Search - Live from the Dark on DVD

Come on people it's not that bad!

classicrockergirl | 01/28/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I went out of my way to get this DVD on import despite what everyone had said about the quality of the concert footage. While I found it to be rather different in the way it was filmed, I don't find it to be so incredibly horrible as to merit what the other reviewers here have said about it. I would hate to see the harsh opinions of a few people deter diehard fans and new fans alike from buying this release.

The concert is filmed, not videotaped, and the effects bring to mind the Led Zeppelin concert movie "The Song Remains The Same" for me; perhaps people not familiar with that concert movie won't get that or relate. I do not feel it takes away from the concert performance at all and upon repeated viewings I am still enjoying the concert very much.

The second DVD of extras is what makes it though. The behind the scenes footage of the band's preparations for the show, and the very in-depth "Taxi Diaries" interview segments give some insight to the bond between the members of this band that has helped to make its return so successful. I recommend watching the DVD of extras before watching the concert; it helps to get a better perspective on all that went into the finished product.

Final word: Do not let the negative reviews above deter you from buying this DVD, especially if you are a diehard fan."

Lights off: it's Live from the Dark..and it rocks!

Icarus | Beatiful British Columbia | 04/20/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This early-80's swedish band does not pick up precisely where they left more than a decade ago. With their latest release -Start from the Dark- Europe comes as a breath of fresh air amid today's music industry stench, but this particular breeze turns into a gust of hot air as Europe is caught on film performing in their red/medium-rare renovated spirit.

The exuberant make-up,flamboyant colours,stylistic excesses and adulterated riffs are put aside to present a dark and relentless determination to rock, even when the band performs their own old tunes.

The absence of bright colours and clean-cut image of the film is of primary importance to understand and grasp the new nature or presentation of the band. It is not a coincidence, or lack of video production.- Now it is not enough to chew the music and image but the viewer/listener now is obligated to digest it- and this spirit of renewal is what has marked a most well-received return of this band to the scene-.

The band's melodic songs exploits in contrast with the sober image caught on film: The music is intense and crisp,the performances are tight,the song selection is good,the audience is great and the Apollo Hammmersmith theatre provides a warm and intimate atmosphere for the gig and last but not least, there is a bunch of extra material and documentary film.
"Live from the Dark" will primarly be of interest to Europe's established fans and is a great introduction for viewers/ listeners who are curious to Europe's work, but it requires discretion on part of other people who like to watch elaborated productions.

This DVD,without a doubt, delivers the peak-performance in Europe's career and that for itself is worth the admission price.

"