Dido Live (DVD/CD Set)
|
List Price: Our Price: $12.46 You Save: $5.52 (31%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $6.18 (click here) Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
Movie Reviews of Dido Live (DVD/CD Set)
Movie Review: Dido live surpasses her studio albums -- excellent performances abound
Summary: 5 Stars
If I were to have one complaint about Dido, it would be her studio tracks are a little *too* laid back and they sometimes get monotonous if you're not in the mood for them. Nevertheless, I love her songwriting and she ranks with up there with Poe as far as lyrical excellence is concerned. Her lyrics are subtle, sophisticated, and well-crafted. Here on her live DVD, my one complaint towards her is revoked, removed, and I've re-experienced Dido at her finest. Her live performance is where the missing spark can be found; her energy comes through blasting and blaring and she takes you for a memorable ride.
As a casual fan, what surprised me was her undeniable charm and charisma. Along with her energy, these elements of her just don't come through on her studio albums nor in her videos. She's also got quite a facetious, lively sense of humor (which she shares with the audience between songs). This makes the music that much more accessible. I found I didn't need to be 'in the mood' for her music to watch her concert. Like her music, Dido herself is captivating in a subdued, subtle manner. The band, the singing were all top-notch and I have no complaints about the music. Dido, her band, and the audience all looked as if they were having the time of their lives, and it definitely shows. The music was all terrific, and so good was this concert that it prompted me to re-visit some songs I didn't particularly like and give them a second chance after seeing it live on the DVD. That's a sure sign a concert was a winner for me.
Fans of Dido will not want to miss banter and conversations that happen in between songs. She shares (briefly) some information about the song she's going to sing next, which is quite nice. She never gets too carried away (y'know how some singer-songwriters make less and less sense the more they talk about their song?) and always stays grounded and makes complete sense. Surprisingly, she's also quite funny! (And guys, my husband watched this DVD and he assures me she's quite hot, as well.)
Now, on to a very important reason I love this DVD: no. psychotic. editing! (Yay! Yay! Yay!) After being so very, very, very disappointed with Sheryl Crow's "C'mon America" and Sarah McLachlan's "Afterglow Live," I was afraid Dido's DVD was going to follow the 'nauseatingly choppy and twirly rockstar' trend. (Note: I love those two ladies and I thought their performances were top-notch. This isn't an attack on Sheryl or Sarah's performances--I just couldn't stand editing of the video) I've said repeatedly on Amazon that I wish that trend would die because I literally get motion sick watching concerts that do their editing that way (where the camera doesn't linger on any one shot for more than 5 seconds) and those DVDs are absolutely unwatchable. (I'm 24, so no, it's not an age issue.) So, if you can sympathize with this, fear not! Dido has not succumbed and this DVD is more than watchable. The only complaint I can see is that the video quality isn't crystal clear. It reminded me a bit of Sarah McLachlan's 'Mirrorball.' I, however, enjoyed the look of it because it lent a certain atmosphere and feel to the DVD that complemented it very well.
Ever since Sarah McLachlan's 'Mirrorball,' I haven't found a concert DVD that's compelled me to watch and re-watch a concert as often as I did with 'Mirrorball.' Dido's done it for me, though, and it's quite a pleasure to see her perform. This is one of the concerts that will get watched often in my house. I will be anxiously awaiting her next CD, DVD, tour, etc.
Movie Review: Simply Stunning
Summary: 5 Stars
A smooth and polished performance with perfect lighting effects, absolutely astounding sound and an almost ethereal quality about it, Dido's performance at Brixton Academy is pure magic. I'll admit that I was skeptical before I actually viewed this concert. In the past, the only live performances by Dido that I had seen were appearances on talk shows and such, which did not showcase her talent like they should have. In fact, she often seemed timid and shy. Despite that, I have always been a devoted fan, even before the days of "Stan" and the series Roswell. Dido is and always has been captivating and real: her music is extremely accessible and emotionally touching.
When the first harsh beats of "Stoned" hit my ears, I just knew the whole concert was going to be fantastic. There was an intense energy in the air at the Academy the night, and you can feel it while watching the video. The music pulses right through you. I was ecstatic Dido chose to open her concert with "Stoned": what a great piece! It has always been one of my favorites from her second album, and it perfectly sets the mood for the entire concert within the first 30 seconds.
Many of the songs Dido performs remain similar to the respected album versions ("Don't Leave Home", "Sand In My Shoes") but they don't lack for intensity and enthusiasm. Each song has its own little new additions, however subtle they may be. But Dido's revamped versions of favorites like "See You When You're 40", "Honestly Ok" and "Do You Have A Little Time" are what truly impress. The live versions are better in some ways than the original cuts. Particularly impressive is Dido's edgier version of "Isobel": her vocals sound fantastic! Also to be commended is her reinterpretation of "Hunter", which sounds very jazzy and fun.
The instrumental balance throughout the concert is very well done and executed wonderfully. Everyone seems to be on the same wavelength. Several of the musicians shine as soloists, and the drummer in particular is very impressive. In between tracks, Dido briefly describes the origin of many of her songs, being both blunt and charming at the same time (a quality that seduces many men and intrigues most women). Also appealing about Dido in this performance is her appearance: she looks as if she's ready for a night of clubbing. She appears both gorgeous and playful. There isn't the slightest hint of arrogance in her, and she seems incredibly friendly.
If you thought Dido was quiet, you're wrong: this video proves that, not only does Dido have an edge, but she has a wonderful sense of humor as well. The audio disc included in this package is a real perk, as it possesses the same intensity the video does, even without the visual stimulation. However, five of the live tracks are not included on the audio disc, which is a bit of a letdown. But the audio disc flows smoothly from one song to the next, and it feels complete despite the missing songs.
If you're a diehard Dido fan, you absolutely have to have this video! If you are a casual fan, or if you haven't yet discovered the hidden pleasures of Dido's musical creations, then I highly recommend you check this out: you may find yourself transformed into a devoted listener.
Movie Review: An Enjoyable Night-In for Coffee-Drinkers Everywhere !
Summary: 5 Stars
Having released two albums that have sold by the truckload - "No Angel" and "Life for Rent" - this is Dido's first live offering : a DVD and a CD looking back to three dates played at London's Brixton Academy in August 2004.
The DVD features 17 tracks - 9 of them lifted from "Life for Rent" while the remaining 8 appeared on "No Angel". With the exception of "This Land is Mine" and "My Lover's Gone", all my favourite Dido songs appear are here. It opens with "Stoned", and the Roswell High song, "Here With Me". The stories behind "See You When You're 40", "Life for Rent", "Mary's in India" and "Sand in my Shoes" are briefly told - though, where appropriate, the names have been omitted to protect the 'innocent'. Unfortunately, nothing was said on the story behind "Isobel" - I've always been curious about that one. Meanwhile, the famously sampled "Thank You" and, to a lesser extent, "White Flag" get the 'big song-along' treatment.
It may seem an odd thing to say, given that she is a professional performer, but Dido does seem to be very comfortable on-stage. Unlike some artists I've seen, there's no obvious signs of ego, general vanity or grumpiness - the intros and links between the songs seen more like an informal chat. The camera work and the lighting are excellent, while there are a couple of characters in the band - Keith Golden, the bass guitarist, appears to be one of those kids who likes doing his own thing. There's also (if you look closely) an appearance by Animal from "The Muppet Show"...
The CD features 12 of the tracks from the concert, and lasts for nearly an hour. "Don't Leave Home", "Do You Have a Little Time", "Hunter", "My Life" and (oddly, I thought) "All You Want" are the five songs that were dropped, while the intros also missed the cut. Without the 'distractions' of the stage show, the CD emphasises just how good Dido is live.
Neither the CD nor the DVD contain any new material, so I wouldn't expect this release to win any new fans - if you hated "No Angel" and "Life for Rent" there's really no point in buying this. However, if you're a fan, it's definitely recommended. Slip it into your DVD player, rest your feet on your coffee-table and enjoy !
Movie Review: Get to know Dido!
Summary: 5 Stars
Dido is one of the few singer/song writers that always leaves you wanting more. Her songs are like poetry made especially for you. I have been a fan of hers since I heard Here with Me on Roswell. I wasn't a fan of her music videos and I waited soo long for the 2nd album. I loved it. Every emotion I have ever felt was written into the songs with perfection. I searched for when a third album would be released and I saw that this special edition dvd was coming out. As always I went to Best Buy before they opened to be sure to get a copy.
The dvd showed what a real talent she is. Dressed modestly and ready to share her songs with London she takes the crowd's breath away. One of the best things about this dvd is that she gives a little bit of info on each song. Like for instance Don't Leave Home is not a love ballad. It's a song about addiction. She says that some people play this song at their wedding and she laughs about it. I would too, knowing that. And Mary's in India is about a real friend who traveled. And she experienced some trouble with the release on White Flag because it's about her relationship ending.
Dido's voice is soothing and she just appears to be a real person with real problems and to cope with it all she writes songs and it just so happens that she's good at it. The camera angles are great cause they center on her and it's not a big production- it's like you have the front row to a great concert.
I don't know a single person who says "I don't like Dido's music" after they listen to her albums. It's impossible. When someone close to me died I listened to See the Sun over and over. The words made me feel not alone.
The dvd also comes with a live cd. This is great because the live performance of See You When You're 40 is played with a great intensity and it's much better live. This dvd is great and if you love Dido's music you must see her perform. It is a treat. She doesn't do a lot of touring here in the U.S. so this is as good as seeing her in person.
Movie Review: Dido Puts It All Out There...on Stage
Summary: 5 Stars
This may sound like the review of a blathering idiot. But for some reason, when I watch the DVD, "Dido Live" it seems to really speak to me. Sounds crazy...right? I mean it's a concert video for goodness sake! A piece of entertainment! Yet, there are some nights, where I just can't sleep. In the dark of the early AM, it seems like the whole world is in bed..sound asleep. On those nights, I'll put this DVD on and it seems to lull me into a twilight trance, all to the magnificent sounds and confessions of singer/songwriter, Dido Armstrong. For anyone who's ever heard Dido's music, you know she is a singer, who gets personal. Dido has a pop/rock sound, augmented with laid back, electonica back-beats. This is all in support of her amazing voice. It's a voice that seems to just go up and down your spine, causing those little hairs on the back of your neck to stand up. Dido's songs are about her life, love and emotional hurt. This is one performer, who is not afraid to open her life up to you and bares herself emotionally naked. (O.K., I'm definitely in blathering idiot mode!) In this concert DVD, she performs live in front of a couple thousand cheering fans at London's Brixton Academy. But even though she's in front of a large crowd, she seems to engage the viewer personally with her friendly, song introductions, her confessional, tell-all song lyrics and a lively musical performance, backed by an excellent group of musicians. Dido is just one of those performers, who really reaches down somewhere in herself and puts it all out there in her performance. The DVD includes many of her hits from the two CDs in her discography, including "White Flag", "Life For Rent", Don't Leave Home", "Sand in My Shoes" and "Thank You". The sound and picture on this DVD is wonderfully remastered. The DVD package also includes a shortened audio CD. But between the two, the DVD is the way to really experience this concert. I love this DVD and I'm sure I'll spend more sleepless nights experiencing it! Highly recommended!