I watched the Vegas Dvd last night. I was expecting a bad viewing experience, (based on some of the comments I have read on this site,) but It was not bad at all.

I think some people automatically said it is "crap" and that assessment is harsh. Honestly I have seen worse, alot worse.
The picture is alot better than i thought it would be. I improved the picture by adjusting the "black level" on the dvd player. For the most part, the picture was clear and when the picture was grainy it seemed an Intentional effect.

The complaints about the picture quality being "jaggy" are simply untrue. throughout the majority of the presentation the picture remains clear and the colors are consistant(Using S-video).

Even the Dolby Digital 2.0 (stereo) sound was not as bad as some people have stated. It has been my experience that other DVD's at the same price only carry a Dolby Digital 2.0 track. Univeral Home video has given the same treatment to a nuumber of thier most recent titles. I assume this practice keeps DVD prices reasonable.

The music is clear and aside from some "low level" moments it was nicely recorded. The only downfall of the sound was -- I found I had to set the volume higher on my theatre system. "THEATRE" or "STADIUM' settings vastly expands the soundtrack. Coaxial (digital) hookup also helps the soundtracks performance.

The audio soundtrack matched the video display perfectly. Often, when the audio -- video do not match it can be a problem with your AV, TV or DVD player, rarely the DVD is seldom the problem. If your audio -- video doesnot match try "pausing" the DVD player, then press "play" again. This practice should corect the problem.

There you have it.
[This message was edited Fri Aug 22 9:02:47 PDT 2003 by slm4m]
[This message was edited Fri Aug 22 10:47:45 PDT 2003 by slm4m]
[This message was edited Fri Aug 22 10:48:54 PDT 2003 by slm4m]

I completely agree with you. Thanks!

I had the asme reaction. I was kind of worried after reading the boards, but the performance is SO GOOD! I didn't see the ONA tour, so I was completely blown away by this band. ((I may be in love with Rhonda Smith.)) I agree that the video quality could've/should've been better. I show off my home theater with the 'Rave' DVD, the picture is unusually sharp and just plain gorgeous.

I AGREE!!!

I have watched this DVD over and over again and even shown it to my co-workers...at work and they really! ENJOYED!!! IT, and I'm sure own a copy by now...It seems that this DVD will become a major success, because Best Buy in Madison Hts, had tons on the shelf and more than a few dozen were sold, at 10am, when I got there, I couldnt believe how many ppl had the dvd in hand at the cash register..., the employee at best buy, said to me this seems to be a hot concert huh? I smiled and told her to pick it up and you won't be disappointed.

I completely agree... my wife hates the fact that I enjoy Prince so much, and has since we met. She gave me the customary eye roll when I opened it , but gave me a courtesy view anyways and she and my kids sat there and REALLY dug it with me. I realized then and there, I sooo enjoy getting new Prince stuff. This was better than a lot of the boot shit I've seen over the years. Not perfect but definately good enough!!

Now release The SOTT movie

slm4m said:

AMEN!!! While you're at it... release UTCM and GB on DVD.

This is refreshing to hear. I ordered it from NPGMC a few days ago and after reading some of the reviews on here, I kinda regretted it. I am still waiting (hopefully not for too long but we all know NPGMC delivery times) and seeing this thread is giving me a glimmer of hope that I'll enjoy it.

Also, why the helll ISN'T SOTT not on DVD yet...waiting patiently.

Also, why the helll ISN'T SOTT not on DVD yet...waiting patiently.[/quote]

Maybe, it will happen -- with the Universal deal -- MCA Home Video is owned by Universal.

I agree wholeheartedly. I've watched this DVD about 5 times since I picked it up Tuesday and it gets better and better upon each subsequent viewing. The picture quality and sound quality aren't nearly as bad as everyone repeatedly said on this site. I actually like the digital footage, it looks crisp and sharp, like the footage Spike Lee used in Bamboozled and The Original Kings of Comedy. Furthermore, I have played the DVD for a few friends that aren't into Prince and after viewing it everyone was asking where they could pick up the live album and if he was going on tour in the near future. I honestly feel this DVD is going to be a success, and although the tracklisting is brief, it is long enough for the casual fan to become more interested in Prince's new direction.

I totally agree!!! I thought Prince may have lost his touch, but I quickly changed my mind after viewing the DVD. I especially loved his new dances, The Nevada Shake and The Ozzie Ozburn!!! I also died laughing at the beginning of "Pass The Peas" and he was introducing Maceo like he was a little "light in the loafers"

"light in the loafers"

Prince is ONE Funny MOFO...

I haven't got it yet - cos I read somewhere, that to play it in the UK, I'd be better off buying it in a shop over here. Something to do with the PAL versions of the DVD being more compatible with UK DVD players??

Can anyone confirm this please?

Pagey said:

I'm sure you'll go straight to Whole Lotta Love, Jack!

The video quality is cheap looking...and Prince is truly a has-been based on fans coming to see his final concert-- I mean, 4,000 people-- is that it?? I'm sure MJ can pull 2X or more if he does one and the video quality would be much better than this. I hate the transition from one song to another where it would have still pictures that are sooo lame looking...it's truly cheaply made and made me feel cheap as well...we deserve much better than this, Prince!! Shame on you!!

Thanks for a common sense review from someone that has some decent equipment and knows how to use it. I couldnt agree more. Goes to show you that you cant just believe all of the negativity on this site.

LaMont said:

It's not being negative, mind you...it's being realistic...some seems to have their heads still up in the clouds...
[This message was edited Fri Aug 22 22:47:16 PDT 2003 by rainbowchild]

rainbowchild said:

WOW!!!
This cat scares me. Kind of reminds me of this girl I once dated/slept with ONE TIME and she literally though we were married after she made the exact same comment (put my name in instead of Prince). Shit, I had to move and everything.

Dude the DVD is Great. I love it and Prince's performance was absolutely charged. Washington D.C. was great, but I don't have it DVD. People who went to the Aladdin show are some lucky bastards, what an awesome show, what an awesome keep sake.
[This message was edited Fri Aug 22 23:06:37 PDT 2003 by lmas]

Well I'm glad some people are actually experiencing the same Aladdin dvd I am. For a while I thought I was the only one with a clear copy.

rainbowchild said:

---

Maybe you have you head in the clouds since you think you opinion is the law.

I purchased the DVD yesterday at Best Buy. It is a really good DVD and now all of the naysayers on this site really do come off as negative nitwits.

To say the picture was blurry and distored was just outright lies.

My only gripe about the DVD is that it is too short.

I mean, 4,000 people-- is that it??
---
4,000 times $50 - $100 a ticket? Sounds like a good night to me.


I'm sure MJ can pull 2X or more if he does one
---
So? Wasn't Prince in the top 20 for ticket receipts last year?


it's truly cheaply made and made me feel cheap as well
---



...we deserve much better than this, Prince!! Shame on you!![/quote]
---
I thought I got just what my $15 paid for.

LaMont said:

I am really into Audio Video -- Thanks for the compliment.

PhilG said:

HA HA HA !!! I got the DVD in the mail on Saturday and as soon as I put it on I went straight to Whole Lotta Love! That's friggin hilarious! You called that one Phil!!

BTW, I think the DVD is great...very entertaining. There was no need for the flack it got last week. The picture is fine, sound is terrific, and set list is kickin'. My girlfriend, who is a casual fan, LOVED it. She's been playing the ONAL CDs all weekend. Yes, it's not the whole show, but the thing was $15. We'd be paying a hell of a lot more if we got the entire show.

PhilG said:[quote]

Pagey said:

It's funny you mentioned that.

When I went to Sheila E.'s drum clinic in Chicago a couple weeks ago, there was a lot of merchandise on sale. Interestingly, they had copies of Prince's SOTT on dvd! I was very intrigued but I did not buy a copy. Something about it just didn't seem right. I did not know where this dvd came from and was just a little leary about spending the money they were asking and not knowing what I was really getting. I had been hearing about copies of a SOTT dvd floating around out there but since it's not an OFFICIAL release, I was a little concerned about the quality and the content. I don't know... it just seemed alittle suspect to me.

I'm getting the feeling many on this thread think "Under The Cherry Moon" was a GREAT movie, Oscar-worthy, truly spectacular with terrific acting!
[This message was edited Mon Aug 25 10:06:56 PDT 2003 by TheMax]

THIS DVD ROCKS!!I'm sorry for those that don't see it,but I see it!There are times when the picture isn't great,but I am so excited about the performances I don't care.I am really into this.I have been trying to get more people to buy it.FunKY AND JAZZY.SMMMOKIN'

RedZRyder said:[quote]

PhilG said:

this has been discussed before but if the DVD had Prince(circa 1999) on the cover than that's the Brazilian copy which is crap. The Brave label release is the one to get since it's a rip from the Laserdisc. So if you or Jack(Pagey) see it snag that puppy!!

Add me to the crowd that likes the Vegas DVD. I don't have a fancy DVD player or stereo system, and I don't know all about how DVDs should be formatted and listened to. However, it played just fine for me and the sound was great. I really enjoyed it. As one who didn't get to see the ONA Tour, this was definitely a treat for me. Sure, there were plenty of songs that I would have hoped had been included, but having bought the ONA 3-CD set and seeing this DVD, I get the vibe.

I gave my 2 cents; I owe you $.98.