Customer Reviews

Mike Portnoy - Liquid Drum Theater DVD

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This video is great. Mike Portnoy breaks down drum parts from Liquid Tension and DT songs and shows how and what is going on. Some parts anwersed questions on how he did some things. The drum solo on part 2 with audience partipaction shows what a player and gentleman Mike Portnoy is.

This Two-Disc DVD set is really an improved version of the VHS tapes released two years ago, but now include bonus live performances, an audio commentary from Mike, camera angle switching options and photo gallery.

The cool thing about this DVD set is that it really underlines the potential for the DVD format in the area of instructional videos. For anyone who has used VHS to learn either an instrument or foreign language, you know how difficult it is to keep forwarding and "bookmarking" particular sections that you are trying to study. Nobody just watches a video from beginning to end while learning a particular subject. You will want to focus on sections, sometimes for weeks at a time. With the DVD format and chapter breaks, it's simple to do and frankly makes any instructional VHS tape obsolete.

The next fascinating thing about the DVD is the audio commentary. Already there are over 3 hours of playing and instructional information, but with the audio commentary on, you get a behind the scenes view of what it takes to make a video like this. One interesting tidbit was when Mike was talking about how a particular drum sequence was so difficult to get right in one take, that they actually took several different takes of him playing and spliced them together! You would have never guessed this unless you had the commentary on. The other great thing about it is just the ease at which Mike talks to the viewer and lets them in on all the details of being in a working rock band. He tells interesting stories of tours, recording sessions and drum technique. All of this is extremely interesting to practicing musician who just can't hear this stuff enough.

Another technology introduced on this DVD is the multiple camera angles provided in certain sections. Mike is known for his use of double bass work and being able to fix the camera on those sections that are difficult to the viewer is invaluable!

In conclusion, the DVD set is a MUST BUY for any musician hoping to improve their chops or just be entertained by the amazing drumming of Mike Portnoy. My girlfriend, who isn't even a musician, let alone drummer, actually enjoys just watching the DVD because of the great music. There is so much to this deep and useful instructional video that you will continue to view it for years to come.

This is a tremendous video, with all the best angles for watching Mike and his double-bass technique. He shares with you the beginnings of Liquid Tension Experiment, along with the writing and thought process that's involved with both Dream Theater and LTE. This DVD contains the angle feature during his songs, that show all perspectives. Mike Portnoy goes into his "bag of tricks" and tells you the fills he incorporates in his music, as well as his drum solos. There is alot of classic footage of Mike Portnoy in the early days of Dream Theater. Did I mention that this is a double DVD? 190 minutes long, with bonus footage! A must have for any Dream Theater fan. Another side note: at the end of the DVD, your given a password that gives you access to all of the sheet music, for all of the songs on these DVDs.

If you are a huge Dream Theater and Mike Portnoy fan, this is a good video for you to buy.It shows cool footage of DT as well as Liquid Tension Expierment. If you are looking for a instructional video, you may want to reconsider. Portnoy does little to show how to build up certain techniques, like building rolls and coordination for hi-hat, which is something he does very well. Portnoy is a natural. He is very creative, and spontaneous. It's just my opinion that there could have been more instruction.

If you are a drummer and a Dream Theater fan this video is a must. This video shows just how good Mike is and shows what a good guy he is. His talent is awesome and explains some key parts in many songs. The solos are outstanding.

You don't even have to be a drummer to enjoy this set! It is pretty amazing to watch Mike Portnoy work his way thru some of Dream Theater & Liquid Tension Experiment's toughest work. I think Portnoy is probably-along with Ted Kirkpatrick of Tourniquet-the best rock/metal drummer ever. And I'm a fan of Mr. Peart as well. Anyway, there is a lot of material here to enjoy and it's fun to watch him explain the ideas behind different song parts and drum fills. Seriously, this guy is just so much fun to watch, you'll forget you are actually learning something! The highlight for me is the instrumental "Hell's Kitchen" named after the NYC neighborhood. Beautiful. I can see why this was named "Instructional Video of the Year" by a number of drumming publications. Enjoy!

Five videos wouldn't be enough for this guy. Watching him play is sometimes more fascinating than listening. Often times you hear something on the record that makes no sense, yet seeing him actually perform it makes you smack yourself and say "Why couldn't I think of that?" Although the video is more inspirational than educational, it does its trick. My personal ability on the drums has improved greatly from just watching numerous times. Even if your not into drumming, its still a treat just for his showman gimmicks. The facial reaction he gives after a massive fill from "Home" is classic.

Three strong words to describe this amazing human being. Mike Portnoy is a machine. This DVD is so much worth more than the measley [price] they are asking for. There is so much extra live footage added and Mike even took the time to give an awesome commentary to an already awesome detailed look at his playing with Liquid Tension and Dream Theater. I find that Mike does a great job at giving the fans what they want on his own and with Dream Theater. This man deserves what he has and more as it is evident that he has worked hard to earn every penny and every bit of praise he receives. What are you waiting for...order it!

This is a wonderful video. Mike Portnoy is an astounding drummer and has had countless acclaim for his work. As the drummer of Dream Theater,he has made a name for himself and become an icon for all drummers like myself. I am a big fan of Dream Theater and am a big fan of Mike Portnoy. I admire his technique and footwork. By watching videos like this,along with any other Dream Theater video,be it live or otherwise,I learn alot from him by watching him. He is one of the greatest drummers of all time and inspires other drummers to be as good as him. When people ask me who I look up to,I say Mike Portnoy. I promote his videos on my personal website, snarncymbl.vze.com. Nobody does it like Mike Portnoy.

This DVD is okay if you just want to watch Mike Portnoy play the songs on the album, but it does not offer much more than an explanation a few songs. I personally feel that Portony's playing is dynamically limited, and his bass drum chops are weak.

For a great DVD for entertainment and great exercises to improve your chops, control and independence, I recommend Thomas Lang's Creative Control.