I think it is only fair to begin this review by making it perfectly clear that I am not a fan of Pink. I believe I could name a couple of her songs, thanks to one of my local radio stations, but I really have not heard enough of her music so that I could develop some sort of an appreciation for it. Needless to say, prior to receiving Pink: Funhouse Tour, Live in Australia, I had never seen Pink perform live.
Having just finished watching Pink: Funhouse Tour, Live in Australia, I ought to admit that I have mixed feelings about Pink and what she does. Clearly, she is a gifted artist with a terrific voice and excellent stage awareness. It may seem like she has a casual approach to certain aspects of her show, and that she likes improvising slightly more than it is safe for an artist of her caliber, but I assure you that everything she does is well calculated and exceptionally well prepared.
There are a couple of things about Pink: Funhouse Tour, Live in Australia, however, that struck me as being rather odd. First, it has to be said that Funhouse is obviously a very personal album. In a way, it sums up Pink's disappointment from her marriage to motocross driver Carey Hart - the texts of the majority of the songs in it prove it. Some of these songs are remarkably sarcastic, almost to the point of being offensive. Other seem more relaxed but are also loaded with anger. Unsurprisingly, when Pink sings them, one can sense all sorts of different emotions in her voice. And the odd thing about all this is that the choreography, and specifically Pink's impressive acrobatics, does not fit the tone of the album. As a result, there is clearly a mismatch between style and substance in Pink: Funhouse Tour, Live in Australia.
Second, some of the language in the show seems quite inappropriate. And before anyone concludes that I am being unnecessarily prudish here, let me clarify that what I mean by inappropriate is not that the language is offensive, at least it wasn't to me, but rather that it does not blend well with the message Funhouse carries.
Pink's singing, however, is excellent. Her voice sounds terrific in "Just Like A Pill" and the beloved "Don't Let Me Get Me" while her energy in "So What" is simply fantastic. The acoustic version of "Trouble" is also amongst the very best songs in this show. The real gem, however, is the surprising cover of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody".
Just Like A Pill
Tracklisting:
1. Bad Influence
2. Just Like A Pill
3. Who Knew
4. Ave May A
5. Don't Let Me Get Me
6. I Touch Myself
7. Please Don't Leave Me
8. U + UR Hand
9. Leave Me Alone (I'm Lonely)
10. So What
11. Family Portrait
12. I Don't Believe You
13. Chrystal Ball
14. Trouble
15. Babe I'm Gonna Leave You
16. Sober
17. Bohemian Rhapsody
18. Funhouse
19. Crazy
20. Get The Party Started
21. Glitter In The Air
22. It's All Your Fault
23. One Foot Wrong
Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.78:1, encoded with MPEG-AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Pink: Funhouse Tour, Live in Australia arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of LA Face/RCA/Sony Music Entertainment.
This is strong high-definition transfer. Detail is outstanding, clarity excellent, and contrast levels pleasing. There are, however, some interesting stylistic decisions here, which I would like to address. First, the lighting effects are of utmost importance to the show, and a few cameras constantly follow Pink as she moves on the stage from some quite unusual angles; thus, occasionally the lighting affects clarity and contrast quite dramatically. Second, there is moderate to strong noise that I noticed, which has been left untouched, again, for stylistic purposes.
The close-ups are terrific. The panoramic shots from the venue are also outstanding. During specific songs, one could clearly see members of the audience singing with Pink or just having a good time. Furthermore, there are no serious shadow issues. There are no transfer-related technical issues to report in this review either. I also did not detect any heavy motion-judder while watching the show. (Note: This is a Region-Free Blu-ray disc. Therefore, you will be able to play it on your PS3 or SA regardless of your geographical location).
There are three audio tracks on this Blu-ray disc: English LPCM 5.1, English LPCM 2.0 and English Dolby Digital 5.1. For the record, there are no optional subtitles for the supplemental features found on this disc.
The audio treatment does not disappoint. The LPCM 5.1 track has a very strong dynamic amplitude - the bass is rich and punchy, the surround channels intelligently used, and high-frequencies not overdone. There is good balance between Pink's singing, the band and the backup singers. The piano/violin solo during "Family Portrait", for example, sounds terrific. The crowd noise is prominent but most definitely not overpowering.
The LPCM 2.0 lacks the dynamic intensity of the LPCM 5.1 track. It is by no means, however, disappointing. In fact, I thought that during "I Don't Believe You" and "Chrystal Ball" was just as effective as the LPCM 5.1 track. All in all, the audio treatment should meet the quality expectations of even the most demanding amongst Pink's fans.
On tour with Pink - behind the scenes footage with comments from Pink about her acrobatic acts, the benefits of Yoga, her preparation for the show, etc. In English, not subtitled. (480/60i, 28 min).
How to shred the "gnar" - leave this short and truly bizarre piece for you to figure out. In English, not subtitled. (5 min, 480/60i).
Bloopers - a short collection of hilarious and some not so hilarious bloopers. In English, not subtitled. (3 min, 480/60i).
Fans of Pink and her music will be delighted with Pink: Funhouse Tour, Live in Australia. The young pop star looks fresh and re-energized and her voice sounds lovely. Technically, the show is also very impressive. I felt, however, that there was a personal message Pink: Funhouse Tour, Live in Australia was meant to deliver, which, in my opinion, inspired quite a few awkward one-liners. The Blu-ray disc herein reviewed, courtesy of LA Face/RCA/Sony Music Entertainment, looks and sounds very good. It is also priced right. Obviously, we HIGHLY RECOMMEND it.
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