October 2000

Eagles - Hell Freezes Over
Reviewed by Roger Kanno
DVD Format

Overall Enjoyment:
Picture Quality:
Sound Quality:
Packaged Extras:

Featuring Steve Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Joe Walsh, Don Felder, Timothy B. Schmit

Directed by Beth McCarthy

DVD Release: 1999
DTS 5.1, PCM Stereo
Full Screen

The Eagles - Hell Freezes Over is the video version of the hugely successful album of the same name and is one of the best-selling music DVDs of all time. Although music videos are a rapidly expanding segment of the DVD software market, many of their multi-channel audio mixes lack stereo imaging (for lack of a better term) in both the front and rear channels and also lack in overall fidelity. There is often poor imaging from left to right with instruments and voices seemingly originating directly from one of the three front speakers and very little depth to the soundstage. The rear channels are sometimes over utilized, resulting in a gimmicky sound that unnaturally places the listener amongst the performers or in some similarly absurd, artificial environment.

This DVD offers sonics that are nearly comparable to a high-quality two-channel recording along with the added benefit of a subtle rear soundstage. The rear channels are used mainly for ambient effects such as audience reaction and the occasional percussion, choral or orchestral accompaniment, thus avoiding the excessive use of the surrounds. Overall the mix is a bit bright and forward, but it is not at all boomy or muddy like many multi-channel Dolby Digital music mixes. Unfortunately, this excellent 5.1 audio mix is only available on the DTS soundtrack and the alternate soundtrack is a two-channel PCM mix. Thus people who do not have the ability to decode DTS DVDs will have no choice but to listen to this DVD in conventional stereo. What a shame.

For an exhilarating blend of high-fidelity multi-channel recording and excellent musical performances, check out "New York Minute" or "Hotel California." On both these tracks, Don Henley’s voice cuts through the mix with a clarity that accentuates the melancholy character of his vocals. The multitude of guitars, both electric and acoustic, on "Hotel California" are well delineated and Joe Walsh’s solo is particularly skillful and captivating. The most appealing tracks are those that feature the vocals of Henley. Those that feature the vocals Walsh, Glenn Frey, or Timothy B. Schmit exhibit a slightly nasal, muted sound. The arrangement of the string sections on "New York Minute" and "The Last Resort" is wonderfully integrated with the sound of the band in a wholly complimentary manner. There are also some truly fun and exciting moments during the concert when the Eagles rip into "Take It Easy," "Hotel California," and "Tequila Sunrise," as well as quieter more reflective intervals during songs such as "Desperado," "Last Resort," and "I Can’t Tell You Why." Although some the new songs like "Get Over It" also swing, they cannot compete with the nostalgia and good vibes of the older material.

The video quality is extremely good for a live concert production. With all of the problems associated with the typical stage lighting of a rock concert, the image quality cannot be expected to be much better than it is on this DVD. The lighting is still occasionally problematic and gives everything a slightly red or blue tinge, but otherwise colors are bright and natural with excellent detail and sharpness. Close ups of the performers are life like with good depth and accurate flesh tones. Even Henley’s red plaid shirt is displayed with exceptional realism as is Walsh’s appalling, asymmetric vest with a striped tie motif.

The opening backstage scenes and interviews used to introduce the concert give some insight into the less than amicable break up of the group and the difficulty in coordinating the reunion tour. However, after watching these scenes, you get the feeling that there is a lot more to the story that is not being told. In addition to the footage included prior to the concert, there is a bonus audio only DTS track of "Seven Bridges Road."

The Eagles - Hell Freezes Over is an outstanding music DVD with above average video, great multi-channel audio, and some very talented performances by legendary rockers. The discrete DTS soundtrack really delivers the goods in terms of audio performance. However, for those who do not have the ability to playback DTS DVDs, the stereo PCM soundtrack will not be nearly as enjoyable.

GO TO
[ Current Video Online Issue ] [ Video Review Archives ]