Search - Too Hot to Handle on DVD

2 versions of this cause 2 much confusion

M. Barrows | 02/07/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This particular version of this show just got released on 12/6/2005, but this is the second time it has been released on DVD and now it's on a different label. I have both versions and the new one is in a standard DVD case while the original is in a "digipak" type case. Not only the packaging, but the audio/video is different. Whoever did the first version (www.panorama.com.hk)?-they did it right---the sound is louder and clearer and the picture a bit more defined than the newer release. If you can track down the original version, it's a better investment than this new version. I would have given this 5 stars if not for the confusing reissue with the bad audio mix."

Highly recommended! Must have item for Schenker era UFO fans

M. Barrows | 12/27/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I can't add much to what other reviewers have stated here, except to point out that the footage quality isn't too bad for the era (most of the Schenker era footage nearly 30 years old) and the sound is a definite upgrade from the older Korean import DVD that has sold recently for premium prices after it went OOP.



BTW, the Korean import DVD which I cherished for years appeared to have been a direct transfer from an earlier VHS or Japanese LD version, probably as a matter of convenience or licensing. As a result of having a less than optimum transfer this release had sound problems on a couple of tracks that featured Michael Schenker's magnificent fretwork, which were quite frustrating.



I bought the newly released licensed for North America version of The UFO Story in the hope that on the new transfer this sound inconsistency or glitch would be corrected, and I'm pleased to announce that this is the case. In fact, Michael's guitar work sounds crisp and clean on every one of his tracks, with every nuanced vibrato and fingering clearly reproduced.



This title doesn't boast any special sound configurations such as Dolby stereo or Dolby 5.1 surround like it's Korean counterpart, but my copy of the older DVD had terrible sound inconsistencies. This new release has great PCM stereo that sounds pretty sweet and well balanced over a good system. I gave my old Korean DVD to my brother as a present over the holidays.



My recommendation: Pick this puppy up while it's available if you like Michael Schenker era UFO footage and be sure that it IS this newer release. Sure, it would be nice to have even more of Michael's soaring Flying V excursions, but there's quite a bit here (about 2/3 of The UFO Story is devoted to Schenker's contributions and he was only in the band about 5 of the 18 years of UFO's history leading up to this 1992 documentary).



Though not a perfect release, I'm grateful for what's been provided here, especially complete performances of songs without overdubbed commentary. Finally, a decent documentary of this great underappreciated group!



Taking everything into account, including the age of the performances, I'd have to give this release **** 1/2 stars (4 1/2, knocking off 1/2 star for a lack of extras such as other vintage Schenker era video performances, which one must assume could've been licensed and included as bonus footage for this release. That would push this documentary up another notch). Note: Since Amazon doesn't have a setting for 1/2 star ratings I'll round this up to 5 stars for the purpose of this review."

5 stars for content - 0 stars for sound quality

Douglas R. Tooley | Raleigh, NC United States | 01/16/2006

(2 out of 5 stars)

"The sound is SO BAD in this DVD that it is almost unwatchable. If not for the band, and the vintage material, interviews, etc, it would be a complete waste of money.



This DVD goes as a nice compliment to their other double live DVD 'Showtime'. Showtime is great quality, but no Schenker."

Excellent history of a classic band!

Metaljim | Kansas USA | 01/13/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While this release is a little dated and is shown in a rather haphazard fashion, it also has most of the rest of the footage that survives of UFO in the 70's. Recordings from London's Roundhouse in 1976 and 1977 document the Peyronnel line-up, then the Raymond era. Solid performances, with great camera work and good sound.This also features footage of the Paul Chapman era, shortly before the release of The Wild, The Willing & The Innocent album in late 1980. There are also a few songs performed by the High Stakes & Dangerous Men line up, with Laurence Arched on guitar. This DVD also features interviews with members of Def Leppard and Iron Maiden, all of whom cite UFO as a major influence. Highly recommended as the ultimate companion to the Strangers In The Night Classic Albums DVD. It also has some cool old footage of the pre-Schenker, Bolton era band miming to Prince Kajuku on TV. If you've ever liked UFO, this is one to go out and buy NOW. Classic interviews, classic performances, great songs! You can't miss, so give it a shot!"