Search - Smoke & Mirrors on DVD

10-th Anniversary Tour

Youri | Moscow, Russia | 06/26/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the second DVD from Arena (filmed again in Poland during their 10-th Anniversary tour), and it is definitely much better than the first.
The quality of sound and video is very good, as well as the show itself. The tracklist includes half of songs from Arena's latest album (which is very good, btw) plus classic tracks from all other records.

1. Bedlam Fayre
2. A Crack in the Ice
3. Midas Vision
4. Elea
5. The Hanging Tree
6. A State of Grace
7. (Don't Forget to) Breathe
8. Smoke & Mirrors
9. Purgatory Road
10. Waiting for the Flood
11. Medusa
12. The Shattered Room
13. Chosen
14. Skin Game
15. Witch Hunt
16. Enemy Without
17. Solomon
18. Friday's Dream
19. Cry VII

This line-up of the group is the same for more than 5 years, and it shows: the musicians play with confidence, enjoying the music, while Rob Sowden fully controls the enthusiastic audience. As an additional bonus there is a real treasure for the fans: one-night reunion concert of "The Visitor" line-up (with Paul Wrightson and John Jowitt).

Bonus video
Reunion Concert - Fan Footage
1. A Crack in the Ice
2. Elea
3. The Hanging Tree
4. A State of Grace
5. Medusa
6. Crying for Help VII

The verdict: definitely a must-have!"

Second its more better

Carlos toro H | Medellin, Antioquia Colombia | 06/22/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Yes, this second Arena DVD it¨s more better that first DVD CAUGTH IN THE ACT. The smoke and Mirrors had a cristal sound , the mixer is more coherent, the instruments and voice have a good level, the image is clear and the camera work it's fine.

The song list cover all carrer.

Good DVD."

Great Concert, Great Sound, Great music

Carlos L. | Chile | 07/27/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you like prog rock at its best, Buy this DVD right now,you wont be disappointed. The filming, the audio, the image quality are all great. Nothing compare to a lof of big budget concert DVD's out there that leave a lot to be desire. One of the best dvds I have."

Worthy addition to any prog-rock collection

JP | Macon, GA | 12/26/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I now have 4 Arena CDs and like them all, so I decided to get this DVD and I'm glad I did!!! It has given me a new appreciation of the band (thought, admittedly, they still remind me an awful lot of Marillion) and I plan on purchasing at least 2 more of their CDs based on songs I like on the DVD.

Well played, well recorded and well produced (unique and funny intro too), an all around good concert DVD. I like most of the songs on here though my favorites (at this time) are: Bedlam Fayre, Purgatory Road, Don't Forget to Breath (GREAT jam in the middle), Chosen, Enemy Without and the song Smoke and Mirrors.

In fact the only drawback I can think of (other than a few of my favorite songs being absent but that happens on every live release) is the fact that there isn't a CD companion to this DVD (at least I don't think so)!! Quite a few of these songs are "livelier", more energetic, (better) than the original studio versions. Maybe I'll get one of those audio ripper programs so I can listen to the live versions of the songs I already have on my MP3 player!!

Bottom line - while not absolutely essential (that would be Porcupine Tree and Dream Theater - this sounds just a little too much like several other bands), it IS a worthy addition to any prog-rock fan's collection and I don't think you'll be disappointed in it at all!!

"