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 an off night for a typically great sounding band, or did an average band sound unusually good.
• 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:

1. 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 surround track, or an equally impressive Dolby Digital 5.1 surround 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.
2. Picture quality (30%) - Higher marks for a good widescreen presentation, but only if it was originally filmed that way. Bonus points if it is filmed in high-definition, or is anamorphically enhanced for widescreen TVs. Most importantly, I expect a clear and sharp picture, with natural looking colors, that does not get overwhelmed by an intense light show.
3. 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 fabulous angles every two god-damned seconds!
4. 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, which only take away from the performance. Behind the scenes footage and interviews are all a plus, but just don't show them during or between songs. If you simply can't help yourself, provide a "directors cut" version, and a "concert only" version of the film.

Production Rating Scale

10 - Virtually flawless video and audio transfers, and great camera work. Either a strong DTS or comparatively good Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track will be present, which provides good instrument separation and clarity, and a realistic surround experience. The video will be clear and sharp, and be free of any noticeable defects. Most enjoyable presentation.

9 - Some minor noticeable flaws in either the video or audio transfers. The camera work is usually still excellent here. Highly enjoyable presentation.

8 - More noticeable flaws in one or more of the three primary categories. The lack of a DTS or Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track can also single-handedly bring the rating down to this score. This will still be a very enjoyable presentation overall.

7 - This may be due to the absence of any 5.1 surround audio track, or a below average surround mix. A stereo-only mix will have to be unusually good to rise above this rating. The picture quality may be still be exceptional, or could have a few minor flaws. You also start to see more editing and camera work problems at this rating.

6 - If a 5.1 surround audio track is included, it will probably have significant flaws, such as weak or no bass output, poorly mixed instruments, inadequate use of the surround speakers, etc. The stereo mix, and picture quality will only be average at best. Poor camera will can also attribute significantly to this rating.

5 - This is the quality you would expect from an older VHS tape, and is substandard for a DVD. Typically this is due to amateur quality filming/recording of a recent show, or a poor DVD transfer from an older master tape. Really bad camera work and editing can also help to achieve this rating.

4 thru 0 - Unacceptable quality for a DVD. Either the producer turned this into his own personal experiment that went horribly wrong, or the DVD was just very unprofessionally produced.

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