Customer Reviews

Prince:Live at the Alladdin La

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

A really disappointing DVD. The camera work is horrible, half of it is out of focus, color is faded, sound is awful. It's not a bad performance but it looks like someone shot it with their cellphone camera. Definitely not worth the money.

I have a strong suspicion that it cost me more to buy this DVD than Prince spent on producing it. It looks and sounds terrible, which is a shame because it's a great performance.

First off, contrary to what the amazon technical details say, this DVD is in 4:3 not widescreen - the picture has simply been artificially cropped and letterboxed to fit a 4:3 picture.

Picture quality wise, it feels like you're watching a 3rd generation VHS. The picture is very soft and all the colours are washed out without any shadow detail.

Also, the sound is only in PCM stereo (in this day and age there's no excuse for not having a Dolby 5.1 mix on a concert DVD). Now stereo is acceptable, but this mix is awful. During the quieter bits you can't even hear the background instruments.

The only thing that saves this DVD is the performance by Prince and the band -- that is truly incredible and worth a look. It's just such a shame that this inferior DVD lowers the standard. I've seen bootlegs that look equally as good.

First of all, let me say that this is a decent DVD concert that features a playful,energetic and relaxed Prince with a smokin' band that includes Sheila E. and ex-James Brown saxman, Maceo Parker. However, on the downside, it is my understanding that this was like a 3 hour show and yet it has been cut to 80 minutes and some of the songs that follow each other do not flow because of the missing tracks that went between them and linked the mood and pace of the concert. Prince's humor is on full display with Prince demonstrating a new dance called the "Ozzy Osbourne" in which Prince shuffles around stiffly and wipes imaginary drool from his lips. He also does his own indelible version of Led Zep's "Whole Lotta Love", where after pulling psychedelic playing and feedback from his guitar like his forefather Jimi Hendrix at Monterry, Prince lays his guitar gently on the stage while it is still buzzing Jimmy Page-like sounds, but instead of lighting it on fire, he gently lays his handerchief over it and puts it to sleep. He is obviously having great fun here and so is the audience and band, it's just too bad that we, the home viewer only get to see half of it.

First off, I must say the DVD video and audio quality are poor compared to other concert DVDs I've purchased (Rave 2000 DVD by Prince was far better). Aside from that, the music is simply awesome. Prince has a way of turning old hits into new music when he performs it live with rearrangements. I especially enjoyed "Gotta Broken Heart Again" and the Bonus Track "The Ride", not to mention "Strollin" (which seemed a perfect song for the Vegas type show and "The Work", which is pure JB funk. The cover of "Whole Lotta Love" is great too, great, intense guitar solos, but it ends on a disappointing, rather weak note. I hope he comes out with a Musicology DVD (please make the DVD quality better!) soon.

Just 70 minutes long? What the....?

Despite that, this is a powerhouse show with a new twist added to the Prince "ouevre" [did I spell that right?]. JAZZ! You read that right: Rock and funk dipped in JAZZ! And it works perfectly. And that is a tribute to the songs themselves. They work so well in various styles (funk, rock, jazz) because they are so well-crafted.

The only time I ever saw Prince perform live [prior to today - I'm ticketed to see his in about 6 weeks on his "Musicology" tour] was on his "Jam of the Year" tour in support of the "Emancipation" triple CD. Gotta say, we weren't terribly impressed with that show. But I would have loved to been present for this Aladdin Hotel show (especially since it was MUCH longer than the DVD version of it).

You will read some reviews in this section by some people who definitely were NOT impressed by this show. I can understand how they feel. This show was a dramatic departure from his showy, funky "Purple Rain" heyday. But in this show he is no less masterful, watchable, and listenable.

Your first viewing of this DVD will likely be a period of adjustment instead of pure enjoyment. But starting with the second viewing.....Ooooh Yeah!

If you have never seen Prince perform, or if you have never been a fan of the artist, you CANNOT(!) deny that this man knows how to work a stage, a crowd and music. He was so awesome, so much fun and so excited. I just really needed to see my favorite performer do his thing, and he totally didn't disappoint. I love his style so much. Just an awesome buy. Plus, I got a great discount by buying it used and the condition was perfect!

Whoever is writing bad reviews about prince, definetly does not understand or appreciate this man's music, which is a true blessing from god. Prince has such an incredible talent that he shares with the world, preaching a message of peace and love. How much better does it get than that! Peace and unity is what this world is lacking. Seek ye the Kingdom and maybe one day, you'll understand..............MUCH LOVE....:-D

Man oh Man...if you have any questions or doubts about who rules the funk world you can put them to rest after watching this DVD.

Prince does a great job as band leader, singer, and guitar player. The NPG is totally kicking like a superpower kung fu chicken!

If you want Prince from the 1984 days of Purple Rain, you better get something else...If you want Prince as he is today, the Reining Funk Master, get this DVD.

Half the set is modern jazz and the other half is rocking like nobody's business.

If you play guitar there is an extra bonus on with the extra track. This is the first time I have ever heard or seen Prince play guitar like greats Jeff Beck and Carlos Santana.

I have been a fan of Prince since 1978, when "I Wanna Be Your Lover" was released. I use to kiss the album cover every night before bed. I purchased this dvd, expecting more from your concerts, (since I was never able to go to one of the concerts in person), I wanted to see you in one of favorite cities in the United States. I am so glad I didn't go to this concert because I would be very disappointed. I did love all your original songs you performed in this concert, but I didn't like the other songs that was performed. It seems that Prince was sort of disinterested in his performance, and I became disinterested in watching it. I give this dvd a phffft. :P. Sorry love, maybe I will buy the "One Night A Lone" box set and hopefully enjoy that better.

PRINCE! What did his momma and daddy know when they named him that?! This cat reigns and this dvd is proof of that! All hail the prince! Reign in the Light, my EXTRAORDINARILY talented brother!!!!!!