Product Description

"Metropolis 2000: Scenes from New York" continues Dream Theater's history of transporting fans to worlds only progressive rock's premier standard bearers could create. Directed by drummer Mike Portnoy, "Metropolis 2000" features Dream Theater's performance of 1999's acclaimed "Scenes from a Memory" plus over one hour of bonus live material, at New York's Roseland Ballroom in August 2000, capturing the band's theatricality and raw, unbridled live prowess. Songs: Opening Scene, Regression, Overture 1928, Strange Deja Vu, Through My Words, Fatal Tragedy, Beyond This Life, John and Theresa Solo Spot, Through Her Eyes, Home, The Dance of Eternity, One Last Time, The Spirit Carries On, Finally Free, Closing Scene, A Mind Beside Itself Parts 1, 2, 3, Learning to Live, A Change of Seasons.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #34850 in DVD
• Released on: 2001-04-24
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Color, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 190 minutes

Amazon.com
Like many progressive-rock groups from King Crimson, Pink Floyd, and Yes to Genesis, Rush, and Queensryche, Dream Theater has followed its own musical and artistic agenda, trends and hipness be damned. That single-mindedness is borne out on Metropolis 2000: Scenes from New York, a full-length concert video shot at Roseland Ballroom in New York City in August 2000; it was the final show on the group's tour supporting its release Scenes from a Memory. With its intricate rhythms and complex song structures, Dream Theater's music is serious and somber to a fault; when gospel singer Theresa Thomason and a backing chorus are brought on for a few numbers, the effect is strangely soothing, as if a layer of humanity smothers the impeccable craftsmanship. The video is decked out in visuals of a mostly silly sort, often literally spelling out the album's narrative (or what passes for it), including reenactments and a portentous narrator. It's all cleverly put together (drummer Mike Portnoy gets director credit), and Kevin Shirley's audio mixing presents the music with clarity and undeniable power. Fans of Dream Theater won't need to be told to snap this up; those unconvinced, however, are not likely to become converts. --Kevin Filipski

Customer Reviews

Unparalleled Live Performance
The die-hard Dream Theater fan knows that the ultimate would have been to attend the famous Roseland show. After reading the reviews and seeing the set list we could only imagine what it must have been like to have been there. Well, imagine no longer. This release puts you there, in the Roseland Ballroom on August 30, 2000. Often a live performance cannot capture the vital force of a show and translate it to the screen. What we've here is a magical conveyance of what really went down that evening. (Proof positive: Transition from Regression to the 1928 Overture. The place absolutely detonates). The band is extremely unyielding in their deliverance of the Metropolis Part 2 set. It is incredible to watch (and hear) the story from beginning to end.

The extras that are found on the DVD prove that the band left nothing in the tank that night. (After 3+ hours, A Change of Seasons!) Further, being afforded the opportunity to mingle outside the venue before the show with the fans, getting to witness the set up for this phenomenal presentation and getting off-stage during the show is pure luxury.

For the music purist, this reveals just what Dream Theater is all about. Whatever your preference, keyboards/guitar/bass/percussion, this is an extraordinary assemblage of great musicians. If you are a Dream Theater fan, you cannot be without this enchanted evening of music and power. If you are a music traditionalist, indulge yourself with this astonishing performance. Having been nurtured by the likes of (Tales) Yes, (The Lamb) Genesis, (2112/Hemispheres) Rush, UK, ELP, Kansas, Marillion, The Dregs and Pink Floyd, I will tell you this band is full on. The disintegrating force, the majestic ascensions and the complex changes are absolutely inspiring.

Cost of a DVD player - $200.00. Cost of the Metropolis 2000: Scenes from New York - $20.00. Attending the Roseland show over and over, priceless.

Dream Theater does it again
If I were to name the top Progressive Rock bands in the world, I could have thought of Dream Theater as one of the best, followed closely by Queensryche in their good times, and the master of all, Pink Floyd. As far as the group in question, DT is currently kicking hard with their last CD, "Scenes from a memory". The disk, a concept album, has a story about a murder, viewed from several angles, throughout the album. Storyline is quite interesting, music is amazing, and vocals are terrific!. Here you see 5 masters of their instruments, playing at top notch, working in a unison not regularly seen, at blazing speeds, and always keeping consistency and stability. As a studio album, it makes me fly every single time I hear it...as a live set? WOW, WOW, WOW!! I know that sounds too little a description, but, when there are no words to describe the amazement, it's the only thing that I could write! As a fan of high quality music, I find DT to be one of those few groups who actually do master their music. As a rock fan, damn, this guys kick some serious booty! If you fall into any of the 2 cathegories, buy this DVD! DT will not turn you down. The image quality and sound is truly amazing, worth the piece of art that the album represents. If you can, you should also try to buy the actual CD "Scenes", as it is considered by most Prog Rock fans a definite MUST HAVE.

Great introduction to Dream Theater
I'd never heard DT before.Based on some reviews I'd read here at Amazon I thought I'd give them a try.This is a great band.Each musician is technically expert at their instrument.But it doesn't stop there. They play with intensity and emotion.I've seen lots of good musicians,Yes,Gentle Giant,Dixie Dregs,Return To Forever,Pat Metheny Group.DT compares very well to these groups.Thanks,Mr. Video Man, for focusing on individuals as they soloed.The video never got in the way of the sound and the sound is excellent.It saddens me a bit to think that most people will never hear this group of musicians because most radio stations are content with playing 3 chord- 4/4 time rock background music.If you like your music with some depth and variety it would be in your best interest to purchase this DVD.Listen to it with someone who also appreciates good music.Enjoy.