Peter Gabriel - Secret World Live (1994)

Peter Gabriel's extraordinary mix of sound, visuals, and theatrics gets the widescreen digital treatment in this remixed and remastered edition of a 105-minute concert recorded in 1994 in Italy. But not without some controversy, it seems, as several viewers have protested that the new version contains some not-so-deft lip-syncing with poor visual quality. The complaints may be valid, but chances are most viewers won't notice; in any event, the performance by Gabriel and his international band (with violinist Shankar, drummer Manu Katche, and bassist Tony Levin, among others) is strong, featuring versions of well-known material like "Solsbury Hill," "Sledgehammer," "In Your Eyes," and the always-moving "Don't Give Up" (with then-backup singer Paula Cole capably handling the Kate Bush role). Bonus features include a delightful "time lapse" view of the concert setup and breakdown, a "making of" documentary, and a brief preview of Gabriel's 2002-03 "Growing Up" tour. --Sam Graham Amazon.com

No cigar

Very late one night on a local cable TV station that plays intriguing and obscure art videos in an eclectic mix of classic early film, ballet, opera, or symphony performances, suddenly there was Peter Gabriel with about twenty singers, dancers, and musicians on a near dark stage singing "In Your Eyes," surrounded by wonderful Africans and World People, jumping and generating magical music. It must have lasted 20 minutes, certainly it lasted long enough to completely absorb all my energy and spirit as I found myself laughing, jumping, and transported into joyeousness. Then, as suddenenly as it had appeared, it disappeared into the next video vingnette. That was over a year ago and ever since I have hunted and hoped to find that video to have and hold onto it when my spirit next needed a boosting.

Suffice it to say that nowhere on Amazon was it found, although the subject of this review seemed to offer hope. "In Your Eyes," is one of Gabriel's most important songs and it shows up in several different places among his recordings. All I can say is perhaps the video that I saw was unauthorized, donated from some private collection, perhaps even clandestinely recorded, considering the images were far from crisp. All I know is the video I bought is not the same. Yes, it has a diverse group of musicians, including a great female singing partner, but it's slick where the other was raw energy and staged where the other was unadorned, in all, it's a lesser attempt to recreate the performance I am seeking. As they say, close but no cigar.
PS-If anyone can help me find the real thing, please give up the information, thanks! August 9, 2008

Discover the power of SIGHT and SOUND in a CLASSIC PERFORMANCE!

I first purchased this concert on Laserdisc for my Pioneer Laser Disc player (kind of tells you how old I am) and I was blown away with the spectacle.

Gabriel is more than a performer or musician, he is a concert artist! If you have never experienced the power of live music versus a recording studio performance, then this disc is a must.

You can preview it on Youtube.com, simply type "Secret World Gabriel".

My favorite performances are Come Talk To Me, Secret World, and In Your Eyes.

Great concert, one that I really wish I could have paid money to attend.

Highly recommended.

August 4, 2008

Peter Gabriel Secret World Tour

As Archbishop Desmond Tutu explains " He has Ubuntu" a characteristic that embodies compassion ,generosity,sharing,... his music is extraordinary for me and continues to provide inspiration and heart and this DVD always dances with HOPE May 14, 2008

Stunning Concert - Gabriel Transends

Peter Gabriel takes you on a visual journey of discovery, one of the great luminaries of rock. Peter Gabriel and his international collection of great musicians are at the top of their abilities. Gabriel leads us through a mystical trek of spiritual beauty. Allow yourself to float along and you will not soon forget the experience.

There are few DVDs that capture the feeling of actually being at a live rock concert, but that is exactly what director Francois Girard has achieved. I have seen Gabriel live quite a few times all the way back to his days with Genesis (saw "Lamb Lies Down" tour in '75). He will astound you and this is the best, most complete show, beginning to end, he ever did.

April 27, 2008

Fantastic concert DVD

This has all the essential elements of a great concert DVD. Inspired music from musicians at the top of their game having fun on stage. Simple yet effective thematic props and visuals. An audience loving every minute of the show. Camera work focused on the performance and the performers with no backstage or offstage shots and just enough views of the audience to give a good feel of being there without being distracting. Peter Gabriel and his band put on a great show. Every member of the band is right in there. Paula Cole makes this show extra special. Her vocals are superb. She has a magnetic stage presence right from when she first appears on the excellent opening number Come Talk to Me. The picture and sound are very good and the specials are fine. March 12, 2008

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