Rating: 
Summary: Beautiful Video/Awful Audio
Review: After being totally blown away by U2's latest concert DVD and David Gilmour's also, I was thoroughly disipointed with the audio of Coldplay Live 2003. Very flat. The audio engineer for this should be canned. The film shot for this and the editing I thought were very good. It's a shame that the sound quality couldn't compare. It sounded as though certain parts were pumped up and others were toned down through the mix. I'm sure the actural concert didn't sound this bad. I haven't listened to the live CD yet. I'm thinking it will sound better. If I knew this DVD sounded so bad, I wouldn't have purchased it. If I could get my money back, I would. Love ya "Coldplay", but the audio on this DVD sucks big time.
Rating: 
Summary: Confirms their status as the new kings of pop/rock
Review: Although vastly overplayed and overly-worshipped in the past year or so--to the point of nausea--there's no denying this band's ability. I have been a fan from their debut on, and have collected just about every obscure b-side and live cut there is,
which are all superb, but there comes a point (maybe this happened with The Beatles at one time, I don't know), where the amount of airplay the band receives (radio, television, etc.) simply begins to reach a certain saturation point. The only thing a band can do at this juncture of success is to keep releasing quality product, to keep themselves constantly fresh, but release it at slightly longer intervals to give audiences time to adjust.By that strategy, this live DVD may seem to be coming a little to soon in their career (after only two albums?), but it's quality is such that it still renews my faith in the group. Coldplay are trying very hard to project the same sense of wide-eyed idealism, musical and political, that invested U2 in their early years, and although not quite at their mentor band's level, they're getting there. The concert film is superb, all of the songs are terrific, and the three new songs are equally as strong as the standards. The editing is stylized enough to keep Chris Martin's sometimes gangly on-stage dancing from being a distraction, and his vocals have hit a peak. My only complaint is that many of the songs sound virtually identical to their studio counterparts, although a few are changed around a little (ie the harmonica on "Don't Panic"). Although I do not wish the band to keep recycling their early sound on future efforts, for the moment "Live 2003" serves its purpose and reminds one of their new crown in the pop heirarchy.
Rating: 
Summary: How to best experience Coldplay.
Review: Before becoming "everyone's band" earlier in 2003, they were just like any other British rock band trying to break into the mainstream. Their music was praised and played over by the UK media, but were only known in selective circles here in North America. It is hard to comprehend it when watching "Live 2003", which makes Coldplay look like on of the world's biggest and best bands, which they are well on the road to being. The concert is composed of songs lifted from their two studio albums, 1999's "Parachutes" and 2002's "A Rush of Blood to the Head". The highlights from the former include "Shiver", "Everything's Not Lost", and the two big singles, "Yellow" and the achingly beautiful "Trouble. The newer album, which made Coldplay international stars, is well represented here, with stellar versions of "Clocks", "In My Place", and the blistering show-opener "Politik". As anyone who has ever seen a Coldplay concert can attest, the main attraction is in the light show that accompanies each song. Perhaps to help ease their transition into larger venues, Coldplay use loads of blinding lights, strobes, and even green lasers (during "Clocks") to liven up the concert. And you will definitely not be disappointed, since the variety of lights is very reminiscent of a Pink Floyd concert. As for the songs, they sound fantastic when played live. The band themselves are not overly exciting. Chris Martin's dancing around the stage and odd "fist to the sky" dance during "In My Place" add some leverage, while the rest of the band looks rigid and uncomfortable, standing like statues behind their instruments. They remind me of Oasis, in that they are going through the motions while keeping in mind who is the real star of the show, and avoiding to spotlight. It's a pity, since they are gifted musicians who function well as a cohesive band. The live DVD captures their show in Australia, ironically, in the smallest venues of the tour. The smaller (relatively speaking) venue means that the show has a more intimate feel, and the stellar camera work and editing make you feel like part of the audience. The sound quality is also really good, giving the songs bass and volume that you need from a concert DVD. The two added attractions are the 40 minute "Tour Diary", which is a mish-mash of footage and interviews, and two new songs, including "One I Love", which has a very Echo & The Bunnymen feel to it. It's quite good, actually. Also added for value is an audio CD of the concert's best songs, so you can listen to them on your Discman and enjoy the pumped-up versions of their big hits. Overall, this is a great DVD/CD package. Whether you are an older fan or a new initiate, "Live 2003" is Coldplay in their element and how they are best experienced. As far as concert DVDs go, it is a great value, considering what you get. Overall, it's an easy recommendation.
Rating:
Summary: One of the greatest bands around gets a solid DVD.
Review: Coldplay is one of my favorite bands and it's hard for anyone to argue that their musical talents don't match up with the best of them in the modern scene (U2, Radiohead). While not quite at classic status, they certainly have the potential and this live concert DVD is a pretty good package. Unfortunately, there is one major quibble I have with the actual concert footage: it's very poorly edited. Some of you may remember that Dave Matthews concert that came out last year (from Boulder, Colorado, I believe). The editing is extremely "herky jerky," not focusing on one band member for more than a second in most cases. I found this "technique" to be very distracting in some cases, especially when I felt like watching any particular band member. This kind of detracted from the overall experience. On the plus side, Coldplay puts on an awesome show and the music itself is really good, so it works out for the best. You'd be hard-pressed not to at least enjoy the aural experience this DVD provides. So if you're at least a casual fan of Coldplay, then don't hesitate to pick up this DVD for the music itself. The picture quality is pretty good. It's anamorphic widescreen, which is always a plus. And unlike most concert DVD's, it's shot on film, so the image is actually a lot better than what it could have been. There are a couple of scenes where there appears to be a bit much grain or certain colors seem overly bright, but for the most part, it's a solid transfer. Not a whole lot of edge enhancement and compression problems are thankfully next to nothing. Looks pretty spiffy for a concert film. The audio is the true star here. Presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS ES Matrixed surround sound, this mix is just right. It's not overly loud, which is really a good thing. The spaciousness and overall presence in this mix can only be described as pleasant, as Coldplay's melodies eminate from all around you. Usually concert mixes are too front-heavy, but this one is balanced out quite nicely. As expected, the DTS mix is a bit more open-sounding with tighter bass. But either one is a treat. Good show! Whether you are a casual fan of the band or a die-hard fanatic, then you'll love this DVD. It's one you'll watch quite often, and with a solid transfer and great Dolby and DTS mixes, this disc will make its way to the top of your favorites.
Rating:
Summary: Great band, bad editting
Review: Coldplay is one of the best bands out on the scene today, however the director of this concert should never be allowed to film another live performance again. The video editting of the concert is really bad. The director does not allow one camera to hold a shot for more than 4 seconds; it quickly blasts from camera-shot to camera-shot. You can't even focus on a particular member of the band for more than 4 seconds because of the quick camera changes, odd zoom and camera angles, and the constant "arty" out-of-focus shots. I want to be able to peacefully watch Chris Martin play the piano, but I barely can because of the weird camera angles and constant switch of cameras. Coldplay is a great band, but I would have loved to have a concert that was filmed as a basic/ordinary production and not having the director trying to be all "arty" and do neat camera tricks, it's annoying. In any case, the band is great, they played great.
Rating:
Summary: Awesome CD and Awesome DVD
Review: Coldplay's albums were both great, but honestly, their songs really come to life live. The rock songs rock harder, and the ballads are more emotional live. You can see the track list above, it has all of their hits, including 'See You Soon' which was a b-side, but is included on both the CD and DVD, and is a really good song. The quality of the audio is great on the cd and dvd, and the video gives you a good feeling that you are actually at the concert. I didn't get the chance to see Coldplay live, but after seeing this DVD, I definately will the next time they are on tour. I highly recommend this DVD/CD!
Rating:
Summary: Amazing!
Review: Coldplay's live 2003 dvd is absolutely amazing. They play many of their great songs to new levels. This is a dvd you should get especially if your a coldplay fan! Great job on this dvd!!
Rating:
Summary: A Good, Long Music Video
Review: Definately try and rent this one before buying. It is amazing, but its not like being there. Its more like watching a music video. Its rough, quick cuts, and doesnt give you a sense of the size of the crowd, stage, setup, etc... You don't feel like youre there. Besides that, its incredible. Nice extras and great menus. These guys are the real deal. Check it out!
Rating:
Summary: The Best Live Video Performance Concert Perhaps Ever!
Review: Everyone who has gushed about this DVD/CD combination has been far too restrained. Coldplay's melodies, musicianship, lyrics and overall sound are AMAZING!!!! The production values on the DVD regarding cuts, pans, scans, etc are top-notch.
Folks whose memory spans back to some of Zep's live concerts or perhaps to Yessongs will not be disappointed.
This band, this CD, this DVD totally rock!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Don't knock what you don't know
Review: First of all I must state that I am an avid, almost obsessive fan of Coldplay so this review may be biased, but if you aren't also a fan, then why are you even thinking of buying the DVD?
That being said, this DVD is AMAZING. I have read the other reviews, especially the ones giving a paltry 1 or 2 stars. Or "starts" as someone wrote. The biggest complaints they have is the DVD being too much like a music video or nothing new when compared to the CDs. Some say Coldplay lacks talent, or that they are pro-tooled and can't stand on their own at a live show. I can tell you from a first hand account that this is entirely NOT SO.
I have had the privilege to see Coldplay play an intimate set at a small DC club before the release of A Rush of Blood to the Head. They are simply amazing, and Chris definitely CAN sing and hit his notes and harmonies. A few mistakes were made, but they were just laughed and joked about later on in the set.. in the no-glitz-no-glamour fashion that makes us all fall in love with Coldplay in the first place. Also, as a fellow musician, I can say that I believe they are very musically talented without the tools of the studio. And the flashy lights in Politik that viewers probably are thinking of when they call the concert nothing but a big music video add to the power and raw effect of the song.
The DVD captures the essence of a Coldplay live set. I can't stop watching it. When I first got it I left it in my DVD-Rom for a couple of weeks and played it whenever I had free time. I highly recommend this DVD for any Coldplay fan.. and even those who aren't fans, YET. The CD is also incredible. As a fan of live music, I give this set my seal of approval (which probably doesn't mean much to you readers, but if it doesn't, then why bother reading a review?)
Please if you own this DVD and think it's crap, sell it NOW. Someone else with much better taste will buy it from you and appreciate it as it deserves, which consequently, is more than you ever could.
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