Anything negative about this DVD I said in July of 2008 after seeing the concert.
The most remarkable thing about this concert package is the way it captures the experience of a Neil Diamond Concert.
Usually Neil Diamond on TV does not come close to measuring up to Neil Diamond in person. And while I would not trade the real concert experience for anything- this DVD comes darn close. From camera angles that make you feel like part of the audience, to close ups of individual band members and Neil himself and the timing of the show itself, this is a cmpletely satisfying dvd.
It would be easy to complain about problems with the show itself- like the repetitive calling out of "last chorus" for Sweet Caroline (probably the result of editing together the encores of several nights). I also was reminded of how disappointing YDBMF was this last time out. Perhaps it is time to retire this gem.
In spite of what anyone else might say or think, I am glad for Song Song Blue on this DVD. The importance of this song in Neil's carreer cannot be denied. It adds a nostalgic feel to thew concert and Linda and he singing it together is thoroughly enjoyable.
It is probably very uncharitable for me to say so but I continue to be distracted during "I'm a Believer". The girls l,ook incredibly unconfortable dancing in this sequence and remind my of Rocky, Brad and Janet in the final floor show of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Maxine, Julia and Linda, together, are one of my favorite parts of a Neil Diamond concert. But the camera angles during this song are truly unfortunate.
"Crunchy Granola" and "Done too Soon" help to recall an age when we were all younger. "I Am I Said" at this earlier point in the show helps to celebrate the consumate lyricist and poet and places the song appropriately in his carreer. "Hell Yeah" creates an excellent capstone for the concert and for Neil's career (so far).
This dvd is truly a gift for Neil's fans. The $12 price tag is entirely worth it and actually an extreme value.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
I hate Walmart!!!
I have not been a customer of Walmart for nearly 3 years for reasons that are largely my own. Mainly, I care about local economies and justice in employment. But I am not a fanatic and do not presume to tell others what to do or not do in this area.
But, since Neil Diamond saw fit to release his new concert dvd "Hot August Night/NYC" as a Walmart exclusive I chose to break my personal policy for this case and buy the dvd/cd pack ($12).
I ventured in to a Walmart about 3.5 weeks ago and asked about ordering a dvd for pick-up in the store (as opposed to ordering on-line and paying shipping). The completely unhelpful person in the dvd/cd/electronics section told me that the dvd could only be purchased on-line and would not be available in store.
Well, I went back and ordered my copy on-line and had to register with Walmart on-line in order to do that (even though I used an alternative on-line payment method).
After all that hassle, I was waiting patiently for the 14th, the official release date for the dvd and my anticipated shipping date. So, as I wait I get wind from various websites and friends on-line that the dvd is in fact available in stores and was made availabe on Tuesday the 11th.
Buying one in the store should have been a very easy process but I encountered a second wave of incompetence from the people working the registers.
So now I return to my personal boycott of Walmart stores. I believe my blood pressure will return to normal soon, at least I hope so.
I plan to do a full review of the dvd experience later but want to make two points.
The 2009 take of 'Sweet Caroline' on the cd is an enjoyable treat and reinforces my contention that this is the way this song should be song. There is a 2009 version of "Play Me" as well and it is okay but not special. The rest of the cd is a rehash of original releases and a disappointment.
The DVD quality is striking and so far I am enjoying it. But Like I said, I will do a complete review later.
My best advice right now would be to go to your local Walmart and buy this dvd/cd pack. It would be worth it at twice the price.
But, since Neil Diamond saw fit to release his new concert dvd "Hot August Night/NYC" as a Walmart exclusive I chose to break my personal policy for this case and buy the dvd/cd pack ($12).
I ventured in to a Walmart about 3.5 weeks ago and asked about ordering a dvd for pick-up in the store (as opposed to ordering on-line and paying shipping). The completely unhelpful person in the dvd/cd/electronics section told me that the dvd could only be purchased on-line and would not be available in store.
Well, I went back and ordered my copy on-line and had to register with Walmart on-line in order to do that (even though I used an alternative on-line payment method).
After all that hassle, I was waiting patiently for the 14th, the official release date for the dvd and my anticipated shipping date. So, as I wait I get wind from various websites and friends on-line that the dvd is in fact available in stores and was made availabe on Tuesday the 11th.
Buying one in the store should have been a very easy process but I encountered a second wave of incompetence from the people working the registers.
So now I return to my personal boycott of Walmart stores. I believe my blood pressure will return to normal soon, at least I hope so.
I plan to do a full review of the dvd experience later but want to make two points.
The 2009 take of 'Sweet Caroline' on the cd is an enjoyable treat and reinforces my contention that this is the way this song should be song. There is a 2009 version of "Play Me" as well and it is okay but not special. The rest of the cd is a rehash of original releases and a disappointment.
The DVD quality is striking and so far I am enjoying it. But Like I said, I will do a complete review later.
My best advice right now would be to go to your local Walmart and buy this dvd/cd pack. It would be worth it at twice the price.
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