Toto at their very best!

If the FiB tour is to be their last (as several interviews with Luke would suggest) then this is a more than worthy way to bow out. Given that musicians of the calibre of David Hungate, Jeff Porcaro, David Paich, Mike Porcaro, Steve Porcaro and Joseph Williams are not part of this DVD, the talent on stage is jaw-dropping. As usual, Luke holds it all together, and this is perhaps the best set-list the band have ever put together. Anyone who ever dismissed Toto as an AOR band trapped in the days of big hair and anthems, needs to cop and earful of this. Toto can rock with the very best, as proven by Falling In Between, Gypsy Train and Gift Of Faith, but also provide favourites such as the hugely underrated Pamela, Rosanna with its cool new jazzy beginning, and Africa with its skin-pricking new ending. The magnificent beast that is a Toto medley includes here a Luke solo that leaves you awestruck, his hands flashing up and down the MusicMan neck like a demented arachnid. And the Simon Phillips solo that culminates in the hard-edge end of Hydra made me shake my head in wonder. An amazing bunch of musicians, who truly enjoy what they do on stage, and this DVD captures that essence perfectly.

A triumph!

A wonderful show - stunning, spectacular and magnificent - exactly as a concert should be. Incredible costumes, sumptuous choreography against a stellar backdrop - this show is as unmissable and beautiful as anything can be.
I saw this show live a year ago in London and, although filmed in Melbourne, the magnificence of this dvd is exactly as I remember it. Kylie shines, more radiant than a pure white diamond throughout, and her voice is throughout stronger, richer and more sensual than on record. She has become, as she states in the documentary, a symbol of hope and healing after recovering from breast cancer, and the mere fact that someone can come back from that kind of illness to look and sound so dazzling is in itself a highly inspirational feat.
The extras on the dvd include takes from an Earls Court concert filmed prior to Kylie's diagnosis and, while it is great to have extra songs like"Your Disco Needs You" and"Je Ne Sais Pas Pourquoi" live, she looks much frailer and her voice is thinner and more nasal on these clips. By contrast, on the Showgirl Homecoming concerts, every performance is a work of art, a visual spectacular as well as vocally magnificent. Highlights for me include the opening sequence in the pink feather headdress with the dancers splendiferously clad in wings, like angels or golden egals; and the"Light Years" sequence at the end, which goes all sci-fi, with effects Doctor Who or Star Wars would be proud of; the absolute highlight for me is every song, each one heightened by the breathtaking artistic experience. Each moment seems like one to savour forever. My favourite performances would have to be"Confide In Me","Over The Rainbow","I Believe In You","Light Years","Slow" and"White Diamond". I always quite liked Kylie but this is the concert - reinforced by this dvd - that made me a fan. I have bought four Kylie albums since acquiring this amazing dvd.
Kylie is one of a few artists whose music I just find delightfully uplifting; gloriously inspiring; making me feel nothing can hurt me and that I can get through anything. Watching this concert and this dvd gave this experience an added vitality, and I cannot wait to see her live again on the"X" tour because"Showgirl" was mesmerizingly good.
Regarding the documentary, it was most enjoyable and entertaining, and I must say I admire Kylie for keeping her private life to herself, thus retaining her dignity and self-worth. The anxieties she shares relate only to completing the shows. She is a real fighter and, although hit by a bad flu virus during the UK leg of her tour, she re-sceduled every one of the dates that had to be cancelled. She's no Amy Winehouse - Kylie is reliable. Kylie comes across as refreshingly down-to-earth, kind, genuine and warm, with no airs and graces at all despite her wealth and success.
This package, documentary, show and bonus features, (the duet with Bono being shown in full during the documentary) is outstanding value and highly recommended.

Return of the Mac

Having become acquainted with Fleetwood Mac nearly a generation after they made it into the pop music hall of fame I felt like I had much to catch up on. The purchase of this DVD made sense because it featured most of Fleetwood Macs classic hits, it also featured the most successful Fleetwood/McVie/Nicks/Buckingham 'Rumours' era line-up, and pleasingly it featured none of their earlier Spencer/Green blues material which I have never been interested in.

The concert, a one-off reunion performance at Warner Bros Burbank Studios, fires into life with the magnificent 'The Chain', featuring one of the most memorable bass riffs of all time. From this point classic track after classic track holds the audiences attention and every band member performs flawlessly and in complete harmony with one another.

There are a good number of tracks for Lindsey Buckingham, IMHO the greatest Mac guitarist ever, to display his incredible talent, the best examples being in 'The Chain', 'Go Your Own Way', 'Bleed to Love Her', 'I'm So Afraid', and my personal favourite 'Big Love'. The close-up shots in this last example show just how talented he really is - can anyones fingers really pick that fast?!!

Mick and John, the infamous Mac rhythm section from which the band got its name, show off their skills in many tracks but most prominently in 'The Chain', 'Go Your Own Way', 'Don't Stop', and best of all in the awesome 'Tusk'. That scary 'not quite all there' look in Mick Fleetwood's eyes whilst he drums away shows how he really is performing on another level. John McVie, as ever, shys away in the background preferring to let Buckingham, Nicks and his ex-wife Christine take the limelight.

As for Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie, they both more than play their part in the 106 minute extravanganza, with Stevie displaying incredibly sharp vocals in 'Gold Dust Woman', 'Gypsy', and 'Rhiannon', and Christine pretty much steals the show at the end with her magnificent solo performance of 'Songbird'. Both foxy ladies display some amazing vocal harmonies in the classic Tango in the Night track - 'Everywhere'.

This DVD is the best alternative to seeing the Mac live, which very fortunately I was able to do last year at the MEN Arena as part of their 'Say You Will' Tour to promote their latest album, the DVD from which is being released this August and looks to be another essential Mac purchase.

The lack of any extra features is a little dissapointing but worth overlooking given the strength of the music alone. Given the complex and troubling issues between band members that led to their much publicised 1980s split - it is reassuring to see them all back together, stronger than ever, and performing as though nothing had ever happened in the first place.

Revolution calling....

I was worried about this DVD as it was probably one of the most expensive music DVDs I have purchased to date. I thought will it be worth it? But since it's Mindcrime performed in its' entirety I thought, in for a penny & took the plunge.

What a pleasant surprise, this was totally value for money, no doubt about that. This was one guilty pleasure worth staying up for after the wife went to bed. The sound is superb, the audio mix is first class, the musicianship amazing & the inclusion of the actors & visuals was brilliantly executed in my opinion.

Of course the audience were always going to lap this show up as it was performed on the bands' home turf but I think that all helped with the performances. Geoff TATE & Pamela MOORE were in top form, the guitarists Michael WILTON & Mike STONE were a joy to watch & listen to & the rhythm section...well what can I say. Eddie JACKSON & Scott ROCKENFIELD were as tight as they come, these guys could give PORTNOY & MYUNG from Dream Theater a run for their money any day of the week & twice on a Sunday.

I really can't say enough good things about this DVD, the previous reviewers have got it on the money with their comments. All I can say is if the DVD is anything to go by, I can't wait to see the whole show live in the UK in June this year when they tour Mindcrime I & II with the full US production. I have bought many music DVDs in the last year & this one has to be the best one by a mile. If you are going to buy a rock DVD next time you are on Amazon or in the music store, grab this one. If you don't you will truly be missing an epic performance.

Sixty Years On!

Elton John has produced a dozen or so concert DVD's, but this is the ultimate in entertainment. Recorded on his 60th birthday at his 60th performance at Madison Square Garden, this DVD excels in pure entertainment satisfaction. Over two DVD's you witness thirty-three classic songs from over the last five decades including such little performed gems like,"Hercules" and"Roy Rogers". The standards like,"Crocodile Rock" and"Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding" are also lent out in slightly new versions that more than please.

Unlike the Madison Square Garden show he previously released with shots of fans over-riding the stage show; this one showcases those people as well as dozens of famous political, musical and acting celebrities. Robin Williams and Whoopie Goldberg bring on a fantastic,"Happy Birthday" and Bernie Taupin, who never appears on stage, gives a heart-felt salute to Elton on his birthday. It's all amazingly good fun and very emotional.

The light show is fantastic and the sound is pin-point perfect with a large young choir singing backstage that enhances the performance like no other Elton John has given. It truly feels like the celebration in New York City that night was something very special.

That's not all. This double disc set also includes eighteen"live, rare & unseen" performances from over the years that are a stunning reminder of what a fantastic musician Elton John is. On top of that, there is a section called,"Elton's New York Stories" that includes four personal emotional song videos of Elton that just pack more of a whollop you would not expect.

The sound quality (DVD, dts, 5.1) is superb enough to hear audience members actually talking and the band never sounded more crisp. Add to that an extensive booklet of liner notes and you have a keeper of a Birthday celebration. Elton John - you are a spectacle of a celebration!

dreams definitely come true with this DVD

I waited for this DVD for what seemed like ages, but when I finally got it, it was definitely worth the wait. It features (almost) all the best songs that Westlife have recorded, plus a rather funny and cheerful Motown Medley. My favourite bits must be the ones where the little known vocal talents of Kian appears, which was also what struck me the most in concert. Only one thing dissapointed me slightly, the fact that I read somewhere that it contained different camera-angles - but alas it didn't :o(
No matter what - buy it - the money will be well spent...:o)

Classy pop

Classic and classy performance by ROD THE MOD - the best haircut and best voice in the history of rock`n`roll.
His songs put you in the mood for romance, partying and having a good old drink.
Rod is a man for all seasons and his songs fit every occassion.

Legend!

Well, what can i say .... FANTASTIC!
This DVD from Led Zeppelin, has it all! Royal Albert Hall 1970, Madison Square Garden 1973, Earls Court 1975 and Knebworth 1979!
It has every song from Led Zeppelin under the sun, that can be described as a well known hit and the quality of visuals and sound is just incredible!
Achilles Last Stand, Communication Breakdown, Dazed and Confused, Kashmir, Stairway to Heaven and Whole Lotta Love - there all there on 2 fantastic DVD's!
That's not all - both DVD's contain bonus features of smaller venued performances or particular interviews containing certain band members!

A MUST purchase for any 70's rock/Led Zeppelin fan!

SURPRISINGLY GOOD

Ok- I bought this DVD with very low expectations- having bought and seen many low budget un-official documentries about Kurt Cobain. I was very impressed with the whole thing, it gives you a real insight into Kurt's thoughts, dreams and fears. The only thing that stopped me from giving this DVD 5 stars was the lack of Nirvana music.. Still a must for all Nirvana fans, you won't be disappointed

Def Leppard,Rock of Ages-The Videos

I picked this DVD up last month and cant get enough of it. There are very very few bands that can put out a DVD of videos, and evry single song you have listened to on the radio and loved them. Most DVD by music groups are filled up with so called Bonus Clips that are a big waste of time and you only have sen or heard of 2 or 3 of the songs and the rest of the songs or videos are album cuts that were NEVER released because they are horrible. The more I look and listen to this it amazes me how many hits this group has and for how long they have been around. This is a great buy for all fans young and old. It hassomething for everyone from the ate 70's to the present.
Get out there and pick this up you wont be let down!!!!!!

Beautiful

I drove round Iceland a couple of years ago and fell in love with it. This film brought the memories flooding back. Stunning photography, beautiful sounds and a mood you have to experience. Highly highly recommended

And they are reforming!

Crowded House were always one of my favourite live acts and, for my money, this DVD showcases some of the best pop songs of the last 20 years. Neil Finn is a much under-rated genius. Songs such as Fall at your Feet, Weather with you, Four Seasons in One Day would compare favourably against just about anything you'd care to name, and live, the band were always a treat.
Recent press reports in Oz suggest that the band will be reforming with a new drummer, album and tour late in 2007. In the meantime, see what all the fuss is about and watch this dvd.

The best show for Home Theatre

What a show, and what a performance by Celine. I think today she is second to none and will go down in history as the best singer of our times. Her range, her voice, her poise, her stage presence, everything is superb. This Blue Ray disk is a must for every Hometheatre owner to possess even if you are not much of her fan. Dolby True HD sound, amazing picture quality and beautifully directed show make this IMHO the best musical concert I have ever seen at home, period.

Intriguing

If you're a fan, or even if you aren't, this is an in-depth look at a bunch of bored fortunate men stuck in a rut. Very funny in places, very poignant in others. Loved it!

Unmissable

Many of you will be thinking"I've never heard of that musical before?" The truth is, not many people have. I was lucky enough to be introduced to this musical during my time at university. I was asked to be the musicial director for a production that the drama society was staging. The musical was 'Into the Woods'. With 'West Side Story' being one of my favourite musicals of all time, I had no idea what Sondheim had in store for me with this effort. I was to be pleasantly surprised.

The story of the musical follows much the same path as the music itself; both simplistic and complex at the same time. At times, you feel that the texture of the music is far too thin to support some of the musical numbers, but Sondheim has a way of making even the simplest of parts throughly enjoyable and engaging.

James Lapine must also be given a tremendous amount of credit for the simply astonishing way that he intergrates a number of different fairy tales in to one story. Whilst conveying a story with huge amounts of humour and character, he is also able to establish a serious undertone that gives the musical an educational value as well as an entertainment one.

And in this version, the star of the show is Bernadette Peters. The talent that this woman exudes is nothing short of miraculous. She is able to be vile and beautiful without losing any of the characters defining characteristics, and convincingly nails each of her challenging musical numbers with great ease and conviction.

The clinching point for me is that, even though the story is based and a number of different fairy tales, there is so much entertainment value for adults as well. I find it impossible to think that anyone who watches this production will be any less than spellbound by its brilliance.

Guns N Roses Welcome to the videos

The best Rock band in the world ever?! Maybe!!! This dvd is very poor.The sound is c*£p big time! ALL the videos are here, all apart from one. Yep you’ve got it,’You could be mine’. Not inclueded because Mr Schwarzenegger is in it! However, G’N’R are MEGA! And having all (well not quite all) there videos is a must!! Axel if you read this kiss and make up!!! LONG live Guns ’N’ Roses!

Funk

I'm not even a big fan of Motown records, but this film is something else. The Funk Brothers were the sessions players who played on a large percentage of the hits of the 60's and early 70's.
Sadly some of the key players died before this film was made but the remaining musicians get together and play. The contemparay film of them reformed playing motown classics is absolutely marvellous. It helps if you put the 5.1 sound on as well. The first performance brought me close to tears.

The documentary film is also interesting and the stories about the legendary bass player (who I had never heard of) James Jamerson and others are fascinating. I watched it three times in the first month of owning the DVD.

This is an essential music DVD for those interested in the history of Motown.

Good....but LIVE is BETTER!

I have been to all 3 McFly concerts, at the big arenas, and loved them all, and loved the DVD's too. The problem with this one, is being shot in a smaller venue it missed a lot of the OOMPH you get with the arena. I love the band, but whoever edited this DVD did it to the max! It's even missing the Movie intro vid, and Harry's dance vid from in the middle! All in all, could be better, not due to the bands fault, but to those techs who messed around too much!