Muse DVD

Muse have always been one of those bands who I feel have always been a better live proposition than they have on record. Its not that there’s anything wrong with their expansive soundscape, or anything unlikeable about their prog-leanings, but in general it’s a sound that seems made for an occasion like this. Sure, the first record is very much inspired by Bends/OK Computer era Radiohead, but like Coldplay (and the two couldn’t sound anymore different) they have transcended that, and are scene leaders in their own right. It is still quite a strange proposition that a band who has so, dare I say, discreetly gained popularity, to be playing a show as huge as Wembley Stadium, and even more so that they managed to sell out two nights. This DVD has come straight from one of those shows, and it’s a real treat for fans and casual observers alike.

Anyone who has seen Muse in the last couple of years will attest to their ability to produce 'a show’, a concept that few bands seem to understand even now. When you see Muse live, you get a great audio AND visual experience, in the tradition of some of the great stadium bands, especially U2 and the aforementioned Coldplay. It is something the band appear to takes great pride, and derive much enjoyment from, and it is clear from the off on the DVD that a lot of effort has been put into providing not just a live show, but something to go back to again and again.

It’s the things that you might not notice standing in a stadium that make the DVD great, like seeing a little robot come from the side of the stage with Matt Bellamy’s guitars, rather than a guitar stack. Being 20 feet from a stage 15 feet from the ground, fans may not be able to see the pure joy on the face of each band member, and yet its one of the things the many close-ups of the band highlights. The recording also provides an actual focal point for your viewing pleasure, something that can often be difficult at a show with so much going on. The sound is absolutely amazing as well. Admittedly, I did see the recording in a cinema screen with a great surround sound system, which amusingly often made me want to stand and cheer for more, feeling like an actual part of the show, down to the screaming girls behind and around me.

There are a few minor issues. First of all, there is a LOT of panning over the crowd, which at times makes it feel like it was made only for those who were at the show. The camera moves around a lot, which can make a person feel slightly uncomfortable, especially if you’re sensitive to strobe lighting (but then, an amazing light show makes up a large part of the Muse live experience). The shots from above the stadium, as amazing as they look, especially with the 'winged’ sections of the throng, can be slightly disappointing, as there do appear to be massive gaps in the crowd. These however are only minor gripes, and don’t detract from what is an otherwise excellent viewing experience.