Customer Reviews

Il Divo

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This review is NOT about the 'content' of the dual-disc containing the CD and the DVD.

The content would get a five (5) star rating, although the lighting on the DVD side is a little dark in some spots.

The 'sound quality' (I am not much an expert on techology, so I do not believe I can use the correct terminology to make my point)is less than great on the CD side. The sound of this group is amazing and the sound is what their work is all about. To listen to it in anything less than perfect sound quality is to deny yourself the true full beauty of their performance.

More importantly, there is a sticker on the disc (outside the sealed packaging) which indicates that the CD format may not play on all CD players. That is true, I have four CD players at home and in my car and one at work. This CD played on three of the five only. The lackluster sound quality discussed above was not related to any of the three players, but rather the CD format itself.

I cannot understand or explain why this information was not divulged before the purchaser has the CD in their possession. Of course, I can't explain either why the 'sticker' was added on after the CD was packaged, sort of like an after-thought.

Inside there is another printed notice loose in the jewel case explaining 'what' a 'dual disc' is. It also says at the end of the text that the CD might not play on all CD players.

I presume the consumer is supposed to use logic to figure ahead of time that they would not receive the exact same CD as the original as well as a DVD for the same price. Never mind that the buyer might think it is a true bargain. That isn't necessarily so. Perhaps one could be expected to know about the make-up and comlexites of a 'dual-disc'. I admit I did not have that knowledge.

If you have several players and aren't picky which ones will play the CD and if you are not necessarily interested in the fine sound quality of most CDs produced today, then by all means consider purchasing the 'dual disc' for the bargin value. Otherwise, purchase the original CD so that you can fully enjoy the great sound of this awesome group.

What a blend of vocal music genres with astonishing sounds from four men from four countries singing in different languages!

For regular listeners of classical vocal music who tend to be musically conservative, this will open your eyes and ears. The men of "Il Divo" are, without a doubt, properly trained singers in the classical genres. The quartet applys their trained vocal techniques to certain "pop" sounding passages -- their imitation of "pop-ish" lyricism rivals any singers in the music industry. I my opinion, they are arguably better singers than most "pop" singers whose popularity is supported only by marketing without a true product of talent.

For those listeners whose ears are used to popular commercial vocal music, this album will sound strictly "classical" or "operatic" to you. If you refuse listening to operatic vocal music, this album is not for you -- it may be your subsitutute of sleeping medication. However, if you are musically curious, this is a very interesting album to have -- the sound of "Il Divo" may change your mind about "old school" music.

Enjoy the sea of beautiful harmonic sound of "Il Divo"!

I bought the first Il Divo album immediately after seeing the group on T.V. When I found out what a "dual disc" was I splurged and ordered that also just so I could see the guys perform. I was totally blown away. The DVD side shows these guys performing in their trademark Armani suits and looking so beautifully handsome. These are romantic songs and the guys sing so emotionally - especially Passera. I turned the surround sound up and got goose bumps. I could not believe anything could sound so beautiful: the voices harmonizing together, the solo parts, and the orchestra. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Needless to say, I have fallen in love with all the guys - especially Urs. It doesn't matter to me that some songs are in Spanish and Italian. Each song touches your soul. If you are a big Il Divo fan, you have no choice but to get the dual disc. If you have never heard or seen these babes sing, you are in for a real delight. I would recommend this album to anyone who likes pop and classical music and for those who think they might not like this, please give it a try. I don't see how you can not like it. My wish is that everyone who gets this will find the joy of listening I have found. Beware ladies, your heart will pound a little faster. That is a promise. If you're like me, you won't be able to get enough!

Being a fan of the group and having purchased the CD-DA version of the album only a while ago, the only reason I purchased this Dual-Disc is because I couldn't seem to find the video content of this disc anywhere else in the market on a regular DVD-Video.

The Dual-Disc doesn't appear to be any thicker or bulkier than a regular dual-sided DVD; The DVD-Video side of the disc plays well on every DVD player / recorder I have at home, but the CD side is somewhat difficult to access on a few of my optical drives. Here's the list:

Sony

DVP-NC615 (2002 5-Disc Changer) - Yes
RDR-HX910 (2005 HDD/DVD Recorder) - Yes
CMT-DV2D (2005 Micro Hi-Fi With MultiDisc playback) - No
MDP-V10 (1997 LaserDisc/VideoCD/CD player) - Slow access, yet plays
D-N520 (2004 CD-Walkman with Atrac3plus/CD-RW capability) - Yes
LBT-N555AVK (1997 Midi-HiFi With 5-Disc (CD-DA only) Changer) - Yes
VCP-S555 (1997 VCD/CD Player) - No

Optical Drives

LiteOn (8x) DVD+/-RW Drive - No
LiteOn (16x10x40x) CD-RW Drive - Yes
Generic CD-ROM Drive (Year 2000) - Yes

I hope the list will help a few fans to decide whether it's safe to purchase the disc; the age of the player/drive doesn't appear to be a playability factor here; my experiment indicates that high-end multidisc players/recorder will have a better chance of accessing the audio side of the disc as do traditional CD-DA playback only machines.

The audio quality of the CD side is the same as a regular CD, so if your optical disc player can play both sides flawlessly, this package would be a good bargain.

What I don't understand is why would RIAA introduce a disc format that doesn't even conform to the CD-DA standard; If there isn't a technical reason behind it, I seriously doubt that this format will last long in the market.

The Amazon offer of the dual Il Divo disc is hyperbolic. Unfortunately, after you order and receive the disc, you find pasted to the cellophane cover a label that tell you the audio section of the disc will not perform on most playback instruments because the CD was not made conforming to standards. Words to that effect. This caveat does not appear anywhere on the Amazon offer. You cannot find out whether you can listen to the music on your machines because, to do so, you would have to remove the cellophane cover, and then you cannot return the item for refund. So you need to send it back for a refund but: Evern though Amazon acknowledges that this return was due to a mistake on their part, you are still penalized by paying part of the shipping costs. When you object to this and ask for a refund of the full shipping costs, you receive no answer. no full refund, either. Thumbs all the way down, not only for this disc, but, especially, Amazon as well. Way below a 1 star rating!!

This group is outstanding. You can listen to them for hours and not even understand the language. Because of listening to them my wife and I are traveling to Atlanta for their concert in June.

The resolution, especially in the beginning of the DVD side is dark and hard to see. However, the music and the concert was great!!!! I want more DVDs from this group. I listen to the CD side in my car to wind down after a stressful day. I hope this group comes to Dallas for a concert. The talent is awesome. Never was an opera fan until I checked out Il Devo!!!

"IL DIVO" CD IS JUST WONDERFUL AND I LISTEN TO IT IN MY CAR. EVEN THOUGH I DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE LYRICS, IT IS THRILLING MUSIC AND MY TRAVELING IS MORE PLEASURABLE BECAUSE OF THE WONDERFUL MUSIC.

I already had the CD, what I wanted was the DVD, the live performance at Gotham Hall and the video of Regresa a Mi. Il Divo on big screen TV......thank you God! Tell Amazon to get hold of their O Holy Night recording for us; anything they sing would be wonderful, but I imagine THIS song would be magnificant. I am more than satisfied with the DVD, and would recommend it.

Il Divo has got to be the most relaxing, romantic, and attractive group of singers! All there music is DIVINE!