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When comparing this particular DVD to other DVDs, this 311 DVD is hands down the best live DVD I have ever seen. I'd have to say the most impressive thing about this DVD is that the sound quality and video resolution is so high that it makes you feel like you're right there watching it live. The one thing that I love most about the DVD is all the b-sides and rarities that were played. And I've never been a fan of the 'lost/stolen' question but I'll answer it anyways, I would buy it again if it were stolen (seeing as in how it was only $18 at Newbury Comics in Boston, Ma.)
A true gem for true 311 fans
This DVD is a big step for 311. So many 311 fans out there didn't really become very big fans untill they saw the band live. (I am an exception) Now they have a chance for more and more people to be indirectly exposed to their raw live energy. Of course watching them on DVD is nothing like actually being there. I was lucky enough to 'steal five happy hours' and attend this amazing concert, and there is no comparison to seeing the lights, hearing the sounds, kickin ass in a mosh pit, and tokin' on the reefer! This DVD is impressive because of the sheer volume of music. When I show it to someone who doesn't know much about 311, it is not hard to find a few songs to fit their taste, no matter what kind of music they like. I was somewhat disappointed with the camera work, however. I don't think they showed enough of the crowd, and they didn't have enough shots of the entire stage from a distance. Looking down on the stage from the upper level was something I wasn't used to for 311 concerts (I have always been on the floor.) I was amazed at how well the light show fit to each song. Every transition to a different part of the song, came with a new and interesting light set up. It was very trippy. I loved it, the whole experience, and I recommend it to anyone.
Great Concert........not the best DVD..........
I'll start by saying.....I've been "Down" since '94. Growing up in the New Orleans area, I had tons of opportunities to see 311 live during junior high and high school. My first show was at the State Palace Theatre way back in '94. They frequented the Crescent City in those days, and the crowds showed up in full force every time. New Orleans is, indeed, 311's home away from home. Therefore, they play their asses off every time they step foot in the N.O. This concert is no exception. The band is on fire, and the entire show has a feel of "playing above and beyond the call of duty." The fact that the show is 5 hours total speaks for itself. And the best part is....they look like they are having a blast on stage the whole time (the way its supposed to be). Being out of college now, and mellowed out a bit, I love the abundance of slow/reggae-tinged songs in this setlist. "Use of Time," "Stealing Happy Hours," "Purpose," and "8:16 AM" are all great examples of this band's ability to take it down a notch and show just how melodic they can be. And if you want the rockers....well, they are aplenty as well. This DVD has everything you could want from 311, and then some. However, all that being said. The sound and even video are subpar compared to many other concert DVDs I own (i.e. - Ween "Live in Chicago"......Phish "It"......and even older stuff like Talking Heads "Stop Making Sense."). Don't get me wrong, it sounds fine. And many people will not even notice any problems. Its just not up there with the great concert DVD's. Like someone pointed out already, the reason why the sound/video is subpar...is likely because they crammed the entire (epic) 5 hours into 2 discs. And props to them for once again trying to give the fans more for their money. However, I think this project would've been much better if they would've sacrificed some of the tunes for superior audio/visual quality. That's just me. The bottom line though is this: If you love 311, you will certainly love this DVD. Again, it is an exceptional concert. It has nice bonus footage of the band and fans kicking it in my old hometown. And the rare songs are a treat in themselves. If you have a great stereo...this will sound great. Its just not in the upper tier of concert DVDs.
Great DVD for fans and non-fans alike!
Regardless of what everyone is mentioning with the sound (the sound for the most part is okay to me), this DVD is great. I would NEVER discourage someone from buying this DVD simply because the audio output isn't perfect for some people. Sound aside, I think that this DVD helps to display 311's onstage charisma. They played their radio singles, but also busted out some covers, older songs and b-sides. And they played for 5 hours! Its just a great documentation of what a 311 show is and how much they mean to their fans (plus, how much the fans mean to them). There are a few shots that I think could have been better, and a few songs where I think that the sound could have been better on, but overall, its a great DVD, DEFINITELY worth the money. Stay positive and love your life.
NO respect!!
I read all the reviews for this DVD right after I ordered it. And trust me when I say....these people have NEVER been hanging on to the rail front row at a 311 concert! Anyone thats been that close to the band is'nt concerned with 5.1 and bullsh%t like that. Its a must have for TRUE 311 fans. There are some songs that are missing. I could'nt believe that "six", "J'O'W",and "firewater" were'nt on there. But come on? 64 F'n songs!! The ONLY thing that really sucks about the whole concert is that its not in Omaha!!!! 311 DAY is cool and all, but the grassroots thing is played out. Come home and make that DVD.
One of the best I've ever seen
This is a great DVD! I have been a fan of 311 for years and attended their concert last summer in Omaha. Let me tell you, this DVD is the closest thing to being there. It has a ton of songs on it, and the filming and sound are excellent. I would recommend this DVD and 311's music in general to anyone!
The Other Side of Things
For the first time during 311's near 15-year tenure, an accessible live performance hits DVD, and they boys do not disappoint. On March 11, 2004, at the UNO Lakefront Arena in New Orleans, the band filmed a performance of nearly 70 songs, outlasting all previous performances and then some.
The double-DVD setlist comes in at a whopping 64 songs...4 songs axed from final cut due to alleged filming and sound issues. In the interest of brevity, I will divide my review into cons and pros, and shortly elaborate on the performance itself.
Cons:
------Said before, the DVD sound quality leaves a bit to be desired (Dolby 2 rather than Dolby 5.1). If this is important to you, then you will be disappointed.
------The filming is inconsistent and, said before, amateurish. Some performances are showcased nicely while others will leave you missing great solos and improvs.
------I haven't heard from others, but on my copy, some songs skip around and don't match the numbering on the included setlist. So I give fair caveat.
Pros:
------Near 5 hours of live performance, showcasing the band's underexposed talent, energy, and appeal. 311 has amassed a dedicated following over the past decade, and it is easy to see why in light of this release.
------Performances of several b-sides, rarities, unreleased instrumentals, premieres and covers.
------Behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.
In general, the performances on this DVD are flawless and nothing short of breathtaking. The very occasional lyrical slight or missed cue will happen, but you have to expect that at a 5-hour concert. Songs range from short and poignant to complex, jamming, and everywhere in between. Styles include a focus on rock, hip-hip, and reggae, with other elements including funk, metal, punk, trip-hop, jazz, soul, jam, Latin and classic. The setlist is arranged to contrast these styles nicely, leaving one utterly in anticipation of the next. 311 is a band that is just as comfortable in the mellow they are in the hyper...their songs veer serenely from hard-edged and frantic to soulful and soothing. Just don't be surprised if you dislike a song or two.
If you like good rock music, I highly recommend this one if you can accept the mentioned cons. A great gift for the fan, but I give warning for strong language and themes. I would give a list of gems but there are just too many. Enjoy and thank you for reading.
an overload of music
This dvd is great! this thing has damn near every song that is worth doing by the band. I saw them during their soundsystem tour, which besides "music" is probably my favorite album of theirs. And there are many songs from both albums on this disc. Also a lot of rarities from 'transistor' and some new ones from "Evolver", which I'd never heard until this and they aren't too bad, although I think in terms of new material 311 is cutting the cake anymore. "From Chaos" mostly sucked with the exception of a few songs but I like pretty much all of their other albums. Final Note: You will not be ripped off when you buy this dvd it's packed to the brim with music, very cool!