"Weird Al" Yankovic Live!: The Apocalypse Tour Blu Ray [Blu-ray]

 

 

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"Weird Al" Yankovic: The Apocalypse Tour on blu-ray is in many ways technically superior to the 2000's "Live" concert release. Yet this release lacks a certain new-age auditory staple: 5.1 audio. Nope, not on this disc! It's a plain 2.0 audio extravaganza, filled with glorious two channel balancing, panning, equalizing and maybe a little reverb. However, video wise, Al and his band have never looked so old and full of energy in this wonderful HD concert event. This is the Al concert blu-ray you're looking for, as it packs new, old and really old material into one exciting package that is sure to entice fans and newcomers alike.

Compared to the first Weird Al Live DVD released in 2000, this new release makes it look like chopped liver. What the first concert DVD lacked were the music videos that commonly played behind Al. Since Al's been recruiting animators to produce music videos for his recent songs, he's got a whole lot more than just concert footage to give to his fans. The instrumental parts of the songs really shine when the animated videos are interwoven with songs, such as "Polka Face", "CNR" and "Party in the CIA". In addition, Weird Al and his bands' onstage costumes may have you rolling in a fit of laughter. Overall the visual experience is fantastic, and with an HD presentation, it makes you almost feel like you're there.

Highlights of this concert include a wealth of older material, which smartly balances the new. Such as a medley of "Money for Nothing/Beverly Hillbillies", "I want a New Duck", "Theme from Rocky XIII", "Spam" (how fitting in light of the recent breakup of REM), "My Bologna", "Lasagne", and "Eat it". But nothing beats the awkward inclusion of one UHF-era song, "I Wanna Be Your Hog" between two recent Al tunes. Al's song catalogue dates back to the 1980's, and it is challenging to include older material for new fans, as well as please them with songs they already know. Also, don't forget, there are "bonus" performances on this disc, including "Frank's 2000" TV" (from the "Alapalooza" days), "You Don't Love Me Anymore" (from the "Off the Deep End" time period) and "You Make Me" (from the "Even Worse" album). For an older Al fan such as myself, I am pleased as punch to see these older less-popular tunes honoured, being they're more than 15 years old.

There is much more to be discovered on this disc, and I will not spoil it for the fans or newcomers, but I do believe it to be the experience you're looking for. So kick back, prepare yourself a plate of mash potatoes and Twinkie Wiener Sandwiches, along with a nice glass of milk to wash it down (or soy/rice if you're vegan) and get ready for the Alpocalypse Tour in HD.

I laughed, I cried, I hurled lasagna!

I have been a fan of Weird Al since the '80s and have enjoyed each and every one of his albums. Sadly, I have never been able to make it to one of his concerts. This Blu Ray (almost) made up for that I think. Weird Al is a fantastic showman and this disc captures it well. The camera work was quite good and I think comes very close to the effect of truly being there. What a bonus that it was filmed in TO! (Speaking as a Canadian ;) )

Highly recommended for any Weird Al fan.

Got it for my son's birthday. We watched it together the whole family, was all kid friendly except the Lady Gaga song on which the costumes and moves were a bit too much. Skipped that one.

Al and his band put on an amazing show, performing most songs in costume and playing a flawless performance every time. Video and audio quality were good. Good mix of new and old songs.

Highly recommend to any serious Weird Al fan.

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