"Leonard Cohen Live in London" > DVD & 2CD (April 2009)

[burningviolin]

and DVD?

***Probably, but Blu-Ray will anyway be the next format to replace standard-DVD. / Jarkko***


Thanks Jarkko, will just have to get me one of them new fangled blue whatzit machines then when the time comes!!

[bumerang]

The Australian (and I suspect all other countries?) edition is in NTSC, region 0 (local TV system is PAL)
I'd like to hear whether this is the same for the European edition.

It should be. Most music DVDs are NTSC, even in PAL regions.

This is because the NTSC->PAL conversion results in a slight (4%) speed-up of the video. This is generally unnoticeable in movies (their running time is just a bit shorter), but it can result in noticeable pitch issues with music DVDs.

The only options to avoid this problem are to leave the audio as-is and try to stretch the video runtime (which results in jerky video) or to leave it as NTSC. The latter option is the best choice, so that's what is generally done.

Sounds logical, but is not true for my music DVD collection. All the European bands issue their music DVDs in PAL anyway.
And I looked at a random selection of music DVDs I got of American artists, all local issues are in PAL format:

- Paul Simon, Graceland The African Concert
- Simon & Garfunkel, The Concert in Central Park, Old Friens Live On Stage
- Santana, Supernatural Live
- Highwaymen, Live

And I have not noticed any major pitch issues with these, in fact you are most likely to find that they are the exact same length as their American issues. Don't ask me how they do it, but there is also no obvious jerkiness.
The only music DVDs to be issued locally in NTSC format are some that are catering for a smaller market, like classical DVDs, Opera etc. To me it looks like an effort to save on production costs.

[brokenhill]

To me it looks like an effort to save on production costs.

We are back in the hands of Sony here, it would seem!

A Blu-Ray featuring the best performances is coming later.

Excellent news!

While I agree with much of the above criticism of the DVD (and would add "how come no cartwheels! ) I can't understand the carping about the "constant" introductions. We witnessed the coming together of one of the most perfect bands ever assembled. That Leonard should acknowledge the contributions of the other members is, to me, in total keeping with his character and I relished every chance given to show my appreciation.

[Michaelleigh]

I have just recived both the CD and DVD from Amazon.co.uk and am putting the music onto my ipod as I type

[Mabeanie1]

I can't understand the carping about the "constant" introductions. We witnessed the coming together of one of the most perfect bands ever assembled. That Leonard should acknowledge the contributions of the other members is, to me, in total keeping with his character and I relished every chance given to show my appreciation.

I may be in a minority of one here, but you know I missed these introductions on the Fall tour. They were part of the overall charm of the earlier shows as Leonard expressed his genuine admiration and appreciation of his fellow musicians. The shows from Autumn 08 onwards have been altogether more business-like, with no talking or intros apart from the "set piece" comments & band intros at the end of each set. We get more music as a result but I think the shows have lost a little je ne sais quoi in the process.

Not a criticism - maybe just another example of "you can't please all of the people all of the time".

Wendy

[wakeupmartin]

With that perspective I'm greatful for what we got, I'm still holding some hope that somebody will have the bright idea to film one of the remaining shows properly, but what we got is still a million times better than no video at all.

I agree. If someone told me after the 17 July concert that I'd be able to buy a DVD of what was shown on the big-screen with great sound, and all for only 10quid, I'd have been overjoyed.

[IvorG]

Hi. Looking forward to buying the album and DVD tomorrow. I know they'll bring back wonderful memories of the concerts I attended - the O2 in November and the RAH. What might be of interest is that on iTunes there are two versions of the album available. The cheapest (£7.99!) has AN EXTRA TRACK!!! Chelsea Hotel #2 Live At The Beacon NY. I've bought just that track as I'll be importing the rest from the CD's. It sounds great.

Ivor

[somewhat_nifty]

Got my CD and DVD today, and have just watched the DVD - I have got say it's absolutely brilliant (how could it not be I suppose!). It's great to have such a high quality, well-produced record of the tour, and it adds a whole new dimension to see it all close up. It brought tears to my eyes on several occasions - Leonard is a masterful performer and to see the pleasure on his face that everyone was enjoying it so much was touching. Brought back really happy memories of seeing him in London, and now I REALLY can't wait for NY

[John Etherington]

I seized the last two copies of the DVD in the London Fopp this evening, and have just watched it from start to finish. I'm totally amazed and overwhelmed by the greatness of it, even though I was there in the fourth row! How often do you get a full concert of this calibre on DVD? (let alone for £10-£13.00). I personally think the filming is excellent - both imaginative and colourful, with just the right amount of close-ups on instruments. Seeing the show from a different perspective makes you forget it was one that you actually saw at times, but when the stage is bathed in golden light for "Anthem", tears once again flooded my eyes. Leonard has been captured at the peak of his performance powers. There's one tiny blip when he sings "liar" before "lover" in "Bird on a Wire", but he corrects it quickly and endearingly. I'm pleased that all of the spoken parts have been included. Watching the DVD, the highlights remain the same as when I saw the show..."apart from the aforementioned - ""Boogie Street", "Hallelujah" "Democracy", "Take This Waltz", the spoken "A Thousand Kisses Deep" are all outstanding. Plus, I'm so pleased for the Webb Sisters that "If It Be Your Will" has been captured to perfection. The girls really shine on this and "I Tried to Leave You". Absolutely the best music DVD ever!

Love to all, John E

Addendum - only minor complaint is that the DVD has a cardboard cover. Somehow this cheapens the otherwise excellent packaging.

[brokenhill]

Cardboard cover? That's so we can recycle it when we get bored with it I S'pose.

Ha! We should live that long!

[Stencil]

Every concert in the Fall leg was filmed in high definition in 16:9.

Great news. Now I can watch the Live in London DVD without worrying that this is as good as it gets.

[paddieu]

Jarkko, please for G...'s sake ensure that they subtitle the Blue Ray.

And friends on this site, if you too feel that our hearing impaired friends should be able to access the performances, and feel that this is what leonard himself would want, please raise your voices here. Being excluded with this DVD is such a remarkably cruel act, in respect of such an artist who who exudes compassion and inclusivity.

The Blu Ray represents a chance to put this right.

Thanks !

[RickD]

How about a theory, that the production of this DVD was not a very well planned exercise?
It looks a bid like the thinking might have gone like this: We remember, the show in London was very nice. What footage have we got to document this night on a DVD? Of course, the footage from the sidescreen camera feeds. OK, let's take this and cut it together the best way we can. Sidescreen footage was shot in 4:3? Well, tough luck, but that's what we got.

that's my take exactly - for a top DVD it has to be the intention all along to capture the performance FOR a DVD. This strikes me as an afterthought and they have used whatever footage they can. As has been said it is fantastic to have any record of these shows, but it would be great if the "powers that be" realise just how monumental this tour has been and a first class production is put together.

Anyone who thinks this is top-notch should have a look at Roger Waters "In The Flesh" DVD or Gilmour's "Live at Gdansk" to see how it can be done.

I must stress though - it's still great to have ANY DVD of this!

[Walsh75]

I haven't had a chance to read all the comments yet. But I want to take a poll question.

Looking at my ITouch, the Live album was already for sale at 12am on Itunes. It's going for $14.99

I've experimented with Itunes here and there, but can't break "tradition" at my age with CD.

What would be the better option? Itunes for cheaper and instant, or traveling to Best Buy in the AM for the double CD?

I was going to get both the album and DVD, but seeing the DVD reviews, I may hold off. Netflix may have the DVD to rent soon anyway so that may be an option before I decide to buy.

[davidrichards]

I received my CD/DVD yesterday afternoon from Amazon. Listened to the CD in the afternoon and watched the DVD last night. I am not a great fan of cardboard covers but what really counts is what is inside. I thought the CD was well recorded though I have no technical reasons to give, just a reasonably good pair of ears. I have always liked "live" CD's/LP's and it goes to prove, if proof were needed that real musicians can reproduce a studio sound in a concert hall. How refreshing when so much of today's music is merely a studio creation.

I have read many comments about the technical quality of the DVD and whilst it may not possess the technical wizardry of some music DVD's is that what we really need from a Leonard Cohen concert. I was pleased with the close up shots as it was the first time I had seen the concert close up. Unfortunately our seats were much further back, though at Manchester I sat right beside the mixing desks so the sound was excellent. Maybe this is a "taster" and an even better recording will be made available later, though personally I find it hard to believe that the concerts so far will be bettered. It is difficult to make something better when you have reached as close to perfection as possible, which, in my humble opinion is what Leonard Cohen and his incredible band of musicians have done.

Dave

PS: interesting to note that the DVD is no.1 in Amazon UK ranking for Music DVD and the CD is also no.1 in their music ranking
also interesting to note that the delivery time now for Amazon UK is up to 2 weeks for the DVD and up to 3 weeks for the CD. HMV do have the CD in stock but the DVD is out of stock already. Does this say something for the popularity of this genius?!?