Don't Try This Home: Live / Making of V (3pc)

Starring:Spock's Beard
Studio: Metal Blade
Product Type: DVD

Average customer rating:

Absolutely Awesome watching genius
Awsome concert and extras!
A Very Worthwhile Watch...Despite Minor Flaws.
Excellent Show -- but there are tech problems with the discs
Sub par video quality and MONO sound

Don't Try This Home: Live / Making of V (3pc)
Starring: Spock's Beard
Manufacturer: Metal Blade
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

( D ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Live in Europe
Neal Morse - Testimony Live
Building the Bridge: Live in America
Snow
Arriving Somewhere (2pc)

ASIN: B000077VQK
Release Date: 2002-11-19

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely Awesome watching genius.......2007-05-27

There is no question that this video allows us into the mind of genius (and the mouth of madness). Watching Neal Morse working through the creative process is an inspiration. There are many stand out moments on this video, from driving along the interstate while Neal films from behind the steering wheel as he sings along to Transatlantic, to the studio rhythm boogie of Nick D'virgilio, to the tears that Neal sheds in the privacy of his home studio as he records The Great Nothing. This DVD set will not let you down. There is a concert film as well, but it takes a back seat to the documentary in this viewer's humble opinion.

Awsome concert and extras!.......2006-08-28

The concert portion of this package is a great show of the beard. Yes, the sound could be better. Besides the sound (which isn't all that bad), this is the beard at their progressive best. The musicianship that shines through is breathtaking.
The Making of V is awesome. To see these guys at work is inspiring to say the least. They don't check their emotions at the door. They invite you into their home, studio, etc. and let it all hang out.
The CD doesn't knock my socks off, but it is good. If you like out-takes and demo versions, there is some great stuff here.

A Very Worthwhile Watch...Despite Minor Flaws........2006-07-04

This DVD package documents the only (semi) professionally shot concert you are likely to find from this band. When I got into SB years ago, I had to get my hands on everything the band had put out to that point. After purchasing all their audio CDs, I set out searching for any video material that exsisted. With a couple mouse clicks I quickly found the one and only DVD offered by Amazon---and best I can tell, anywhere. Well it was a no-brainer to buy it right there and then...and I can say I'm glad I did. The concert portion of this package is a perfect example of Spock's Beard's ability to put on a "No frills-All about the Music" rock show, filled with plenty of interesting technical music, nice interplay and vocal harmonies and even the occasional quirky antics from the guys. While there is very little to be seen here of a massive, mega stage show, the band more than makes up for that by performing with great precision, passion and seemingly endless talent. Being a musician/vocalist myself, I can safely say that music of this caliber takes a great deal of skill to pull off live(this is NO 'Margaritaville' or 'Brown-eyed Girl').Along with material from the 'Day for Night' album, the band does a nice variety of songs from their first 3 releases(along with a 'worthy' rendition of Genesis' Sqounk). One of the cool things about this group is their ability to play various "roles" within the music. Besides Neal and Nick playing musical chairs between guitars, drums and vocals...both Alan and Dave double as effective backing vocalist(and much more on their studio albums). As for those flaws that have been mentioned by myself and other reviewers---the main problem with the production of this package is the lack of any audio options to choose from. No getting around it, the sound quality is not up to the standards the consumer has come to expect with DVDs in the last decade. However, I find it quite bearable to watch...and it hasn't stopped me from coming back for further viewings. The other non-production flaw concerns Neal's vocals---there are definitely a handful of spots in the show where his voice 'cracks' or is slightly 'off-key', but again, this is hardly a reason not to enjoy this show. I've actually grown to like his voice and lyrical phrasing, along with accepting his occasional vocal 'flaws' while on stage. He's no Steve Walsh or Bruce Dickenson, but he does have his own "thing" going that works well for the music.

As for other material/discs in the set, there is plenty more after you have 'soaked-up' the concert. Most notable is "The Making of V". This is a very neat and interesting documentary on what is considered to be the band's best release. I actually enjoyed this more than I had expected---without going too deep into the contents, I personally gained insight into the bands "down-to-earth" nature and studio/home recording techniques. I'm usually only good for one or two viewings of interviews and documentaries, however I find myself watching 'Making of' frequently. The DVD extras and audio CD are entertaining enough-though nothing I often return to. Bottom Line... if this is the only video documentation of the 'Classic' line-up of the band...I'll take it ALL DAY LONG!

Very Recommended, along with first 6 studio albums!

Excellent Show -- but there are tech problems with the discs.......2006-03-05

Another reviewer says the second disc won't play in his DVD player. For me, the second disc worked fine; the FIRST one won't play in my DVD player -- but it plays fine in my computer.

Obviously there are quality control problems with the package (but with all the companies listed on the box, just TRY to find which one to complain to).

This said, the music and the concert are all first-rate.

Sub par video quality and MONO sound.......2005-08-25

OK. With the stellar releases of `Kindness of Strangers', `Beware of Darkness', `V', `Day for Night' and on and on, Spock's Beard have created masterpieces in the modern Progressive Rock world with incredible musicianship and flawless production. Not so this DVD. Other reviews have talked about the great sound and perfect musicianship...all qualities that are not apparent here. Let's first address the sound. I had to look at the date of release. I know that it says 2002 but perhaps they meant 1942? The sound is in MONO people! Not Dolby 5.1, not Dolby Stereo, mono! In this day in age, that is totally inexcusable. My cheap camcorder records in stereo if you get my drift. A band that prides themselves in the quality of production should never have allowed this. Video quality is average at best, almost as if you are watching a VHS tape. Musicianship is stellar but Neal's vocals are definitely on the shaky side. He strains to hit high notes, etc. Maybe it was an off night, but again, they should have not released this as it was. It is great to see them live (they never came to my neck of the woods), but it is sad that there will never be a DVD that will capture them in a true digital 5.1 mix and in 16:9 widescreen glory. I am still a fan, but not of this release. If you are a fan, rent before you buy....

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