Search - Spock's Beard: Don't Try This at Home: Live in Holland/The Making on DVD

The way dvd should be done

Aloysius A. Korenkiewicz Jr. | Highspire, Pa | 12/10/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If it were possible I would give this DVD 10 Stars. No overdubs on this one. The band plays live and the sound is live. Spocks Beard is one great live band and the sound one the DVD is really live. More bands ought to try this. Keep it up Spocks Beard."

Awsome concert and extras!

Thomas J. Turner | Floresville -- South of San Antonio | 08/27/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The concert portion of this package is a great show of the beard. Yes, the sound could be better. Besides the sound (which isn't all that bad), this is the beard at their progressive best. The musicianship that shines through is breathtaking.
The Making of V is awesome. To see these guys at work is inspiring to say the least. They don't check their emotions at the door. They invite you into their home, studio, etc. and let it all hang out.
The CD doesn't knock my socks off, but it is good. If you like out-takes and demo versions, there is some great stuff here."

A Very Worthwhile Watch...Despite Minor Flaws.

Jeffrey G. Stevenson | F.W.B.,FL | 07/03/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This DVD package documents the only (semi) professionally shot concert you are likely to find from this band. When I got into SB years ago, I had to get my hands on everything the band had put out to that point. After purchasing all their audio CDs, I set out searching for any video material that exsisted. With a couple mouse clicks I quickly found the one and only DVD offered by Amazon---and best I can tell, anywhere. Well it was a no-brainer to buy it right there and then...and I can say I'm glad I did. The concert portion of this package is a perfect example of Spock's Beard's ability to put on a "No frills-All about the Music" rock show, filled with plenty of interesting technical music, nice interplay and vocal harmonies and even the occasional quirky antics from the guys. While there is very little to be seen here of a massive, mega stage show, the band more than makes up for that by performing with great precision, passion and seemingly endless talent. Being a musician/vocalist myself, I can safely say that music of this caliber takes a great deal of skill to pull off live(this is NO 'Margaritaville' or 'Brown-eyed Girl').Along with material from the 'Day for Night' album, the band does a nice variety of songs from their first 3 releases(along with a 'worthy' rendition of Genesis' Sqounk). One of the cool things about this group is their ability to play various "roles" within the music. Besides Neal and Nick playing musical chairs between guitars, drums and vocals...both Alan and Dave double as effective backing vocalist(and much more on their studio albums). As for those flaws that have been mentioned by myself and other reviewers---the main problem with the production of this package is the lack of any audio options to choose from. No getting around it, the sound quality is not up to the standards the consumer has come to expect with DVDs in the last decade. However, I find it quite bearable to watch...and it hasn't stopped me from coming back for further viewings. The other non-production flaw concerns Neal's vocals---there are definitely a handful of spots in the show where his voice 'cracks' or is slightly 'off-key', but again, this is hardly a reason not to enjoy this show. I've actually grown to like his voice and lyrical phrasing, along with accepting his occasional vocal 'flaws' while on stage. He's no Steve Walsh or Bruce Dickenson, but he does have his own "thing" going that works well for the music.

As for other material/discs in the set, there is plenty more after you have 'soaked-up' the concert. Most notable is "The Making of V". This is a very neat and interesting documentary on what is considered to be the band's best release. I actually enjoyed this more than I had expected---without going too deep into the contents, I personally gained insight into the bands "down-to-earth" nature and studio/home recording techniques. I'm usually only good for one or two viewings of interviews and documentaries, however I find myself watching 'Making of' frequently. The DVD extras and audio CD are entertaining enough-though nothing I often return to. Bottom Line... if this is the only video documentation of the 'Classic' line-up of the band...I'll take it ALL DAY LONG!

Very Recommended, along with first 6 studio albums!"

Excellent Show -- but there are tech problems with the discs

J. ROBERTS | Greenburgh, NY | 03/05/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Another reviewer says the second disc won't play in his DVD player. For me, the second disc worked fine; the FIRST one won't play in my DVD player -- but it plays fine in my computer.

Obviously there are quality control problems with the package (but with all the companies listed on the box, just TRY to find which one to complain to).

This said, the music and the concert are all first-rate."