Product: Queensrche: Mindcrime at the Moore (2007)
Rating: 5.0
The definitive version
I know I'm late, but I finally got around to watching this DVD. I've been a fan of this material since 1988's original release, and I've got to say this is the definitive version of the Mindcrime saga.Some have talked about the somewhat 'flat' sound of the band in the recording, but take a look at the venue. For Operation: LIVECrime, the setting was a massive arena that the band could barely see each other from the stage-wings and mountains of speakers. Here, The Moore is a much more intimate setting, nearly that of a club gig. Of course the sound will be different. I, personally, like the smaller, "group of friends" flavor of this version.I like the fact that they answered the two big questions for O:M and O:MII - What happened to Mary, and what happened to Nicky. I can imagine some folks don't like that the 'mystery' was revealed, but it just adds to story.Geoff Tate's still got the vocal range that makes him such a stand-out in the field of rock, and the band hasn't lost a step. Sure, having Chris deGarmo would have been cool, but Mike Stone is no slouch and Michael Wilton is magnificent. Scott Rockenfeld and Eddie Jackson get there moments to shine, and they don't disappoint.The addition of the Seahawks drum corps a couple of times is a lot of fun. Pamela Moore still absolutely delivers as Sister Mary and Christen Sorensen (no relation that I know of) is both creepy and believable as Nicky.The one minor complaint I'd give is that they could have recorded this when Ronnie James Dio was available to reprise his duet with Tate on 'The Chase,' but they even smooth this over by adding the one live Dio performance of the song as a DVD extra.I really dig the fact that this is produced and presented as a true stage musical, with the band acting as sort of the chorus/narrator from old Greek theatre. It's just a great show that is so much more than just a concert.If you're a fan of the band, or a fan of Mindcrime, you'll definitely want this in your collection. If you're a fan of great stories told with music, grab this up today.