Eagle Rock Entertainment’s Blu-ray release of OMG Tour: Live from London is nothing short of visually stunning, though. The level of detail evident in the 1080i high-definition transfers is truly impressive. Even from a distance, you can practically count the beads of glistening sweat on Usher’s face and body (not that I’d want to do that). The picture remains remarkably sharp even during wide shots incorporating the massive crowd, full stage, and tiny performers seen at a distance. Textures such as the hard, shiny stage floor or the leather jackets Usher wears are well-defined and realistic. Colors are rich and vivid throughout, regardless of the lighting scheme for any given section of the show. There’s simply nothing to complain about with this visual presentation.
Audio options include DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital 5.1, and LPCM Stereo. I was less impressed with the audio, but that’s not to say it is significantly lacking. The DTS track is just not quite as full bodied as I would expect from a modern concert presentation. The often complex percussion tracks come across a little muddy and ill-defined. Drum-heavy songs like “You Make Me Wanna” give the LFE channel a workout but it sounds like booming bass just for the sake of a heavy bottom end. “Caught Up” unfortunately has a very dead sound to it, almost like we’re just hearing a pre-recorded track. The audience response is mixed appropriately, proving the most “live” element. The heavily synthesized arrangements of Usher’s songs de-emphasize the spontaneity of a live band. But at least the occasional cheering and screams from the huge crowd reminds us we’re watching a live concert and not an elaborately staged music video. The Dolby Digital track is, if anything, heavier on the throbbing low end but a little lacking in definition on the high end.
The “On the Shoulders of Giants” featurette offers a look at the production of the OMG tour that fans will enjoy. The 20-minute piece, presented in high definition, includes a variety of interviews with Usher and other show personnel. The best bits are the brief shots of rehearsal footage that demonstrate just how hard working and driven Usher is. It’s an informative mini-documentary that does a good of presenting Usher as a consummate showman, determined to give his audience a perfect concert experience.
OMG Tour: Live from London is also available as a standard DVD.
Article comments
1 - christina
Next best entertainer since Michael Jackson! Hands down! Voice amazing and dancing amazing! He gets better with time!