7 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Video Games Live is an immersive concert event featuring music from the most popular video games of all time. Top orchestras & choirs perform along with exclusive video footage and music arrangements, synchronized lighting, solo performers, electronic percussionists, live action and unique interactive segments to create an explosive entertainment experience!
Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Laura Intravia, Martin Leung, Tommy Tallarico, Jack WallMusic | 100% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080i
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.78:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
None
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (1 BD, 1 DVD)
Region A (locked)
Movie | 4.5 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 3.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
...all of the power and emotion of a symphony orchestra, combined with the energy and excitement of a rock concert, mixed together
with all
the
cutting edge visuals and technology and interactivity and fun that video games provide.
Video Games Live creator Tommy Tallarico has found a near-perfect descriptor for his show in his above-referenced direct quote. The
only
word he forgot
is "novel," and that might be the most important aspect of Video Games Live. Since his first show in July 2006, Tallarico has dazzled
audiences of all ages and backgrounds with a one-of-a-kind and highly original spectacle that features some of the video game industry's
top scores
played
live by a professional orchestra, accompanied by exciting video game-centric visuals and a crowd-pleasing and always-energized
atmosphere. The
end result is indeed novel,
and while novelty is always welcome in an entertainment landscape dominated by repackaged and stale ideas, new directions need be
grounded in
something plausible and tangible, something buyers can get behind, understand, and embrace if new trends and concepts have any chance
of
success. Video Games Live succeeds in each of
those areas; it's new though built around the old, but it's that unique combination -- a symphony orchestra, video game scores, the
atmosphere of a
rock concert, and all of the technology of video games -- that works in perfect harmony and makes Video Games Live such a rousing
success. Built for the gamer but a worthwhile experience for all and delicately assembled to make for a fun family-friendly atmosphere,
Video
Games Live is one of the more unique and invigorating concert experiences of the past decade.
Super Mario Video Games Live.
Video Games Live: Level 2 features a generally stable and nice-looking 1080i high definition transfer. The video-like sheen of the presentation is never a problem; in fact, the transfer squeezes out plenty of fine details in stage equipment, instruments, and the faces of the performers, though there are a few instances where the image captures something of a fuzzy and hazy look. Depth is strong while blacks are generally solid both in the backgrounds and around the stage, though they occasionally wash out and lend to the image a flat and ungainly appearance. Colors are nicely reproduced, even if the darker elements dominate much of the screen; streaks of green lasers, the video montages that run on the large screens behind the performers, and various interview clips all feature honest and stable hues. The transfer is smooth and free of excess noise, and Video Games Live's glossy sheen is free of heavy blocking or banding. Shout! Factory's transfer is crisp and pleasing; it might not be perfect, but it's a fine compliment to the disc's incredible lossless soundtrack.
Video Games Live: Level 2 features a stunning DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack that's easily the technical highlight of the disc and the perfect companion to the concert. The track proves itself to be strong and muscular as every deep note is delivered with power to spare, but also easygoing and light as the higher and quieter notes enjoy pinpoint accuracy and an airy, room-filling texture. The track feels infinitely spacious, limited by the bounds of the concert hall rather than the walls of the home theater. Bass is incredible, and the subwoofer is sure to earn its keep at several points throughout the track. The surround speakers enjoy plenty of activity in the form of excited crowd noise and applause, while the fronts handle the bulk of the music and the perfectly-centered and clear dialogue. This is an exemplary track, one that's wonderfully balanced and a pleasure to behold. The lossless soundtrack serves the material extraordinarily well, and it's the next best thing to being there.
Video Games Live: Level 2 earns a high score with a nice collection of extras. First up is an audio commentary track with game Composer and Video Games Live Creator Tommy Tallarico. He enthusiastically discusses the history of the project, his favorite games, playing this show in New Orleans, edits for time, differences between the disc and the PBS airing, the studios and musicians that helped make Video Games Live possible, reworking parts of the show around new talent, his favorite moments, and plenty more. Surprisingly, Tallarico manages to make the commentary well worth the effort; his insights are almost as entertaining as the show, and his track is a great compliment to the main program. Fans will definitely want to give this one a listen. Next up are four behind the scenes featurettes (480p). Tommy's Guitars (8:59) features Tallarico showing off his collection. Behind the Scenes Tour (9:42) again features Tallarico, this time taking viewers on a brief tour around the pre-show floor with a humorous slant. Joystick Podium (0:47) contains Conductor Jack Wall talking up his unique podium. Finally, Composers Party for Tommy in Japan (13:14), recorded on June 13, 2009, features Tallarico speaking with some industry heavyweights. Next up is a series of interviews (480p) with Tommy Tallarico (15:25), Ralph Baer (5:30), Jamie Lee Curtis (7:23), Russell Brower (8:19), Gerard Marino (8:14), Christopher Tin (3:45), Martin Leung (2:13), and Jason Hayes (6:18). Also included is the trailer for Video Games Live 2010 (480p, 2:25); the music video "Yuri the Only One For Me" (480p, 3:39); Tetris 25th Anniversary (480p, 3:42); The Making of 'Dragon's Lair' (480p, 5:14); 'Dragon's Lair' Attract Screen (480p, 0:45); and 480p trailers for Halo: Reach (2:25), Castlevania: Lords of Shadow (4:16), Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 (0:42), Civilization V (1:28), and God of War III (1:46). Disc two is a DVD that contains the feature plus all of the above-listed extras.
"Wow." That one word is really the perfect descriptor of the Video Games Live experience. This is such a simple idea but at the same time one that's incredibly forward-thinking from the mind of Tommy Tallarico, a true visionary who comes off as both passionate and sincere in every interview and through his energized on-stage performances. Video Games Live combines several elements and meshes them together in perfect harmony for a one-of-a-kind experience of sight and sound. Enough to stir the souls of the most passionate gamers, satiate the more demanding fan of symphony and instrumental music, and get the blood pumping of the most ardent concert fan, Video Games Live is a novel experience that's suitable not only for music and video game fans, but the entire family. Full of energy, excitement, and yes, great music, Video Games Live is an experience not soon forgotten. Shout! Factory's Blu-ray release of Video Games Live: Level 2 features a stellar technical presentation and a good assortment of extras that should have been in high definition. Nevertheless, this is a must-own set that comes highly recommended.
2017
Double feature with Blue Planet
1985
2022
2018
2009
2021
DVE HD Basics
2007
2015
2016
Test Disc
2019
2nd Edition
2009
2006
2019
2007
2008
2016
2010
IMAX
2015
2018
2009