Ricky Martin - MTV Unplugged (DVD)

Author's product rating:   

Did you enjoy it?	Loved it
Characters / Performances	Outstanding
Soundtrack	Outstanding
How does it compare to similar films?	Outstanding

Advantages:	Amazing songs, real music, feels like you were at the recording, subtitles in different languages
Disadvantages:	People who can't understand Spanish may find it difficult to understand what Ricky says

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Ricky Martin is THE legend of Latin music and in my opinion always will be! His MTV Unplugged DVD is by far the most entertaining and cultural music DVD ever made. I really enjoy watching it! It has a 'feel good' quality about it, and is also quite educational in learning about a different culture and the Spanish/Latin American language, which I think is truly beautiful. For some reason, I felt proud watching it... it really makes you reflect on your life though, because the songs are quite emotional (not to the point of crying though. Obviously I don't cry over a song! haha). Ricky's vocals are flawless and he has his own destinctive sound. There's no gimics or editing just the live sound of Ricky's voice and very talented instrument players who have obviously rehearsed and rehearsed until they reached perfection. This live recording was put straight onto the CD, which shows Ricky's true talent and how he doesn't need editing like some 'fake' artists out there. (Obviously they may have edited parts out where the audience cough or whatever haha)

Its amazing the diversity of performances Ricky has - he can sing with just a piano, duet with a female singer and guitarist, an uptempo track with a huge backing of different instruments and even just a drum rhythm like on 'Pegate'.

The stage and setting has an angular theme to capture different beams of light, which gives it a good effect. Also, there is a very ethusiastic audience - many of whom travelled miles to see him do the unplugged - e.g. Mexico, Spain, as proven by the 'Behind the scenes' clips.

Ricky connects with his audience well, not just in studio but it's mesmorizing to watch him on screen too. It feels as if you're there in the studio. He introduces most of the songs and also didicateds a few of them, like before 'Gracias Por Pensar En Mi' he says "This song is dedicated to all the children who live in conflict around the world." It's quite touching, and it adds a personal touch to the show, whilst also displaying Ricky's caring and down to earth personality, which is so refreshing considering a lot of today's celebrities are stuck up and too wrapped up in their own lives. His voice is really calm and relaxing, not just when singing, but also simply talking. The Spanish language is beautiful, even if you don't understand it, you can feel the real emotion put into every word which makes all the difference between a talented artist and a superstar.

Now I'll comment on the tracks:

1. Gracias Por Pensar En Mi (A Via Lactea) - He introduces the song and dedicates it to the children living in conflict around the world, as said above, which is very thoughtful and a good start to the show, which keeps everyone interested. This song highlights what a worthwhile watch (and listen) this DVD really is. This track is very catchy and has a good feel to it.

2. Con Tu Nombre - The maracas that start of the performance, and also continue throughout, really carry this ballad along with the French accordian, piano and violins. Very traditional Spanish sounding, which is good to see music doesnt have to be based around fancy keyboards and edited sounds in this day and age. This is real live music!

3. María - The classic hit updated with an added twist and French sounding music, although it seems to have been slowed down a bit. Ricky dances across the stage and its really entertaining to watch; a big contrast from the previous ballad song. There are instrumentals where Ricky freestyle dances, and everyone seems to be having fun - the audience screaming and all dancing. He's a natural entertainer and all the crowd cheer and clap for ages afterwards.

4. Tu Recuerdo - This is one of my favourites, and also one of the newly produced tracks on here. Ricky introduces his friends who he performs this song with; first of all, Mari from the Spanish band Chambao... their voices connect beautifully. She was definitely the right woman to duet with Ricky for this song. Then he introduces his very good friend, and producer, Dormitorios who plays the guitar exceptionally. It's a very catchy song, very soulful and emotional, just like they are telling a story.

5. Perdido Sin Tí - This song is also quite emotional and expressive, however in contrast from track 4 this is a slower ballad. It's really relaxing to listen to, but also really catchy. This song has grown on me and is now my top favourite on the album at the moment. At the end of the song when Ricky sings his last line, there's a silence in the audience at first; Ricky is so affected by the music, it's really interesting to watch. He shows true emotion in the lyrics of the song.

6. Asignatura Pendiente - This is another ballad, very slow, but very soulful and beautiful sounding.

7. Vuelve - the audience scream with joy as we enter this song. This is a classic ballad hit, and the updated version is just as good. It's flawless, and the chorus is very catchy for a slow track like this.

8. Lola, Lola - This one is the real upbeat one on the DVD. Again, there's real fun and happiness within the studio. It's very Spanish sounding, but also again with an accordian which creates the French sound. It's very catchy and Ricky's dancing is really good.

9. Volveras - Another beautiful ballad about love. Ricky, as always, shows true emotion and interest in the lyrics. He belts out the chorus really well, with "Volveras" being the main word which is held on for ages. It's really soulful.

10. La Bomba - Another of the true fun, upbeat songs. The improved version of this hit, is extremely catchy. It's really funky, and you'll probably catchy yourself singing along or dancing. It's very cultural - very Spanish! Ricky really gets into the song, and like always dances throughout the song.

11. Fuego De Noche, Nieve De Día - Very beautiful song with hardly any background music, just a piano accompaniment (sp?) and as we get further into the song, a violin. There's some quite powerful moments in here - when the music stops and Ricky ups his voice which is a big contrast to the usually quiet and peaceful vocals throughout the song.

12. Pegate - With just a drum beat and percussion, Ricky shows his true colour and diversity by singing the verses with just this backing rhythm and audience clapping. It's an upbeat, African sounding track with a lot of culture and fun. A good way to end the show - on a feel good, party-type song.

Other features include:
Behind the scenes extra,
Biography,
Subtitles in many languages.

The behind the scenes filming features fans who have travelled from all over the world just to see Ricky, and a few of them are interviewed. It also shows how Ricky prepared constantly for this show, how the songs were put together, rehearsed etc. True dedication! Also, there's some spiritual stuff added in aswell, and how Ricky meditates before a show. It's really interesting!

The DVD cover appears to be unsuitable for children, although I would rate the contents as PG due to Ricky's extrovert dancing haha. Plus, kids would probably find it boring - this is only for people who love good music! ;) So... cheesy pop lovers step away NOW; this aint for you!

I recommend this to anyone who loves different cultures, the Spanish language (or anyone who wants to improve it!), Latin America, cultural music, Ricky Martin himself or purely for any music lovers in general!

£9.99 online, but £12.99 in store... It's only available in USA at the moment, but I bought this off play.com as soon as it came out. It will be available in UK stores soon.

Songs also available on CD - I also bought this off play.com aswell, but it took about 5 months to arrive! Was well worth the wait though, because I loved the DVD so much that I had to buy the CD too.

Long live Ricky, is all I can say!

xxx