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VH1 Storytellers: The Doors

List Price: Unknown [Buy now and save at Amazon]

Review by Aaron Beierle | posted June 23, 2001 | E-mail the Author
The Movie:

Although the comparisons to original lead singer Jim Morrison are inevitable, the three remaining members of The Doors reunited earlier this year for this terrific VH-1 special. Joining them are various singers from newer bands (Scott Weiland of Stone Temple Pilots, Creed, former Janes Addiction lead Perry Farrell and others). The newcomers pay tribute to the music that influenced them and do a stellar job in doing so, especially Creed's Scott Stapp and Weiland.

Most of all, the remaining members of the Doors prove that they can still rock extremely well after all these years, providing often amazing back-up for the lead singers who are joining them for this celebration of their music. Between songs, the members occasionally discuss the inspiration for that particular song.

Overall, a highly entertaining program that Doors fans should enjoy greatly.


The DVD

VIDEO: Although I didn't get a chance to watch this program when it was originally broadcast, I don't see how it could've looked as good then as it does here. Although Image provides a full_frame edition (as it was full_frame when broadcast), sharpness and detail are remarkably good throughout. I doubt the picture could have looked this well-defined and offered such nice depth to the image when originally on VH-1.

I noticed nothing in the way of flaws throughout that was worth mentioning. The most minimal amount of shimmer was noticed once or twice, but I didn't see any pixelation or edge enhancement throughout the show. Colors looked very well presented, coming through crisply and sharply, looking well-saturated and never smeared. A very, very enjoyable presentation image-wise.

SOUND: "VH1 Storytellers: The Doors" is presented in both Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1. Quite frankly, I was suprised at the sound quality of the presentation. Given that some of these specials produced for television come to DVD with surround sound presentations that either don't have the same kind of sound quality that is found on DVDs of concerts or have "processed" sounding surround sound, this show's audio surpassed my expectations.

Tastefully and appropriately mixed, the vocals by the various singers throughout the program are fixed in the center channel; the main front speakers provide a full-bodied sound for the instuments while additional instruments (mainly percussion) are re-inforced in the surrounds for a really superior-sounding and enveloping feel, positioning everything perfectly around the listener.

Again, I thought the audio quality was exceptionally good. This is a terrific recording of the event, capturing the music with such clarity and detail that I was instantly impressed. Every instrument really sounds well-defined and crisp, allowed to have an equal presence in the proceedings. Vocals also sounded wonderful, whichever singer was joining the group at that particular moment. A nice, although not overpowering, kick of low bass is also often felt through many of the more rockin tunes.

Both the DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 versions provided a high-quality and entertaining experience, but the DTS version did provide a slightly higher level of clarity and a mildly warmer, richer sound. Either way, I was impressed - going into a made-for-TV program like this one, I didn't expect the best from the sound, but I certainly got it.

MENUS:: Although menus themselves aren't animated, there they do have the music playing in the background and there is a nice animated transition between menus.

EXTRAS:: Two bonus tracks - "Riders On The Storm" with Strapp and "Wild Child", with Ian Astbury from The Cult. There's also a booklet included that has bios and a couple of terrific essays from the band's manager and the producer of the VH1 program.

Final Thoughts: Again, Image Entertainment doesn't dissapoint at all here. Image and especially audio quality is wonderful - this is really a top-notch presentation from the company. And hey, the show itself is extremely entertaining as well. Doors fan or not, this is definitely worth a look.
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