The images portrayed are striking, there is no big production, not much in the way of lights, no pyro, no stage setup, just the band. Lights acting more as spotlights, bathing everything outside it's scope in darkness. Bowie, microphone in hand silhouetted against the band. The crowd shouting his name, crying in ecstasy, enthralled by the music. While it may not be the best Bowie show, it is definitely an interesting one.
Video. Like I mentioned, it shows the effects of time, but the cinematography still comes through. It is presented in a 1.33:1 aspect ratio, which I believe is the original.
Audio. Presented in two flavors, PCM 2.0 stereo and Dolby Digital 5.1. I listened using the PCM option and it sounds very good, bringing forth a good mix of the show.
Extras. There is one extra on the disk, but it is a good one. We get a commentary track with DA Pennebaker, the director, and also the music producer. They are lively throughout giving insight as to how the project came about, the troubles in making it, and his reactions to first meeting Bowie, among other things. Definitely worth listening to.
Bottomline. This is a must have for any serious Bowie fan, but for those looking to see Bowie live, would better be served by starting with the A Reality Tour disk, then moving back to this gem.
Recommended.
Visit me at Draven99's Musings.
Article comments
1 - Paul Roy
I remember seeing snippets of this on TV when I was a kid and being fascinated by this strange Ziggy Stardust persona. I've been wanting to see the whole thing ever since. I'll have to pick this one up now. Thanks.