Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		5.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		4.5

Shakira: Oral Fixation Tour Blu-ray Movie Review

Shakira bursts onto Blu-ray.

Reviewed by Martin Liebman January 1, 2008

I studied Spanish in high school and one of my best friends is from Panama, so I have been exposed to quite a bit of Spanish language culture, including music. In high school, I was introduced to three Spanish-language artists whose music I enjoyed quite a bit--Paulina Rubio, Maná, and Shakira. Shakira's Pies Descalzos was the album I was introduced to, and listening to it was certainly a help in my Spanish studies career. Since that album, Shakira has become an international superstar, performing in both English and Spanish, and this Blu-ray concert shows the performer at the height of her popularity.

These hips don't lie.

This concert was recorded on December 9, 2006 in Miami, Florida. Shakira is a wonderful and energetic performer. Unlike clips I've seen of other "divas" who simply dance and lip synch their way through the show, Shakira puts on a passionate and complete show worthy of the price of admission. She's a "diva of all trades" who belly dances, sings with both grace and power, and plays solos on the guitar and harmonica. She performs all her songs, some in Spanish (such as Estoy Aqui) and some in English (such as Whenever, Wherever) with an energy and vigor second to none. She speaks to her fans in both languages as well, which makes sense for a show in Miami. Shakira is of both Colombian and Lebanese descent, and her style of dress and dance incorporates elements from both cultures.

Call me a member of the vast minority, but I've never been enamored by recorded live music. Seeing a performance in person is one thing, but watching a concert on television or listening to a live performance has never struck my fancy. Perhaps after watching this disc that may change. With the advent of large, high definition displays and uncompressed sound, viewing this disc with a worthy sound system is a marvel to behold. It literally puts you in the middle of the show. Not to get into the technical review here, but the music is so pure and lifelike, and the crowd noise so enveloping that you cannot help but feel right there in the middle of the auditorium sonically and in the front row visually.

Shakira: Oral Fixation Tour Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Sony presents Shakira: Oral Fixation Tour in 1080p high definition inside a 1.78:1 frame. Seeing as this is the first concert I have seen on Blu-ray, or any home video format for that matter, I don't really have a base of comparison to judge it against, but I cannot imagine any other program of this nature looking any better. As expected, there is a lot of smoke to be seen in the image, especially up against the bright lights around the stage, but it never gets in the way of the image. Clarity is amazing. Color reproduction is stunning, and details, even on distant shots of the stage and crowd, appear to be of the highest caliber. Blacks, too, are solid. This image almost looks too real. You wouldn't have had a better view of the show in real life, and I doubt even a front row seat would have been a marked improvement over the image you see on this disc.

Shakira: Oral Fixation Tour Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 channel PCM track and the 5.1 Dolby Digital tracks sound amazing on their own, but the PCM uncompressed 5.1 track running at 6.9 Mbps is obviously the one to listen to, if your equipment can decode it. The show kicks off with the hit song Estoy Aqui and the viewer is immediately transported to the show. If you were sitting dead center in the auditorium with the pulsating beats and the crowd noise all around you in perfect harmony, you would approach the level of sonic wonder produced with this disc. Bass is powerful yet clear. Shakira's remarkable ability to produce both high pitches and deep lows with her voice is reproduced with an uncanny and lifelike accuracy. Suffice it to say, this is one of the most immersive, lifelike tracks I've ever heard, probably because it is real. This track goes to show just how good real life can sound. Studios and processing are fine, but what we get here is a true to life sonic adventure that left me speechless at times. If this disc isn't running as demo material at stores all around the world, it should be. This is a system seller.

Shakira: Oral Fixation Tour Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Shakira fans are in for a treat as this disc contains a nice selection of extras. Around the World in 397 Days (480p, 11:26) is a chronicle of the 125 stop tour. This is a good look at the inner workings of the tour in other countries, including stops in Mumbai, India and Cairo, Egypt. Barefoot (480p, 21:21) is a look at Shakira's life philosophies and philanthropic endeavors. A video clip of Las De La Intuicion (480p, 3:46) is included. Live: 'Obtener un Sí' (1080p, 3:35) is a live performance of this song not included in the main feature. Live: 'La Pared' (480p, 3:56) is another performance of the song featured in the concert as performed in a separate venue. A photo gallery of stills from the concert is available for your perusal.

The primary extra is the inclusion of an audio CD that contains a musical intro and live performances of the songs Estoy Aquí, Don't Bother, Inevitable, La Pared, and Hips Don't Lie.

Shakira: Oral Fixation Tour Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Shakira: Oral Fixation Tour is sure to please hardcore Shakira fans, concert fans, and Blu- ray fans. Shakira puts on a great show that is highly energetic and entertaining. If you are not familiar with this artist, this Blu-ray disc is perhaps the best introduction to her music. Outside of attending a real live concert, this disc is the absolute best Shakira presentation you will experience. This is a top-notch release that features video and audio quality of the highest magnitude. Extras are nice, including the addition of the audio CD. Recommended for Blu-ray fans, and a must buy for Shakira fans.