Customer Reviews

Pet Shop Boys - Somewhere

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The DVD has not been released at the time of this review. I do have the VCD version from Malaysia.

Instead of touring, the Pet Shop Boys held concerts for 3 weeks at the Savoy Theatre in London's west end.

This program begins with a behind-the-scenes documentary. You can watch PSB practice and get prepared for the show. There are great interviews and interaction between the boys.

Then, the concert begins. It is FABULOUS. If you like the Pet Shop Boys, or any electronic music, you'll really enjoy this concert. They play great songs from many of their albums, while avoiding the worn out hits.

This concert is more simple than their "Performance" concert, which had too much going on for my taste. There is a very clever stage setup, and use of big screens that are marvelous. (I won't let the cat out of the bag on what they do with the screens.) Neil's vocals are great - the concert is perfect!

There is the documentary, then the following songs: Yesterday When I Was Mad, Truck Driver and his Mate, Se a Vida é, Hallo Spaceboy, To Step Aside, Go West, The Theatre, It's a Sin/I Will Survive, Discoteca, Can You Forgive Her?, Somewhere, Rent, Being Boring, Left to my Own Devices.

I highly suggest you order this DVD. It is so cheap! If you're a fan, I know you'll buy it. If you're not very familiar with PSB, this will introduce you to the boys, and give you a chance to see them at their best.

For almost four years I have been seeking a NTSC compatible dub of the Euro forbidden fruit "Somewhere - Live In concert". My search has ended. With an American release I joyously recieved my copy today. I can tell you without doubt this is 100% a must have for any Pet Shop Boys fan (and for any music fan appriciative of a subtley brilliant live performance.) I was most struck by the fact that (in my memory) this is the first time "documentary" footage of Neil and Chris has been availible (at least in the US.) To see them behind the scenes was more than worth the cost of the product! Other than that, there is a brilliant set of Pet Shop standards, and some more obscure B sides as well. I had the feeling I might be the only American singing along to 'Truck Driver and His Mate'. In any case, this is a must have. You will not be sorry.

Chris

If you're a fan of the Pet Shop Boys, then you should have this in your collection. The DVD runs about 90 minutes, with the first 25 minutes being a behind the scenes look at preparing for opening night and a brief behind the scenes tour of the Savoy Theatre. The remaining 65 minutes is a very well done concert that includes "Yesterday When I Was Mad", "Go West", "Hello Spaceboy", "To Step Aside", "Discoteca", "The Theatre", a fun remix of "It's A Sin/I Will Survive" and of course "Somewhere". Encore's include "Rent" and "Left to my Own Devices". There are several other selections as well. The due of Neil & Chris perform with the energetic Sylvia Mason-James who has remade some classic covers including "Touch Me In The Morning" (which is not on this DVD). Critics of this concert claim it was lifeless and lacked energy. In defense of the dynamic due of Euro-Pop, one must remember that the Pet Shop Boys probably do not have the bankroll of Cher or N'Sync. Hence, the effects (be it lighting or other stage antics) is somewhat limited. Unlike earlier concerts, this one failed to get 5 stars simply because, although it was extremely good, it didn't carry me to the next level. I don't believe you will be disappointed with this very fine performance. To be quite honest, I simply had to have it because it includes that fabulous Barbra Streisand song "Somewhere". You need it for the same reason, plus the other classics like "The Theater"! Get the girls together and enjoy an evening with friends while you sit back and watch the pop duo perform to a London crowd.

This is a wonderful concert video/documentary from their show at London's Savoy Theatre in '97 (from the time of "Bilingual").

The first part, the documentary, is a bit boring, but it can be endless fun to watch Chris and Neil take catty little potshots at each other. Some of the other interviews are interesting as well, from the dancer/choreographer to the Boy's tour manager. It's interesting to listen to what they do and how they do it. It takes a lot to bring the Boys on tour.

The second part, the conert, is fantastic! The set is minimal (big shock, hehe) and the dancing is a bit stiff. Big deal! It's the bloody Pet Shop Boys, sweetie!

Most notably, they seamlessly mix "I Will Survive" with "It's a Sin". Also, "Hallo Spaceboy", "The Truck Driver and His Mate", "Discoteca" and a lot more! Mind blowing!

If you're a PSB fan, BUY THIS NOW!

Let's face it, you aren't going to buy this unless you are a big fan of the band. I am a big fan and here are my two cents. First, I read in some previous reviews tht the sound was awful on this DVD. I don't think it is terrible but it definitely does not sound like you are there, it sounds recorded, but in the end this is a trivial matter.

The sound is still good, just not what you'd hope for on a DVD. The disc is a live show from 1997 in London. The show contains songs from the earlier albums like Rent, It's a sin and Being Boring, but it also contains what were new releases like Hallo Spaceboy, Discoteca and Somewhere. I think it is worth the purchase. It is filmed in a small theatre, actually the theatre that inspired the song "Theatre" and is an intimate look at the band... Close up shots and some interviews before the performance. If your a big fan go ahead and buy it... I don't regret purchasing a copy and neither will you.

I 'm a huge PSB fan and was very disappointed by the concert footage, The concert itself was not worth filming. I'm sure actually being at the savoy this performance had some value but watching Neil Tennant smack his hand against his thigh for 90 minutes is an absolute bore especially after seeing Performance their over the top visually and vocally inspired concert. Again it pains to write this but as much as i love them I know when the emperor has no clothes.Check out performance instead.

Being a big fan of the PSB I'm happy to own this, but it isn't what I'd recommend to somebody interested in giving the Boys a try. The song selection is great, the picture quality is very good, the documentary stuff is fun, and if I'd been there I'd have probably had a fine time - BUT... the sound is muddy and weak, and visually and conceptually it's not half as interesting and fun to watch as "Performance", their previous concert vid. Still, I hope the fiercely loyal fan base mentioned by the merchandise seller here buys this disc in droves - if only to give the signal to whoever has the rights to "Performance" (and "Videography" too, of course), that there are plenty of folks waiting for DVD versions...

I must confess that I will buy anything Pet Shop Boys. However, this is one for the true fans and not even just for those who happen to like their music. I was a bit disappointed with the video, given the high-polish and clever use of imagery in their typical videos from the early days. I could tell that this was a piece that probably played out much more satisfactorily on the stage than on the screen -- it is true that films have spoiled us a little, so that when we see a stage-play on video tape, there is something missing. It is a mix of media that doesn't work on all levels, and I am used to the Pet Shop Boys making sure their music and videos work on all the levels.

I wasn't able to get to London to see their show, and this one didn't go on the road. I was able to see their concerts in America, and they were quite well-staged and choreographed, with no less quality in the music for the life performances. I'm sure the same was true for this one, and certainly for anyone who did see the show live in London will appreciate having the background video information and experience too.

The Pet Shop Boys have often done a strange mix of conventional and innovation, and it doesn't always work completely. That is the case here. However, for the die-hard fans who have to have everything they put out, this piece is good and needed for the collection.

The first time I got to see close-up interviews of Neil and Chris. The concert was great to see. I wish I could of seen it in person. A must have for all Pet Shop Boys Fans.

A shame... this concert really sounds like recorded in a plastic bag. Pet Shop Boys do something about this!