "PR" for the new disc. This disc, however, laid all fears to rest. From the opening moments of "Green Earrings", I knew this one was a true winner. This disc features "bang-on" performances from the entire ensemble...no slackers in this crew. Where do they find these guys, anyway? Is there some top-secret underground facility that cultivates and raises top-notch session musicians for Becker and Fagan's private stock? Hmmm..... Sound-wise, there are three choices of mix: Dolby Digital 5.1, which seems to be the most balanced; DTS 5.1, which features far better separation of channels, but typical "overdone" bass; and 2- channel PCM Dolby Stereo. The folks at Digital Theatre Systems (DTS) seem hell-bent on demonstrating the extended headroom DTS is touted to offer over Dolby Digital by trying to blast viewers out of the room with bottom end. While it works wonders for movies such as "Saving Private Ryan", it really is overkill here. The Dolby Digital 5.1 mix is well-balanced, and just about as good as it can get for a live performance. Highly recommended for Dan Fans!
Rating: Summary: Could have been 5 stars but... Review: I am in complete agreement with some of these other reviews. The audio of the live music will set the new standard above the Eagles, but the interview footage is quite intrusive. I really enjoy the music, but this dvd fails to capture any momentum of the preformance due to the constant interuptions. I would love it if this were rereleased in a more appropriate layout.
Rating: Summary: The Ageless Music of Steely Dan Review: Becker and Fagen have created a stellar DVD performance with Two Against Nature. The music on this DVD exhibits the same attention to detail and sound quality that they have built their reputation on since the beginning of the band back in the '70s. As usual, their material grows on you until you realize that the sly hooks and instrumental performances have gotten you addicted as surely as your first true love in high school did so many years ago. Attempts to categorize the music in this performance are fruitless, since there are elements of pop, jazz, rock and blues throughout. The lyrics,of course, are darkly subversive and hint at elements of behavior and society that we like to dismiss as "fringe" (but enjoy taking a peek at whenever possible). "Green Earrings" opens the performance and boasts an extended performance of the song, highlighting Jon Herington's technically brilliant guitar solo and Cornelius Bumpus' very tasty sax cut. The songs off the new album are well represented and brilliantly performed, the best being "Janie Runaway" and "Jack of Speed". "Kid Charlemagne" and "Black Friday" retain all of the rock and roll power that fueled the original versions. The backup singers provide stellar performances, especially on "Babylon Sisters" and "Pretzel Logic", where they are allowed to really cut loose and show their range. The interview segments are worth seeing exclusively for providing an insight into the creative process of Steely Dan and for displaying their sense of humor. The segments are easily bypassed by hitting the forward button on the DVD for the next song, and do not seem to overly interfere with the flow of the music. Remember, this music is deeply layered with sophisticated melodies, technically brilliant musicianship, and troubling ambiguous lyrics; not the stuff that powers Brittany Spears to the top of the charts. It's like riding a Harley; you get it or you don't. Regardless, this is a great performance and a great DVD in terms of sound quality.
Rating: Summary: Performance and audio/video are good but production suffers. Review: This is a must have for us Steely Dan fans but I have 2 gripes with the production: 1. Misc. interviews are between every song. Using chapter skip on your remote will take you to the start of the next song but gets to be a hassle. Why didn't they just bundle the documentaries seperate from the concert? 2. Certain passages during the concert don't sync with the audio. Some are barely noticeable while others are painfully obvious. Why, or how this was overlooked by the production/QA folks who put this together baffles me. Overall, a good job by Becker, Fagen and Co.
Rating: Summary: Outstanding! Review: Had the worst seats @ Irvine Meadows and could not see them! This wasa great way to solve that problem! And what a deal... These guyshave been a mystery to me over the years. They are pretty reclusive. You really get to know them and appreciate what oustanding musicians they are. The band they put together shines and the backup singers are babes with great voices.Perfect selection of songs too. One negative is the innane chatter on the couch when the two are talking with other members of the band. Scrape that please or fast forward through it! So if you missed the live show no worries! You saved a ton of money and the video takes care of that. Enjoy!
Rating: Summary: Could Have Been Better Part 2 Review: My original review "Could Have Been Better" gave this DVD three stars. I need to take that back, because the more I watch it, the more upset I get.The video is not good ... weird "tilt angle" shots with many frames that appear out of focus and blurred. We should expect all concert DVD's (filmed currently and in the future) to show the entire uninterrupted show, multiple camera angles, good sound in 5.1 & stereo, clear video, with interviews and other "filler material" as extras and not put between songs. The only thing that redeems this DVD, besides the band, is the audio during the "concert footage". I want a refund!
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