Customer Reviews

Kraftwerk: Minimum-Maximum

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

At long last... the reclusive mensch-machines from Dusseldorf have assembled an official "MusikFilm produkt"... Like the 2-CD collection of the same name, Minimum-Maximum was recorded live during Kraftwerk's 2004 world tour. The DVD has the same track listing as the CDs, in fact (with one "bonus track" on the DVD)... and yes, even the exact same cover art... just as you might expect from the "inventors of techno" who have embraced, emulated and literally embodied high technology, mass production, and robotic coolness for over 30 years.

I was fortunate enough to see Kraftwerk's live "produkt" in Chicago earlier this year, and the Minimum-Maximum DVD is indeed an accurate document of the concert experience -- only without the sticky floors, brain-melting volume, sweaty audience, and overpriced beer.

Of course this is a technical improvement over the bootleg DVD I've seen of a 2004 London Kraftwerk show (although the shaky digital camerawork added a somewhat welcome human element...) The graphics and menus are sleek, simple, and streamlined. There are Stereo and DTS 5.1 Surround sound options, and as you would expect, both mixes are clean, clear, and precise (with crowd sounds and applause present when appropriate... just like on the Minimum-Maximum CDs.)

Could a live performance by an electronic band possibly be that interesting to watch? Well, Kraftwerk's unique (and strangely irresistible) stage presence has to be seen to be believed: the band (four middle-aged, clean cut German guys identically dressed in a variety of subdued yet strange outfits) stand behind laptops and synthesizers doing whatever they do back there (maybe playing Solitaire or balancing their checkbooks? we never do get so see those laptop computer screens on the DVD...) and the one on the left (Ralf) adds minimal vocals now and then. You know it's 90% pre-recorded/pre-programmed music, but watching these four guys up there tapping their feet and bobbing around is somehow quite adorable and engaging. The big "theatrical" moment comes when the band members are replaced by creepy/kitschy robot versions of themselves performing the song... yes, you guessed it: The Robots. If you expect stage diving and guitar burning, though, you've definitely come to the wrong place.

Visually, the DVD is mostly a standard "concert video," with frequent wide shots of the stage area and the all-important visuals projected behind the band... essentially you'll see the show as if you had been there... sitting in the best seats in the house. Maybe this is as it should be -- just don't expect an electronica Woodstock or a techno Gimme Shelter... (wouldn't that be great, though?)

There are some occasional close-ups and attempts at "production touches" that are a bit awkward, such as showing the band members' hands and heads on the buttons of the "Pocket Calculator" (resulting in sort of a Brady Bunch/Hollywood Squares effect.) There's also a rather amateurish digitally pixellated pseudo-psychadelic freak out during Home Computer (do not adjust your DVD player...) Now and then there are split-screens and cross-fades, and when the background videos are in black and white, the band is also (not sure if that's supposed to be "artistic" or some kind of mistake...) And I noticed only one crowd shot during the entire two hour concert. Overall, in contrast to the highly stylized, synchronized, and very professional projected films used by the band, the production, direction, and editing of the concert itself has a surprisingly (and slightly embarrassing, especially for Kraftwerk) low budget digital video look to it (the credits list a three man camera crew, which is very obvious...) It's almost like they got a few of those bootleg camera guys and gave them a couple thousand bucks to improve upon their earlier efforts.

I would nevertheless recommed this release as an entirely functional live concert DVD of a legendary band... but I do have a few more gripes: Most importantly, why isn't there more bonus material? Yes, it's fun and weird to see Krafterk performing at the MTV video awards... but surely there are plenty of rare video goodies in the KlingKlang vaults that could have been included (like we got on Led Zeppelin's amazing double DVD.) And why not release the CDs and DVDs at the same time (or packaged together) rather than hitting the fans with the ol' "double dip" a few months after we've already bought the CDs (and possibly a concert ticket too)? It also doesn't indicate anywhere on the packaging or credits where any of this was actually filmed... it looks like it's all the same venue, but who knows (I guess who cares when the show is pretty much the same everywhere... but this info is to be expected on a live concert release -- and besides, the Minimum-Maximum CDs list the city and venue for each track!) ... sigh... well, let's wrap this up...!

Are you new to Kraftwerk? You need this: it's a good way to immerse yourself in the band... The less memorable new material (Expo 2000, Vitamin, an overlong Tour de France sequence) is much more enjoyable with the visuals, plus you get all the classic Kraftwerk hits (albeit in their digitized The Mix versions) and all the fabulous retro-futuristic imagery from the band's past and present all in one shiny package.

Are you a longtime Kraftwerk fan? You need this too (actually you probably already have it): True, you'll feel shortchanged by the lack of bonus material and surprised that the video produciton quality isn't at the same meticulously professional level you have come to expect from Kraftwerk. Regardless, you're grateful there's finally an official KlingKlang DVD, and if you've never seen the band live, this is the next best thing.

A final note for avid collectors, obsessed fans, and/or the independently wealthy: There's a deluxe limited edition "Notebook" Minimum-Maximum box set packaged as a fake laptop computer... it includes the DVDs and CDs plus an 88 page book of tour photos and technical data... (technical data...? would anyone really pay extra for that...? and who needs photos when you have the DVDs...? I think I'll pass, guys.... maybe next time...)

If you are reading this, probably you are a Kraftwerk music fan. So, if you are I urgue you to buy this DVD now as you will experience a whole new multimedia experience from the songs you know and love. For the first time you will feel how all the songs you love so much from Kraftwerk come alive. Even tough this is a concert, it is much more than that. It is a video and audio experience, the videos and images melt perfectly with the music. Kraftwerk has done such a big effort and work with the images and videos that set a whole difference between the trend of just backing songs in concerts with random images (like most bands do) with actually making a new creature, one wich requires both music and video to come alive. The audio/video is such perfectly melted and combined that as I said before, this are not songs nor images/videos, this are multimedia units. If you love high end audio from your home theater this is also a great choice. There are a lot, a lot a lot of surronding effects and back and forth effects you will want to hear/see the song again and again. We couldn?t expect less from Krafwerk.

This is the first official video release of Kraftwerk ever. Keeping up with their image of high profile / low productivity band, they sometimes forget about essential things for a modern music band. Something like releasing a DVD with videos. At last, enthusiasts of electronic music and Kraftwerk in particular have a chance to see this one of the most important electro bands playing live. Despite the fact that it's not a music video compilation, Kraftwerk look great live on stage, and anyone who saw them live will agree. There's a slim chance that they will release a music video compilation ever (they are 'up to date' on stage, yet old videos have Karl Bartos and Wolfgang Flur, what Ralf will never approve), so if you consider to purchase this release, don't think twice. In the last 31 years Kraftwerk didn't release anything disappointing, Minimum Maximum DVD set is no exception.

I have been a fan of Kraftwerk since I was in high school in the early 80's. I was still listening to them in college in the late 80's. People used to think I was weird, but I would crank my "Computer World" in the dorms anyway. I was so excited to see that many of my favorite songs were now available on DVD. I just purchased this DVD and I really love it. The sound quality is great, the video quality is outstanding, and the songs are awesome! If you are looking for a lot of action by the guys on stage, you will be disappointed. This is not like a Devo concert! You basically see them standing in front of keyboards, while there are different videos playing in the background. It is well worth the money for the Kraftwerk fan!

Let me state upfront that I have been a life-long fan of Kraftwerk, starting with the "Autobahn" album days way back when. The 2004 album "Tour de France: Soundtracks" was an unexpected and very strong album, showing that these guys are STILL making relevant and exciting music. Then the band decided to tour, which they don't do much, resulting in the "Minimum Maximum" CD, which I bought when it came out, followed by the DVD, which I now finally bought, as I finanlly have a decent "home theater" set-up.

"Minimum Maximum" (2 DVDs, 126 min.) brings you the Kraftwerk live experience as if you were there. You may ask why it is exciting to see these 4 guys on stage behind their laptops, realizing that much of the music is probably pre-recorded, but there is an unquestionable mystique about the band. The visuals displayed behind the band on stage are very nice and let's be clear, this is not an MTV-like experience: the camera angle doesn't change every 2 seconds or so, so it feels like you are watching what the audience is watching. The very best of this set is at the end of show, with the 1-2 punch of "Areo Dynamik", an irresistable electro-stomper from their 2004 "come-back" album, followed by an even better (and concert-closer) "Music Non Stop", miles better than the album version ever was. The guys eventually leave the stage one by one, and most intruiging it shows them actually seemingly playing their keyboards to the music: you can see Ralf Hotter even do a "solo" of some sorts. When Hotter closes with shouting out "Guten Nacht, Auf Wedersehn!" as the track finishes, it is just nadir.

What stops me from giving this a 5 star rating is that there are absolutely no bonus materials whatsoever. No interviews with the band, no additional clips from the past or anything. Given that this a 2 DVD release, there was obviously plenty of space for that, but no, alas. For whatever reason (and there are many), I have never seen Kraftwerk in concert myself, but this DVD gives me a pretty good idea of what I have missed (sigh). Essential for any Kraftwerk fan.

Minimum-Maximum is a live concert video; mostly older selections, with some strong new material. If you like Kraftwerk you will like this DVD.

Sound is very important to me - my 'stereo' is all high end gear - and Mini-Max's sonics are very good, lots of deep bass, very crisp and clear, good imaging - but not as good, as Kraftwerk's studio recordings. You will hear what I'm saying when you listen to the background music behind the chapter selections - incredible sound quality.

On my 9 foot home theater screen, video quality is average - it would be more enjoyable in high definition.

It's fascinating to finally connect the familiar synthetic music with the real musicians though, regardless of image quality. And it's definitely entertaining; a creative production, with some interesting visual effects.

After waiting all these years im able to watch a Kraftwerk concert without having to download something dodgy from the internet! I just bought this DVD yesterday and i totally love it. The sound quality on my surround system is superb. I can't wait until everyone is out of my house so i can put the volume to the maximum. Kraftwerk have really spent a lot of time mixing up the audio so that all the surround speakers get a real workout. For example: on Numbers each speaker says a different number. This DVD really is the next best thing to attending one of their concerts (I saw them in Sydney Feb 2003). One song that especially rocks is Electro Cardiogram...it has a really tight beat and a powerful melody but its laidback at the same time. You must buy this if your a Kraftwerk fan. However, other people might not get it.

PS: Other people here seem to be disappointed at the lack of extras, but that is really Kraftwerks style. To them, less is more..Minimum is Maximum!

Excelent music, excelent video at the Kratfwerk style. Sound is very good (stereo and DTS schemas). There are beatiful images in the DVD and as expected the Kraftwerk team has a behaviour as robots (almost stopped, generating sounds in the notebooks).

I hate electronic music generated by the DJs of today. For me is pure garbagge. This is electronic music, but created by who knows what to do, the pioneers of it, the masters.

Kraftwerk at best. Who loves electronic music needs this DVD. Run and buy this DVD (better 2 DVDs) !!!

The legends known as KRAFTWERK are historically the single most pioneering and influential group/band of musicians in the realm of electronic music utilizing keyboards and synths. During the incipient days of this kind of music, between KRAFTWERK and Wendy Carlos ('Switched On Bach'), electronica would never be the same! Having been a huge fan of KRAFTWERK since the 70's, i've owned every single 'Kling Klang Produkt' they've ever released. My one regret over the years was never having seen them perform live, during those rare occasions where they toured. So you can imagine the thrill I felt when I found out that they did release their first DVD concert ever! The DVD itself is very well recorded, with very good dynamics and mix. I am a 'stereo purist', and 'high end' audio nut, so my judgement was strictly made by playing the DVD through some McIntosh 2-channel amplification and revealing Magnepan 'planar ribbon' speakers. The video quality is excellent as well. My only wish, and it is minor, is that the DVD does not have any extra or 'bonus material', but that's OK. Seeing KRAFTWERK live is as much an audio-visual experience as it is a concert, with visual effects and lighting that perfectly complement KRAFTWERK's high-tech, mechanized, sterile, robotic, orgasmic sound! A 'must-own' DVD!!!

We have been waiting for a long time for an actual "sponsored" live CD/DVD from the Man Machine. For years, their live shows have remained in the realm of bootlegs. For those of you fortunate enough to catch Kraftwerk on tour in the last say 10 years, this DVD will be quite nostalgic -- they haven't changed their basic act much. In addition, if you are looking for great extras and audio commentary, you won't find them here either. Kraftwerk could also sport the nickname "The Minimalist Machine".

So what do I mean with my title? This is your first chance to experience Kraftwerk in Dolby DTS surround sound, and it is FANTASTIC!! If your reciever and DVD are not compatable with DTS, you'll need to go out and upgrade your system. If you are a Kraftwerk fan, it is worth the investment!! You feel as though you are on stage with them. Most notable are the hop-around voices in "Numbers", the passing TEE in "Trans Europe Express" and the drive on the "Autobahn". Don't miss this historic DVD -- and hey, the upgrade will make your other DVDs sound better, too!