Customer Reviews

Russell Watson Live

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

When Russell walks onto the stage of his Auckland concert featured on this DVD, he literally lights up the entirety of New Zealand with him. He has an amazing stage presence, not to mention an incredible talent and equally diverse voice. Not even as the concert comes to a close, does he falter and with just as much passion and strength as when he starts. His love for performing and entertaining people can really be seen in this incredible concert wonderfully captured on DVD. Because he may not visit the United States and perform, as much as he may England or Australia, I may never have a chance to see him really live. But because of this incredible DVD, I will, if even for an hour and twenty-three minutes, feel as if I'm there, singing along with him. There's a great blend of songs from both U.S. albums and two beautiful duets. His genuine love of singing is something I can't say I've seen in many artists, so if only for that reason, I recommend this DVD to you and hope that you find the enjoyment in it that I have.

Enjoy Russell Watson for what he is: a gifted performer with a chameleon voice, goods looks (what a smile!) and an ingratiating stage presence. I also love Josh Groban, Mario Frangoulis, Andrea Bocelli -- I count myself lucky to have DVDs of their concerts and I love them all. All these guys have original voices, different kinds of talents and they are not at all cookie-cutter types; they all possess that rare X factor.

I bought the Russell Watson DVD hoping for the best and I honestly did not expect him to be such an effective performer. Yes, he sings differently from Pavarotti, Carreras, Domingo, etc. but this is what makes him an original. Just let go and appreciate him as Russell Watson. All I know was that he was able to raise goose pimples several times during the concert and I simply had a extremely gratifying concert experience.

When I first heard Russell Watson on CD at my local HMV a couple of years back....I was simply taken away by that powerful, yet emotive factor so reasonant on that voice. Without hesitation, I listened to a couple of tracks from the CD and I was hooked..Volare blew me away and for what seemed like an eternity, I was flying up there with Watson among the clouds ..(felice di stare lassu'...).

This DVD is a gem indeed and a must for all fans. If you have a 5.1 set-up at home, that's even better as Watson's superb vocals emanate beautifully and the surrounds convey the crowded atmosphere of the outdoor concert. In other words, simply a treat as there you have it....your very own front row seat in front of this young tenor. Watson's strong stage presence and charisma is remarkable and he uses his witty charm to good effect. Eg. When announcing the arrival of guest singer Faye Toyser, someone screams crazily from the crowd. Russell appears very amused,throws a glance towards the direction of the culprit and shoots a humorous question,"Do you know me more?" :)

Unlike the older tenors like Pavarotti and Domingo(who are undoubtedly opera legends themselves), Watson utilizes his youthful energy to good effect, especially during the Volare cue where he does a couple of neat steps(.."Una musica dolce suonava soltanto per me") that will put a smile to your face. Imagine Pavarotti doing a little dance like that?! When he sings O' Sole Mio, you'll be mesmerised by his passionate inflections and energy.

The young NZ guest singer Hayley Westenra is absolutely impressive and when she starts off Pokarekare Ana.... I was absolutely spellbinded by the beauty of her pristine voice that echoed lightly throughout my living room.

Overall, a gem of a concert DVD!!! E' magnifico!!!

Russell Watson is more than "The Voice" he is a phenomenon on stage. His voice is certainly one of the most beautiful that the world has ever heard. He is a gift to the entire planet.

What makes watching him so wonderful, aside from the voice of the century, is the smile that lights up everything; a smile that lets you know that he is having the best time in the world. He clearly loves what he does and it shows, man does it show.

Having purchased all of Russell Watson's CD's, I was familiar with his beautiful and powerful voice, as well as his unique ability to sing opera/classical music and pop songs with equal facility. However, this DVD made me realize what a magnetic performer he is in person. He is a pleasure to watch and the collection of songs/arias that he sings are a testament to his tremendous talent. He clearly loves to perform and is at ease doing so, unlike many. He has a sense of humor, he's good-looking and he sings like an angel--what more can you ask? Do yourself a favor and get this DVD.

First heard Russell singing at the opening of the Commonwelth games in Manchester, was instantly hooked, bought the DVD and enjoyed it so much that I rushed out to buy all the CD's he's made. My wife and I were lucky enough to get two tickets for his live Show at the Birmingham National Indoor Arena, with a middle row four from the front seat, it was a night to remember, the man's a oneoff.
Buy this DVD with confidence, but beware you will get hooked like me.

This is one of the most exciting "voices" I have ever heard. I have never been a fan of the opera so when I saw and heard Russell Watson preform I was moved beyond words. The hairs on my arm stood on end! I knew I had to have this DVD and his CD. When he talks about "The Voice" you know he knows that he is merely the vehicle for this truly amazing gift. I thank God for The Voice!
Lois S. Neal

This is a video of a supurb concert before a hundred thousand people in New Zealand. Russ has two beautiful and talented female guest who can really sing, are both a class act, as is Watson, and make the concert all the better.

I only wish I could get hold of a DVD of Russ's first concert in America, at Trump Taj Mahal. It was also a fabulous concert. Watson is a truly fresh breath of air in the Classical field of music, as well as when singing some of the best pop tunes. His sense of humor, winning, boyish smile, and humble friendliness with the audience win's their hearts and souls in an instant.

Russ has sang before the Queen of England and the President of the United States and he will do so again. Great DVD.

I have always wanted to visit New Zealand. Now, after seeing Russel Watson's video, filmed in New Zealand, I wish I had been there for that concert. Fantastic! His "guest artists" were also superb, as were the choruses. This concert is a "must see" for any Russell Watson fans.

Since so many others had written in (see amazon.co.uk) about the wonderful production and sound of this DVD - I thought I'd recommend that DOC have his hearing checked. I've heard this DVD on just about every level of audio, and it sounds fantastic on every one of them. That goes for both the stereo and 5.1 available on this DVD.

If DOC were an expert, he'd know that feedback occasionally emanating from the stage monitors (especially in an outdoor show attended by 100,000) will occasionally happen. The stage monitor mixer has a very difficult job tracking the nuances of a singer with such a wide dynamic range. It's not as easy for a performer like Russell to hear himself and the orchestra as a listener might think. An expert would also know that that when feedback happens- it will spill into every microphone on the stage, and thus be impossible to "edit or mix out". These "mistake"sounds are part of any live show - and they are part of the special and unique aspects in live performances captured for all to enjoy, like scars on fine leather. If DOC were a pro - he'd more likely be congratulating Russell for singing
through those diconcerting moments - instead of nitpicking. An expert would additionally know that most "live" shows are best songs edited together from multiple dates. This show in Auckland was one night only. I suspect DOC should probably stick to Muzak - there are no mistakes, blemishes, or chances taken.

In the meantime I'll continue to enjoy this wonderful show. I'll continue to watch a wonderful performer delight 100,000 people. These same 100,000 people also heard the 3 or 4 seconds of feedback - as the live mixer for the venue could have done nothing to "fix it". They still cheered, and demanded multiple encores.