Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		3.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Video Games Live: Level 2 Blu-ray Movie Review

Swing your arms from side to side and enjoy this unique Blu-ray release.

Reviewed by Martin Liebman October 20, 2010

...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.

Conducted by Jack Wall and featuring Creator Tommy Tallarico as host and, occasionally, on the guitar, Video Games Live samples some of the top themes from the world's most popular video games, from old arcade standbys to today's favorites fresh off the shelves and featuring the cutting-edge graphics and gameplay offered by the latest in gaming console horsepower. Games have long since moved past the simple "bloops and bleeps" of the classics of yesterday. With the greater storage space of the compact disc, DVD, and Blu-ray, and the ability to create more in- depth and meaningful gaming experiences through the advancements in computer technology, developers have sought more polished, rousing, and meaningful music to score their larger-than life epics. Games today feature powerful and moving scores that accentuate age-old struggles between heroes and villains, compliment heightened drama, and accentuate breathtakingly realistic graphics. The cinema-quality game score may be a recent phenomena, but there is no shortage of older titles with memorable music. Many older games featured limited soundtracks, and several classics -- Super Mario Bros. and Sonic the Hedgehog, for instance -- managed memorable, if not tonally simple, music that has become as instantly recognizable as a classic John Williams or James Horner piece. Still, today's games demand something more, and developers are, with more frequency, complimenting games like Halo and God of War with masterful pieces of music that are as captivating as the games themselves. Video Games Live samples some of the gaming industry's top scores, both past and present, through a full orchestra presentation that brings the games to life like never before, all complimented with a dazzling display of showmanship that makes for a complete entertainment experience.

Video Games Live is more than music. It's a lesson in the history of video games and the technologies and people that make them possible. Video Games Live doesn't settle for merely playing music; instead it brings the source of that music, the video game, to the forefront by acknowledging the people who make it all happen and contribute their knowledge and skills to an art form that far too many seem to take for granted. The gaming industry may be huge, but the special skill sets required to make it work and the talented people and the technologies they use to bring games to store shelves aren't recognized in the same way nor with the same amount of awe and appreciation deservedly heaped upon the finest directors, cinematographers, costumers, actors, and yes, composers who work in the film industry. Perhaps as the line between the film and video game industries continues to blur, as more top Hollywood talent begins to work in the video game industry, and as games inch closer towards a seamless virtual reality, there will be a greater appreciation for the artistry behind them. Until then, it will be up to people like Tommy Tallarico and events like Video Games Live to not only promote the entirety of the industry in a generically all-encompassing maner, but to accentuate some of its incredible singular aspects -- like the amazing musical scores being written on a daily basis for games of all types, stories, sizes, and skill leves -- among the many amazing things happening within an industry that's evolving everyday and with each new release.

Of course, music does take center stage in Video Games Live, and the show is nothing short of a spectacular treat for the aural senses. Everything from the familiar toe-tapping beat of Super Mario Brothers to the soul-stirring rendition of Christopher Tin's theme music for Civilization IV springs alive from the combined talents of a well-oiled orchestra and a spectacular display of technical achievement and undying passion for the art forms of games and music that's evident from the get-go and that never dissipates through the entire concert. Fan of the games or not or even fan of all the music or not, the sheer energy and excitement generated by Video Games Live is undeniable. The musicians bring out not only the notes but the soul of the music, and the familiarity of the beats combined with the grace and strength with which they flow through the orchestral ensemble brings a new dimension to several old favorites by injecting them with a power and grace that hasn't before been realized on even the best and newest video game soundtracks. Console "fanboys" or those who, maybe for financial reasons, have chosen one system over another and by extension have never been exposed to some of the music that makes up Video Games Live might be inclined to pick up an XBOX after hearing the magnificent rendition of several themes from Halo, while Microsoft diehards might be tempted to pick up a PS3 after having experienced the strength and grandeur of the God of War track. Regardless of console brand or game title, fans will appreciate the diversity of the performance across several consoles and many years. With plenty of additional footage, surprise guests, and touching moments, Video Games Live makes for a pitch-perfect evening of entertainment that won't soon be forgotten.

Video Games Live: Level 2 features music from the following games/franchises:

• Classic Arcade Medley
• Dragon's Lair
• Tetris
• Halo
• Civilization IV
• StarCraft II
• Sonic the Hedgehog
• Advent
• Rising
• Guitar Hero (Aerosmith's Sweet Emotion)
• World of Warcraft
• Chrono Cross
• Mass
• Effect
• Megaman
• Myst
• Zelda
• Super Mario Brothers
• God of War
• Castlevania

Video Games Live: Level 2 Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

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 Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

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 Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

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.

Video Games Live: Level 2 Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"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.