With only 2.0 stereo sound Frontiers definitely did not invest much into the making of this live DVD. I have seen bootlegs that have more camera angles too. The show is not a thrilling one, with all the pyrotechnics and such busted out. This is an intimiate, tiny setting that was mostly invite only. The plus side is that the few patrons attending the performance are there to see the band and know the songs. Appreciation for what they are doing can be felt in the audience and that is a nice thing.
Essentially
Live in Atlanta is the same thing that the CD brought us, only this time with the addition of visuals to go along with the music. Seventh Key give a wonderful performance and seeing Mike Slamer on stage and wielding the axe like a forgotten guitar god is not a thing that is often witnessed. As stated in the review for the CD version of this Atlanta concert, the band put on a hell of a show. Every song is nailed to perfection, so there are no complaints there.
Unfortunately the video quality is pretty poor, especially on the extras. There is not a slew of bonus material but you do get three rather ho-hum video clips (for
Love Train,
An Ocean Away and
Always From the Heart). An interview is included which provides some insight and even a making of for the
An Ocean Away video. None of it is particularly thrilling but it is nice that they managed to scrap together something to add to the package.
As a DVD,
Live in Atlanta frankly, sucks. With poor video and stereo sound there is really no reason to own both this and the CD version unless you absolutely must have those video clips and visuals to go with the music. If you can choose between the two, the DVD is probably the better deal since it does give you some extras that CDs just do not have. If this DVD had been part of a package deal with the live audio disc then it would be let off the hook as being a nifty bonus curiousity, but as a standalone product, it leaves much to be desired. Audiophiles will especially be disappointed that Frontiers dropped the ball and did not capture this rare occurance in glorious 5.1 surround. For shame.
Rating: 5/10Written by
Alanna Friday, March 3, 2006
