ARRIVING SOMEWHERE...

I would say that this is one of the best recorded live performances I have seen thus far. The stage presence of Wilson and crew is just dynamic, and something I really enjoyed (but I've known others to find pointless and distracting) is the fact that the audience is shown so often. I loved being able to see just how intense and in-the-moment the PT live audience is, and also just how varied the audience members are in age. It really shows how this band's music truly transcends all boundaries that tend to separate the generations, especially with music. It's like with Porcupine Tree, the music IS the only thing that matters, culture and age be damned.

The editing choice I'm NOT as keen on however is the heavy use of fake film grain, the in-and-out B&W grade that shows up in the most random, pointless places, and things like that. Not really sure what they thought it would achieve, and I guess if you're a fan of that 'vintage' look, you'll like it, but I personally thought the fake video effects detracted from the 'live' feel a bit. If an old concert record on film has that look, it's natural and real, but when you fake it just to achieve a certain look, I'm not sure if that does much to add any appeal. Luckily those moments aren't frequent enough to really ruin it, and it IS only a minor complaint, and my only one. Just be warned, though; that overlaying of post-production video effects makes you very much aware that you are watching a video rather than an in-person live performance.

The set list is very good as well, including some songs that may be more obscure to more recent fans of the post-Lightbulb Sun PT material. One song in particular, ''Mother and Child Divided'', is a lesser-known B-side full of rhythmic fury and energy that mirrors some of the work of the more technical Prog Metal acts. Perhaps some people will wish more early PT songs had been played, as the majority of the numbers do indeed come from the band's then-newly released album, Deadwing, but that isn't much of an issue for me,. The songs that ARE featured, more recent or not, are very good choices and wonderfully played.

The highlights for me would include the performance of ''Arriving Somewhere But Not Here'', a moment of humorous banter between Wilson and an audience member before the final number, and the final number itself, which is a live variation of ''Trains'' featuring a very funny 'incident' that Wilson successfully handles and carries on with the song even stronger. Another highlight for me is a bit of an odd one; Gavin Harrison's ''Cymbal Song'' on the second disc. It's something I can't really describe, but I absolutely love it. Creative and inventive all the way.

It's just a great video. That's the truth. One minor complaint that is more of a personal pet peeve, and the rest of my comments are all positive. This may not be the wildest, most over-the-top stage performance ever, and the guys in this band aren't much interested in running around the stage like chickens without heads; rather, they are simply putting on an intimate show where they can connect with their dedicated audience via this complex, modern music that they play so well. If you consider yourself a Porcupine Tree fan at all, you owe it to yourself to pick this one up if you haven't already.

Very happy viewing.