Blast!

Rating:
Summary: Incredibly AWESOME!
Review: I admit it, I am the parent that goes to the football games ONLY to watch the Marching Band. Obviously, you can read the product description to find out what it is all about....but you should know that it is AWESOME! It is a must see for all band members.... and everyone else. People that have NO interest in Marching Band will love this video also! They have finallllly figured out what they have been missing when they go get something to drink at half time. :)

Rating:
Summary: BLAST will blow you away, as it did us!
Review: 'Had the pleasure of experiencing live BLAST this summer at a Southern California amusement park. The one-hour thrill of the extravaganza was worth the fee of the park's total admission fee, alone. Subsequently, I purchased numerous copies of BLAST in DVD and VHS form for various friends. They all wanted to know how to purchase more copies for other friends, as well. OUTSTANDING!

Rating:
Summary: An enjoyment for all ages....
Review: I had seen a portion of this show at Disneyland's California Adventures and I instantly became hooked. The show is incredible and so is this DVD!! Not only do you get to see the entire show, but there are added bonuses with a behind the scene look of the making of the show.

Everyone in my family fell in love with this DVD. And I would highly recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: OUTSTANDING IN EVERY WAY!
Review: I bought this video after attending the Dallas performance of BLAST! and have not been the least bit disappointed. This was perhaps the greatest musical performance I have ever witnessed and the video was poetry in motion. I also bought the DVD and CD because I didn't want to miss a thing. Do yourself a favor and buy them all! Amazon.com also has prices about 20% cheaper than PBS or other venues. Treat yourself...see the show LIVE at first opportunity and you'll swell up with pride at these young people and their endless talent and energy. Jim Mason is my hero for bringing life to BLAST!

Rating:
Summary: Off the field, onto the stage, and out of your seats
Review: All right - just try not standing and cheering as you watch these young men and women WOW their audience with excellent music, spectacular "flag", "rifle", and "sword" tosses, dynamic percussion and superior movements. Not sure what is best - brass, percussion, guard, movement, dance - all in all this is a DVD and show that will bring even the most reserved of us to our feet. Those who love highly competetive band and corps activities, will find a new level of excellence in these performances. You will not be disappointed with this DVD!!!

Rating:
Summary: Out of the PIT and onto the stage
Review: I have read most of the reviews of this fantastic musical experience and agree with them all. If you are a musician, you will love this DVD. If you aren't a musician, you will love this DVD. Blast! is a product of Drum Corps International and had it's humble birth as the Star of Indiana Drum and Bugle Corps in 1985.

I marched in the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps from Denver, CO. and had the pleasure of going head to head with The Star of Indiana during the summer of 1989. Star of Indiana went on to win the World Championship a couple of years later in 1991.

I know exactly what those musicians and dancers do to put that performance on the stage. They work at least 14 hour days, seven days a week. It's hard work, perfecting not only musical aspects but also the movements on the stage. That work has paid off and the product is Blast! I give this DVD all the recommendations I possibly can. You will not regret this purchase.

Now, if you can't see the actual Blast! performance live, the 2002 Drum Corps season is about to kick off. Watch for a local Drum Corps show near your home town. They are all over the U.S. If you can't find one, check with your local High School band instructor, they can tell you where there is one or visit www.dci.org for a listing of competitions. These shows are the ORIGINAL Blast! You will be amazed at what 128 people can do with horns, drums and flags on a football field. Oh, and not one of them is over the age of 21. Marching band pails in comparison to Drum Corps! From what I could tell, every member of Blast! had Drum Corps exerience.

Buy this DVD!!!!!!!!!

Rating:
Summary: "BLAST" you off your seat!
Review: The first time I watched this show on television, I was about to fly out of my chair by all the spectacluar stunts and tricks they can pull off while playing their instruments. Not only do they play your average "marching" instruments, they play the digereedoo and some even music with their hands. (you'll have to see the movie) I'm a high school student who is involved in the band program and I loved it. This show is not only for musicians, it is for your family friends and anyone who is wanting to see the greatest show on earth. Aside from watching the show, my band also got to meet the cast of 56 this year and play alongside them and learn and experience what they do each day before starting a show. If you think the video is unbelievable,(which it is), then you should see the show live!

Rating:
Summary: Not just for band geeks
Review: Unfortunately, I must disagree with all the reviewers who write, "If you're in marching band, you'll love this DVD!" That is such limited praise that it almost insults the performers. Truth is, Blast! cuts across all lines of musicianship -- and nonmusicianship. I took my parents, my wife, and my 4-year old daughter (none of whom can toot a single note) to see the mini-version at Disney's California Adventure (Bolero, Land of Make Believe, Malaguena), and they were blown away.

When we got home, I rented the DVD, and my daughter was up and dancing around throughout most of it. She told me afterward that she wants "to play a horn like that." Later she confided that she wanted to learn to "play the drums like that," too. I suppose there is little praise that is higher than that. To inspire another to take up the art that you have just presented.

Get this DVD. When the touring company comes to your town (or nearby), go see it. You and your nonmusician friends and family will not be disappointed.

So, why just four stars? I tive the performance 5 stars and more. The DVD lacks in sufficient special features. The insightful commentary track covers just 4 numbers out of 20. The "Making of Blast" featurette is better than most that you find on movie DVDs. There are more interviews with the performers here. Still, I would love to have seen more footage of show preparation and behind-the-scenes stuff.

Rating:
Summary: What A Blast!
Review: I recently saw this on video and then went to see it live.It is amazing!Even the DVD can't do justice to its sureal experience,but hey,gotta have something to see it all the time.If you haven't seen it,you should!

Rating:
Summary: wow
Review: I have seen Blast both live and on video. I went with several members of my chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, the national honorary band fraternity. As a marching band member in my 7th year of marching since high school, I was in complete awe over the musicianship and artistry of the show. I saw them in St. Louis last fall, and was suprised at both the performers' talent and how down to earth they are. They came out into the lobby after the performance and talked to people. I even tried unsuccessfully to recruit one of the drummers for our drumline (we are seriously lacking in marching drummers at my school.)

Blast can be seen as a positive influence on marching band members of any age. Seeing their talent and artistry reminds us to strive to achieve our highest level of performance. The performers draw the audience into the show and keep them in their grasp until well after the final note is played. The live version is especially powerful, as there are pieces where the cast members are performing in the audience. The influence could be seen on our marching band last fall, since our performance of "Officer Krupke" was one of the best pieces we performed last season.

I would recommend this show to anyone, especially band members who are not quite sure how much influence they can have on their audience, as well as anyone looking for a totally original and exciting experience.