Search - Pet Shop Boys - Montage (The "Nightlife" Tour) on DVD

It's No "Performance," but Still Worth a Look

The Groove | Boston, MA | 06/16/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Pet Shop Boys release their first DVD package, "Nightlife," based on the duo's 1999/2000 tour. I absolutely adore Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, but the concert overall falls a bit short of its previous tour, "Performance." First off, the live recordings of their hits are top-notch. But the visual presentation leaves a lot to be desired. Neil and Chris's stage presence is almost washed out by the dull clips that accompany their performances. I guess this was supposed to enhance the show, but it was actually distracting. On the plus side, the standouts are the live renditions of "Can You Forgive Her?," the acoustic "Was it Worth it?," and the album track "Only the Wind." Also, the DVD has 3 music videos: "I Don't Know What You Want...," "New York City Boy," and "You Only Tell Me..." All of them are very good and, frankly, more interesting than the concert itself. If you watch all three videos consecutively, you'll have access to a fourth, "For Your Own Good." Alas, I'm sorry to report that that clip is a bit of a snooze, so it's hardly worth the effort. (For all you sound geeks, the concert is in 5.1 surround while the music videos are in Stereo). So, all in all, the package is a mixed bag. The DVD is well-presented; the music videos are nice, but the concert was rather uneven. I'd have first-time viewers search for the hard-to-get video to "Performance," which is the superior concert and better represents PSB's work. Leave this one to the diehard fans like myself."

Great DVD, very innovative

11/12/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This DVD is very well put together.
The sound is excellent: there is a surround sound mix included and it is all very clear. The video comprises a montage (hence the name) of the live gigs, webcasts, swirly computer graphics and the projections that were originally displayed in the gig.For once a pop artist has been innovative in their DVD: if you're a Pet Shop Boys fan then you *must* own this DVD! Very highly recommended."

PSB Still Fresh and Relevant

Elizabeth C. Jones | Cary, NC United States | 12/06/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Heres' what you don't get with Pet Shop Boys "Montage-The Nightlife Tour": * no preening, posturing, and star tripping * no self promotion of recent album, stage play, back catalog, merchandise or website * no endless, moronic banter between songs * no tubthumbing or strident sexual politicking.
Here's what you do get: * 111 minutes of soaring, melodic pop music, some of the best made in the past 20 years * innovative stage design and overlapping film imagery that enhances each of the 22 songs * engaging lyrics and charming stage persona of Neil Tennant * a "must have" for fans and a fine introduction to the band for anyone else with an ear for pop music. If all you know about PSB is "West End Girls," their only U.S. #1 from 1986, you may be pleasantly surprised.
Sound and video quality themselves are quite good. Videotape does not merit the Explicit Lyrics Advisory that it's tagged with-there's no objectionable language that I could discern."

Stunning

J. Brady | PAWLEYS ISLAND, SC United States | 09/28/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Stunning, simply breathtaking in every way. Visually very exciting, a real treat for fans like me who can't travel long distances to see shows like this. Musically quite adventurous. Many of the songs are performed using different arrangements than the original versions, so it's not like just sitting down and watching promotional videos. I especially like the acoustic portion, and the performance of Young Offender ( I never liked the version on VERY and never listened to the words, which are incredible, so this version is something of a revelation.) This DVD is in stark contrast to PSB's other concert "Somewhere", so if you're expecting lots of backstage footage and a straightforward visual experience, you won't find it here.
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