Post by Beatle Bob on Jul 13, 2008 17:17:45 GMT -5
REVIEW: “BEATLES: LIVE IN JAPAN 1966 MEMORIAL” (Misterclaudel 2 DVD Set MCDVD 14/MCDVD 15)
Hot on the heels of their recent releases, Wings Over The World DVD, Biggest Attraction In The World, Red Rose Speedway Sessions, and the Complete Liverpool Sound Concert comes one of Misterclaudel’s best releases ever, The Beatles: Live In Japan 1966 Memorial ,2 DVD set comprising both the Nippon-Budokan Hall shows that were videotaped in Tokyo, Japan on June 30, 1966 and July 1, 1966. Both shows are very common to collectors and are probably the best shows to watch from ’66 for completeness and sound quality, but not necessarily for the performances. We all know this tour they didn’t rehearse and nor did they give 100% due to a weariness of touring that was wearing them down not only physically, but mentally. There aren’t many great representations of the ’66 tour in terms of audio and video quality and this year is the worst year represented (in this regards) for their live career since the days of Beatlemania started (no live BBC performances, no NME ’66 audio, no Christmas tour, no live TV shows).
Everything else up to then we basically have available on film or black and white video. Being these two shows were recorded on color videotape brings their performances and image into a more modern perspective and doesn’t make it feel as if it’s as old as it really is. We’re lucky Brian Epstein consented to have these two shows videotaped and survived in somewhat excellent quality overall.
This 2 DVD set from Misterclaudel is presented in a DVD case complete with liner notes in Japanese (c’mon Misterclaudel, how about an English version included too?), a color insert for their Beatles catalog (now adding the upcoming Complete Rooftop Concert 3 CD set). DVD case also comes with an OBI strip and the artwork doesn’t have the typical Misterclaudel look and feel and comes across as a very professional legit item this time. Both discs are factory pressed and for once aren’t copy protected. The most important aspect is the content over everything else. What’s surprising is it seems like more care and attention and time was given to this release in terms of packaging and espcially the audio and video content. Both discs off alternate audio and video choices. While viewing your video choice you can also switch in and out differerent audio selections while you’re viewing the show. For the first disc which comprises the 6/30/08 show (“black suits version”)here are the choices:
MOVIE:
Version 1: Beta Version
Version 2: Broadcast Version
Version 3: Laser Disc Version
SOUNDTRACK:
Version 1: Original Mono Version
Version 2: Remastered Mono Version
Version 3: Duophonic Version
TRACKS:
Rock And Roll Music
She’s A Woman
If I Needed Someone
Day Tripper
Baby’s In Black
I Feel Fine
Yesterday
I Wanna Be Your Man
Nowhere Man
Paperback Writer
I’m Down
What’s interesting about re-watching this show many times is how it seems like the performances are better than you remember. When listening to the audio on bootleg CD it feels sluggish and uninspired. But upon watching the show, there is more life in the performances and in general it seems like they are having some fun. If you watch closely, it’s Ringo who looks like he had a late night and is sleepwalking thru the performance. Eyes closed many times for long stretches and doesn’t smile. He just doesn’t seem right during this show. The only version of this show offered here that you’ll be watching is of course the laser disc dupe. There is a bit of “green ghosting” on this video, but It’s still probably the nicest dupe I’ve seen from laser disc, though not quite “Anthology” quality. It’s close though. The remastered audio is an improvement over all audio I’ve heard on CD or on DVD of this show. There is more life to it now and it’s kick-ass mono! The duophonic audio I thought would be a waste, but it’s as good as the attempt Mirror Spock did for his “Ed Sullivan” show DVD. Gives the audio a different aural presence and I find I play it as much as the remastered audio selection.
The 2nd disc offers the 7/1/66 show (“white suits version”) in two choices only:
MOVIE:
Version 1: Video Version
Version 2: Film Version
SOUNDTRACK:
Version 1: Original Mono Version
Version 2: Remastered Mono Version
Tracks: Same as first show noted above
The biggest different in viewing this 2nd videotaped show is the performances steps up overall compared to the first show, but this show suffers from a lesser audio quality. What is striking is the remastered audio choice knocks up the clarity immensely and is the audio of choice when watching this show. The audio was brought more forward with a clarity missing on the original mono. The first show will always have the best audio out of both shows, but there is a pronounced improvement here and kudos for whomever did the audio restoration here. Image-wise its’ about the same as anything else I’ve viewed of this 2nd show.
The 2nd disc also offers 8mm, 16 mm color films, and tour documentaries and the press conference, similar to an earlier release I have on DVD entitled "Far East Knights", which for completests makes this set a much needed acquisition to your collection. Is this the ultimate Nippon-Budokon Hall shows from 1966? You bet it is! It’s highly recommended and in my opinion the core version to own.
www.giginjapan.com/scan150/beatles-66japan.htm
Regards,
Beatle Bob
_________________
Hot on the heels of their recent releases, Wings Over The World DVD, Biggest Attraction In The World, Red Rose Speedway Sessions, and the Complete Liverpool Sound Concert comes one of Misterclaudel’s best releases ever, The Beatles: Live In Japan 1966 Memorial ,2 DVD set comprising both the Nippon-Budokan Hall shows that were videotaped in Tokyo, Japan on June 30, 1966 and July 1, 1966. Both shows are very common to collectors and are probably the best shows to watch from ’66 for completeness and sound quality, but not necessarily for the performances. We all know this tour they didn’t rehearse and nor did they give 100% due to a weariness of touring that was wearing them down not only physically, but mentally. There aren’t many great representations of the ’66 tour in terms of audio and video quality and this year is the worst year represented (in this regards) for their live career since the days of Beatlemania started (no live BBC performances, no NME ’66 audio, no Christmas tour, no live TV shows).
Everything else up to then we basically have available on film or black and white video. Being these two shows were recorded on color videotape brings their performances and image into a more modern perspective and doesn’t make it feel as if it’s as old as it really is. We’re lucky Brian Epstein consented to have these two shows videotaped and survived in somewhat excellent quality overall.
This 2 DVD set from Misterclaudel is presented in a DVD case complete with liner notes in Japanese (c’mon Misterclaudel, how about an English version included too?), a color insert for their Beatles catalog (now adding the upcoming Complete Rooftop Concert 3 CD set). DVD case also comes with an OBI strip and the artwork doesn’t have the typical Misterclaudel look and feel and comes across as a very professional legit item this time. Both discs are factory pressed and for once aren’t copy protected. The most important aspect is the content over everything else. What’s surprising is it seems like more care and attention and time was given to this release in terms of packaging and espcially the audio and video content. Both discs off alternate audio and video choices. While viewing your video choice you can also switch in and out differerent audio selections while you’re viewing the show. For the first disc which comprises the 6/30/08 show (“black suits version”)here are the choices:
MOVIE:
Version 1: Beta Version
Version 2: Broadcast Version
Version 3: Laser Disc Version
SOUNDTRACK:
Version 1: Original Mono Version
Version 2: Remastered Mono Version
Version 3: Duophonic Version
TRACKS:
Rock And Roll Music
She’s A Woman
If I Needed Someone
Day Tripper
Baby’s In Black
I Feel Fine
Yesterday
I Wanna Be Your Man
Nowhere Man
Paperback Writer
I’m Down
What’s interesting about re-watching this show many times is how it seems like the performances are better than you remember. When listening to the audio on bootleg CD it feels sluggish and uninspired. But upon watching the show, there is more life in the performances and in general it seems like they are having some fun. If you watch closely, it’s Ringo who looks like he had a late night and is sleepwalking thru the performance. Eyes closed many times for long stretches and doesn’t smile. He just doesn’t seem right during this show. The only version of this show offered here that you’ll be watching is of course the laser disc dupe. There is a bit of “green ghosting” on this video, but It’s still probably the nicest dupe I’ve seen from laser disc, though not quite “Anthology” quality. It’s close though. The remastered audio is an improvement over all audio I’ve heard on CD or on DVD of this show. There is more life to it now and it’s kick-ass mono! The duophonic audio I thought would be a waste, but it’s as good as the attempt Mirror Spock did for his “Ed Sullivan” show DVD. Gives the audio a different aural presence and I find I play it as much as the remastered audio selection.
The 2nd disc offers the 7/1/66 show (“white suits version”) in two choices only:
MOVIE:
Version 1: Video Version
Version 2: Film Version
SOUNDTRACK:
Version 1: Original Mono Version
Version 2: Remastered Mono Version
Tracks: Same as first show noted above
The biggest different in viewing this 2nd videotaped show is the performances steps up overall compared to the first show, but this show suffers from a lesser audio quality. What is striking is the remastered audio choice knocks up the clarity immensely and is the audio of choice when watching this show. The audio was brought more forward with a clarity missing on the original mono. The first show will always have the best audio out of both shows, but there is a pronounced improvement here and kudos for whomever did the audio restoration here. Image-wise its’ about the same as anything else I’ve viewed of this 2nd show.
The 2nd disc also offers 8mm, 16 mm color films, and tour documentaries and the press conference, similar to an earlier release I have on DVD entitled "Far East Knights", which for completests makes this set a much needed acquisition to your collection. Is this the ultimate Nippon-Budokon Hall shows from 1966? You bet it is! It’s highly recommended and in my opinion the core version to own.
www.giginjapan.com/scan150/beatles-66japan.htm
Regards,
Beatle Bob
_________________
