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Chieftans Live Over Ireland, The
List Price: Unknown [Buy now and save at Amazon]
Review:
Features:Widescreen aspect ratio 1.78:1. Audio tracks: Dolby 5.1 Surround, Dolby 2.0 Stereo. Descriptive narratiion by Paddy Maloney. Features: Two additional performance scenes.
The DVD
The subtitle "Love Over ireland" is, thankfully, a bit of a misnomer, because this isn't another one of those helicopter fly-over videos in which sytunning scenery is accompanied by soothing Celtic new-age muzak. No, this is something much better: An affectionate and gorgeously photographed record of The Chieftains' travels throughout Ireland in 1999, as they stop in various significant places to record "Water from the Well," the group's magnificent album of all-Traditional Irish music. There's plenty of beautiful Irish scenery along the way, but what makes this DVD special is the inclusion, from each member of the Chieftains, of anecdotal history about the band and each member's musical background. As an animated map traces their progress around the Emerald Isle, The Chieftains--and especially the group's effusive leader, Paddy Maloney--give us a privileged look at their collective past, present, and future as the world's foremost ambassadors of music, and they're joined by such distinguished fellow artists as Los Lobos, Ry Cooder, Altan, Steve Cooney, and (in the final track) Van Morrison. If you're evben a casual fan of The Chieftains, this DVD should be considered as essential as any of their CDs.
The Picture
This documentary/performance feature was shot on high-definition video, the transfer is impeccable, and the color gradations practically flawless. Some variation occurs during scenes shot in dim lighting, but that's normal under circumstances when lighting preparations are limited. Otherwise, the cinematography is tatseful, professional, and frequently quite beautiful. Particularly effective is the use of a small, old-fashioned TV set, photographed on scenic locations, in which successive scenes are superimposed to provide seamless transitioins from one scene to another.
The Sound
This DVD is essentially a filmed record of the Chieftains as they recorded "Water From the Well," so the sound recording is as close to perfect as you could hope for. The Dolby 5.1 track is preferred, of course, over the 2.0 stereo, but either will perform nicely on any system. This is a class act all the way, and although the third audio track--narrative description from Cheiftains leader Paddy Maloney--is a bit sparse (it's like an occasional commentary, with long gaps), it's still a welcomed addition to the primary soundtracks, offering additional insight and detail about the musical performances.
The Extras
Not much here, but it's choice, consisting of two additional performance sequences. The first ("Santiago") is video related to The Chieftains' album of the same name, showing the group's travel to Spain and its integration of Spanish and Irish musical traditions. The second ("The Rocky Road to Dublin") is an extended scene from the track #6 performance with guest musician Steve Cooney, shot in the Hollywood Heritage Center in County Wicklow, Irleand.
Conclusion
It's pretty simple: If you like The Chieftains, or Celtic or Irish music in general, you're going to love this DVD. Not only is it filled with great Chieftains music and warm, often humorous storytelling from the band members, but the photography of numerous Irish landscapes is nothing less than stunning. Depending on how devoted you are, this disc is likely to stand the test of time, and should reward multiple viewings. Casual fans should not hesitate to rent it; die-hard enthusiasts are encouraged to add it to their collection.
Features:Widescreen aspect ratio 1.78:1. Audio tracks: Dolby 5.1 Surround, Dolby 2.0 Stereo. Descriptive narratiion by Paddy Maloney. Features: Two additional performance scenes.
The DVD
The subtitle "Love Over ireland" is, thankfully, a bit of a misnomer, because this isn't another one of those helicopter fly-over videos in which sytunning scenery is accompanied by soothing Celtic new-age muzak. No, this is something much better: An affectionate and gorgeously photographed record of The Chieftains' travels throughout Ireland in 1999, as they stop in various significant places to record "Water from the Well," the group's magnificent album of all-Traditional Irish music. There's plenty of beautiful Irish scenery along the way, but what makes this DVD special is the inclusion, from each member of the Chieftains, of anecdotal history about the band and each member's musical background. As an animated map traces their progress around the Emerald Isle, The Chieftains--and especially the group's effusive leader, Paddy Maloney--give us a privileged look at their collective past, present, and future as the world's foremost ambassadors of music, and they're joined by such distinguished fellow artists as Los Lobos, Ry Cooder, Altan, Steve Cooney, and (in the final track) Van Morrison. If you're evben a casual fan of The Chieftains, this DVD should be considered as essential as any of their CDs.
The Picture
This documentary/performance feature was shot on high-definition video, the transfer is impeccable, and the color gradations practically flawless. Some variation occurs during scenes shot in dim lighting, but that's normal under circumstances when lighting preparations are limited. Otherwise, the cinematography is tatseful, professional, and frequently quite beautiful. Particularly effective is the use of a small, old-fashioned TV set, photographed on scenic locations, in which successive scenes are superimposed to provide seamless transitioins from one scene to another.
The Sound
This DVD is essentially a filmed record of the Chieftains as they recorded "Water From the Well," so the sound recording is as close to perfect as you could hope for. The Dolby 5.1 track is preferred, of course, over the 2.0 stereo, but either will perform nicely on any system. This is a class act all the way, and although the third audio track--narrative description from Cheiftains leader Paddy Maloney--is a bit sparse (it's like an occasional commentary, with long gaps), it's still a welcomed addition to the primary soundtracks, offering additional insight and detail about the musical performances.
The Extras
Not much here, but it's choice, consisting of two additional performance sequences. The first ("Santiago") is video related to The Chieftains' album of the same name, showing the group's travel to Spain and its integration of Spanish and Irish musical traditions. The second ("The Rocky Road to Dublin") is an extended scene from the track #6 performance with guest musician Steve Cooney, shot in the Hollywood Heritage Center in County Wicklow, Irleand.
Conclusion
It's pretty simple: If you like The Chieftains, or Celtic or Irish music in general, you're going to love this DVD. Not only is it filled with great Chieftains music and warm, often humorous storytelling from the band members, but the photography of numerous Irish landscapes is nothing less than stunning. Depending on how devoted you are, this disc is likely to stand the test of time, and should reward multiple viewings. Casual fans should not hesitate to rent it; die-hard enthusiasts are encouraged to add it to their collection.
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