Search - The Cult: Irving Plaza, New York City on DVD

Total Energy

Santino | Tacoma, WA | 09/16/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Black Light
Ian and Billy are back! Fantastic energy on this live show. The sound is excellent as is the set list. The only disappointment was the fact they cut two songs: Star and King Contrary Man. "Rise" and "Love Removal Machine" are the most explosive tracks on the DVD. The chemistry between Ian and Billy is the best it's ever been. All in all, a great disc from a great band."

I really liked this dvd, but Ian does come across kind of an

Cynda Bell | Faribault, MN USA | 10/17/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Before I go on, let me say this: I really love love love the Cult and ALL their music, past and present. All of it! I love Ian's voice and Billy's guitaring and think they are the absolute Best. They seem to be really interesting and unique people.

The first thing I noticed was that Ian seemed really perturbed during the first part of the concert stating that he was there to please only himself. Also saying something to someone like "I know where I am, Bit_h." I'm sorry, but it bugged me to hear that. Just before that he said something that led me to believe that maybe he had a bit too much to drink, which could explain the behavior. Who knows. Maybe he had a good reason for coming off that way. Maybe some people in the audience were unusually rude or rowdy. At one point, he tells someone, "Sir, calm down. It's okay.", which was fine. In the 2001 Los Angeles recorded concert, his presence is SO commanding that you can't take your eyes off.

As the concert went on, he seemed less irritated, and at one point, made a comment about all the testosterone in the room. He was very gracious when someone through a bouquet of roses onto the stage. As someone else said, Ian and Billy did seem closer than I've seen in the past, and that was a pleasant part of the concert.

There was some type of error in the DVD where some words briefly flashed up saying something about the DVD. I can't remember what it said, but it clearly wasn't meant to be there.

The sound was really good and after the incidents I mentioned above, the mood seemed more relaxed and less angry and I did enjoy it. For the most part, the songs don't sound like they do on the record (not all the lyrics being sung, etc.), but there is SO MUCH MORE ENERGY in a concert environment that why would you expect them to sound the same. It's more enjoyable and exciting to see a live performance. I especially enjoyed "Spirit Walker," which sounded Fantastic, and the acoustic version of "Edie."

As far as the filming or editing goes, I didn't really like the way they would focus on something for a split second then cut away too fast. Too jumpy as someone else pointed out. It didn't flow as well as the concert DVD from 2001 LA, which I really liked alot. Especially the high-def version on Voom.

Of course I recommend getting this dvd, since it is them afterall. Another aspect of them to watch, but still the Cult.

****Another reviewer here clued me in that you cannot hear all the audience banter in this dvd that you can hear on a downloadable version. Apparently Ian had recently had surgery and mentioned that the stage was like being on black ice~that would certainly explain the attitude. For more, read the comments.****"

Oh dear! I'm a director on uppers!! Pass the ritolin!

Chris O'Callaghan | Melbourne, Australia | 11/12/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is amongst the worst directed DVDs I have ever bought. The music is fine and, for us in Oz, there is always interest in Cult concert footage. They were here .... when? But crikey, despite a pretty good live performance, this DVD is virtually unwatchable. I'm not an epileptic, but just about became one. No shot is held for more than 3 secs and I am not exaggerating. A damned shame! Try the earlier DVD from 2001/2002. Maybe, this one could be re-cut, because otherwise it is quite a good gig. I would buy the live CD."