The Show
Begun in 2002, the Video Games Live concept addressed frequent demand from gaming fans around the world to hear their some of their favorite music outside of its original context, namely PC and console videogames. Truth is, these themes and background scores are inspired compositions, and they work remarkably well in a more traditional venue, played live and in concert.
Level 2 is the 2010 edition, recorded for a PBS special and collecting tunes from all over the videogame landscape, across multiple genres, from Mario and Sonic to Halo and God of War. The concert puts clips from the games up on huge screens, and this show intermittently cuts away to on-camera insights from the creator, the conductor and various composers. The experience boasts the energy and theatrics of a rock concert, plus must-see moments like the kid from the audience challenged to hit 200,000 points on "Sweet Emotion" in Guitar Hero: Aerosmith... live on stage, with a full orchestra playing! His name is Ethan and he's my new hero, guitar or otherwise.
The Picture
Video Games Live is delivered at an HDTV-perfect 1.78:1, shot on HD video and looking every bit as bright and crisp as we would expect from a modern high-definition made-for-television production. There's ample detail, and even the de rigueur colored lights panning through atmospheric smoke are rock-solid, not noisy or ringy or artifact-ridden as they could easily have been.
The Sound
DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 offers a clear, effortless presentation of the full orchestra and chorus in all their glory, with a wide spread that sometimes puts the cheering audience in the rears, complete with shout-outs. There's a definite you-are-there groove that only enhances the mood. The disc does this weird thing though, whenever I used the Song Selection control in the menu, the ensuing chapter would switch to the secondary audio, the commentary. Oh, well: Correction was just an Audio button away.
The Extras
That commentary is by composer, performer and Video Games Live creator Tommy Tallarico, who seems like the happiest guy in the world, comparing himself to Mario as "the other short Italian" in the videogame industry. There are also interviews from assorted notables (what's Jamie Lee Curtis doing here?!?) and participants, and behind-the-scenes segments that reveal a bit of life on the road.
Videogames are big business of course, so we're given a collection of previews and other promo clips for a sampling of the games featured in the concert, from Tetris right up through last month's Halo: Reach. All of the video extras appear to be in standard definition. Disc Two is a DVD of the concert with the same bonus material.
Final Thoughts
I was a little dubious of Video Games Live: Level 2 at first--in-game music without the games?--but the range of wonderful compositions, masterfully played to a rapt audience, is ultimately a good time, one only aided by the strong audio/video of Shout! Factory's new Blu-ray.
Product Details
Where to Buy:
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