This briliant performance was recorded live at the Oakland Coliseum, December 30 and 31, 1981, with the sound, the hard-driving rhythms, the soothing melodies, the scintillating horns and special effects that have dazzled ... more »concertgoers around the world. Maurice White, the founder and driving force behind Earth, Wind & Fire has done it again: blending the energy, music and creativity that is Earth, Wind & Fire.« less
"There are admittedly some flaws with this DVD- meaning it's not long enough, there is over dubbing (done well enough not really intrude unless you're looking for it) and some of their songs like September, Love's Holiday, and After the Love is Gone to name a few that aren't on this and could've made it longer. ALL THAT SAID: THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST, FUNNEST AND MOST ENJOYABLE 58 MINUTES YOU WILL EVER WATCH! I love this video. I saw it on "Visions" cable in Alaska back in 1982 back when HBO was the only pay channel and taped this off of that. I LOVE that this is available on DVD. They did a great job on cleaning up the analog recording. Someone else's review took exception to the video quality. I don't know if they wanted 3D or if they were just used to digital to digital. This started as an analog video and as such is limited by that- but the picture is fabulous to me (esepcially in comparison with the crappy copy I had on VHS.)
This DVD is hands down one of the best concerts I've ever watch on DVD- with all the energy, fun and honest love for music that the entire band displays it is contagious and so much fun to watch. The camera work is good- they do a great job of getting around to each member of the band - showing them having a good time and even "funning" around. The soprano sax solo by Andrew Woolfolk is smokin' and the "national anthem" of "That's the Way of the World" is so sincere and uplifting. Just a great concert!!!!!
This DVD would be worth it to me if it was $50 ( but luckily it's not.) I love this concert. It's full of great music and so much fun- and to quote Mr. Phillip Bailey, the "genius of Maurice White.""
Excellent
Angus P. Cadore | London, Middlesex United Kingdom | 08/18/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I saw EWF perform this show in England at Wembley Arena, about 6 months after the performance on this DVD, and my overall memory was that of being totally blown away by the musicianship and showmanship of the band. Hence my glee at having this concert on DVD, in pristine quality ( I previously owned the same thing on videotape ). I would heartily recommend any EWF fans to purchase this, as it probably shows the group at their peak, touring on the success of the "Raise" ( Let's Groove ) album. Highlights? The opening tracks "Kalimba Tree", "Let Your Feelings Show", "In The Stone" and the "Phoenix Intro" where the group display a masterclass in how to whip up a crowd, and the science-fiction elements, where "Star Wars", "Star Trek" and "Superman" are paid homage to, are also fantastic ( Darth Vader turns up attempting to cause trouble for Maurice and the boys!! ). The only real downside I have is with regards to the length. The gig I saw was just over two hours long, with kalimba solos and tracks such as "Brazilian Rhyme" missing, so it would be nice in an ideal world to see the full length show. Overall, an excellent purchase and it'll be living in my player for a while to come!!"
Shining Stars for U to see!
Clarissa Bolding | Austin, TX USA | 02/10/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I felt like a kid on X-mas day when this video arrived in the mail and rushed to put it on. It's wonderful! Earth Wind and Fire is the greatest soul band of all time. Period. Their music literally feeds your soul. If you want to hear what live music really should sound like and see what a real peformance should look like, get this tape! I LOVED watching this concert of EWF in the early days. Unfortunately, I never saw them live in the 70s which is why this tape is a true gem. The lighting and special effects, costumes, dancing and the constant energy of the fellas is overpowering! It will take you on a stroll down memory lane and have you movin' & groovin' with Maurice, Verdine and Phillip. If you want a piece of history to pass down to your children and their children, get this concert! Earth Wind and Fire's music stands the test of time and the beauty of their presence and longevity in the industry lies in the fact that they cross all lines -- race, social class, age. Just look into the faces of their audiences and you'll see the love.NOTE: The opening sequence will blow your mind! They just don't make concerts like this any more. Wow! CLB."
Great Earth Wind & Fire DVD!
chakasworld | Atlanta, GA United States | 05/15/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I am SO HAPPY to finally add this long out of print concert to my collection! The sound is great, and Pioneer did a nice job with the digital remastering of this old HBO concert from almost 20 year ago! The best part of this experience is seeing most of the original members on stage, and the only problem that I have with the DVD is it's length, only 58 minutes! Come on ! At any rate, any true EWF lover will enjoy this concert, which was during the 1981 'Raise' tour!
For TRUE EWF FANS ONLY!"
Classic Concert Now On DVd
DJ Old School | Silicon Valley, CA United States | 05/08/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I remember watching this concert over and over in the early 80's when it was on HBO. I finally got a VCR and recorded it the last time HBO played it. I even recorded it on cassette so I could listen to it in the car. I haven't seen this concert in about 15 years but while browsing around the new releases on Amazon I came across it and bought it. It's just as good as the first time I saw it almost 20 years ago. A must have for every EWF fan."