Customer Reviews

Michael W. Smith - Worship

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Michael W. Smith's new Worship Video DVD, released August 20th 2002, is a superb work that captures what can happen when an artist puts his heart and soul, literally, into a concert. The Worship Video was recorded live last April in Alberta Canada before a packed house of 15,000 including a large percentage of youth.

Grammy award winning Michael W. Smith is an accomplished musical artist, singer, songwriter, and author with both gold and platinum albums to his credit. The previous Worship audio CD, recorded in Lakeland Florida, and released on the infamous September 11th 2001, has been certified platinum. The new Worship Video is an extension of the Worship audio CD and serves well in re-creating the power and presence of such an event.

Smith sings in his unique voice and plays both a guitar and a multi-color one-of-a-kind custom piano, perhaps an Elton John influence. A variety of songs are presented, from contemporary worship music to a version of "40" by U2. From the opening "Step by Step" all the selections are well represented. Smith does "Draw Me Close" which he says is a favorite he sings in his car. "Above All" and "Let It Rain" as well as "Awesome God" are emotionally charged as Smith relates through music his faith and passion. Several moments of overpowering emotion are displayed by Smith, the most notable during the song "Breathe." The conclusion includes Smith presenting a moving Psalm reading as a lead-in to "I See You," a very powerful and loud statement of faith by music from the late Rich Mullins. This is one of those songs that seems to stick with you.

At one point, attempting to become more intimate, Smith leaves the main stage and walks to a smaller stage in the center of the audience to perform "I Give You My Heart." It was obvious that this whole production is not an act but a generous display of an artist's passion and commitment to doing what he loves to do in life. Tony Robbins coined the term "Live with Passion" and Smith does that in the biggest of ways.

The Worship Video DVD succeeds in creating a "next best thing to being there" feeling...the video is excellent, the audio in 5.1 digital is superb, and the overall quality is first rate. The excellent quality of the audio is amazing considering this is a live recording in a large sports arena. The video production was marvelous, from lighting to editing, and the use of split-screen and tri-screen effects works well. Five cameras are used in the filming and the well-timed use of black-and-white video and fade-ins added to the experience.

The DVD is packed with extras including a full-length audio commentary of the concert video with Smith and staff relating what they were thinking at different moments during the event. Smith is candid about his heartfelt emotions during the concert and shares several private moments and some lighter moments with the video audience. Also included is a time lapse video of the event from pre-stage setup to concert end. Other extras include "Making of the DVD" which provides technical information, "Behind The Scenes" with Smith and crew, a photo album, a collection of deleted scenes, and two trailers. Two songs are also enhanced with the DVD angle or multi-camera view option where you can select which of the five cameras you want to view through. One of the "hidden" extras is a "I have a wild idea" button which I won't spoil the surprise by telling what that is.

Of course the message is the most important thing and Smith is eager to get this point across. At the beginning of the concert he opted to come in through the back instead of a grand front stage entrance, not wanting to dilute the real reason for the evening...worship and a desire for a genuine connection with the audience. The plentiful camera shots of the audience awash in warm light and in black-and-white enhance the experience and drive home the ability Smith has to create a close rapport with those around him.

The Worship Video is a powerful and well-produced work of art. Smith is the real deal and a breath of fresh air in the sometimes problematic entertainment industry. Some artists let their success go to their heads, and in the Worship Video it comes through loud and clear that Smith lets his success go to his heart. The Worship Video is not just a video, it's an experience. Five stars out of five!

When I saw this DVD in the store I was hesitant to buy it. I wasn't all that big on Michael W. Smith but I was curious to see a good video of his performance. At the last minute I decided to step out and get it.
When I got home and threw it in my DVD player I couldn't pull myself away. This DVD is one of the best live christian events I have ever seen. It is definitely worth the money.
It not only has the concert itself, it has much more! Go backstage with Michael W. Smith, enjoy the accoustic jam sessions behind stage. It also includes a commentary. Michael goes through ever song of the recording and adds comments and personal thoughts about each stage of the concert. It is tremendous! I know I'll be spending many more hours in front of the tube watching this one.
I would definitely recommend this DVD to anyone who loves Christian Worship music.

Michael W. Smith brings the worship experience of his "Worship" and "Worship Again" CD's to your TV screen with the "Worship" DVD. Recorded in Canada at Edmonton's Skyreach Centre, this DVD delivers a great live set which showcases some of the finest songs from the two CD's. Some of my favorites include "Open the Eyes of Heart," "Above All," "Let It Rain," "Breathe," "Draw Me Close," "Agnus Dei," and the Rich Mullins classics "Awesome God" and "I See You." And Smitty's rendition of U2's "40" is a pleasant surprise! Smitty's commentary track provides some interesting comments about each of the songs. A couple of the songs have multiple camera angles. Altogether, this is a great worship DVD, and I definitely recommend it.

Michael W Smith is one of my Christian music heroes. Aside from his music, I am so blessed and impressed with his character and ministry, his open heart for youth and unsaved people.

This DVD first of all is so worth the $$, a lot of bang for the buck. He has numerous extras including an awesome commentary track, plenty of backstage extras showing the group's warm up sessions. The production values are great and there are many multiple camera angles of Smitty and many audience shots.

I've seen him in concert several times, and he creates the most intimate concert experience; i think you will feel this from the DVD. He talks to his audience and sings expressly for them. It's not just performing his songs and doing the playlist for the night. The commentary track will give you a real insight to his character and his heart for people. He has encouraged me so much throughout the years. I've been a longtime fan and i only increase in admiration and thankfulness for this talented and giving artist!

WOW! I have never been a hugh Michael W Smith fan, in fact I do not own any of his albums except the Worship CD. This Worship DVD will captivate you with a spirit of worship. God speaks through the sites and sounds to the viewers heart, bringing tears to your eyes, a smile to your face, and joy to your heart.

I got this DVD a few weeks ago, and of the many Christian artist DVDs I have, this is by far the most powerful. This was recorded live at the Skyreach Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, and I can't watch and listen to it without being touched, no matter how many times I play it.

Just get it, and be blessed. Michael is very sincere, I know sincerity when I see it.

The Worship DVD is riveting and moving! You will be filled with the presence of a man who has the heart of David and really knows how to worship! HIGHLY recommended!

I have been a long-time fan of Michael's and it has been a joy to see him evolve from Christian pop star to truly inspired worship leader. I was privaledged to be in the audience at the recording of his forthcoming worship CD - "Worship Again." What an awesome experience. Many of the songs Michael introduced that night are on this DVD, including "Hallelujah, 40, I See You, Step by Step" and others. This DVD took me back to that night and I relived an unforgetable worship event!

This CD is such a well done, God honoring, inspiring and blessed work....it puts me right into the presence of God....just a beautiful, beautiful work.

This CD has helped me get to a place were I can get into God's presence.