Search - PASTPERFECT on DVD Audio

A Good DVD but VNV's Energy Is Hard to Translate

SandmanVI | Glen Allen, VA United States | 06/30/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"To some extent I have to agree with both the supporters and critics of this DVD. The main point should be that VNV is one of the world's premier electronic bands, their music is grand and forceful, and they give excellent, energetic performances. The DVD has the ability to show elements of what makes their shows so good, but fails to fully translate the energy and mystery of actually being there. To me this DVD, despite meticulous editing and wonderful sound quality, is better at highlighting the flaws or what's missing from a VNV show than it is at showing what's great about them. When you are actually there, the power of the music, the majesty of the video accents and passion of Ronan flow directly to you. I have to violently disagree with our friend in SF who claims that VNV is better seen than heard. Their shows are great but this DVD can't capture that magic... had he ever gone to a show he would know that. That is the conclusion that one can draw... not that they are poor live.Having said all of that, I still am glad that I own the DVD. The interviews and extra footage were interesting even though it's not as insightful as you'd hope from artists with such a painstakingly creative vision. To be honest, I find the Apoptygma Berzerk DVD better although I slightly prefer the music of VNV."

Excellent

Pecos Bill | Gaithersburg, MD United States | 05/13/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Good value being 2 DVD's and 1 CD in the package (and a poster and a sticker).I think I see why it took them so long to produce -- the videos of the live shows are excellent. It's not just one long video of one concert, it's actually a mishmash of the best shots from the best shows with what I believe may be a mix of sound from live action and recorded dubbing (the recorded sound is a lot better quality than I expected coming from concerts -- I think it actually says something about this during the intro).So basically it's like the best concert you've ever seen, with better sound.And it's great to finally see the guys behind the music and hear them talk about music issues, as well as a nice "Making of Futureperfect" which shows you some of the technical aspects (hardware/software) of how that album was made. I found that piece (one of the things on disc 2) to be particularly interesting.I haven't watched the whole thing yet (it's a whole lot of material) but I'm already really happy with the purchase. This is a quality release.I would suggest this isn't JUST for hard-core VNV fans, it's something I think anyone who's into this type of music would get a lot out of. Most of the interviews aren't dealing with VNV specific topics, but more general topics about the challenges and goals of artists in this genre."

A must have for any VNV fan...

D. DAY | Dearborn Heights, MI United States | 01/24/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I only recently began listening to VNV Nation, having collected a few songs over the years but never really listening to them. I bought their "Genesis" single a few months ago because I loved the Icon of Coil remix, and only picked up "Futureperfect" last week. I was lucky enough to see them live for the first time on their mini-tour in Detroit on January 5th, 2005. I was pleasantly surprised by just how authentic and human these guys are as people; Ronan is great to listen to and Mark completes everything - the show was brilliant. This live DVD captures their chemistry on stage, but the real worth here is the 2nd disc with interviews and "studio" footage. Yes, there are some syncing issues with the first disc's live footage, collected from multiple shows, but it's still a great DVD. Highly recommended!"