Hmm, I’d say it was about 75% suck, unfortunately. Turns out that BigScreenConcerts are just crappy concert DVDs, shown in 4×3 with a digital projector. If this was supposed high def digital film distribution, they’ve got a long way to go; a lot of pixelation, some motion distortion (watch the drum sticks), and lots of blooming out. The ad for the show said it was 5.1 audio, but I’m a little skeptical. Kinda scratchy and not much going on in the effects channels. Probably loud enough for most folks, but I would have liked a touch louder myself.
Content-wise it began with a music video-esque version of On an Island; they were shooting for some artsy overlay video effects (dave soloing over water, sky, etc) but it was more distracting than cool. Then there was the obligatory behind the scenes vignette. Nothing terribly exciting there either, most of the stuff was in the video podcast circulating about the time of the album release.
On to the pseudo live content:
- Castellorizon
Typical Pink Floyd-eque ramp up.
- On An Island
Ok, just in case you didn’t enjoy it enough in the intro, here’s the song again. Its a good song in all, but once’ll do it for me.
- The Blue
I think part of the audience nodded off in this slow song. Did enjoy the solo in the middle though.
- Take A Breath
Hold the phone, we’re on to something here. Strobe lights, varilights, heavy rock and roll? This is what its all about.
- Smile
I really dig this song. This version was pretty good.
- Shine On You Crazy Diamond
Ahhh, just feels like home. Dave, we need new stuff along these lines. This version was similar to the one on the In Concert DVD, but had a new arrangement with just him and the guitar in the middle that was very enjoyable. Hearing Rick Wright on the keys again also added a lot.
- Wearing The Inside Out
Hey now, were did this come from? A completely new arrangement, sweet! I’ve totally got it stuck in my head. Need to go scan the newsgroups to see if I can find this. Definitely the high point of the show for me.
- High Hopes
Break out the division bell. Ding, Ding, Ding. Not one of my favorite songs, but still pretty sweet.
- Comfortably Numb
Can’t ever go wrong with Comfortably Numb. Rick sang the lead; I think he was reading the lyrics off a cheat though. Ha!
To give you the full concert feel, they even tease you with an encore song by fading out to credits while the crowd noise continues on. Unfortunately, when the credit list stopped, the house lights snapped on and it was done.
All in all, it was probably worth the $11, but I wouldn’t have minded applying the same money to the eventual DVD release of the same material.
Last 10 Runs