Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #10799 in DVD
• Brand: RCA
• Released on: 2000-02-08
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Color, Dolby, DVD, Live, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 141 minutes

Amazon.com
The turn of the millennium may have been marked by a confluence of over-the-top white rap-rockers, teeny pop pinups, and other musical cartoons, but the Dave Matthews Band continues to buck such trends while drawing a fiercely loyal audience. This first-rate concert, produced for public television, works both as concert souvenir for the faithful and a useful introduction to the DMB's formidable musicianship. Whether or not you relish the songs and singing of the eponymous, transplanted South African at center stage, it's hard to knock the collective power of this supple troupe, which effectively swirls jazz, folk, and world music through Matthews's bluesy pop songs.

The 2-hour show features 18 songs, spanning both familiar Matthews originals ("Crash Into Me," "Too Much") and a few choice covers ("Long Black Veil," "All Along the Watchtower"). With reeds and electric violin to spice up the instrumental attack, and a strong backing chorus to sweeten Matthews's own craggy voice, the DMB doesn't need to rely on theatricality; their sense of drama lies more in extended jams that can expose the material's limitations but stoke ardent fans' cheers. The direction and editing are smooth and fluid, and excellent audio recording and mixing are consistent with the group's growing shelf of live albums. Clearly, for the Matthews Band and its fans, the playing's the thing, and they play generously and well throughout. --Sam Sutherland

Customer Reviews

Concert Filming 101
For students of film, this is a remarkable example of how to build a concert video. I'm not sure I've ever seen concert footage which does a better job of reproducing the feeling of actually being there. It's accomplished by several clear means.

First, there's the very smart choice of venue. Matthews and company are performing here in the center of their audience. This theatre-in-the-round allows the camera free range from any direction. This is no static, three-camera set up, but a visual dance around the stadium. There are cameras all over the joint, and they are determined to be a part of the music as much as the band members themselves. Also, because there are people all around the performers, viewers get the sense that they actually are in the middle of an audience. Put this thing on Dolby Digital 5.1 and you will truly understand the meaning of "surround sound".

Second, there's the very nifty use of the DVD multiple-angle feature which allows you better access to whichever band member strikes your fancy most. This is an innovative use of the feature, which until now has largely seen use only in the porn industry. This freedom of choice over camera angle is yet another way in which you can approximate the live experience with the DVD, in that if you were there in real life you could crane your neck and see a band member from different angles. But it does real life one better in that some of the angles really wouldn't be available to you from a single location in the audience.

Finally, though, I think what comes across is how much fun the band is having. They are performing with obvious passion this particular evening. The level of appreciation the audience has for this musical emotion is equally infectious. The band is playing for the love of their audience, not the love of the potential revenues from the sale of the video. Long instrumental sections, indulgent riffs, teasing warm-ups to popular songs-these are all things that might have been sacrificed on the editing room floor with another group. But for this band they are obviously integral elements, and help tell the story of how the group engenders so much fierce loyalty amongst their fans.

If you're not a Dave Matthews fan, start here. Don't go with a music-only recording. This does a better job than any other thing the band has done of showcasing their talents. If you walk away from this unimpressed, nothing the band has will tickle your fancy. If you are a fan, get this immediately. It will only confirm what you've always known: South Africa's loss is America's clear gain.

[DVD NOTES: There are a few niggling problems which should be mentioned. One odd thing is that there aren't liner notes on the case, so you can't find particular tracks without going to the scene selection menu. A minor complaint, to be sure, but it's exceptionally odd that the DVD packaging gives you no clue as to the tracks performed. It's also unfortunate that such a stunning musical performance wasn't captured in DTS as well as Dolby 5.1. Also, a band interview, making-of-the-concert video, or maybe a history of the band documentary would've added considerable value to the whole package.]

Dave Matthews Band Does it Again!
"Listener Supported" Is a live show of their 9/11/99Performance In East Rutherford N.J. Dave Matthews Band and Other Guests Do a Remarkable job in this unbeliveable 18 song set list including Old Favorites like "Crash into me" and "Too Much". The show also includes awesome rare tunes like "Granny", "Long Black Veil", "#40", and violinist Boyd Tinsley's "True Reflections." The show also adds personal favorites of mine such as "The Stone", "Warehouse" and many others. The band not only does the tunes well, they have long jam sessions to add to the songs. Any Dave Matthews fan will absolutely love the show, and the show will certainly add even newer fans to the mix. Dave Matthews Band lives in my soul forever! Never Stop Jamming!

Dave is the man
I was lucky enough to attend this concert in New Jersey and it was outstanding. The band just jammed and the video captures the best way to see dave, LIVE!. This is the first video out for the Dave Matthews Band and I hope to see more in the future.