There was really so much going on all the time on the stage, that I feel Spike Lee could have used more wide shots, instead of close-ups - something that Jonathan Demme was careful to do during Stop Making Sense.David Byrne's 1986 film True Stories will receive its Criterion Collection release on Blu-Ray and DVD on November 20, 2018, available to pre-order now in the Criterion Shop. I disliked not being able to keep focussed on whatever I found most appealing visually, which I did during the live concert, instead having to constantly watch cuts to what Spike Lee found most interesting. While this displays the brilliant choreography of the production, it is completely different to the "live experience", because then you only ever see the performers from in front. The only minor quibble I have about this film experience, is that Spike Lee chose to film from all angles, including overhead shots. It was the best concert I have ever seen and the filmed Broadway version is quite faithful to that experience, although David Byrne has introductions to most of his songs on the Broadway production, while there was little banter in between songs during the live performance I attended. I was fortunate enough to catch this tour live, in Amsterdam, November 2018. The sound isn't as punchy as it is on the Stop Making Sense blu ray, but the 5.1 mix opens up the soundstage far better than the CD soundtrack does. I've been a Talking Heads fan for decades, but I'll admit, I haven't caught the lyrics to all songs before. Dogwoof doesn't always provide subtitling. What's unusual - and very welcome - is that this disc is subtitled, songs included. The recently released Region B-locked UK release is excellent - both the audio and visual quality are first rate. If Stop Making Sense is the greatest concert film ever made, then David Byrne's American Utopia isn't all that far behind.
A must watch for anyone who has had even a little appreciation of David Byrne, or staged "music video" style performances. But still, overall no complaints on the sound quality.Īnd the show itself is really amazing - a creative, life-affirming look at who we are and where we need to be. The bass didn't punch enough tough, I remember more deep bass notes and percussion live than what I heard on HBO. As mentioned, not very active with surround or even stereo panning. Dolby Digital sound mix is good, but low - I had to turn my amp up higher than I've ever had to to get an impactful presentation. Thankfully, very limited audience close-ups which often ruin a video concert presentation, in my opinion.
The HBO show is equally nice - active camera angles, some very up close and personal, but always cutting to a wide shot for perspective.
We had second row seats on the third balcony, actually a really nice vantage point to see the staging. I saw the show live on Broadway on Jan 1 (my first and only Broadway experience), and it was a great start to what unfortunately has turned out to be a horrible year.
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