MASTERS FROM THE VAULTS

The other reviewers of this DVD have really said all that can be said - I just want to agree that it deserves 4 stars, and but for the quality, would have got 5 from me. Its a fascinating archive piece, yes quality is scratchy in places, but shows them at their very best - before they got too OTT - what am I saying? Emerson grinds, tilts and smashes his organ, Palmer gives a lengthy solo complete with shirt removal - but there's real energy about the perfomance that somehow seems lacking in later shows. Like other reviewers, I too missed seeing ELP but if I'd had the choice this is when I would have liked to see them. The latest DVD "Beyond the Beginning" has a lot more footage of ELP in concert but as a single perfomance, this is the one to see. By the way, the new DVD release (Beyond the Beginning) only has a very limited amount of film from this concert, and nothing that isn't already on this DVD. The camerawork is good, although unfortunately the director decided to add a few exterior zoom shots and swirling effects to "spice things up a bit"; fortunately they're aren't too many of these. Watch out for the great early 70's styles as the lads prepare to leave their hotel room for the gig! A great buy.