Satchland--After viewing my Live in Paris DVD here is my initial critique:
Joe I really enjoyed the sidewalk interview. I thought the story telling was a nice touch, especially with the interview lady responding to the things that she really liked, she sounded like she was really into the interview and your comments.
I thought the split screens added to the interview, having your eyes stare back on my big screen while looking at both of you at the same time. The interview was enjoyable, thanks for sharing it.
Onto the meat and potatoes of the DVD, the music specifically the new songs (then) we've talked about the older songs before.
1. The sound was crystal clear sounded even better loud.
2. Portland Or. didn't get a show for the Professor tour so it was a treat to see and listen to 8 out of the 10 songs from that album. They sounded fantastic. Galen's rhythm guitar playing really stood out on the new songs.
3. THE VISUAL--although a lot of people are not taking to them, I thought they enhanced the songs. I have the LISF, Live in Tokyo, Live in Denver and Live in Anaheim DVD's that I can slip on if I want to watch a straight up concert.
The visuals made it new for me but I especially like the scenes where the band and the individual players were silhouetted by the graphics it made the guys very Incandescent. It reflected a lot of emotion even more so that without the graphics.
I think if people give the graphics a chance they will really appreciate seeing Joe and Stu in this manner. Dare I say almost god like.
4. I really like to see Stu playing along side Joe, maybe it's because the 1st time I saw Joe the band was a trio of Joe, Stu and then drummer Jonathan. Stu's musicianship is unmatched (IMOP) we all know his stage presence is fun to see.
5. There are too many individuals shots and moments that are something to see. However, one that stands out to me after only seeing the concert once is during Revelation.
The scene switches to the crowd going nuts (I think it's the 3 picture on the back of the DVD case) anyway as your seeing the crowd Joe's Image is brought to the front while he's playing the song. It was a really cool enhancement.
6. All in all like I mentioned before I have the other shows I can see if I want to see a standard concert setting.
With Live in Paris the visual graphics I believe it accentuates the music and musicianship by the band.
I give the effort an A+ and would recommend it to others with the caveat that it does have some serious eye candy, that I personally liked it and think it enhances my enjoyment.
Good job Joe, Stu, Galen and Jeff.on this release and for having the courage to put this out in this format.
signed a fan,
Blue Buffalo (Freddy)
p.s. I'll be copying and posting this on Stu's and mine FB.
Hope everyone enjoys and appreciates my critique.