The Scorpions triumphantly return to the world music stage in this 85- minute concert with the Berlin Symphony Orchestra. Lead singer Klaus Meine is in fine form leading the band and the audience through a pastiche of th... more »e old and the new. The songs "Moment of Glory" and "We Don't Own the World" both feature a children's choir from Vienna, giving the show an international flavor. There are also featured appearances by Lyn Liechty (an American singer who has made a name for herself on the German stage) and Ray Wilson (who replaced Phil Collins as the lead singer for Genesis). This is a must-see for Scorpions fans. (Oddly, the cover photo depicts a scene reminiscent of MTV's Unplugged, which does not appear in the video.) --David Martins« less
Steven E. Tock | Citrus Heights, CA. United States | 04/24/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's amazing to see some of the older rock bands (Scorpions, Styx, REO, Eagles, Yes) being caught live on DVD. Most of these performances are recent, and the sound and video are great. One of these great performances is the Scorpions "Moment of Glory". Klaus Meine's vocals are spectacular, and the combination of the Berlin Philharmonic and Mathias' and Rudolph's guitar playing is one of a kind. The sound of this DVD makes it seem like you are really there, and the video taping is very professional. I hope that more great musicians see the benefit of making their performances accessible via DVD, it makes owning a home theater worth it!"
Scorpions + Orchestra = symphonic rock without bombast
Rezaul Hasan Laskar | New Delhi, India | 09/28/2005
(3 out of 5 stars)
"The Scorpions teamed up with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra to appear at the Expo 2000 in their hometown of Hannover, Germany, and this DVD documents moments from that performance.
What you get is a mixed bag - the Scorpions definitely rock when they work with the orchestra, conducted by Christian Kolonovits, on their classic tracks like "You And I", "Hurricane" (re-energised here in a new arrangement that features sweeping orchestral flourishes) and "Wind Of Change".
But new tracks like "Moment Of Glory" (the theme for the Expo 2000), "Here In My Heart" (a Diane Warren tune performed as a duet with stage singer Lyn Liechty) and a version of "Big City Nights" featuring former Genesis singer Ray Wilson are rather lame and just drag.
"Deadly Sting Suite", a hard-rocking medley comprising "Crossfire", "He's A Woman, She's A Man" and "Dynamite", is probably the best cut on the DVD, featuring one of the finest collaborations between a rock band and an orchestra.
The concert on this DVD is different from the CD of the same name, which also featured collaborations between the Scorpions and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra.
Critics often poke fun at the Scorpions but the band has sold close to 40 million records across the world - certainly not a figure to sneeze at. And Klaus Meine remains one of the most charismatic frontmen in classic rock, and on a good day, he can have the audience eating out of his hands.
The video on the DVD is pretty lacklustre - it comes in non-anamorphic widescreen. The concert was filmed with several cameras, but the visuals from some of them - including one right in front of the stage and another used for aerial shots - is extremely grainy and contrasty.
The sound, however, is spectacular. My Region 3 disc features both Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 (which is smoother and more powerful) as well as a 2.1 stereo track (something I have never found on any other DVDs, but it works and is extremely punchy).
Extras include an interview with the band on the making of the "Moment Of Glory" CD and bonus videos for "Hurricane 2000", "Here In My Heart" and "Moment of Glory"."
Simply Beautiful
ae7f | USA | 07/03/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"An absolutely beautiful composition of music and video.This is something for the serious Scorpions fans out there. It represents a huge accomplishment and is worthy of praise. Who ever thought the older generation would be listening to the Scorpions?In this project they involve children and several other vocal musicians in a more whole effort. It's obvious what kind of quality a symphony can add to the musical spectrum, and yet it's so good to see these reknowned orchestra musicians melding their notes with those played by Jabbs and Schenker. It is uncanny how well that very thing occurs. Everyone has a smile on their face and is enjoying the performance - band, audience, and orchestra.The best part of the DVD is the multi-song medley ending with Dynamite. This is the pinnacle of the performance in my opinion. Honestly I can say I was never really a fan of orchestra as a whole - probably because I wasn't interested in the individual music peices. But this medley composition is one of the most beautiful scores I have heard - you just need to hear these orchestra professionals do their thing.If you are wondering if it has enough energy to keep you listening, it does. Klaus' voice is still the same, clear as a bell. Schenker and Jabbs play with energy and happiness and euphoria. Rickerman is low key but is having a good time.And then there is Kottak. I must admit originally I was sad when Rarebell left. I still am. But Kottak has stolen the show with what sounds like an arsenal of fills and energy Rarebell left out. Not only is Kottak good, he seems, oddly, to fit. Just listen to the fills in the medley.The camera footage is great and pans around enough so you get to see all of the musicians, audience, etc. There are some close-ups of the guitar solos and picking. They also mounted a camera by Kottak's ride cymbal, which allows viewing of the drums and drummer.I do have one or two issues about the project. First, I don't know how I feel about Klaus not singing BIG CITY NIGHTS, giving it to the new Genesis lead singer. Sweep that one under the rug. Second, the girl Klaus duets with on YOU AND I needs to button-up her outfit. In that setting the raciness just doesn't fit. It seems oxymoronic to bring out the children and old folks and then allow herself to hang out of her ... outfit. She should have been in an elegant dress, in my opinion.Thanks to the Scorpions for a fresh project."
After 30 years, times change, and so should the fans.
LARRY ROMAN | DRUMS, PA United States | 05/14/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Scorpions have been around for over 30 years and as music tastes change in today's youth, so must Scorpions market the newer generation by changing as well. Their albums seem to diversify each time. So, with an open mind, I still enjoy every album. Even "Moment of Glory" is an interesting combination of classical music and rock. Watching the video gave me a greater appreciation of the album by seeing how impressive organizing such a project must have been. The selection of songs were good, choosing their most popular songs as well as songs from their very early albums. Since the video is a live concert and the "Moment of Glory" CD is a studio album, you will hear essentially different versions of the songs, even some songs not found on the CD. I was pleasantly surprised. Watching the classical musicians play is noteworthy and the lead guitar by Matthias is always impressive. And for Klaus, after 3 decades of incredible vocal range and harmonies, his voice is even better than ever. I recommend this video. I do have one little complaint. Why the #$*@%@! do they have anyone else sing other than Klaus is beyond me. The guy from Geneis singing "Big City Nights"? why, oh why, did they do that? Trying to outshine Klaus is suicide."
This one blows your mind!
LARRY ROMAN | 01/09/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"To be honest, I've always despised classical Western music and I've never cared much about the Scorpions. Having watched this DVD though, I'm an changed man. This concert just blows my mind. The Scorpions' songs here are mostly ballads, with a few big-time rockers thrown in, and the classical orchestra enhances each one song tremendously - the "classical guys" rock like there's no tomorrow. Roll over Beethoven and make way for the Berlin Philharmonic and the Scorpions! A lot of credit must go to the arranger, Christian Kolonovits, who's done an incredible job merging rock and classics to nobody's detriment, far from it: the two styles compliment each other perfectly, the combination is much more than the two individual parts could ever be. Compared to this performance, Metallica's classical excursion, not to speak of Deep Purple's and Procol Harum's efforts in the seventies, seem like kindergarten stuff. Granted, some of the Scorpions' songs are a bit of the soppy side, but in this concert (during the World Exhibition in Hanover) this soppiness or sentimentality seems to help spread an enormous sense of bonhomie and brotherhood among the very mixed (age-wise as well as nationality-wise) audience. They all seem to have an whale of a good time. Boy, how I wish I had been there! I have watched this DVD many times over, and I still get goose pimples every time. This is art, folks, true art! Take it from a former non-believer. Aside, the cinematography is fantastic and one feels like one is right up there with the musicians."