Eagles - Hell Freezes Over
Performance
Production
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Eagles - Hell Freezes Over
Performance
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This Eagles reunion concert was dubbed Hell Freezes Over supposedly because when asked about an Eagles reunion in the past, the band, especially Don Henley, has proudly proclaimed "when hell freezes over". I guess the solo careers were not bringing in enough of the bacon, or maybe they just wanted to do it for THE FANS. Yeah right! I grew up being a fan of the Eagles throughout the 70's and 80's, although never a huge fan. Their countless string of top-ten hit songs were all you heard, and still hear, on the radio, so it was hard not to be a fan, or at least be VERY familiar with their music. I picked up Hell Freezes Over more because of all the hype about how great the DTS audio mix was, than because I was dying to see a bunch of fifty-something year old Eagles go through the motions again, after a fifteen year absence. I can certainly testify that all of the hype was correct, this is THE definitive DTS audio mix that all other concert DVDs should be measured against. This is definitely the highest fidelity concert DVD that I have heard so far. The entire soundfield is utilized continuously, with the vocals, instruments, and audience spread around the entire room flawlessly. The mix is so dynamic and impeccable that anything you listen to after it simply sounds flat and dull. It is disturbing that so few DVD concerts have even come close to this audio quality, since the release of this DVD in 1999. The Hell Freezes Over concert was filmed in 1994 for a PBS television special. Since it was shot on video for television, the image is generally sharp and detailed, and the colors look outstanding. The concert was shot on what looked like a television studio soundstage, which was very sparse and had very modest lighting. The show had the look and feel of an MTV Unplugged performance, and most of the songs were acoustic arrangements. The performance began on a high note with an outstanding acoustic arrangement of "Hotel California". The intro used lots of percussion and chimes, which really showcased the incredible surround mix. When the whole band kicked in it was like they were performing right in my living room. The overall performance was only average, and the song selection could have been better. The four new songs they played were nothing special. Two of Don Henley's and one of Joe Walsh's solo hits were also performed. How about losing one of the Henley songs and one of the new songs and adding "Take It To The Limit" and "One of These Nights" instead. The actual song performances were impeccable - too damn impeccable. Great vocals, flawless harmonies, and precise guitar chords - just not much energy or soul. A little bit of improvisation during some of the classics like "Take It Easy" and "Life In The Fast Lane" might have breathed some new life into them, like they did with "Hotel California". The Timothy B. Schmidt sung "I Can't Tell You Why" was as gorgeous as ever. You just can't lose playing that song for the ladies. Is it me, or does he do the voice of Beavis & Butthead's effeminate, hippy teacher? Listen to the pre-show interview, and you'll see what I mean. It must be that Southern California accent. If you are an Eagles fan, run out and get this DVD. If you are not an Eagles fan, run out and get this DVD anyways, just to hear the brilliant DTS mix. Besides, who the hell doesn't like the Eagles? |
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Technical Details |
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Audio Transfer |
Video Transfer |
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Set List |
Performers John Corey - Keyboards/Guitar/Vocals |
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Running Time: 99 Minutes |
DVD Release Date - February 1999 |