If this Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus thing is anything, it’s showing the power of marketing to the target demographic. With a few million dollars, some repetitive pictures slapped on lunchboxes, t-shirts, and dolls, anyone can be a star. That’s how this all started, and how we ended up here with a concert that managed to gain a theatrical run and now a home video release.
Reviewing or going critical on this is rather pointless. The countless ads that have likely run on the Disney Channel non-stop will sell copies. There’s no doubt Miley’s “casting” was appropriate. She has energy and can get the crowd worked into a frenzy, or enough of one to splurge on merchandise.
The concert itself features both Hannah and Miley… which are the same person, so what’s the point exactly? Oh right, double the cash earned on the merchandise. The Jonas Brothers, the latest in this marketing nightmare, gain a few songs as well.
Intercuts in the middle of songs are a mistake, and that’s what happens here as backstage clips or interviews jarringly pull the viewer from the song. It’s even worse when Miley’s father Billy Ray Cyrus speaks so candidly on her song writing ability. Skip to the credits and see all of three of them are written by her, and even those are with help. Background dancers are so constantly happy with ear to ear smiles (it’s to the point of being so fake it’s creepy) you have to wonder how much they're being paid to keep it lighthearted.
Originally displayed in Disney’s nifty Real D 3-D format, they try to maintain this on Blu-ray with the old blue/red paper glasses at home. Four pairs are included, or (of course) you buy more. The effect is minimal or headache inducing, certainly nowhere near what the tween audience would have experience in theaters. It's only barely noticeable during long shots.
Loads of cameras are always in proper position, and the obviously choreographed action on stage ensures Miley is looking right where she needs to at all times. How convenient. This whole fad is baffling, but all credit should be directed to Disney and their ability to sell a product, regardless of how bland and generic it can be. 
.jpg?t=20130517094513)
Article comments
1 - jojo
Matt, you're an ass. You should stick to reviewing the product (the blu ray, remember) and not insert your mindless opinions on the talents of Miley Cyrus. Anyone who is considering purchasing this blu ray is probably a fan already and would only be interested in knowing the details of the product, ie. the 3D effect, the extras, the sound, etc.. Don't try to come across as an expert on Miley Cyrus and don't try to influence the tastes of millions and millions of fans...
2 - Matt Paprocki
"You should stick to reviewing the product"
Isn't the concert part of the product?
"would only be interested in knowing the details of the product, ie. the 3D effect, the extras, the sound, etc"
So if I was reviewing a regular movie, I shouldn't review the film itself for people who may not be interested in the audio or video? Everything in the product is covered, and the concert it part of that just as much as the rest of the stuff.
"Don't try to come across as an expert on Miley Cyrus and don't try to influence the tastes of millions and millions of fans..."
I'm not an expert, nor did I ever claim to be. In fact, I state in the review it's pointless to review the concert itself. This is my first exposure, and any marketing exec will tell you... it's all in the marketing. She doesn't write her own music because a marketing team does to ensure maximum sales. They know what sells. Don't believe me? Watch the credits and Google the names of the actual song writers.
Think she's actually singing on stage? She's not. In fact, there's a spot in the show where a body double is used, lip syncing everything while Miley switches costumes backstage.
She's a fad. Just like New Kids on the Block, Backstreet Boys, and any other marketing driven musical act. That's not to say later on the down the road she won't have something, but right now, she's on stage to push lunchboxes and videos.
3 - Jordan Richardson
No, Matt. When I review CDs, I only describe their shape, their artwork, and how they fit snugly into the player. No critic worth his or her salt does any more than that.
4 - KAMRIE
HANNAH MONTANA GONAS BROT