Ray Charles in Concert contains an adequate visual transfer that probably springs from a television performance. The picture barely exceeds the average VHS transfer, and the colors are rather muted and simple. But since it contains basic concert footage with little innovation, it's not a major surprise that the transfer isn't very impressive. The images are clear, and that's probably enough to enjoy the contents of this disc. This disc contains the worst audio transfer of any concert DVD in recent memory. However, this speaks more towards the excellence of the other discs than the poor nature of this one. The 2.0 channel audio transfer conveys the music decently with clarity and some depth, but it lacks the pristine quality necessary for the best concert discs. The track doesn't distract from the events onscreen, but it also fails to heighten any of the numbers. There are no extra features on this disc, which is not surprising considering the nature of the event.
This concert film, shot when ABBA were at the height of their popularity, gets a long-overdue reissue on DVD, with plenty of bells and whistles included. ABBA: In Concert has been transferred to disc in the full-frame aspect ratio of 1.33:1. The audio is presented in three formats -- Dolby Digital Stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1, and DTS 5.1. The songs and interviews are in English, with optional subtitles in English, French, Spanish, German, and Portuguese. Bonus materials include three additional music videos, interviews with the director of the film and the promoter of ABBA's concert tour, a gallery of photos from the group's 1979 tour program, and a trailer for the ABBA-themed musical Mamma Mia!.
Rod Stewart fans can be separated into two categories: those "Rod the Bod" fanatics who still flock to his concerts and adore everything he does, and those "Rod the Mod" stalwarts who love his early solo albums and his tenure as lead singer of the Faces, who remain one of the best rock & roll bands of all time. All Rod Stewart fans will really get a kick out of this DVD but it will mean something special to fans of the Faces. Not only is it their final concert together but they bring the house down and go from boogie rock butt-shakers to emotionally wrenching ballads to Rod's solo material without missing a beat. Unfortunately, this budget-priced disc hasn't been remastered well. The DVD displays plenty of wear and tear and sports pretty flat sound but the strength of the band and the music they create makes up for any of the disc's technical shortcomings. A dignified string orchestra and an out-of-it Keith Richards (who plays a beautiful guitar duet with future Rolling Stones member Ron Wood) add to the fun. A great no-nonsense concert of a great no-nonsense rock & roll band.