I hate to make this post, because Anthrax is easily my favorite band, and has been for 10 years. But, I feel it should be stated. I bought MOMD today, and am ecstatic about my purchase. This concert in Chicago was great. Audio wise, this is probably one the top 5 sounding live cd's I've ever purchased. Everything sounds perfect and clear, and it really feels like you're there, moshing about in the pit. The extras on the disc are great, especially the Alex Ross featurette. It really feels like there was a lot of time put into this disc, as opposed to Attack of the Killer A's, where the bonus features and concert footage seemed a little thrown together. Hell, the disc is almost worth purchasing just for seeing the bit about Rob's "super" Subway sandwich.
So, it's all good, right? No, it's really not. First off, the video isn't anamorphic. This doesn't matter at all unless you have a HDTV, so I can understand them leaving that out to save some money. The problem is, is that not only is the video not anamorphic, there are some HORRIBLE compression artifacts from some of the shots. The reason why I say some, is that most of the shots from the side of the audience seem fine, or they're over so quick that's there's not time to notice. The REALLY, REALLY bad shots are generally of John from straight out in the audience, in which the video pixels up like bad internet porn. This may not be noticeable on a smaller tv set, but when you're watching it on a 47" Widescreen HDTV, it dampens the mood a bit. Also, I want to make a point that I have no problem whatsoever with the art direction. All of the cinematography is great, the problem is the clowns that digitized the video from the cameras in the first place, before the editors ever sat down at the table.
Again, I love this DVD. I just want to get a hold of whomever did the analog to digital transfer of the video and ring their neck, because they make the band look like rank amateurs, and that is not at all what they need right now.
Peace
So, it's all good, right? No, it's really not. First off, the video isn't anamorphic. This doesn't matter at all unless you have a HDTV, so I can understand them leaving that out to save some money. The problem is, is that not only is the video not anamorphic, there are some HORRIBLE compression artifacts from some of the shots. The reason why I say some, is that most of the shots from the side of the audience seem fine, or they're over so quick that's there's not time to notice. The REALLY, REALLY bad shots are generally of John from straight out in the audience, in which the video pixels up like bad internet porn. This may not be noticeable on a smaller tv set, but when you're watching it on a 47" Widescreen HDTV, it dampens the mood a bit. Also, I want to make a point that I have no problem whatsoever with the art direction. All of the cinematography is great, the problem is the clowns that digitized the video from the cameras in the first place, before the editors ever sat down at the table.
Again, I love this DVD. I just want to get a hold of whomever did the analog to digital transfer of the video and ring their neck, because they make the band look like rank amateurs, and that is not at all what they need right now.
Peace

