Genesis: When In Rome Live 2007
by David Mallet
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Chester Thompson, Daryl Stuermer, Mike Rutherford, Phil Collins, Tony BanksDirector: David Mallet
Producer: Dione Orrom
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: Color, DVD, Import, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 157 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2008-07-08
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: EMI Europe Generic
Movie Reviews of Genesis: When In Rome Live 2007
Movie Review: An Astonishing Achievement...
Summary: 5 Stars
Although Genesis has been my all time favorite band by far since I first discovered them in the mid/late 70's, I only had the opportunity to see them live and in person twice, once in 1981 at Pittsburgh's Civic Arena, and later in 1992 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. Phil Collins broke from Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks (the only three surviving members of the original group) shortly after that 1992 tour, sadly. Though Mike and Tony would put out one more album with Ray Wilson as lead singer under the name "Genesis" ("Calling All Stations" - see my review elsewhere here on Amazon), that whole gig never caught on with most fans and "Genesis" was shortly afterwards, officially, no more. Until 15 years later, that is, when the guys finally got back together for their 2007 worldwide reunion tour. It was a long wait, but I'm happy to report it was well worth it, as these aging dinosaurs of progressive/pop rock more than showed their many millions of fans around the globe that they still have that old Genesis magic. And this three disc DVD set is simply stunning as a lasting document to their reunion and historic body of works, whether they ever tour again or put out (fingers crossed) any more new studio albums.
As has been the case for more than two decades, Daryl Stuermer (guitars, bass guitars) and Chester Thompson (drums) remain part of the Genesis Live touring band, deservedly so after all of these years, and both add their usual proficient, professional aplomb and emotional expertise to the original trio's performances. Now, in my mind, there have always been three different types of Genesis fans. One, those who generally eschew the newer stuff (post-"Duke"), in favor of the older stuff (pre-"Abacab"), Two, those who loved the newer, shorter pop stuff more than the generally longer, progressive offerings, and Three, those who loved and have all along loved both.
Let it be known, I fall into the last category, as I've personally been enchanted by and do still adore, almost everything this band has ever produced. And while I might admit to more of a predilection for the older, on the whole, longer and more ethereal efforts, I strongly believe no true Genesis fan of whatever sort, will want to be without this enthralling triple disc DVD set. For they bring effective, equal command, strength, effort, powerful and unassailable impressions and interpretations to every single old/new, shorter/longer song on this breathtaking endeavor. And to those who pretty much dismiss the post-"Peter Gabriel" or post-"Duke" more pop-oriented efforts, I would just point to later, just as strong progressive masterpieces such as "Domino" (arguably my favorite Genesis song), "Home By the Sea," and "Fading Lights" (played over the end credits), among several others.
The packaging and artwork in this DVD set is excellent, as is the picture quality and stereo sound and channel separation prominence (the latter quite astounding, especially with a good speaker system and/or a good set of headphones). The three DVD's are all easy to navigate, and provide the viewer with effortless choice selections, which adds to the value of repeated and future enjoyment. And finally, captions are available in several different languages, including Japanese!
Disc One contents include Duke's Intro, Turn It On Again, No Son Of Mine, Land Of Confusion, In The Cage (including excerpts from Cinema Show and Duke's Travels), Afterglow, Hold On My Heart, Home By The Sea, Follow You Follow Me, Firth of Fifth (excerpt), and I Know What I Like.
Disc Two contents include Mama, Ripples, Throwing It All Away, Domino, Conversations With 2 Stools (drum duo with Chester and Phil), Los Endos, Tonight Tonight Tonight (excerpt), Invisible Touch, I Can't Dance, and Carpet Crawlers.
Each track has its' own extras, available at the beginning of each song by pressing enter/ok/select on your DVD remote when a small "Duke" symbol appears or via the disc's main menu. There are, in fact, tons of fascinating and sometimes very funny extras and behind-the-scenes surprises throughout.
Finally, Disc Three contains a very informative and entertaining documentary called "Come Rain Or Shine" which chronicles in detail, the meticulous planning and preparations which led to the actual tour, various particulars of which began to take shape six months before the very first show.
Genesis has always been a one of a kind band, as has their superlative staging, lighting, and background effects, but they really outdid even themselves for this free concert before over half a million appreciative fans of all ages. Performing in front of the most colossal and most incredible and visually dazzling, choreographed CGI and other special effects setup I've ever seen, I doubt this aspect of the show will ever be surpassed. But that's only the beginning, because the excellent camerawork and editing, great song choice selections (I especially enjoyed the inclusion of music from "Duke," my favorite Genesis album), and audience interactions, add even more to each tune. Phil Collins jumps around a lot less here than in his more youthful days, but his voice is still magnificent, as are his drumming and clowning skills. Tony Banks remains the best keyboards player I've ever heard, and Daryl's soaring, solo guitar riffs in many pieces are nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Overall, I have nothing whatsoever negative to say about this DVD set. I was filled with ecstasy and tingles up my spine in so many instances, while other times the power and inherent messages within various pieces touched me deep within my heart and soul, as only Genesis music has ever been able to accomplish. And finally, songs such as "Afterglow," "Carpet Crawlers," and "Ripples" brought tears (of joy) to my eyes as they always have, and always will.
I've purchased many items from Amazon over the years, but this is without a doubt, the most satisfying, exceeding all of my expectations. Buy it now Genesis fans. Trust me, you will not be disappointed...