Yo B3TA07 and any other videophiles: I got a chance to watch the concert this weekend. My specs: 7.1 Blu-Ray and 50-inch HD and I'm really picky, particularly because this is not availible in Blu-ray. Now I see why. It comes with two audio options, the crappy stereo used on PBS broadcasts (or heaven forbid a shoddy amp up into a 5.1 feed by the local HD station in some areas) and Linear PCM uncompressed sound (the only sound quality better than DTS) that is absolutely pristine. The video pixellates a little because the concert is so darkly lit, of course, but it's not a problem. I truly would give it a 10, and I was prepared to be disappointed. A blu-ray would have been nice, but this is completely appropriate and adequate and could, indeed, preclude the blu-ray since this was obviously shot it in HD video and sound.
The only bonus feature is the trailer (best musical advertisement ever? It's up there.) but with 150 minutes of material that is understandable. And I have watched that trailer WAY too many times.
I hope Tim Rice records a commentary someday (ala Sondheim on his DVDs) because I'd love to hear his thoughts on Bennett/Nunn and London/Bway and all the backstage drama, and all the rewrites, plus a little on the concert itself would be nice!
P
