...all of the power and emotion of a symphony orchestra, combined with the energy and excitement of a rock concert, mixed together
with all
the
cutting edge visuals and technology and interactivity and fun that video games provide.
Video Games Live creator Tommy Tallarico has found a near-perfect descriptor for his show in his above-referenced direct quote. The
only
word he forgot
is "novel," and that might be the most important aspect of Video Games Live. Since his first show in July 2006, Tallarico has dazzled
audiences of all ages and backgrounds with a one-of-a-kind and highly original spectacle that features some of the video game industry's
top scores
played
live by a professional orchestra, accompanied by exciting video game-centric visuals and a crowd-pleasing and always-energized
atmosphere. The
end result is indeed novel,
and while novelty is always welcome in an entertainment landscape dominated by repackaged and stale ideas, new directions need be
grounded in
something plausible and tangible, something buyers can get behind, understand, and embrace if new trends and concepts have any chance
of
success. Video Games Live succeeds in each of
those areas; it's new though built around the old, but it's that unique combination -- a symphony orchestra, video game scores, the
atmosphere of a
rock concert, and all of the technology of video games -- that works in perfect harmony and makes Video Games Live such a rousing
success. Built for the gamer but a worthwhile experience for all and delicately assembled to make for a fun family-friendly atmosphere,
Video
Games Live is one of the more unique and invigorating concert experiences of the past decade.
Super Mario Video Games Live.
Conducted by Jack Wall and featuring Creator Tommy Tallarico as host and, occasionally, on the guitar, Video Games Live samples
some of
the
top themes from the world's most popular video games, from old arcade standbys to today's favorites fresh off the shelves and featuring the
cutting-edge graphics and gameplay offered by the latest in gaming console horsepower. Games have long since moved past the simple
"bloops and
bleeps" of the classics of yesterday. With the greater storage space of the compact disc, DVD, and Blu-ray, and the ability to create more in-
depth
and meaningful
gaming experiences through the advancements in computer technology, developers have sought more polished, rousing, and meaningful
music to
score their larger-than life epics. Games today feature powerful and moving scores that accentuate age-old struggles between heroes and
villains,
compliment heightened drama, and accentuate breathtakingly realistic graphics. The cinema-quality game score may be a recent
phenomena,
but there is no shortage of older titles with memorable music. Many older games featured limited soundtracks, and several classics --
Super
Mario
Bros. and Sonic the Hedgehog, for instance -- managed memorable, if not tonally simple, music that has become as instantly
recognizable
as a classic John Williams or James Horner piece. Still, today's games demand something more, and developers are, with more frequency,
complimenting games like Halo and God of War with masterful pieces of music that are as captivating as the games
themselves.
Video Games Live samples some of the gaming industry's top scores, both past and present, through a full orchestra presentation
that
brings
the games to life like never before, all complimented with a dazzling display of showmanship that makes for a complete entertainment
experience.
Video Games Live is more than music. It's a lesson in the history of video games and the technologies and people that make them
possible.
Video Games Live doesn't settle for merely
playing music;
instead it brings the source of that music, the video game, to the forefront by acknowledging the people who make it all happen and
contribute their
knowledge and skills to an art form that far too many seem to take for granted. The gaming industry may be huge, but the special skill sets
required to make it work and the talented people and the technologies they use to bring games to store shelves aren't recognized in the
same way
nor
with the same amount of awe and appreciation deservedly heaped upon the finest directors, cinematographers, costumers, actors, and yes,
composers who work in the film industry. Perhaps as the line between the film and video game industries continues to blur, as more top
Hollywood
talent begins to work in the video game industry, and as games inch closer towards a seamless virtual reality, there will be a greater
appreciation for
the
artistry behind them. Until then, it will be up to people like Tommy Tallarico and events like Video Games Live to not only promote the
entirety of the industry in a generically all-encompassing maner, but to accentuate some of its incredible singular aspects -- like the amazing
musical
scores being written on a daily basis for games of all types, stories, sizes, and skill leves -- among the many amazing things happening
within an
industry that's evolving everyday and with each
new release.
Of course, music does take center stage in Video Games Live, and the show is nothing short of a spectacular treat for the aural
senses.
Everything from the familiar toe-tapping beat of Super Mario Brothers to the soul-stirring rendition of Christopher Tin's theme music
for
Civilization IV springs alive from the combined talents of a well-oiled orchestra and a spectacular display of technical achievement and
undying passion for the art forms of games and music that's evident from the get-go and that never dissipates through the entire concert.
Fan of
the
games or not or even fan of all the music or not, the sheer energy and excitement generated by Video Games Live is undeniable.
The musicians bring out not only the notes but the soul of the music, and the familiarity of the beats combined with the grace and strength
with
which they flow through the orchestral ensemble brings a new dimension to several old favorites by injecting them with a power and grace
that
hasn't before been realized on even the best and newest video game soundtracks. Console "fanboys" or those who, maybe for financial
reasons,
have
chosen one system over another and by extension have never been exposed to some of the music that makes up Video Games Live
might
be inclined to pick up an XBOX after
hearing the magnificent rendition of several themes from Halo, while Microsoft diehards might be tempted to pick up a PS3 after
having
experienced the strength
and grandeur of the God of War track. Regardless of console brand or game title, fans will appreciate the diversity of the
performance across
several consoles and many years. With plenty of additional footage, surprise guests, and touching moments, Video Games Live
makes for a
pitch-perfect evening of entertainment that won't soon be forgotten.
Video Games Live: Level 2 features music from the following games/franchises:
Video Games Live: Level 2 features a generally stable and nice-looking 1080i high definition transfer. The video-like sheen of the
presentation is
never a problem; in fact, the transfer squeezes out plenty of fine details in stage equipment, instruments, and the faces of the performers,
though there
are a few instances where the image captures something of a fuzzy and hazy look. Depth is strong while blacks are generally solid both in the
backgrounds and around the stage, though they occasionally wash out and lend to the image a flat and ungainly appearance. Colors are nicely
reproduced, even if the darker elements dominate much of the screen; streaks of green lasers, the video montages that run on the large
screens behind
the
performers, and various interview clips all feature honest and stable hues. The transfer is smooth and free of excess noise, and Video Games
Live's
glossy sheen is free of heavy blocking or banding. Shout! Factory's transfer is crisp and pleasing; it might not be perfect, but it's a fine
compliment to
the disc's incredible lossless soundtrack.
Video Games Live: Level 2 features a stunning DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack that's easily the technical highlight of the disc and the
perfect companion to the concert. The track proves itself to be strong and muscular as every deep note is delivered with power to spare, but
also
easygoing and light as the higher and quieter notes enjoy pinpoint accuracy and an airy, room-filling texture. The track feels infinitely spacious,
limited
by the bounds of the concert hall rather than the walls of the home theater. Bass is incredible, and the subwoofer is sure to earn its keep at
several
points throughout the track. The surround speakers enjoy plenty of activity in the form of excited crowd noise and applause, while the fronts
handle the
bulk of the music and the perfectly-centered and clear dialogue. This is an exemplary track, one that's wonderfully balanced and a pleasure to
behold.
The
lossless soundtrack serves the material extraordinarily well, and it's the next best thing to being there.
Video Games Live: Level 2 earns a high score with a nice collection of extras. First up is an audio commentary track
with game Composer and Video Games Live Creator Tommy Tallarico. He enthusiastically discusses the history of the project, his
favorite
games, playing this show in New Orleans, edits for time, differences between the disc and the PBS airing, the studios and musicians that
helped make
Video Games Live possible, reworking parts of the show around new talent, his favorite moments, and plenty more. Surprisingly,
Tallarico
manages to make the commentary well worth the effort; his insights are almost as entertaining as the show, and his track is a great
compliment to the
main
program. Fans will definitely want to give this one a listen. Next up are four behind the scenes featurettes (480p). Tommy's Guitars
(8:59)
features Tallarico showing off his collection. Behind the Scenes Tour (9:42) again features Tallarico, this time taking viewers on a brief
tour
around the pre-show floor with a humorous slant. Joystick Podium (0:47) contains Conductor Jack Wall talking up his unique podium.
Finally,
Composers Party for Tommy in Japan (13:14), recorded on June 13, 2009, features Tallarico speaking with some industry
heavyweights. Next
up is a series of interviews (480p) with Tommy Tallarico (15:25), Ralph Baer (5:30), Jamie Lee Curtis (7:23), Russell Brower (8:19), Gerard
Marino
(8:14), Christopher Tin (3:45), Martin Leung (2:13), and Jason Hayes (6:18). Also included is the trailer for Video Games Live 2010
(480p,
2:25); the music video "Yuri the Only One For Me" (480p, 3:39); Tetris 25th Anniversary (480p, 3:42); The Making of 'Dragon's
Lair'
(480p, 5:14); 'Dragon's Lair' Attract Screen (480p, 0:45); and 480p trailers for Halo: Reach (2:25), Castlevania: Lords of
Shadow (4:16), Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 (0:42), Civilization V (1:28), and God of War III (1:46). Disc two is
a
DVD that contains the feature plus all of the above-listed extras.
"Wow." That one word is really the perfect descriptor of the Video Games Live experience. This is such a simple idea but at the same
time one
that's incredibly forward-thinking from the mind of Tommy Tallarico, a true visionary who comes off as both passionate and sincere in every
interview
and through his energized on-stage performances. Video
Games Live combines several elements and meshes them together in perfect harmony for a one-of-a-kind experience of sight and sound.
Enough
to
stir the souls of the most passionate gamers, satiate the more demanding fan of symphony and instrumental music, and get the blood pumping
of the
most ardent concert fan, Video Games Live is a novel experience that's suitable not only for music and video game fans, but the entire
family.
Full of energy, excitement, and yes, great music, Video Games Live is an experience not soon forgotten. Shout! Factory's Blu-ray release
of
Video Games Live: Level 2 features a stellar technical presentation and a good assortment of extras that should have been in high
definition.
Nevertheless, this is a must-own set that comes highly recommended.
The concert event known as Video Games Live, created and produced by video game composer Tommy Tallarico, is coming to video for the first time, as Video Games Live: Level 2 has been announced by Shout Factory for Blu-ray release on October 19, with over three ...
Video Games Live: Level 2 Blu-ray, Forum Discussions
