I have not completed my PhD dissertation on the psychology of music DVDs. Well actually, I have not started it, but the interest would be centred around the purpose of a DVD for an ardent ( besotted) fan of a particular artist.! Is it just a way of making a collection feel more complete? Is it seeing the visuals of your favourite artiste - with or without sound??!! Or maybe it is that 'next-best-thing' thing, of substituting a place in the actual live performance in some far off place, for the nearest possible experience - a recorded DVD of the night.?
Your profound answers will form part of my thesis - and more importantly, they will shape your reaction to a DVD like this one, of Shania live in Chicago.
THE SONGS ==========
If it is really just the songs you want, they are basically the same as on the CD called 'Up'. Lots of great titles that have become her signature all over the world. 'From this moment' with its soft, lilting tones contrasting with the more C&W feel of ' Whose bed have your boots been under?' 'Don't be stupid' with its sense of fun, contrasting with the harsher sound and cutting message of 'Ka-Ching!'
I'll not list the lot, but every Shania fan will love some if not all of these tracks.
THE PERFORMANCE =================
The DVD does not have the pure sound quality of the CD for obvious reasons - this was a live concert, after all. But, that said, the quality is great and you'll catch all the words perfectly well, The DVD does give that extra feel of a live performance. You see some of the emotion of a song. There is an extra ingredient in a live show that is hard to define, but gets folk paying big money to enjoy. You do get extra glimpses of Shania too - as a person I mean! Little comments on her songs, responses to the audience, appreciation of her fans and even a willingness to share the stage with a guy who wants to propose marriage to his girlfriend - sorry but this was sad, Shania - not even I would go that far to share the stage with you, and get a hug and a kiss with you - although, having said that....
THE EXPERIENCE ===============
Watching a performance like this, can only be evaluated in terms of the total experience enjoyed or endured. It is a highly watchable DVD, and the besotted should add it to their collection right away. The half-hearted followers of Shania's music should consider going for this DVD too. It will be a fun experience that will spark your enthusiasm. The critics will find their experience with this DVD will confirm every prejudice they harbour against Shania. They will loathe her prancing around the stage in a bright yellow polo with masses of bare midriff on display...what has that got to do with music!?? They will loathe Shania's constant pure-white smile... no-one has teeth as perfect as that in real life, they must be artificial!!?? They would feel total scepticism at the sight of wee kids being brought on the platform to singalongaShania! They will be infuriated by her non-highbrow music that gets feet tapping and hands clapping in the open-air of Chicago... so buying a copy of the DVD would be a good way of getting proof of the shallowness of those who enjoy Shania's music.
So where do I fit in? I just did not want to see panorama shots of a vast crowd all raving in Shania's presence.! I did not want to see crowds of other people all mouthing the words of her songs, as though they knew them better than Shania herself.! I wanted this to be an up close and personal video, with Shania just singing her songs for me and my enjoyment!!!!???
So these serious negatives reduce my score for this Shania DVD - I can only possibly rate it at 99.999 % and that is an objective review of course.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Production Year: 1999 - Music / Performing Arts - Original Language: English - Classification: Exempt - Starring: Donny Osmond, Joan Collins, Richard Attenborough
I fall into the "passing fan" category, so I will certainly consider buying this. I enjoyed reading your review and found it very amusing.
orlando 06.01.2006 00:49
Lol, yeah, very objective!! I love Shania, and her shallow music. I find her very uplifting, and I have read and watched her life story, and it just adds to my respect for the singer. I also enjoy DVD''s which show crowds and fans enjoying themselves - yep, I may need to buy this, after all! Gwen
Tracklisting:Man! I Feel Like a womanUp!Honey I'm HomeShe's Not Just a Pretty faceWhen you ... more
kiss meForever and for alwaysKa-ching!Don't be stupid (You Know I Love You)That Don't Impress Me MuchI'm Gonna Getcha Good!From This Moment OnNo-One Needs To Kno...
![Shania Twain: Up! Live in Chicago [DVD] [2003]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/81462883.jpg "Shania Twain: Up! Live in Chicago [DVD] [2003]")
very helpful by (70%):
helpful by (30%):
