Macphisto comments : JVC Everio 3ccd 30 gig Harddrive cam set on ultra fine resolution for best quality.
This recording was meant to be a test-run for subsequent recordings of the 2007 Roger Waters Tour and originally not meant to be distributed. I aquired the original discs through a trade and realized this was an almost complete recording of a great U2 show. Subsequently I set out to author and re-master the sound of this show and persuaded the original taper to agree to having this recording distributed.
The video was used unaltered, the sound was re-mastered, blending the original soundtrack with Andy Shea's recording, which is already in circulation.
The taper turned the camera off during the long break between the end of the show and the encores and forgot to turn it back on for the first 2 songs of the encores. I filled this video gap in with various video clips sourced from youtube, of the actual show from 13th of November,
as well as short segments of the DVD of the first Sydney Vertigo show, produced by achtung_baby01. These were synchronized with the recording by Andy Shea.
Thanks go to Andy Shea for his kind permission to use his audience recording as the backbone of the soundtrack mix (Sony ECM-719 > Sony MZ-910).
The finished soundtrack was encoded in Stereo AC3 at 384 kbps, to be compatible with the high bit rate of the video stream. (Video peaking above 9400 kbps, aiming to stay below 9800 kbps total for compatibility with the majority of DVD players).
This 2 DVD set is certainly a must-have for anybody who attended any of the shows of the last leg of the Vertigo Tour. Otherwise, to help you make a decision whether to commit to a huge download like this, here are a few points to consider:
On the upside:
- A high quality 3 CCD cameara was used, securing above average video
quality.
- Through the use of an independent audience recording, the sound is
pretty clear throughout.
- This is a rare chance to see U2 perform a very moving Kite at the end of the show, as well as a great version of With or without you.
- As a bonus, disc 2 contains a slideshow with dynamic zooms of
high resolution photos of this show.
- A versatile elevated viewing position enabled the taper to record
good wide angle shots as well as zooming in to a limited degree.
On the downside:
- This is a one camera recording with at some times partially obstructed
views through the comings and goings of the audience.
- The taper sat too far away to allow true closeup views, unless provided
by the giant stage screens. |
