Music for Montserrat
Reviewed by Rodney Campbell
See also my Best of DVD Links web page
Review Equipment:
DVD Player:
Pioneer DV-717
Display:
Panasonic TX-79P100Z TAU 79cm 100Hz CRT (4:3 screen with 16:9 mode)
Receiver:
Denon AVR-3801
Calibration Tools:
NTSC Version of AVIA Guide to Home Theater & The Ultimate DVD Platinum & Chesky Record's - Gold Stereo and Surround Sound Setup Disc & Dick Smith SLP Meter
Front Speakers:
Tannoy Profile Plus 633 (Biwired)
Center Speaker:
Tannoy Profile Plus 621
Surround Speakers:
Tannoy Revolution R1
Surround Back Speakers:
Sony Bookshelf
Subwoofer:
M&K V75 MkII
Video Cables:
QED Qnect SVS s-video
Audio Cables:
QED Qnect DS & Qnect SS
| Rating | |
| Video | 8 |
| Audio | 8 |
| Extras | 1 |
| Overall | 7 |
| Video | General | |||
| P & S/Full Frame | Full Frame [NTSC] | Region(s) | 0 (No Region Coding) | |
| Wide/aspect ratio | No | Distributor | Image Entertainment | |
| 16x9 Enhanced | No | Macrovision | ? | |
| Audio | Chapters | 20 | ||
| Audio Format(s) | English DD 5.1 | Running Time | 112 min | |
| Extras/Features | RSDL/Flipper | No/No | ||
| Trailer(s) | No | Classification | None | |
| Commentary Tracks | No | Subtitles | No | |
| Other Extras |
No
|
|||
The concert features songs and performances (often with multiple star performers on each song) by Phil Collings, Mark Knopfler, Sting, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, Arrow, Carl Perkins, Jimmy Buffett and many others. Ray Cooper also appears on percussion for a number of the songs.
Video
Although the transfer rate sits at a lazy 4 to 6 MB/s for most of the concert the video quality is remarkably good. The stage is awash with blue, purple and red lighting at times but the performers, orchestra and huge choir are perfectly clear and the colours are as vibrant as they should be.My only complaint would be the few times that the camera cops one of the spotlights full on in the lens totally washing out the picture (see Hey Jude).
Audio
I would have liked to have seen a PCM stereo track on this disc (as is available on most other music discs I have seen) but the Dolby Digital 5.1 track is extremely well done with piercing highs and clean bass. The rear surrounds (like in many other concert style discs) are used primarily to give the ambience of being in the hall itself. With the reflected highs bouncing off the rear walls behind you and the applause of the crowd you get the feel of being in the crowd watching the concert.One thing that may be of concern is that with my PC DVD-ROM the sound seemed to come and go as if the volume was being changed louder and softer. This did NOT happen with my home theatre system and I attributed it to my crap audio card in the PC but I have seen other (unconfirmed) reports of this mysterious audio problem on the net.
Extras
Again and as with many concert discs there aren't any extras at all. I think that a special on why the concert took place and the lyrics to the songs as subtitles would have been some good features to have.Overall
Overall I'd have to say that this is an excellent disc and one that I could easily recommend that people buy. It contains some outstanding songs performed live by some equally outstanding performers.Take for example Money for Nothing with Mark Knopfler on lead guitar and vocals, Sting on vocals, Phil Collins on drums and Eric Clapton on guitar; what more could you ask for. How about all of the stars on everything all together in Hey Jude and Kansas City!
These guys seem a lot more casual than they might at one of their own traditional concerts - they are all having fun and it really shows; the performance only seems the better for it.
You also seem to see a lot more of the inside of the Royal Albert hall itself (compared with other concerts held there) and it really does look like a fabulous place.
Oh and watch out for the feedback at the start of Layla.