Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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183 of 186 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
It's Time To Start...Ready...Go!, January 31, 2004
I love everything about Blue Man Group: the concept; the music; the humor; and, of course, the weirdness. This DVD is NOT of one of the typical BMG shows from New York, Boston, Chicago, or Las Vegas, rather, it is a concert from their recent 'Complex Rock Tour', which is totally different materiel. The DVD was actually taken from two shows, one in Dallas, and one in Minneapolis. I was fortunate enough to be at the Minneapolis show that this DVD is partially taken from, and watching this is almost as good as being there. The musical performances, showmanship, sound quality, and cinematography on the DVD are breathtaking, and make me want to go see BMG again as soon as possible. There are standout performances by guest vocalists Tracy Bonham and Venus Hum (in the greatest dress I have ever seen anywhere on anyone.) I would have liked to see the Bonham opening set (especially the Led Zeppelin violin recital), but unfortunately the producers didn't accommodate my desires. Here both vocalists are used to excellent effect. The music itself is potently addictive (I have the soundtrack CD in my car) and intriguing. Of course BMG is known for percussion (which I adore), and that is spotlighted to excellent effect on the DVD. The whole band is wonderful, and provides an excellent, and often whimsical, backdrop for the antics of the three Blue Men. Particular standouts for me are "Above", "Time to Start", "Up On The Roof", and the beautiful, haunting tribute to September 11 victims, "Exhibit 13." Also of note are the comedic links used in which an offstage recorded voice gives instructions in 'Rock Star Movements' which the Blue Men then teach the audience (my personal favorites are Numbers 4 and 237.) The DVD has a couple of extras, including the music videos for "Sing Along" (featuring a dazed looking Dave Matthews), "The Current", and the magnificently minimalist "Exhibit 13." Be sure to watch these, as they give a totally different perspective on the songs. You also want to catch the DVD credits. I won't say why, but trust me on this one. All told, this is an excellent introduction to the eccentricity that is Blue Man Group, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in music, comedy, or general oddity.
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45 of 46 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Almost as good as being there. Almost., January 6, 2004
I've been to the Blue Man Group's theatrical productions in Chicago and Vegas, and enjoyed both very much, and managed to see the last show of the tour, but the first experience is always the one that stands out. I knew the Rock Concert Tour was something the BMG was trying to attempt for some time, and the Complex Tour was a great effort.Some of the vocalists on the CD did not tour with BMG, but contrary to another review, a few of the vocalists did. Tracy Bonham sang "Up to the Roof" on the CD, and helped out with other songs on the tour. Venus Hum was there for "I Feel Love", an awesome Donna Sommer cover (and no, I'm not a Donna Sommer fan). What you get on this DVD is a compilation of 2 shows. As a result, some of what you see isn't always in synch with what you hear. But it's close. To the average viewer, it won't even be noticed. You also get a few music videos that have been played on VH-1. On the flip side of the DVD are 3 songs in 5.1 and DTS. A full 5.1/DTS Audio-DVD will be released later this year.
As far as a Blue Man Group experience... that really can only be had experiencing them live. What you don't get on this DVD are the cool opening sets by Tracy Bonham and Venus Hum. Every headliner needs an opening act, right? They alternated as opening acts for BMG during the tour.
You don't get the "White Rabbit" Jefferson Airplane cover, and you don't get the purported spontaneous playing of "Freebird" when someone in the audience yells out the request. As far as concert DVD's go, this is one of the best. For someone who's never seen them, and lives too far to see one of their theatrical productions, this DVD will help bridge the gap.
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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This ain't no horror flick, baby!, March 1, 2004
Man, I can't believe some of these reviews! Ask yourself a question, people: "Were you entertained?" If you answer "yes," and you must, then it seems this alone should be worth the price of the DVD. Anyway, I don't want to get too negative about what others write, so I'll get on with my review.I can remember when BMG was on Johnny Carson. I always thought they were amazing, getting wild sounds out of the most unusual, yet common things. I filed this away as fun entertainment, but thought there would be no way could I sit through too much of it. Fast forward a few years and I find myself married to a great girl who loves to watch concerts on DVDs. She REALLY loves BMG. So I bought this DVD for her, thinking I could take it if it got a bit stale. Man, this DVD blew me away!!! We had the TV turned up to 11!!! These guys are so talented, funny, intelligent, innovative ... I just can't find the adjectives to describe it all. This DVD is an absolute BLAST to watch! You'll see Tracy Bonham, Venus Hum (two days later, I still can't get this great old tune out of my head!), and Dave Matthews in a bonus video, to name a few celebs. "Exhibit 13" is a song and bonus video about 9/11 (although there is no reference to it specifically). Typically for BMG, it is a rather chilling, if odd, look at what all those little bits of paper represented on that awful day. It is simply a different look at a day that has been burned into the mind of the world. It was refreshing, though, if just for that reason. Trust me, your entertainment dollar is well-spent with this DVD.
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