| BorisVM |
The music and film industries must be very grateful that DVDs have swamped the marketplace. Offering superior audio and video quality, DVDs have helped both industries shelter themselves from piracy, reduced sales and a lack of new offerings.
As a result, many labels have turned back the proverbial clock and released old-school DVDs, as well as more recent ones. This week, I present 10 hard rock DVDs for the metalhead in you.
Of course, depending on your musical taste and what you seek in a DVD, the rankings may not suit your personal opinion. After all, having to sit through these 10 gems and then rank them is a daunting and frustrating exercise that is a little bit like, in the words of Andrew Dice Clay, "masturbating with a cheese grater." In other words; effective but painful.
So just pop them in, sit back and let your eardrums take it all in.
10. [url="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005RDSY/virtualmacedo-20"]AC/DC - Stiff Upper Lip Live [/url]
What is most impressive about this DVD is that the band has lasted long enough to see the innovation of DVDs. Jokes aside, fans and music newbies will be delighted to see Angus Young's antics and AC/DC's deafening thunder.
9. [url="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000068TOX/virtualmacedo-20"]Ozzy Osbourne - Live At Budokan [/url]
Before Ozzy Osbourne's regular life was broadcast on MTV, he was the God of Metal music. Honestly, you cannot go wrong with this one or his Live and Loud masterpiece. Between Zakk Wylde's shredding and the earsplitting rhythm section, find out why Ozzy is known for more than just "Sharon." Once again, "Crazy Train" alone is worth the price of admission. Hopefully, Ozzy will do an orchestra-like live DVD next time around; his songs are made for it.
8. [url="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005RZPK/virtualmacedo-20"]Def Leppard - Historia / In The Round, In Your Face [/url]
While many consider Lep a studio band with epic work ethics, the band rocks live. The boys from Sheffield took their ambitions to another level after the Hysteria album and played in the round. Fans will note, of course, that this DVD features the lineup with guitarist Steve Clark, whereas Visualize features the one with Vivian Campbell. Both lineups rocked, but given the video component, this one -- set "in the round" -- gets the nod.
7. [url="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000067CQC/virtualmacedo-20"]Judas Priest - Live in London[/url]
After this performance, one has to wonder whether or not London's Brixton Academy remained standing. While the thought of hearing Priest minus original singer Rob Halford seemed blasphemous, Ripper Owens (original vocalist Halford left in 1991 to pursue a solo career) proves that he's up for the challenge, solidifying a lineup that boasts guitarists Glenn Tipton and KK Downing, as well as the potent rhythm section of bassist Ian Hill and drummer Scott Travis. Highlight of the DVD: "Desert Plains."
6. [url="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0738900370/virtualmacedo-20"]G3 - Live in Concert[/url]
Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson and Steve Vai align like an eclipse and blind audiences in this masterpiece. For those in the dark, G3 is the Joe Satriani-planned tour where he brings up two other guitarists and lets all hell break loose. The highlight of this one remains Steve Vai's "For the Love of God" -- to this day, it is arguably one of the most legendary guitar instrumental efforts.
5. [url="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00002ZMNV/virtualmacedo-20"]Metallica - S & M with the San Francisco Symphony[/url]
Before Metallica became the crusader of copyright protection, it inflicted massive damage to eardrums worldwide. After deviating from the darkest notes in music and offering a more "mellow sound" on the wildly successful Black album, it hooked up with the San Francisco Symphony and released this gem. One word: Amazing.
4. [url="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000063UQL/virtualmacedo-20"]Megadeth - Rude Awakening[/url]
It is indeed sad and tragic that lead singer Dave Mustaine suffered a career-ending injury. But if that is the case, then this DVD is even more of a tribute to one of the most lethal metal acts ever. Of note, this DVD ranks ahead of the others for the sheer quality of the work, as well as the pleasant surprise in guitarist Al Pitrelli.
3. Dream Theater - Metropolis 2000: Scenes From New York
If you like progressive rock, then the undisputed kings of the past decade are Dream Theater. Between John Petrucci's guitar playing and Mike Portnoy's drumming, Dream Theater is in a class by itself. Filmed in New York City in 2000, this DVD is sure to remain a classic for years to come.
2. [url="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005RG6B/virtualmacedo-20"]Queensryche - Operation Livecrime[/url]
When Queensryche's Operation Mindcrime was released, it represented an ambitious effort for a hard rock band; the equivalent of The Who's Tommy or better yet, Pink Floyd's The Wall. With the advent of DVDs, it should come as no surprise to see this gem out... for fans of all forms of entertainment really.
1. [url="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00006G8G1/virtualmacedo-20"]Iron Maiden - Rock in Rio[/url]
Iron Maiden's Live After Death ranks as one of the greatest live albums in metal music. As a result, this DVD was greeted with much anticipation. The track listing is missing many classic cuts, but between "Wrathchild," "The Trooper" and "Run to the Hills," there will surely be no complaints. |