Rating: 
Summary: A gem of a concert DVD!
Review: When I first heard Russell Watson on CD at my local HMV a couple of years back....I was simply taken away by that powerful, yet emotive factor so reasonant on that voice. Without hesitation, I listened to a couple of tracks from the CD and I was hooked..Volare blew me away and for what seemed like an eternity, I was flying up there with Watson among the clouds ..(felice di stare lassu'...). This DVD is a gem indeed and a must for all fans. If you have a 5.1 set-up at home, that's even better as Watson's superb vocals emanate beautifully and the surrounds convey the crowded atmosphere of the outdoor concert. In other words, simply a treat as there you have it....your very own front row seat in front of this young tenor. Watson's strong stage presence and charisma is remarkable and he uses his witty charm to good effect. Eg. When announcing the arrival of guest singer Faye Toyser, someone screams crazily from the crowd. Russell appears very amused,throws a glance towards the direction of the culprit and shoots a humorous question,"Do you know me more?" :) Unlike the older tenors like Pavarotti and Domingo(who are undoubtedly opera legends themselves), Watson utilizes his youthful energy to good effect, especially during the Volare cue where he does a couple of neat steps(.."Una musica dolce suonava soltanto per me") that will put a smile to your face. Imagine Pavarotti doing a little dance like that?! When he sings O' Sole Mio, you'll be mesmerised by his passionate inflections and energy. The young NZ guest singer Hayley Westenra is absolutely impressive and when she starts off Pokarekare Ana.... I was absolutely spellbinded by the beauty of her pristine voice that echoed lightly throughout my living room. Overall, a gem of a concert DVD!!! E' magnifico!!!
Rating:
Summary: Thoroughly Enjoyed It!
Review: When Russell walks onto the stage of his Auckland concert featured on this DVD, he literally lights up the entirety of New Zealand with him. He has an amazing stage presence, not to mention an incredible talent and equally diverse voice. Not even as the concert comes to a close, does he falter and with just as much passion and strength as when he starts. His love for performing and entertaining people can really be seen in this incredible concert wonderfully captured on DVD. Because he may not visit the United States and perform, as much as he may England or Australia, I may never have a chance to see him really live. But because of this incredible DVD, I will, if even for an hour and twenty-three minutes, feel as if I'm there, singing along with him. There's a great blend of songs from both U.S. albums and two beautiful duets. His genuine love of singing is something I can't say I've seen in many artists, so if only for that reason, I recommend this DVD to you and hope that you find the enjoyment in it that I have.
Rating:
Summary: Incredible Talent
Review: When Russell walks onto the stage of his Auckland concert featured on this DVD, he literally lights up the entirety of New Zealand with him. He has an amazing stage presence, not to mention an incredible talent and equally diverse voice. Not even as the concert comes to a close, does he falter and with just as much passion and strength as when he starts. His love for performing and entertaining people can really be seen in this incredible concert wonderfully captured on DVD. Because he may not visit the United States and perform, as much as he may England or Australia, I may never have a chance to see him really live. But because of this incredible DVD, I will, if even for an hour and twenty-three minutes, feel as if I'm there, singing along with him. There's a great blend of songs from both U.S. albums and two beautiful duets. His genuine love of singing is something I can't say I've seen in many artists, so if only for that reason, I recommend this DVD to you and hope that you find the enjoyment in it that I have.
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