I guess there isn't better video of this concert available at all. It is really nice to see the Eagles right after they got back together. The long-defunct, Southern California band regrouped in 1998 for an album, an expensive tour (expensive for ticket buyers, that is), and this televised special, which features the Eagles in performance.
From the opening acoustic guitar solo and rhythmic beats of the bass drum, leaves no doubt you're listening to the haunting classic Hotel California, this DVD is an absolute jewel. Hotel California is their biggest selling song, but instead of being the original hard rock version they mellowed it and did an acoustic version which is really different and brilliant. The guitar solos are superb, with Don Felder and Joe Walsh working together perfectly. Tequila Sunrise and Help Me Make It Through The Night are also acoustic versions. The Heart Of The Matter is a song from Don Henley's solo career and is very well done with superb vocal harmonies. Love Will Keep Us Alive sung by Timothy B Schmitt and Learn To Be Still is extremely good. Pretty Maids All In A Row sung by Joe Walsh, The Girl From Yesterday is just sweet as sugar. Wasted Time shows of Henley's vocals to perfection, then for me the highlight I Can't Tell You Why with a brilliant guitar solo from now fired member Don Felder and outstanding vocals from TBS. New York Minute is also a Henley solo song, and shows exactly how good a bassist TBS is. After that they hit on its The Last Resort from the "Hotel California" album, and then it's back to rock n' roll with Take It Easy their very first big hit.
Life In The Fast Lane and In The City are both rockers, and find their way to the end of the set as they end with Get Over It and Desperado one of their oldest songs and still a timeless classic. It must be mentioned that they were accompanied by a full orchestra during most of their songs, something I did not expect to see but definitely worked well. The harmonies are spot-on throughout the show.
The Eagles have never sounded better than they do in this concert performance; and I'm speaking as a fan that jumped on this bandwagon before Joe Walsh joined the group.
The production quality of this DVD is nothing short of exemplary. Every camera shot, lighting change, pluck of a cord, tickle of the ivories, and drum beat are exquisitely reproduced to the point that you'll think you're sitting in the first row (especially, if you're watching this on a huge flat screen TV). The sound quality is amazing and like I said, you’d think you were seated in front of them. The video was captured with a majority of close up's which makes for an intimate home viewing.
The Bonus DVD track - in DTS audio only - of Seven Bridges Road is almost reason in itself to get this DVD.
Buy this DVD and you'll treasure it above all others.
Rating: *****
Reviewed by Verus Ferreira