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32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Concert Filming 101, August 25, 2000
This review is from: Dave Matthews Band - Listener Supported (DVD)
For students of film, this is a remarkable example of how to build a concert video. I'm not sure I've ever seen concert footage which does a better job of reproducing the feeling of actually being there. It's accomplished by several clear means. First, there's the very smart choice of venue. Matthews and company are performing here in the center of their audience. This theatre-in-the-round allows the camera free range from any direction. This is no static, three-camera set up, but a visual dance around the stadium. There are cameras all over the joint, and they are determined to be a part of the music as much as the band members themselves. Also, because there are people all around the performers, viewers get the sense that they actually are in the middle of an audience. Put this thing on Dolby Digital 5.1 and you will truly understand the meaning of "surround sound". Second, there's the very nifty use of the DVD multiple-angle feature which allows you better access to whichever band member strikes your fancy most. This is an innovative use of the feature, which until now has largely seen use only in the porn industry. This freedom of choice over camera angle is yet another way in which you can approximate the live experience with the DVD, in that if you were there in real life you could crane your neck and see a band member from different angles. But it does real life one better in that some of the angles really wouldn't be available to you from a single location in the audience. Finally, though, I think what comes across is how much fun the band is having. They are performing with obvious passion this particular evening. The level of appreciation the audience has for this musical emotion is equally infectious. The band is playing for the love of their audience, not the love of the potential revenues from the sale of the video. Long instrumental sections, indulgent riffs, teasing warm-ups to popular songs-these are all things that might have been sacrificed on the editing room floor with another group. But for this band they are obviously integral elements, and help tell the story of how the group engenders so much fierce loyalty amongst their fans. If you're not a Dave Matthews fan, start here. Don't go with a music-only recording. This does a better job than any other thing the band has done of showcasing their talents. If you walk away from this unimpressed, nothing the band has will tickle your fancy. If you are a fan, get this immediately. It will only confirm what you've always known: South Africa's loss is America's clear gain. [DVD NOTES: There are a few niggling problems which should be mentioned. One odd thing is that there aren't liner notes on the case, so you can't find particular tracks without going to the scene selection menu. A minor complaint, to be sure, but it's exceptionally odd that the DVD packaging gives you no clue as to the tracks performed. It's also unfortunate that such a stunning musical performance wasn't captured in DTS as well as Dolby 5.1. Also, a band interview, making-of-the-concert video, or maybe a history of the band documentary would've added considerable value to the whole package.]
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