Chickenfoot: Get Your Buzz On - Live Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		2.5
Overall		4.0

Chickenfoot: Get Your Buzz On - Live Blu-ray Movie Review

If you follow the rock scene closely, then you have to admit that the more things change, the more they stay the same - the great bands that we listened to some 25-30 years ago that are still around are the ones that still produce the best rock albums. So far this this year some of the best rock albums have come from old-timers such as AC/DC, Foreigner, and Scorpions.

Chickenfoot is a new rock band whose members are most definitely not newbies as far as playing rock music is concerned: Sammy Hagar (vocals) is already inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Van Halen; Michael Anthony (bass) is also a former member of Van Halen; Chad Smith (drums) has been with Red Hot Chili Peppers for years and has played with such iconic bands as Deep Purple and Black Sabbath; and Joe Satriani (guitar), well, he has been one of the best in the business for years.

Sammy, Michael, Chad and Joe reportedly got together in 2008, and released their first studio album in June, 2009. Chickenfoot: Get Your Buzz On – Live was recorded during the band’s stop at the Dodge Theater in Phoenix, Arizona, on September 23, 2009.

This is a great show. I had my doubts about Chickenfoot sounding as good as they sound on the album, but the boys are in top form (Sammy needs to hit the treadmill, though). With the edgy "Avenida Revolution" Joe immediately makes a statement, and by “Down The Drain”, you know that Chickenfoot are determined to entertain their fans as best as they could.

Sammy's singing is excellent. Actually, considering his age, he sounds a lot better than he should. He is particularly good on “Sexy Little Thing”, “Soap On A Rope” and “Learnin’ To Fall”. I liked his enthusiastic take on The Who’s classic “My Generation” as well.

Unsurprisingly, Joe is very impressive. His solos on "Avenida Revolution", "Oh Yeah", and especially "Turnin’ Left" are sharp and confident. He is impressive even on the bluesy “Bitten By The Wolf”, which is not included on the band’s studio album. Michael and Chad are also having a great time, constantly provoking and flirting with the audience.

The actual show is more of a club affair than anything else. The stage is simple but elegant, and the pyrotechnics not overwhelming. The crowd is as enthusiastic as the band and can often be seen singing together with Sammy.

Joe Satriani

Chickenfoot: Get Your Buzz On - Live Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.78:1, encoded with MPEG-2 and granted a 1080i "live" transfer, Chickenfoot: Get Your Buzz On - Live arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Dc3 Music Group. Please note that this Blu-ray disc does not have a pop-up menu.

Recorded live at the Dodge Theater in Phoenix, Arizona, on September 23, 2009, Chickenfoot: Get Your Buzz On - Live looks solid. Clarity is excellent and contrast levels consistent throughout the entire show. The lighting is certainly not overwhelming, and there are no serious shadow issues to report in this review. Mild motion-judder is present but it is never an issue of concern; the close-ups are stable. Some extremely light noise is occasionally easy to spot but macroblocking is nowhere to be seen. The camerawork is top-notch. Finally, I did not see any serious transfer-specific anomalies anomalies while viewing the show. All in all, this is a very pleasing presentation that will surely impress fans of this super group. (Note This is a Region-Free Blu-ray disc. Therefore, you will be able to play it on your PS3 or SA regardless of your geographical location).

Chickenfoot: Get Your Buzz On - Live Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There are three audio tracks on this Blu-ray disc: English DTS-HD Master Audio 6.1, English Dolby Digital 5.1 and English Dolby Digital 2.0. I opted for the English DTS-HD Master Audio 6.1 track and later on did a few random comparisons with the other two tracks for the purpose of this review.

The English DTS-HD Master Audio 6.1 is solid. The bass is consistently strong and punchy, the rear channels effective and the high-frequencies not overdone. What impresses the most, however, is the terrific separation between Sammy Hagar's vocals and Joe Satriani's electrifying solos - both are incredibly crisp and stable. The crowd noise is prominent but never overwhelming. The dynamic amplitude is excellent. "Down the Drain" and "Get it Up" have some real oomph. For the record, I did not detect any disturbing pops, cracks, or dropouts to report in this review.

The English Dolby Digital 5.1 track is flat and unimpressive. The strong separation between Hagar's vocals and Satriani's solos is lost on it. I also felt that the bass was notably weaker.

I tested only two songs with the English Dolby Digital 2.0 track, "Sexy Little Thing" and "Bad Motor Scooter". Had this been an English LPCM 2.0 track, I believe that its basics would have been a lot more convincing.

Chickenfoot: Get Your Buzz On - Live Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Documentary - a hilarious documentary in which Sammy is seen driving a smart car and Chad interviewing people who have no idea who Chickenfoot are. With special guests Bob Weir, Nigel Tufnel and Adam Carolla. In English, not subtitled. (50 min, 1080i).

Bopoklet - a 16-page illustrated booklet with photos from the show.

Chickenfoot: Get Your Buzz On - Live Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Considering its very attractive price tag, Chickenfoot: Get Your Buzz On – Live is extremely easy to recommend. The music is great and the atmosphere at the show outstanding. The Blu-ray disc herein reviewed, courtesy of Dc3 Music Group, looks and sounds very good. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.