Unplugged - Acoustica

first off just for the record, it is not ntsc and is not region 1. it is in pal format, info in case anyone is serious about purchasing it. and i think you should. when heavy metal masters can make acoustical musical history. every scorpions fan should have the chance to see and hear this masterpiece. why it was never marketed in ntsc worlwide is beyond me. its in widescreen format, excellent video, dts sound engineered with the best quality. and extras on the dvd that make it so complete. its almost like it was released in pal to a specific region, and then forgotten about. what was captured on this dvd, is something some groups never accomplish in an entire career of recording and performing live. after playing drums for thirty years and teaching music, every time i watch this dvd it moves me emotionally, and musically, and is at the top of my dvd collection. incredible performance, caught live, on dvd. a must not just for scorpion fans, but for anyone who appreciates music.

This DVD shows what phenomenal musicians Scorpions truly are. The music selection is perfect, with a few new tunes thrown in. They cover songs from Kansas and The Cars as well. I listen to the DVD over and over. Sometimes I throw it in for background music it's so good. I wasn't sure at first if this would be any good. There are some acoustic performances out there that aren't that good, trying to capture on the trend set by Tesla long ago.

Production quality is excellent, with many cameras set to cover the performance. Also, there is footage from back stage, etc... If you are a Scorpions fan, or just a fan of quality rock and roll, you will very happy with this CD.

This DVD (and also CD with abt. 75 % of songs) was recorded live in Portuguese monastery more or less "unplugged" (bass guitar was mostly electric though). New acoustic arrangements gave old classics a new life, plus there are 2 or three new songs and three cover-versions: Dust in the Wind ("Kansas" original), Drive (from "Cars") and Love of my Life ('Queen', of course). Total of 21 tracks, and I should say that 17 or 18 of them are played real good. Five members of the band plus one (Brazilian?) percussionist, one extra ac. gtr. player, a keyboard/orchestrations/arrangements wizard, three background singers and a girl with cello (unfortunately, we can hear her only accasionally - thanks to Mr. Soundman). Ah, and last but not the least: great audience and fantastic dancers!

There are some interviews also, and I recall talking to Messrs. Meine & Schenker during Moscow Music peace festival in 1988 (or was it 1989? - I should check, I still got memorable T'shirt from the event :-)) and singing "Wind of Change" together.

Picture is exellent, but the sound - well, PCM Stereo is real good, 5.1 Dolby is not bad, but 5.1 DTS is really something: thanks to Mr. Soundman again I've had unforgettable experience - vocals from central channel (OK), gtrs from left and right front speakers (too quiet!) and very loud keyboards from left and right rear speakers!!! A real fly in the ointment, because on CD the sound is OK.

But anyway, this is a really good live DVD with different acoustic sound from the band of endless hits.

Try it and you won't be disappointed.