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Pulse: It's More Than Music
The Concert:
When
I first received the DVD, I looked at the song selection for the concert
and was surprised that they opened with "Shine On You Crazy Diamond."
Although I really like the song, I did not think the long intro would
pulse any energy into the concert. How I was wrong. It set
the mood for the concert - displaying that Pink Floyd is more than just
another band. They provide an opening show that highlights their
mastery of music, sounds, videos and imagery. Yes, as a long time
Floyd fan (who does not have the concert album that was released back in
1994), I may be a little biased, but the opening song brought me into
the concert wanting more. Besides the instrumentals, the
performance also includes lights, colors and a video that appears above
the stage telling a story of a young boy.
"Learning to Fly" was beautifully played, but then the next two songs
had its up and downs, with a version of "Coming Back to Life" that is
much better than the studio version. The version of "Sorrow" provided a
spectacular light show and hard driving instrumentals to accompany the
song penned by Gilmour himself. I do not know if it was intended,
but the psychedelic characteristics of "Keep Talking" brought back
memories of early Floyd and the late great Syd Barrett. Next came
a big disappointment, "Another Brick In The Wall (part II)" is missing
something -- Roger Waters. The reunion at Live8 was amazing, but
it was probably only a one time thing. Sorry I digress, but I am sure
that many Floyd Fans hearing this song will note the absence of Water's
harmony with the rest of the band. Side once closes out with "One
Of These Days" - and all I can say is wow. You are going to have
to watch it for yourself to see and hear what I mean.
Disk
two of the DVD featured more great songs from years past, and once again
a perfect blend of energy, sound and vision. After their last
song, "Run Like Hell" you want to watch the video again. There are
some very interesting screen films during these songs, with subtle (and
sometimes not so subtle) political and social messages. I am not
going to go down the list of songs, watch it for yourself. This is
a DVD for not only Pink Floyd fans, but also fans of music.
Special Features:
The
DVD includes many special features that makes this DVD a great bargain.
Bootlegging the Bootleggers: This is a pretty cool feature. It
seems as though they confiscated some bootlegged videos of their concert
and have reproduced them on this DVD. You can see the difference
between a professionally recorded video is compared to the bootlegged
versions. One comment - It would have been nice to have a brief
explanation or summary of the special features somewhere within the DVD
packaging.
Screen Films: As mentioned above, there are short films or stories
appearing above the band as they perform. This feature allows you
to watch these films in a larger format and uninterrupted - with the
music playing. [Note: they appear on both DVDs]
Videos: Just as the feature explains - these are the music videos to
some of the songs performed during the concert. A nice add-in to the
DVD.
Tour Stuff: This feature gives you information about the where and
when of the tour, including the full world itinerary. What I found to be
the most interesting part is the section on the designs for the stage
set-up.
Pulse TV Ad: I've never seen it before - interesting concept for an
advertisement.
Say Goodbye To Life As
We Know It: A behind the scenes look at what goes on behind the
personal videos with footage of the members of the band and supporting
cast when they are not performing, including some bathroom photos.
Photo Gallery: Some
pretty cool shots of the band while on tour.
Wish You Were Here:
Hall of Fame induction ceremony of the band. If you have never,
heard/seen Billy Corgan's induction speech, it is worth a listen.
Cover Art:
Art from many of their albums including inside jackets and posters.
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