 Site Links
Flat Panels
Video Projectors Rear-Projection TV Receivers Speakers Disc Players Surround Pre/Pros Amplifiers Accessories Recently Added
Video Displays
Speakers
Sources
Electronics
Accessories Scott Wilkinson Thomas Norton Fred Manteghian Kim Wilson How To Features Audio/Video News Past eNewsletters CEDIA 2008 CES 2008 CEDIA 2007 HE 2007 CES 2007 CEDIA 2006 HE 2006 CES 2006 Thomas J. Norton Michael Fremer Joel Brinkley Scott Wilkinson Dealer Locator AV Links Contact Us Flatscreen TVs LCD TVs Plasma TVs HDTV AV Receivers Home Theater in a Box Digital Projectors DLP Projectors Video Projectors Surround Sound Dolby 5.1 |
 |
|
|
Image Entertainment Concerts
Image Entertainment made its mark in the home-entertainment game with the dawn of LaserDisc, and some of its first titles were music concerts. History has a way of repeating itself, and with Blu-ray gaining momentum, Image is beginning to release its vast music library with HD video and audio. The studio's current releases include Heart: Alive in Seattle, Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire: Live at the Greek Theatre, and The Moody Blues: Lovely To See You. Each boasts a lossless audio soundtrack and 1080i video.
Release Date: June 10, 2008
Concert:8 out of 10
The two bands teamed up in 2004 for the final performance of the summer concert series at The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. The disc features not only their individual performances, but the concert finale for which the two bands joined forces. The 1080i video offers vivid hues, especially with Earth, Wind & Fire's eclectic costumes. Black levels waver a bit from inky to crushed, and resolution on longer shots is a bit soft. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack is above average with decent dynamics. The only bonus feature is a "drum duel" that was thankfully cut from the main concert footage. Release Date: July 8, 2008
Concert:7 out of 10
The 1080i video looks fabulous, with exquisite detail and a three-dimensional look with inky blacks and strong contrast. The only real shortcomings are some occasional video noise and a bit of softness that creeps into the image on some longer shots, but close-ups are razor sharp with excellent detail. The DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack is well done and transports the live performance right into your living room. Dynamics are excellent, with crisp highs and accurate bass. Vocals are well balanced and transparent, but the surround speakers are reserved for crowd noise only. The only bonus feature is a Q&A session with the band. Release Date: July 8, 2008
Concert:7 out of 10 Concert discs cater to the fans of the bands, and each of these discs will make their respective audiences happy. Image has an extensive library of concerts that will be making their debut on Blu-ray, and I eagerly await Roy Orbison: Black and White Night and Eagles: Hell Freezes Over, which are two of my favorites that are currently available on DVD only. Review System
Source
Display
Electronics
Speakers
Cables
|
|
|
|
 Sponsored Technology Center
|
||||||||||||||||
 |
|
Heart: Alive in Seattle features the vocals of sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson. The duo have been successful songwriters and performers for over 30 years, playing music with rock 'n' roll roots and a hint of acoustic and folk mixed in. Vividly captured in HD from their hometown of Seattle, the video presentation is at times jaw-dropping in its detail. Close-ups reveal every bead of sweat and even a wrinkle or two for good measure. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.0 soundtrack is a crowd pleaser with wide dynamics and clean sound. The only bonus feature is a nine-minute interview with the sisters, which should satisfy their fans.
Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire: Live at the Greek Theatre features two groups formed in the late 1960s in Chicago, Illinois. Known for their many hit ballads such as "If You Leave Me Now" and "Hard Habit to Break," Chicago was a frequent visitor to Billboard's Top 100 throughout the 1970s and '80s. Earth, Wind & Fire is an African-American soul band that came to prominence in the 1972 film Super Fly, which included their hit song "Reasons," and they have released 19 albums in 35 years.
The Moody Blues: Lovely to See You features another band that got its start in the 1960s, but across the pond in England. Having never been a fan of the band, I was very surprised at how much I enjoyed this disc. Even my 12-year-old daughter sat down with me and found the concert to be entertaining and engaging.
