40TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION CONCERT (HIGH VOLTAGE FESTIVAL 2010)

A reunion concert for one of the most popular symphonic prog bands is always a important event. The band hasn't played together for 12 years, but each members have played ELP's songs in their own solo concerts. The band was offer to play this festival and they couldn't say no despite having only five days of reherseal in a outdoor environment that is not the best for them.

Having the Blu-Ray Version, i was first impress by the clarity of the colors and the details as expected for a Blu-Ray. But to my disappointment, the sound was low and consist only of a single audio 5.1 track, not a DTS HD surround sound. Fortunately, the sound of each instrument was clear enough when you put the volume up. I didn't expect the band to play like they did at their best in the 70's, but to give a good performance by playing some of their best songs. I really enjoyed listening again to "The Barbarian" and "Knife Edge". They also played their long tracks; "Tarkus", "Pictures at An Exhibition". The musicians had some technicals problems with their equipements, but nothing too distract from the overall performance. Greg Lake still got a good voice despite is age, and Carl Palmer is still the same great performer.

The concert is rather short, because the band had time restrictions, but i was glad to see this band back to bring some good memories. On the Blu-Ray there is also 30 minutes interviews with each members. The most interesting comments were coming from Greg Lake, when he was feeling some regrets about the band's turn to orchestra in the late 70's.

4 stars