There’s no crying in PROG!
aka: MY REVIEW OF PASADENA SCREENING 8/22/13:
It was such a treat to see Dream Theater in a theatrical venue. Kudos to the band for continuing to break into new frontiers. The performance kicked ass, and truly deserved the “big screen” treatment. It felt MASSIVE. It looked AWESOME. Having seen six shows on the ADTOE tour, this release does a commendable job of capturing what I witnessed in those live experiences. Production value is exceptional and exceeds all prior DVD’s. (more camera angles, effective editing, etc). Visually crisp projection (and in sync throughout).
The theater was fancy, featuring call buttons for food service (full dinner menu). The chairs were wide, plush leather and could recline into a sofa position.
The sound was BOOMING, but not sure the 5.1 surround was set up properly, as many keyboard moments were dull in the mix, presumably due to the speaker set-up at the theater. For example, Jordan’s mini-solo in the opening of Metropolis was flatly inaudible (along with other similar instances). Disappointing, as I don’t have a 5.1 system in my home.
The turn out was surprisingly empty. I thought more folks from around the Los Angeles area would show up to support this concept, even despite the high cost of tix ($58 for my pair). When the band takes a risk in these new endeavors, we have to do better as a fan base to get behind them. Hopefully, other cities compensated with a strong showing.
I think DT’s booking agent may have sat next to us: (1) he was much older than the usual DT fan, and (2) he left 1/3 through the movie – a typical agent move. Too bad, I would have liked to chat with him as I believe we share some clients.
The show itself had many highlights, featuring the setlist order of the first night. Undoubtedly, the best performance of Silent Man ever. The song really pops to life with the strings. I think my brain exploded somewhere at the beginning of Lost Not Forgotten. Holy smokes, I underestimated JM’s parts in that intro. (it is not wise to underestimate a ninja). Mangini’s drum solo was GODLY on the large screen and I pity all those who missed this opportunity. Petrucci’s solo might have been my favorite moment in the show. Spirit Carries On was transcendent. James never sounded better.
And then there was the crying girl. Wow, she will become legend. James even mentioned having seen men tearing up at shows. Those weren’t tears James, I have bad allergies.
The Buenos Aires crowded didn’t really “bring it” like I had anticipated from a SA show. Thought they would be bouncing around like Chile, but they were surprisingly reserved. Could have been shot in Cleveland for the same reaction, with less flag waving of course.
Eric Disrude appeared to be sleeping behind the drums in the first song. He is very noticeable (especially on the big screen) in the overhead drum cam shots. Probably could have framed that shot differently . . .
Someone mentioned this earlier, and yes JP is lip syncing to several songs. He sings backup on Silent and Angels (easily identifiable by the “room tone” when he sings these songs). I believe everything else is backtrack. Just noting, not complaining.
The screening was my girlfriend’s first DT experience, and she was enthusiastic, clapping and moving about. Very taken by the GRANDEUR of the concert. She cannot wait for the upcoming tour. That makes two of us, my dear.
Topic: (SPOILERS) DT Live in Luna Park review (Read 31009 times)
