Music DVD Review: Gojira - The Flesh Alive - Page 2

The biggest complaint, and it is a relatively minor one, is the way it was edited. The concert, especially early on, has had the MTV formula applied to it. Lots of fast cuts, quick zooms, filters, and fake grain added and used in an attempt to liven up the proceedings. It almost felt like the director did not trust the music to transport us into the experience. Fortunately, it never gets too bad (I remember an Iron Maiden live DVD that was cut so fast as to be near impossible to watch, I believe it was Rock in Rio) and even settles down to more acceptable levels later in the show.

On the plus side, the concert was shot in high definition and it looks great. So, once you acquaint yourself with the editing, be ready to watch the band shred the stage in great detail. Now, it is not like a Hollywood movie, but it surely looks good to me. Combine that with a Dolby Digital 5.1 track (or a 2.0 PCM track) and you have have a very nice complimentary package. They really captured the bone-crushing intensity of the live performance with a very nice mix. It fills the soundfield and manages to include some crowd noise in the surounds, never overpowering, but enough to make sure you know it is a live show.

This first disc also includes a three song sampling from a show in Les Vieilles Charrues. This is a nice inclusion as a couple of these songs are not included in either of the main concert set lists. Also, it is filmed in a more traditional fashion, allowing you to get a better idea of their stage presence and intensity.

The second disc is highlighted by a concert recorded at Bordeaux. This set is nearly identical to the Garorock one, except they added "Toxic Garbage Island" to the mix. Now, while the sets may be a near match for each other, the experience of this show is pretty different. It is the smallest stage an crowd of the three venues shown on this set. This is not a bad thing. If anything, the smaller venue offers a more intimate setting where both the band and the crowd can feed off each other. That seems to be exactly what happens.

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Article Author: Chris Beaumont

Christopher Beaumont spends much of his time writing about music and movies when he isn't indulging in them. He is always ready to talk about his favorite form of entertainment and offer up recommendations. Follow: Twitter and Tumblr. Visit: Critical Outcast. …

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