One Earth Tour Special
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: KodoBrand: RED Distribution
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: Color, DVD, Live, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
DVD Release Date: 2005-01-11
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Red Int / Red Ink
Movie Reviews of One Earth Tour Special
Movie Review: The beauty of Taiko!
Summary: 5 Stars
"Absolutely beautiful" are the words I can convey about this DVD.
Back in 1993, among my first purchases of taiko (Japanese drum) music on CD was "BEST OF KODO". With an interest in taiko drumming, I have always been in love with its peaceful and rhythmic nature and have purchased and listened to KODO as it explored it's various musical directions.
For one thing, it's one thing to listen but to finally see KODO visually is indescribable. You see, after watching many taiko drumming performances and concerts, I have never watched KODO perform. What I saw... I was amazed.
Since their debut in 1981 at the Berlin Festival, KODO has brought the sound of taiko to the years of the world through their ongoing "One Earth Tour".
The group spends about a third of the year overseas, a third touring Japan and a third on their home of Sado Island.
Among their accomplishments of delighting audiences in over 2,600 performances in 42 countries in the world.
In 2001, KODO became the first Japanese artists to grace the stage of the prestigious Nobel Peace Price concert in Oslo, Norway.
In 2002, they helped craft the theme song to the FIFA World Cup KOREA/JAPAN and was featured on the soundtrack of the Chinese motion picture "HERO".
In this DVD, released this month, viewers have the opportunity to watch a beautiful two hour performance of Kodo recorded back in November 20 & 21, 2003 at Setagaya Public Theater in Tokyo, Japan.
In collaboration with Tamasaburo Bando, one of Kabuki's most renowned artistic directors. Kabuki, a Japanese traditional theatrical art form over 400 years old.
For KODO, they continue to explore the limitless possibilities of the traditional Japanese drum taiko for over 30 years and on this DVD, the performance is stunningly beautiful.
One thing that surprised me about the performance is how each member was choreographed perfectly. From their difficult stances and the beat of the drumming, I have never seen the human body exerted in a way, as seen in this concert.
I asked myself many times, how they can stand in a certain position, exerting their bodies for long periods of time but that is one thing about KODO that makes them so unique.
With a total of 11 performances not including the encore, the duration of the DVD is about two hours long. With each performance ranging around 10-20 minutes each.
It's hard to describe in words how visually stunning this concert is.
One major point of enjoying this DVD is the different camera angles. From all sides, up and down, angles, close-ups. You're literally right there. Not missing a beat. It's an up close view of the concert that enhances the performance.
From the facial emotions of the taiko drummers, in positions that seem very uncomfortable but look great as part of the choreography, you can't help but be amazed by the dedication and artistic nature of the taiko drummers.
I will say this. "KODO - ONE EARTH TOUR SPECIAL" is one of the best filmed concerts I have watched on DVD.
From lighting to the sound quality, the concert was filmed very well and although not an anamorphic, the colors and lighting are brilliant. Blacks were utilized and I don't recall seeing any artifacts.
As for audio, the taiko drums sounded great on my home theater system and the audio of the taiko drums were projected very well through my speakers. As well as the music by the group later on through the concert.
With many Japanese music DVD's, I was not expecting any special features but this DVD does come with a special feature which is a featurette titled "To Sado and Beyond" ("Sado e" Special Version) which includes interviews with members of Kodo and I believe an interview with musical director, Ryutaro Kaneko.
Included with the DVD is a 9-track CD with several performances from "One Earth Tour Special".
Also, included is a booklet featuring KODO musical director, Ryutaro Kaneko writing about his experiences and being on the island of Sado.
"Record of an Extraordinary Encounter: Kodo and Tamasaburo Bando" by music journalist, Takuya Katagiri is included in the booklet. As well as, concert information, Tamasaburo Bando and KODO information and a page featuring the 24 members of KODO.
If you are a taiko drum fan, you owe it to yourself to check this DVD out.
I've watched many taiko drum performances but what you see on this DVD goes beyond what many of us have seen before.
This concert is truly a remarkable performance and the added bonus of having the CD along with the DVD is a plus. "KODO - ONE EARTH TOUR SPECIAL" DVD is highly recommended.
Summary of One Earth Tour Special
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