Review of Mike Oldfield: The Millennium Bell

Introduction

Finally, only a year late, Warner has got around to releasing the long awaited DVD of Mike Oldfield`s `Art in Heaven` concert.

For those that don`t know, this was a huge concert and light show performed in Berlin to mark the start of the new millennium.

Video

The visuals are full frame and are, to be honest, nothing to get excited about.

The print is fairly clean but as it`s a live music concert don`t expect cutting edge visuals, some of the editing is a little questionable.

The material shot during the light show is well presented and pleasant to watch (and listen to).

The menus are simple but set the scene nicely.

Audio

You get an uncompressed stereo mix and a 5.1 mix of the audio.

The stereo mix is punchier and vocals defiantly have the edge in the old 2 speaker mode ;-).
That said the 5.1 mix is strong and well positioned just a little to mudded for my liking.
The overall recording can be a little harsh at times but that is one of the qualities of Mike`s music anyway.

Features

You get an interview with Mike Oldfield and a Making of.

The making of is noteworthy for using no voiceover what so ever, just music and screen text.
The interview gives you a little insight into the concert but is nothing special.

Conclusion

This DVD is fairly well presented and makes a good job of conveying the concert (that I still kick myself to this day for missing).
If you`re a Mike Oldfield fan then this really should be in your collection.

The `Art in Heaven` lightshow is very nice to watch and the preceding concert wonderful just to sit back and listen to.

All in all, it`s a nice DVD package with some shortcomings regarding video (and to a lesser extent audio) quality but is a must for fans.