Rating System

PERFORMANCE - This rating category encompasses three key factors which are listed below in order of weight:

• Performance of the Music (50%) - Some band's sound much better live than they do on their studio albums. Others should never put out a live album, and maybe not even tour. Was this performance just an off night for a typically great band, or did an average band hit one out of the park? You know right away when you are witnessing something special.
• Quality of the Music/Musicians (35%) - Do I like the band's music to begin with? Is this essentially a cover band, or are the original band members performing? A DVD can capture one of the most energetic, captivating performances a band has ever done, but if I don't particularly like the band, or their music, it will reflect in the rating.
• Quality of the Show (15%) - I have always been a sucker for a big stage show, but only if it compliments the music.

Performance Rating Scale:

10 - A classic, or destined to be one. This demands repeated viewings.

9 - An overall outstanding performance that just misses being a classic.

8 - Your standard great performance, with several standout moments.

7 - A good, but fairly average performance.

6 - A fair performance, but nothing special.

5 - A poor performance.

4 thru 0 - Varying degrees of awfulness. These ratings are very rare from me, since I usually only buy DVDs that I expect to enjoy.

PRODUCTION - This rating category encompasses four key factors which are listed below in order of weight:

• Audio quality (40%) - If the audio sucks, who cares about the rest of the package. This is first and foremost about the music. A DVD gets the highest marks from me if it has a good DTS or Dolby Digital 5.1 surround audio track. There is no excuse, these days, to not include at least one surround sound option. I know there are some audio purists who prefer a good PCM stereo track, but this should never be your only option.
• Picture quality (30%) - Highest marks go to a good high-definition, anamorphically enhanced, widescreen presentation. Most importantly, I expect a clear and sharp picture, with natural looking colors, and no major flaws.
• Camera direction (15%) - I want to feel like I am in the front row watching the concert. Multiple camera angles are great - give me some shots from the back of the arena, from behind the drum kit, from the sides of the stage, from the lead guitarist's feet - just don't switch between these all of these angles every two goddamed seconds!
• Overall production (15%) - When I buy a concert DVD I want to see the entire concert - uninterrupted! Some producers/directors insist on making these videos their personal film school projects, with loads of annoying video effects that only take away from the performance. Behind the scenes footage and interviews are all a plus - just don't show them during or between the song performances. If you simply can't help yourself, at least provide a "concert only" option to choose from.

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