Rating: Summary: A night to remember Review: It was absalutely awesome. Period.
Rating: Summary: Disappointment Review: The DVD did not live up to expectations. I thought Dave's voice sounded REALLY bad. When I saw DM in concert this tour, I didn't really notice Dave not hitting the notes, but it's glaringly apparent here. Sometimes it's to the point of cringing. I know Dave has been slightly off key ever since the Violator tour, but I never noticed it this much until the DVD. Ouch.I also take exception to the setlist. For instance, I thought "Clean" was the highlight of the show when I saw them. But here, it was replaced with "Condemnation," quite possibly the WORST DM concert song - at least one where, every time I've heard it played, half the crowd goes to the restroom or buys another beer. Why do they keep playing it? I also don't understand why "I Feel Loved" didn't make the cut. They played it at the show I was at. Anyway, if you want a good performance, buy '101.' Good music, better songs, better vocals.
Rating: Summary: disappointing vocals Review: I saw this tour live and it was amazing - but here on DVD David's singing isn't quite 100% up to it. Besides that, the show is great, the video perfect, and there's plenty of bonus material. But what happened to his voice? Recorded way too dry at any rate.
Rating: Summary: EXCELLENT! MUST own DVD! Review: This DVD will not let you down! A must buy for anyone who attended the Exciter 2001 tour, it completely brings back the incredible experience! Concert is great, sound just right and extra DVD with interview footage and more a must see for any fan, young, old or new!
Rating: Summary: DM Paris Performance Rocks Review: The 2 disc DVD set is a great addition to ones DM collection, for those ones who are not satisfied with the "AUDIO" I don't blame you. I suggest tweaking your sound system for your satisfaction but if you have a state-of-the-art DVD System your good to go. DM's performance was great not to mention Dave's Elvis impersonation on stage which makes him goofy on this one. I really like the 10 minute DM interview segment on Disc 2, that alone is worth the price for the extra.
Rating: Summary: Still going strong, 20 years later Review: After seeing Depeche Mode in Cleveland in 1998, I felt fairly certain that it was the last time the infamous synth-poppers would ever tour. It was, then, with great surprise that I saw that they would go on a full tour for their latest CD, Exciter. I attended two shows, found them to be excellent, and anxiously awaited the release of the Official Tour DVD...and DM do not disappoint. The first item that jumps out of you when watching the concert is the energy and charisma shown by the entire band on stage. In the past, DM was known essentially as Dave Gahan and the 3 Cardboard Cutouts. The shows generally involved Gahan prancing around the stage like a madman, whilst Martin Gore, Andy Fletcher and the since-departed Alan Wilder stayed firmly planted behind their synths. Rarely was there interaction between the band members during a performance. Not so with ONIP. Dave is his usual self, running around the stage, jumping on amp stacks and screaming at the crowd. Martin, however, is more animated than ever, as he joins Dave down front on guitar for most of the show. But unlike the Martin of old, he now appears to be quite comfortable being viewed as Depeche Mode "guitarist", as he looks more relaxed and energetic onstage than ever before, plucking out notes and headbanging with Dave throughout a good part of the show. The new vibe is particularly evident during the performance of "When the body Speaks", when Dave calls Martin over and they essentially perform the song as a duet (with Dave even commenting on Martin's "strut".) The other most noticeable thing about the performance is how much the addition of Christian Eigner on drums improves the live sound. Drum machines on a studio album are one thing, but live it is something completely different, and Eigner, a very talented and technically proficient percussionist, adds an added depth and dimension to the songs that have been missing on past tours. Marked improvements, in particular, were made on many of the Exciter songs, as his pounding beats and inventive drumming breathed new life into songs that suffered from poor production on the studio recording. Throughout the performance, musically, the band is in top form and sound remarkably fresh considering what they have been through during the past decade. Still, a few criticisms should be pointed out. For one, Dave's singing is very hit-and-miss. Some songs sound very strong and full of energy...on others he has difficulty hitting the notes and sounds almost lazy on some of his vocals. He's never been accused of being an outstanding live vocalist, and part of the problem I'm sure is that the concert was shot late in the tour, when the band had already performed many shows. Nevertheless, he would stand to benefit from increased vocal coaching and less screaming, which hurts his voice and detracts from some of the songs. Secondly, I have a ocuple of issues with the tracklisting. First, as has been mentioned on previous reviews, there is the glaring ommission of "Clean". The band stated that the version that was recorded was not up to specifications, and thus wa sleft off. However, noticeable mistakes are made on various songs throughout the disc, and to many people "Clean" was one of the highlights of the concert. In its place we have a slightly re-worked version of "Condemnation"...which is one of Dav'es favorite songs, but has never been a showstopper live. Also, the middle of the disc, particularly the track "Waiting For the Night", tends to drag a bit. That song in particular was played exactly as it is on the album, which make sit a bit boring and predictable live. Overall, save for some minor problems, it is an excellent show. The playing form the band is crisp and clear, and Depeche show an energy not seen by them on stage since the early 80s. Whether you are a longtime fan or only a casual one, if you're looking for a live performance to get you "caught up" with the band and see what they are doing now, this is an excellent selection.
Rating: Summary: Below expectations Review: The tracks on the box do not match the ones on the DVD. The sound is extremely bad for most of it. I wanted to feel like if I was at the show one more time. I made a huge mistake. Two stars for the picture quality and of course, Dave's performance.
Rating: Summary: mediocrity for the masses? Review: Despite a few low-key attractions in the form of songs such as 'Dream On', 'When The Body Speaks', 'Freelove' and 'Goodnight Lovers', recent album 'Exciter' is both musically and lyrically, Depeche Mode's least convincing listening experience. Instead of sounding inspired, it sounds tired and flimsy and sends the message that Depeche Mode are now more than comfortable with going through the motions (previous album 'Ultra' at least had more spirit - and had more memorable ballads in the form of 'Home', 'The Love Thieves', 'Sister of Night' and 'The Bottom Line'.) All of which is to say that the part shrewd marketing phenomenon of Depeche Mode has finally outstripped what is on offer in terms of quality. Turning then, to 'One Night In Paris' and such frustrating, worrisome impressions aren't lessened. Though it's sometimes heart-warming to see Dave Gahan and especially Martin Gore performing with such abandon and relish, sometimes one wonders if one is seeing or hearing anything more than another fairly routine instance of showbiz and a rock & roll circus come to a living room near you. And yes, even if many of the songs themselves are undeniably the stuff on which Depeche Mode's reputation rests, here, too, there are problems. Noticeably - and there's no getting round it - Dave's voice is lacking in power and projection and Martin's voice also sounds somewhat strained at times. One need only refer to '101' and - in Dave's case for instance - songs like 'I Feel You' as performed on 'Songs of Faith And Devotion Live'. Also, the sound isn't great: it's often too thin and doesn't live up to expectations. (Extra musicians notwithstanding, one also can't help but wonder still, how much Alan Wilder's departure has affected the sonic prowess of the band.) That said, for this fan, there are again glimmers of that something special about Depeche Mode in Martin's affecting rendition of 'It Doesn't Matter Two' on the live disc and in his dressing-room performance (the hidden 'Easter Egg') of 'Surrender'. From memory, the version of 'Personal Jesus' is also another highlight. Anton Corbijn's visuals, as usual, generally compliment proceedings with a tasteful simplicity and elegance. Still, such details aside, it looks as if, at this stage in their career, Depeche Mode are set to continue as the Rolling Stones of electronica - which is hardly an exciting prospect.
Rating: Summary: One Night of Excellence Review: Having seen Depeche Mode three times in the last 12 years (once for Violator and twice on the Devotional Tour) I've always enjoyed DM's Live show, but unfortunately I've missed the last two tours. This DVD package may not be quite as good as actually being there, but it was a close second. The quality of the film is excellent. Anton Corbijn does a wonderful job catching the mood of the event on film. The editing is also top notch and at no point did I find myself wishing things would pick up. The music selection was right on. Having been around for two decades DM has a song catalogue second to none. It's not realistic to expect them to play songs that are twenty years old, but they did dip all the way back to 1986's Black Celebration for a couple of songs. However, the majority were taken from Exciter (of course) as well as Ultra, Songs of Faith and Devotion and Violator. The second disc is of interest only because it contains interview footage of the band and their manager (whom fans will recognize from 101). Honestly this is a fine disc and should please fans both old and new. If you missed the Excite tour then you will see what you missed out on. If you caught it then it should bring back good memories.
Rating: Summary: DM Washed Up Review: Usually,I browse through amazon items and rarely write a review for a product, however,I felt compelled to write a review of One Night Of Paris after buying it. I should have known not to buy it. I watched the paper-view-special and thought maybe watching it a second time would be better,but it wasn't.I'll start of with the postive. The way the concert was shot is very nice and the visuals are very nice as well.Dave Ghan to his credit is an ultimate showman and puts alot of "soul" into his singing,but the guy just sounds AWFUL! Dave tries to sing out to much and it comes of like raspy whinning.Just listen. Martin sound's great but he only sings a few songs. If you want Dave Ghan at his best listen to 101 live, that's the real deal. But that's history now.
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