Absolute Radio: Discover real music

Beware, There are NO extras on the Blu-Ray Version, just the whole concert. So, if like me you really wanted all the unseen, rare footage of Elton, DONT expect to get it on the Blu Ray version. Get the 3 disc DVD insted

Rating: 2 out of 5

Elton John has produced a dozen or so concert DVD's, but this is the ultimate in entertainment. Recorded on his 60th birthday at his 60th performance at Madison Square Garden, this DVD excels in pure entertainment satisfaction. Over two DVD's you witness thirty-three classic songs from over the last five decades including such little performed gems like, "Hercules" and "Roy Rogers". The standards like, "Crocodile Rock" and "Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding" are also lent out in slightly new versions that more than please.

Unlike the Madison Square Garden show he previously released with shots of fans over-riding the stage show; this one showcases those people as well as dozens of famous political, musical and acting celebrities. Robin Williams and Whoopie Goldberg bring on a fantastic, "Happy Birthday" and Bernie Taupin, who never appears on stage, gives a heart-felt salute to Elton on his birthday. It's all amazingly good fun and very emotional.

The light show is fantastic and the sound is pin-point perfect with a large young choir singing backstage that enhances the performance like no other Elton John has given. It truly feels like the celebration in New York City that night was something very special.

That's not all. This double disc set also includes eighteen "live, rare & unseen" performances from over the years that are a stunning reminder of what a fantastic musician Elton John is. On top of that, there is a section called, "Elton's New York Stories" that includes four personal emotional song videos of Elton that just pack more of a whollop you would not expect.

The sound quality (DVD, dts, 5.1) is superb enough to hear audience members actually talking and the band never sounded more crisp. Add to that an extensive booklet of liner notes and you have a keeper of a Birthday celebration. Elton John - you are a spectacle of a celebration!


Rating: 5 out of 5

Without the rare and unseen footage this wouldn't get five stars from me. It IS a special concert and a true celebration of Elton John's unique musical gifts and of course his 60th Birthday. Sadly as Elton John has got older his voice has become a less expressive musical instrument. I say this as huge fan of the artist. Its not a criticism, sadly age catches up with all of us and Elton is as human as the rest of us.
If you decide to watch some of the rare and unseen concert footage before you watch the main concert, this is when the limitations in Eltons voice becomes painfully obvious. That said there are some performances in the birthday concert that are better than the archive ones. Honky Cat being one example.

Credit then to Elton John that when he sings a song like 'Where to now St Peter', where in the past the melody required him to sing falsetto he has now changed the melody to work with his less flexible voice. Lesser artists would cheat and have somebody else sing the high notes. Its a great occasion and for a man of 60 he still is the ultimate rock showman. How many other artists of Elton's era are doing 3 hour stage shows. Not many did in the 70's let alone now. Songs that haven't been performed live since the 70's are resurrected like "Ballad of a well known Gun" and some of the best songs from his recent albums like "Tinderbox" (incredibly catchy) are performed on a great stage set which is a wonder of lighting and video.

The rare and unseen footage is a treasure trove of classic footage. Noteably excellent are the 'Sounds for Saturday' performances with only Dee and Nigel (on bass and drums respectively). Four solo Piano performances from the Edinburgh playhouse are very good and a 2001 performance for a Top of the Pops special of "This Train don't Stop There Anymore", which is my favourite recent Elton John song is magnificent.

Overall then this is a great package.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Hey fantastic show I have the DVD and I was so Happy Mr John took the time and realised that all the old stuff its what us punters want to hear.
His Live shows are legendary and to have all this materail is fantastic. So I purchaed the Blue Ray Disc expecting to be blowen away with sound. What the hell is PCM 5.1?!?! My apmlifier thinks its PCM 2.0 no matter what I try. There are 2 options PCM 2.0 and PCM 5.1. "Its still sterio to me but I'm indifferent". Stick with the DVD version, it IS in 5.1 with the DTS option. It's filmed in HD so the DVD is going to shine when played on a Blue Ray player. Sooooooooooo disapointed!

Rating: 3 out of 5

The video and audio quality cannot be knocked. However watching and listening to Elton perform you are left thinking that you are watching a poor lookalike contest. Sadly Elton's voice and range has totally changed. If you bought this wanting to have a trip down memory lane then you will be left disapppointed. Elton's voice is gruff and lacking in quality and you will struggle to recognise your favourite tracks from byegone years. Die hard fans should avoid watching this as it is painful to see a once brilliant performer go down hill in front of his adoring fans.

Rating: 3 out of 5