Kiss - Symphony: The DVD

Starring:Kiss
Studio: Sanctuary Records
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

KISS bassist/chief provocateur/world-class swagmeister Gene Simmons once infamously claimed that his cartoon shock-rockers were more influential than Dylan, though the driving sentiment behind this double-disc DVD chronicle of the band's liaison with the Melbourne Symphony seems to paraphrase "Love Minus Zero": "There's no success like excess / and excess is the best success of all." The history of the fusion of rock bands and orchestras is a long and notoriously spotted one, though matters of decorum have seldom concerned--or deterred--KISS. Disc 1 outlines the genesis of the project, with an earnest and typically irony-free Simmons meeting with perpetually bemused conductor David Campbell to discuss mutual musical quandaries, like synchronizing explosions and whether the orchestra can get their KISS makeup on with due haste. Rehearsal and preparation footage display an unusually affable orchestra and band, a mood that carries over into its pyrotechnic-punctuated greatest hits set with the band (Tommy Thayer ably filling the platforms of the departed Ace Frehley). It all works surprisingly well, if at some pitched, Vegas-showroom-in-hell level of bombast. It's a technically impressive show and package, if one that feels distinctly padded as a double-disc (the performance of the "Symphony"'s Act III is repeated on both discs). Less is more? Not here. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Really good concert - footage is hectic as hell though.......2007-02-22

I agree with most of the folks who enjoyed this package. It's beautifully shot in terms of clarity and color, and the playlist is pretty good. The sound is awesome, and the performances are just terrific. But I wish they had let the camera sit on one person for longer stretches--they rarely hold one shot for more than TWO SECONDS - and that's no exaggeration! So watching this makes me jumpy.

Here's one instance where, if Gene decides to release a second version with longer takes, I would plump down my money and buy the thing AGAIN. Because this looks like a real winner of a performance -- but they won't let us WATCH it!

Anyway, despite all that I really did enjoy this concert and am glad to own it. Wish they had asked me about the fast edits, though. Man, they've had my home phone number for how long??

Excellent full LIVE Stage Show .......2007-01-23

KISS Symphony is quite simply and AWESOME effort by Kiss. For a couple of years I have been listening to the CD, but I finally took some time to check out the DVD. I seldom enjoy concerts on tape or DVD. Many times the director like to inter-cut backstage happenings or cut the songs short. Not here. Disc 1 is the entire show and the songs go uncut. If you are like me and have just been enjoying the audio, the visuals are what have made this band and this is a perfect example. The opening song with the full Orchestra is Detroit Rock City and it is simply amazing...and it only gets better from there.

While I have grown tired of Gene's constant shilling for the band, they do deliver when it comes to the live show, and with the orchestra it adds another incredible dimension to their legacy. I urge you to get this DVD, especially if you like incredible shot live shows. Plus I don't know if I have ever seen a crowd of hotter women at any concert. This also plays as a sure-fire reason to make a visit to Australia.

Not bad at all,Peter did well.......2006-12-04

Great selection of songs. I only wish KISS would use a set list like that more often. Yes there are A LOT of overdubbing. I first noticed when Gene went up for God Of Thunder and the lyrics and his mouth didn't match. Then the blood face, no blood face. Yes it's am illusion and it's KISS but at least try and not make it SO obvious. Gene probably as usual forgot his lyrics and they had to do some re-do's. It's a different kind of KISS show and I was even pleased with Tommie Thayer. Paul as usual carries the show well and the whole concert sounds great. The bad editing got a star taken off, but those hot Aussie girls made up for that ;-)

KISS 4EVER.......2006-11-06

Simply the best show as usual with Paul Gene Peter and unfortunately not Ace ...AWESOME

Close but no cigar!!!.......2006-06-06

The concept was a bit played behind this whole project from the git go. I mean Metallica did it so did GNR so it comes off as Kiss playing catch up.Some of the arrangements are quite good while others are quite horrible. But I gave it 3 stars since it is the closest thing to an original project kiss has done since Psycho Circus.
Some people have asked why it was done in Aussie land, thats simple they can't draw the crowds here like they can there.Its a shame that a band that was so vital to myself and countless others has dwindled down to a cheap overpriced sideshow. They should have just ended it with the farewell tour. with dignity and at the top of thier game.Such a shame.

Average customer rating:

Symphony Alive IV
Kiss
Manufacturer: Sanctuary
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

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