I reviewed the two-CD set of this concert here at Music Street Journal and back then I felt that the audio was great and you didn’t need the video of the concert.  I still feel that the CD set is great and works very well on its own, but there are many fans that want to immerse themselves in the whole experience. So, for them, this DVD is perfect.  I, myself, like both experiences and (after watching this DVD a few times) realize that when done correctly, the DVD experience can enhance the music and vice-versa.  Like the CD set, the DVD concert has significant importance as it is the first time the band played at the Royal Albert Hall in the UK.  They were touring on the F.E.A.R. record and they performed the whole disc in its entirety along with a selection of other songs from the Hogarth-era.  The concert was also enhanced by additional orchestration provided by In Praise Of Folly. 

The one thing that hits you right away is how stunning the Royal Albert Hall is as a venue.  The architecture makes it seem like there is not a bad seat in the house.  Add to that, the Marillion lighting technicians taking full advantage of the location and putting forth a stunning light show to go along with the music.  All Marillion shows have a high level of quality and musicianship, but on this particular night, the stars aligned, and the band performed brilliantly.  Aside from the F.E.A.R. set, “the Space…” and The Great Escape” stand out as the shining moments of the concert. 

Extras are relegated to the second disc of this DVD set and they consist of documentary of the event, the accompanying visuals from the screen behind the band on their own for some of the tracks, and a bird’s-eye view of the venue during intermission.  The last piece is nice to see once but it is not something you will go back to after the first viewing.  The other two parts are definitely worthy bonus material and merit multiply viewings.  Marillion have always released quality product, and this DVD set is no different.  It is a great companion piece to the CD set, and I highly recommend it.

This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2024  Volume 1 More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2024.