Rating: Summary: one of the best dvds i own Review: this is truly a spectacular live dvd that every placebo fan should own. forget any complaints about the editing. sure it's quick and there aren't long substantiated shots, but the editing captures the excitement of the live performance, the excitement of being there. i don't know about anyone else, but when i see a band i love live, it's definitely a thrilling experience, my heart is racing, my eyes are trying to take in everything that is going on around me, in front of me. it's certainly not a stand still moment. if the shots were to just focus on the band, i think i'd get bored and it would feel too contrived.
the views of the crowd only enhances the feeling that this is real and do not over power shots of the band, instead complementing it, showing the exchange between the two and highlighting placebo's brilliance.
the film's "effects" shots done in what may remind some of a subpar .avi, a switch to black and white, etc. and the blend between the visuals playing behind the band work very well. the production itself displays visual artistry as the band shows off its musical artistry- and that in itself is amazing.
placebo is definitely a band that shines live. every song sounded amplified, more powerful and passionate. and when it's all over (if you're like me and keep missing their concerts when they come to town) you're going to want to make sure you see them live.
as for the documentary, it wasn't too long in my opinion, and in any case it's quite amusing, so are the easter eggs. if you're complaining about not getting enough shots of the boys and want to drool over brian molko, well here ya go.
this is a beautiful dvd that i will treasure forever and will surely satisfy every fan. unfortunately i don't think the case will last forever- my only issue with this dvd. the case is too flimsy and is already showing wear (i bought it 6 days ago)
Rating: Summary: Placebo At Large Review: This much waited for DVD offers a fair amount of footage in the documentary. The band's performance was excellent and the crowd they played for was huge.What I found rather disappointing about this product was the editing. It was done in an MTV fashion: a lot switching from the crowd to the individual band members. I do not believe there is a single minute where the view does not change. This will be especially unnerving to Brian Molko fans who wish to see his every move and expression. Nonetheless, all Placebo and Frank Black/Pixies fans should own this. The most exciting performance is the final "Where Is My Mind?" accompanied by the Pixies' Frank Black.
Rating: Summary: best thing I bought in a long time Review: Well...what can one say... When you hear the first few cords of bullet proof and the unbelievable might light-show starts to illuminate the scene in perfect harmony to the perfect sound of this first kick-ass song you just know : "It's on!" During this first song a tension builds up, because you only get to see the silouettes of the band members and you hardly see Molko at all. Instead you see the crowd and the unbelievable (I have to repeat myself here) light show. What a way to start of a concert. This song was only written for that one purpose (at least thats what I believe) and it totally serves it purpose... The second song (allergic) starts and during the entire intro you still don't see Molko untill he starts to sing. One has to get used to his voice that sounds a lil different from that on the records, but soon one will be overwelmed by the extra strengths the live performance adds to the songs. I could describe every single song on that DVD and the special mood it offers the audience or the viewer at home (Especially "Soul Mates" gives me goosebumbs every time and even made me cry once (and I normaly don't cry about anything, because I'm an ass...;-)) Just watch that frickin thing and you will want to watch it every day, or never again... I give it 5 stars. The last DVD I bought was the Chili Peppers at Slane Castle DVD and I thought that was good...but compared to this (no matter what aspect you look at) the Chili Peppers DVD is as exciting as picking ones nose... Buy it...but don't blame me if you make up strange excuses to your girlfriend for not being able to hang out tonight...;-) -------- There are some hidden movies on it as well (to bad somebody already gave them away...). Together with the tour documentary one gets a good insight on the bands life on tour and also finds out that Brian Molko laughs like an idiot and that Olsdal tends to tell straaange stories...:-D Have fun.
Rating: Summary: Pure Perfection Review: When I heard about Placebo Soulmates Never Die Live in Paris, Placebo's first musical DVD, around the time of Easter 2004, I was absolutely pumped because in my opinion, Placebo is the greatest band to come out since the Pixies and Sonic Youth. I waited and waited for this mind-blowing DVD featuring the sexiest boys in rock n' roll, Brian Molko, Stefan Olsdal,and Steve Hewitt(along with Bill and Xavior, two awsome guys who help Placebo out) to come out in the US. Finally, on June 29, 2004, my wishes were granted, with the help of Amazon because I live in Hick Town USA, and nobody knows who Placebo is. Let me just say this was one of the best things I've spent $17.38 on. IF YOU ARE A PLACEBO FAN YOU MUST GET THIS DVD because it is truly spectacular. It starts off with the sexy boys of Placebo backstage, warming up, drinking, smoking, and taking pictures. After a group hug and scream, the guys and 16,000 adoring fans in the audience are finally ready to rock n' roll. The opening song, "Bullet Proof," a song that is entirely instrumental, sets the mood for the night in three words: marvelous, incredible, and perfection. Each song, ones ranging from old Placebo classics, to "Without You I'm Nothing"'s heart-wrenching love diary entries, to rocking "Black Market Music" to their newest stuff on "Sleeping With Ghosts" is absolutely perfect. TRACK LISTING: 1. Bullet Proof 2. Allergic 3. Every You Every Me 4. Bionic 5. Protege Moi 6. Plasticine 7. Bitter End 8. Soulmates 9. Black-Eyed 10. I'll Be Yours 11. Special Needs 12. English Summer Rain 13. Without You I'm Nothing 14. This Picture 15. Special K 16. Taste In Men 17. Slave To Wage 18. Peeping Tom 19. Pure Morning 20. Centerfolds 21. Where Is My Mind? (Featuring Frank Black of the Pixies) Like I said each song is perfect...but different. Brian Molko's voice sounds a bit different from the CD recordings. It's not as androgynous as it used to be, but it's still great. Also, along with Brian's voice, the songs are different from the recordings, especially in "Every You Every Me." The song lyrics are changed in some songs, cortiousy of Mr. Molko. Example: "Damn the government, damn their killings, damn their lies" to "Well f*** the government, yeah f*** their killings, f*** their lies." This happens a couple of times throughout the concert, but who cares? They are Placebo, they can do anything they want. But if you are easily offended (and if you are I don't know why you are listening to Placebo in the first place...?) the back of the DVD case warns you, "This programme contains strong language and material that may cause offence. Parental Guidance is recommended." This might also refer to the images flashed on the screen behind the guys during songs such as "This Picture" and "Centerfolds." A bit of nudity, but it should be viewed as art. In between songs, Brian and Stef talk to the crowd a bit and it's mostly all in French. I guess this kind of sucks for people who don't speak French like myself, but oh well, they are in Paris. As you are watching the concert, you can really tell Placebo loves their fans and their fans love them. Stefan gets some lovin' in "Taste in Men" when a beloved male fan finds himself on stage hugging and dancing with Stefan, but is then taken off the stage by security guards. Best part of all of this is watching Brian crack up watching the whole thing. The guys, Brian, Stefan, and Steve end the show with a smashing rendition of "Where Is My Mind?" A song originally by the Pixies off their amazing "Surfer Rosa" album, which everyone should own. On stage along with the guys is none of than Frank Black, the Pixies front man. When the concert part of the DVD ends, you feel like you are going to scream from the elation the music has given you. If you shut your blinds, turn off all you lights, turn the stereo on full blast, and sit in your best chair, as I did, you can actually get an idea of what it's like going to a Placebo concert. It's truly an amazing escapade. After you finish watching the concert you can watch the documentary, which is great. It shows the guys going to different places are the world like Seattle, Las Vegas, and Mexico. You listen to interviews, watch Stefan do his "gay dance," listen to Stefan tell funny stories about the cut under his eye, watch Brain's version of "The Blair Witch Project," the guys signing autographs, Brian showing a tour of his "crib", which made me crack up so hard, and much much much more. It's very funny, and fun to watch. (...)
Rating: Summary: WOW Review: Wow, no kidding, this is a brilliant DVD. I got mine when it came out on the 29th, and have watched it continuously through. It has just about everything a Placebo fan looks for. The documentary is a little on the light side but you know they are saving up some footage for their end of the year DVD collection. There are 2 great Easter eggs on here that I'll let you find for yourself. They let you see how life on the road is for these 5 (yes placebo is 5, not 3) guys live on the road from the Mexican masks, to the gay dancing, to the sheer brilliance of the live performance itself. What a great performance too may I add. I think anyone who sees this will drip with jealousy of all of those fans who got to see this great show in person. For the rest of us the DVD will have to do, and no words can describe how great it is. Do yourself a favor and get yourself this DVD and see why us fans call Placebo the last real rock band.
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