"there's just too much editing and cuts to differing camera angles. If you enjoyed the intimacy of the Listener Supported DVD, you will probably be a little disappointed in this DVD. Take this with a grain of salt b/c I'm one of those people that enjoys seeing the band most of the time and feeling the intimacy involved with that. The cuts from Dave TO the other band members TO the crowd TO a distant shot TO a gimmick shot of a three way split screen is just too much for me.I loved Listener Supported and would love to be able to give this DVD a higher rating, but just can't. It seemed to me that Listener Supported perfectly balanced shots of all the differing band members with a few shots of the crowd at proper times. This just seems scattered (sorry, best word I could think of). It's great to hear some of the songs for the first time live and it's great just because it's a live DMB show, but the editing and gimmicky production are bothersome. I'm surprised DMB let it be this overproduced b/c what I love about their shows is that they are what they are--a great live show about great music with little show business and a lot of spirit, heart, and sincerity. The music is great as always and deserves 5 stars, but to be honest it's hard for me to even give 3 stars overall b/c of the production. I'm a die-hard DMB fan, but am disappointed with this DVD. It may still be worth your purchase, but you may want to view a friend's once before dropping the bucks."
They ruined the music.
Ben Manson | New York, USA | 11/15/2002
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I am an avid Dave Matthews Band customer. I have everything they have produced. I can listen to any of their CDs and know almost every single word to every song. Being so, I was not afraid to buy both the CD and DVD. This has been the first dissapointment with Dave Matthews.On the package, it states with pride that it took 22 cameras to film this event. That sounded good, but after watching the FIRST song, I knew that this was a problem, more than a blessing.It is as if the editor was afraid to not let a single shot be left behind. The average shot probably lasts for about two seconds. There is no way to connect to the band. Face is, DMB always plays big venues, and unless you have really good seats, it can be hard to feel cnnected. This was always the blessing of a video of a live preformance. This chance we have is taken away from us.Maybe next time they'll figure out a multitude of cameras can be helpful, if you don't feel obligated to show every single one of them all the time.This is not to say the music is great. The music IS great. Its too bad the video actually distracts you from listening to it. So just go ahead and buy the CD, and you will be pleased. This product, however, deserves to be forgotten."
Worth your time and money
Ben Manson | 11/07/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Dave Matthews Band is phenomenal live. The energy and talent they demonstrate when performing is genius. This DVD captures the experience, but I agree with the reviewer that says the camerawork could use some help. It's as though they gave the guy in the editing room a new toy to play with when piecing together the shots. Way too choppy and too many special effects. The band sounds incredible though; good mix of new and old songs, very good picture and the sound is unreal. The DVD is worth purchasing just for the sound. You can listen to the concert in Dolby Digital 5.1 which makes the regular CD sound mediocre. The separation of instruments, vocals and the crowd is very impressive. Highly recommended, but would suggest picking up Listener Supported first if this is your first DMB DVD. Better yet grab them both."
Setting The Record Straight
Memphis68 | Memphis, TN USA | 01/18/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After a few months of reading these reviews I felt the need to qualify many of them. Some of DMB's harshest critics are also their most devoted fans. Every piece of work is analyzed to the highest degree. If the work isn't near perfect then for whatever reason the band is blasted for creating something unsatisfactory. The funny thing is though, even though they blast it you can bet they own it. So, the bottom line is that you can't apply a devoted fan's review to the average consumer. The fact of the matter is that this is an incredible DVD which showcases the genius of who is considered to be the greatest touring band ever. Sure, the video editing is at times disconcerting but you get used to it pretty quick. The 5.1 audio is nothing short of top notch, and the set list is awesome. Old material, new material, and everything in between. Do youself a favor and pick up this DVD. The pure musical talent and energy that these guys bring to the stage has never been matched and probably never will be."
It's nourashing candy
Cameron | Provo, UT United States | 11/29/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I liked the quick shot editing--I think it works well with the stimulation and excitment of the music. "I did it," was never one of my favorites, but here, I love it, as I see the crowd get down and dirty, having fun, and see the quick visual of the girl energetically brushing her black hair behind her ears while simling, bobing her head, and licking her lips. I'm glad they threw that in there, although others might think it qualified as just another herky-jerky MTV style edit. Seeing the crowd groove, and hug eath other, to Dave is almost as much fun as listening to Dave himself, because, afterall, that night, he made it for them. And it's an attractive crowd. The outdoors effect is beautiful as well--it almost seems as if The Band plays the sun down themselves, during "Bartender." My only complaint is that it appears as if the saxaphone mic droped dead, near the end. But otherwise, a very stiring, emotinal, and beautiful concert DVD, which demonstrates just why so many are captivated by the music."