Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire: Live at the Greek Theatre [Blu-ray]

Manufacturer: Image Entertainment List Price: $24.98 Our Price: $17.95

OUTSTANDING PURCHASE This concert on Blu-Ray is absolutely fabulous! I can't say enough good things about it. The video and audio are both very well done. What a treat! Chicogo And Earth Wind And Fire Great Performance I ordered this DVD when it was first advertised and waiting a long time for it. I have to say it was well worth it. Especially to see Chicogo and Earth Wind And Fire on the same stage performing so many of their great songs is very entertaining.The performances, and quality of the DVD is so good that you think you are actually watching a live performance. Very solid disc, though not ideal After much delay, this disc is finally released so; what do we have. Overall the concert is a great experience. I thought the direction was outstanding, with some great shot choices and timing. It is my understanding that the video was captured in 2004, which may explain why the occasional shot doesn't hold up to blu-ray full potential as to clarity. Am going to assume that most buying this disc are fans of the bands, so you already know that both now contain a substantial percentage of non-original members. One of the most fascinating aspects of the show to me is how well the bands mesh during their two sets together (both the opening and closing of the show). It's a real treat and am sure you will like it. It is during the separation that the differences become more stark. EWF goes first, and the fact that most are hired guns aside, there is no question that EWF showcases superior musicianship. The groves are intense, and the energy is omnipresent. About the only oddity in the group is that Philip Bailey has placed his wife in the band, who in my opinion added nothing to an otherwise stellar lineup. Bailey's voice truly delivers, including a beautiful showcase vocal solo. The harmonies are there. As to the musicianship, I assure you there are chops aplenty, but they never once clutter the grove. It's just beautiful. Then, Chicago take the stage, choosing to open with some fairly bland obscure material, which is especially stark given the immediate contrast to the remarkably powerful set they are following. They do warm up as the set progresses, but in my opinion never equal the EWF show, though it's be no means a bad overall performance. To their credit the percentage of original members is much higher. While members from both bands "guest" during the other's solo set, I was hoping that each band would choose a tune from the other and do their own arrangement of it, but alas this was not to be. I want to specifically discuss the mix, as in my experience that is something often overlooked in disc reviews, and it seems to me valid info for anyone investing in gear taking advantage of blu-ray capability. I used the DTS HD Master Audio 5.1 mix for this review, played in a well equipped and balanced theatre setup. The mix uses the rear speakers sparingly; I think a bit more of the crowd response would have been fun. Once in awhile one of the instruments will show up there too. The mix when the two bands are onstage together is wonderful, as is the mix of EWF. However, Chicago's set, for no apparent reason, was rendered thin. There is no reason why a band with two keyboardists shouldn't sound fuller, and at times the harmonies and the occasional string line seemed too far back in the mix. Also, the toms were continually mixed far lower and out of balance than the rest of the drumkit, so quite a few of the drum riffs intended to add power were rendered weak. On a positive note, I found the recording of the cymbals of both kits to be some of the most pristine capture I've heard on any disc. Forget extra materials; there aren't any, save for a drum and percussion dual which might have been better served left in the concert itself rather than isolated. Overall you will really like this disc, from both a visual and audio standpoint. Can't go with five stars for the reasons listed, but it's a solid four star, and well worth a listen. Awesome concert in 1080i/60 and 5.1 DTS HD MA / 5.1 Dolby Digital / PCM 2.0 Couldn't agree better than with the previous feedback. This is an awesome concert with lots of EWF and Chicago's catchy tunes. What a synergy between the two bands! Video is presented in 1080i/60, which is totally acceptable for concerts. It's brilliantly filmed. Audio is either 5.1 DTS HD MA, 5.1 Dolby Digital, or PCM 2.0. Both 5.1 surround sounds are great, but no doubt the DTS HD MA sound is superior to the Dolby Digital one. As far as concerts on Blu-Ray are concerned, only Shakira would top this one in my opinion. Better get both!