Customer Reviews

Utopia - Redux '92: Live in Japan

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was glad to see this great concert film has finally been made available on DVD. This represents what was to be Utopia's last tour together. I remember how excited I was when I first heard that Utopia had reformed in 1992 (after lying silent for seven years after the release of 1995's underrated "POV"). This "reunion" was supposed to begin with a series of shows in Japan, which was then supposed to lead to further touring and a new studio album...but unfortunately for Utopia fans, things just didn't happen that way! However, we DO have this fine document of Utopia's short-lived 90's reunion, and it is a document that no fan of this band should be without! Although, like the original video release, the DVD only runs 55 minutes (I was hoping for some bonus tracks to finally be added!) the band put on a show heavy on energy, emotion, and excitement. If their was any personal conflict that lead to the early demise of this reunion, it is certainly NOT obvious from the smiling faces on stage. Some musical highlights include the rarely heard gem "Fix Your Gaze", the progressive rock anthems "Hiroshima", "Caravan", and "Just One Victory", and the high energy pop of "One World", "Love in Action", and "Princess Of the Universe". Watching this concert again, with the added sonic quality of full digital sound & picture, I really began to long for another Utopia reunion, and hey, with Todd Rundgren and Kasim Sultan now working together once again, how long before Roger Powell and Willie Wilcox join on for the ride?..It would be nice to see, wouldn't it? So, do I have any complaints about this DVD? Well, I would have liked to have seen some tracks included from the bands excellent late 80's works like "Oblivion" and "POV", as well as more material from "Swing To the Right" (and from what I understand, many of those songs were indeed played at the actual Japanese shows, but were edited out of the video release for reasons that could ONLY make sense to a record company executive!), but as good as this particular perfomance is, it's easy to overlook such complaints and just enjoy the show!

I had to leave two negative reviews today so I thought I'd put in a positive one before I left. I saw Kasim Sulton this morning on the Today Show playing bass for Meat Loaf and was in a way disappointed that such a phenomenal talent stands there in the background. I think that in "Redux," Sulton steals the show, but I think that's the way that Utopia was - anyone who sang lead came across as as the band's frontman. From switching lead with Todd Rundgren in "Hiroshima" and "Last of the New Wave Riders" to Kasim's incredible performance of "Back On The Street," you have to wonder just how Utopia could have been so prolific with four members all so loaded with talent that any one of them could have fronted a successful band. Willie Wilcox belted out "Princess of the Universe" with amazing force in the second cut, and Roger's "Caravan" was a great transitional piece in the middle of the set. I only wish that "Trapped" were included in this video, since Kasim was on such a roll. Other than that, this hits on all cylinders. Although it lacks the historical significance of the Boston, Columbus and Royal Oak DVDs, the "Redux" video and audio quality are fantastic - the best by far of any Utopia performance DVD.

Only 55 minutes long, this DVD concert is still a gem! All 4 members take a turn on lead vocals, but of course Todd Rundgren is the centerpiece here, and justly so. Opens with great song called "Fix Your Gaze". I am new to the most of the Utopia material, but I've been a fan of Rundgren's solo stuff for many years. This great concert, dynamic in picture and sound, is a great introduction to Utopia's brilliance.

I have purchased several Todd/Utopia DVD and videos. This is the best. A definite must have for any Utopia Head. Excellent vide and audio quality. I only wish the DVD had more songs on it. The songs are played full length and all band members sound great. I wish there were more of these.

Thank you BMG for re-releasing one of my favorite concerts on DVD! The music is ripping (as good or better than Steely Dan's "TAN" or Yes "House of Blues"). The audio choices are stereo or 5.1 mix. The stereo mix is great and I can't comment on the 5.1 mix, because I still only have 2 speakers. The video looks very good, considering the equipment used in the 90's.

The band, the songs, and the vocals are outstanding! All songs are presented in their entirety and there is no garbage between songs (like "TAN"). The entire band seems to be having a great time and it's a pleasure to see Todd play guitar!

If you want a high energy rock and roll show, with musicians who can play their instruments, buy this DVD and let's make this video a "bestseller".

Pretty good effort all around. The atmosphere is loose and the music is right on. Lots of smiles and exhuberance but I could have done without some of Roger's Yanni-like gyrations. Some reviewers have said that seeing only 55 minutes of the show is kind of a disappointment, but there's enough here to put a smile on your face and take you back to some fun times. If you're a fan, for fifteen bucks it's a no brainer.

This may not be the best or utimate Todd Rundren or Utopia video, but it is a whole lot better than nothing. The song selection is not what I would have chosen but these songs are still good and need to be available. I am a long time fan and grateful to purchase any and everything "Todd", I just hope I can find some of the other cuts that I like. Utopia is one of the most perfect bands since The Beatles, they have excellant writing, playing, and harmony. For some reason they've avoided the hit record they needed to complete their success. The funny thing is. . . you can mention the name "Todd Rundgren" to most anybody and they will reply..Who? ? ? Then you say "Bang The Drum", "Hello It's Me", Love Is The Answer" etc. and they say Oh yeah! I figure, as a fan, any thing Todd I won't be disappointed

Todd and the boys show that musicians can have fun playing live. The band is extremely tight with incredible harmonies. The show is a genuine good time for all.