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| Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire: Live at the Greek Theatre [Blu-ray] | ![Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire: Live at the Greek Theatre [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61sewajFPeL._SL160_.jpg)
 enlarge | Actors: Chicago, Wind & Fire Earth
Studio: Image Entertainment
Category: DVD
List Price: $24.98
Buy New: $14.89
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Avg. Customer Rating:  132 reviews
Sales Rank: 1957
Format: Color, Dolby, Live, Widescreen
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Media: Blu-ray
Number Of Items: 1
Running Time: 172
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: ID4952DFBD
UPC: 014381495256
EAN: 0014381495256
ASIN: B001676320
Theatrical Release Date: June 28, 2005
Release Date: July 8, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: Brand new Item. CD, DVD, Book, VHS more than 400 000 titles to choose from. ALL days Low Price !
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Amazon.com
The '70s and '80s rule as two of the most popular bands from that era join forces on Chicago/Earth Wind & Fire - Live at the Greek Theatre, a two-disc, nearly three-hour concert recorded in Los Angeles in 2004. These groups scored dozens of hits in their heydays, and if neither has come up with much of anything that's new in the past two decades, the sold-out audience at the Greek Theatre could hardly care less. Both Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire, have soldiered on despite key personnel changes over the years (Chicago bassist-singer Peter Cetera and EWF founder Maurice White are long gone, and much missed); here they perform energetic and tasteful versions of everything from "Make Me Smile," "I'm a Man," and "Saturday in the Park" (Chicago) to "That's the Way of the World," "Fantasy," and "Serpentine Fire" (EWF), among many others, to rapturous response. Nothing too exciting about all of that--in fact, it's a bit like witnessing a couple of very skilled tribute bands at work--but there are a few surprises, as when Chicago keyboardist-singer Bill Champlin takes the lead on "After the Love Has Gone" (which he co-wrote) and EWF singer Philip Bailey returns the favor on Chicago's "If You Leave Me Now." The highlights are the first and last portions of the show, when the two bands (complete with horn sections) share the stage for "September," "25 or 6 to 4," "Shining Star," and more, displaying genuine joy at performing together and generating a huge, infectious sound delivered with high definition visuals and digital audio. --Sam Graham
Product Description
The teaming of legendary groups Chicago and Earth Wind & Fire was the tour hit of the summer. Playing to sold-out venues this spectacular show brought the GRAMMY-winning artists together in a show that both individually and together highlighted their revolutionary melding of rock soul and jazz as well as their numerous #1 and Top 10 hits. Now you can have a front-row seat for this amazing concert performed at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. Every moment all the energy and excitement of this final show of the tour was captured in high-definition for this extraordinary Blu-ray experience.SONGS INCLUDE:Earth Wind & Fire Set:Magic Mind - Boogie Wonderland - System of Survival - Jupiter - Getaway - Serpentine Fire - Kalimba Story - Got to Get You into My Life - The Way You Move - After The Love Has Gone - That's The Way of the World - Reasons - Fantasy - Let's Groove - Mighty MightyChicago Set:Make Me Smile - Color My World - If You Leave Me Now - Call on Me - Alive Again - Hard Habit to Break - Mongonucleosis - Old Days - Just You n' Me - Saturday in the Park - Feelin' Stronger - I'm a Man - Hard to Say I'm SorryChicago/Earth Wind & Fire Finale:September - Free - Sing a Song - Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? - Shining Star - 25 or 6 to 4System Requirements:Running Time: 172 minutesFormat: BLU-RAY DISC Genre: MUSIC DVD/LIVE PERFORMANCES Artist: CHICAGO Rating: NR UPC: 014381495256 Manufacturer No: ID4952DFBD
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| Customer Reviews: Read 127 more reviews...
 Hands down, the best Concert DVD Release of 2005. June 28, 2005
66 out of 74 found this review helpful
When I saw this DVD on the store shelf, I purchased it, but I was not enthusiastic because I had seen this concert at the Alltel Pavillion (formerly Walnut Creek) in Raleigh, NC and was not particularly moved by it. But, when I played this DVD on my home system, I was amazed at the sonic and visual qualities of this DVD. It really created the illusion I was getting a private concert at my house, and it sounded better than any live concert I've ever attended because I was in a controlled acoustic environment, the home. You simply cannot get this kind of sonic experience live because live concerts don't give you the separation, detail and tight bass you get from a good home theater setup. Prior to this effort, the best sounding DVD for EW&F was their Live from Japan DVD. But, this tops the Live from Japan DVD by a substantial margin and heres why. First, although Maurice White is absent, Phillip Bailey is in top form, and his voice never strains. In fact, the energy on this DVD is so intense, you can feel it through the screen. I watched this on a 64" Pioneer Elite Widescreen, and I thought the picture, with its vivid colors, was awesome. Sonically, the horn section was so clean and brassy, I thought they were in my living room. None of the musicians missed a note, and all the instruments could be heard with stunning clarity. Of particular note was the fact that every composition played by EW&F had perfect tempo, timing, and pitch remaining faithful to the original record. However, all these compositions were enhanced by the spirited playing of the musicians who were at the peak of their game. These are probably the best musicians of their generation because they played flawlessly while engaging in entertaining movements at the same time. Check out the moves of the EW&F horn section on Chicago's "25 or 64." They are really stepping. While Chicago was good, my personal feeling is that they were outclassed by EW&F, and Chicago somewhat acknowleged this fact on this DVD. But, at the same time Chicago has what I would call classic songs and sound. They do play extremely well on this DVD remaining true to the Chicago sound. They were just too stiff and lifeless, and lack improvisation. Nevertheless, when you couple two groups of this magnitude, you get what I would consider the best Concert DVD Release of 2005. The only thing Maurice White could do for EW&F is turn a 5 stars rating to a 5+ stars rating. Phillip Bailey, Verdine White and Ralph Johnson successfully play the EW&F sound with all its glory from the instuments to the lead singing, and background vocals. This disc comes in both Dolby Digital and DTS. I normally prefer DTS, but on this disc, Dolby Digital sounded more natural and transparent. It is imperative that you listen to this DVD on an audio system that has good electronics, a good sub that can accurately play down to 20 hertz and also have neutral main speakers with an accurate sonic characteristic. Only then will you be able to appreciate the production value of this DVD. This is a reference standard setting DVD, and it is an indispensible purchase if you ever want to show off your system. It just dosn't get better than this DVD. Whoever thought of putting these two bands together is truly a musical genius. They fit together like hand and glove, and they should stay together, forever.
Verdine White can DANCE! January 7, 2006
16 out of 16 found this review helpful
Check it OUT~! I purchased this live DVD to watch Chicago take over Los Angeles. I had been to several Chicago concerts through the years and was wondering if Chicago could still reach the high notes.
I have never seen such a pumped-up session by Chicago until they performed with Earth, Wind and Fire. I could see that the baby boom generation (yep, that's me) in the audience were trying to keep up with Chicago and EWF. Bill Champlin and Jason Scheff struggled on many notes, but they looked happy as ever while performing. It was worth every penny to watch them. Jimmy Pankow and the horns, and Tris Imboden and the percussion, gave tremendous performances. My highest accolade goes to Robert Lamm when he comfortably sang `with soul' "Does Anyone Know What Time It Is" with full support from my leading man Verdine White and EWF.
Step it OUT~! I had only heard of Earth, Wind and Fire. The closest I got to their music was hearing the Tomorrow Land Band at Disneyland play the tune "Let's Groove" through the years. I also didn't realize I was that old. :(
The first person I could not avoid from the beginning to the end of the DVD was Verdine White. I stared at disbelief at this absolutely crazed dancer. On the other hand, was he an absolutely crazed bass guitarist? OK, which is it? His attitude from the get-go was "We are the Greatest, You are the Greatest, let's Dance Together and be the Greatest Together!" He hypnotized me. :)
Earth, Wind and Fire is one of the most talented bands in the World, at any level. The singing of Philip Bailey and Ralph Johnson is absolutely superb. I was dancing like an absolutely crazed fool on the couches, on the tables and on the walls of my living room (it can be done) trying to keep up with Verdine White. As I was gasping for air, I listened to all the hits of Earth, Wind and Fire for the first time in my life. Over and over again, this band performed each song with class, style and charm. The graceful and talented Ms. Krystal Bailey gave a wonderful performance while trying to maintain Verdine White (who am I kidding).
BUY IT NOW~! You must buy this DVD. You will fly on Fire to the Windy city of Chicago for weeks after you get it. This is one of the most spectacular live performances on DVD. The ambience at the Greek Theatre with the combined sounds of both groups musically sharing their hits together was eclectic. Here is a secret. You have to see Verdine White shake it up with Robert Lamm and Philip Bailey when both groups play "September." When you play this DVD at a party, there will be M A G I C in the room. Let's Groove Together and Don't Care What Time It Is with this DVD. Did I mention that Verdine White is one of the greatest performers in the World? We Wanna Be Free - Peace.
it's a 2 disc set May 11, 2005
15 out of 19 found this review helpful
This covers the entire three hour show; total length is 173 minutes; this is direct from the production team. It includes all the songs performed the groups performed, both individually and collectively. Also has the drum duel. Looking forward to this with great anticipation....
Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire yMake Me Smiley in new DVD June 29, 2005
14 out of 14 found this review helpful
Q: Take a rock 'n' roll band with horns, mix it with a mystical funk group and what do you get?
A: A sparkling new concert DVD combining the music of two classic horn bands-Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire "Live at the Greek Theatre." (Shelf date: June 28, 2005)
In the show taped in high-definition at the conclusion of their 2004 summer tour, the two-band powerhouse has the Greek Theatre crowd on its feet for most of the three-plus-hour concert. The show was originally recorded for a pay-per-view concert that aired on cable systems in early 2005.
The two-disc DVD set opens with the groups hitting the stage en masse-complete with six horn players, two drummers, three percussionists, two bass players, three guitarists, et al., launching into Chicago's "Beginnings."
"When we open and both bands are on stage, people are like agog," Chicago founding member and trumpet player Lee Loughnane said during the 2004 tour. "They're like 'oh my God, you guys really are playing together.'"
Putting two bands on stage at once is often a train wreck in the making. A muddy sound mix can plague the effort or whole sections of one band or the other get left out.
Instead listeners are treated to a sparkling mix and interplay among the horn players that only adds to the classic tunes. Clearly the sum is greater than the already exceptional parts.
Next is EWF's majestic "In the Stone," cross-pollinated with Chicago's "Dialogue." Like a club DJ, the bands somehow mix the two songs together with stunning results, using an a cappella bridge.
After some friendly banter-and a coin flip-between Chicago's Robert Lamm and EWF's Philip Bailey about who should play next, Chicago leaves the stage and Earth, Wind & Fire launches into a funk-filled set - mixing in classics like "Getaway," "Boogie Wonderland," and "That's the Way of the World."
Chicago's Bill Champlin returns to the stage and takes over lead vocals on the EWF hit "After the Love is Gone" - a song he penned before he joined Chicago in the early '80s.
Given that a DVD mixes sight AND sound, EWF is the more entertaining band visually. Verdine White is a special effect in his own right, prompting some to call the lanky bassist the "Energizer Bunny" of the band. The man absolutely never stops moving.
Motown-like moves and cajoling of the audience to dance and sing along play into the party atmosphere that marks an EWF show.
While the members of EWF are better entertainers than their counterparts in Chicago, both bands are peers musically. Earth, Wind & Fire are just more fun to watch.
Starting on disc two, Chicago powers its way through its own impressive catalogue of hits, stringing together "Make Me Smile," "Colour My World," "Saturday in the Park," and "Hard to Say I'm Sorry" as part of its set - mostly focusing on their early hits.
"Let's get lost in the 70s," says Lamm to the cheers of the audience filled with graying baby boomers, as he introduces "Call on Me" and "Alive Again."
The bands again swap vocalists on "If You Leave Me Now," with Bailey and his soaring tenor making the ballad sound better than it has since Peter Cetera left Chicago two decades ago.
The two bands claim combined sales of more than 150-million records and albums. Both have collected their share of Grammies and American Music Awards. EWF was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.
But despite their credentials, it is not a pairing that immediately evokes the same sort of "that's a great idea" response as the "Piano Men" tours of Elton John and Billy Joel in past years did.
During their heydays in the 1970s, Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire were the yin and yang of the pop music world-both with dominant horn sections, but radically different approaches to their music.
When Chicago formed in the Windy City in 1967, members came together with the idea of being "The Beatles with horns."
As Maurice White started pulling together EWF in 1969 - also in Chicago-his musical vision included Afro-centric themes, astrology and black pride wrapped around a tight funk base, spiced with hints of Motown and gospel.
The real fireworks of the concert come appropriately during the six-song encore - both bands fully energized and on stage together again. It's an impressive closing set.
Trading hits, the tour de force powers through: "September," "Free" with dueling sax solos by Chicago's Walter Parazaider and EWF's Gary Bias, "Singasong," "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?" "Shining Star" and a free-for-all version of "25 or 6 to 4," with each of the three guitarists taking a turn on lead.
During last summer's pairing, EWF drummer John Paris said, "We seem to bring out the best in each other."
The chemistry is obvious as both bands, energized and challenged by each other, far outshine their previous DVD concert performances.
And the fans agree.
"There's a reason bands like Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire are still around after all this time," said Roberto Fernandez, who drove six-hours from Jacksonville, Fla. to see the July 11, 2004 show in Atlanta. "It's called talent."
The pairing was such a success that both bands will tour again together this summer, starting June 24 in Chicago and not wrapping up until late September.
 Vadim is a musical genius July 1, 2005
14 out of 31 found this review helpful
This DVD provides some excellent concert footage of a spectacular band still very much in its prime as performers and musicians. Simultaneously, it provides concert footage of another band that has clearly lost a little bit of its edge. The concept is excellent--take the two bands that defined the concept of the horn band sound (in very different ways) and put them on stage together. Some of the music is transcendent, some above average, and some mediocre.
Beginning with the opening tracks, featuring both bands on stage together, the listener is instantly reminded of some of the best aspects of both bands. Robert Lamm, though stiff in appearance, sings absolutely beautifully. His voice has some lounge-ish qualities to it, but his tone and phrasing is exsquisite. He sings the first verse of "Beginnings", then Philip Bailey sings the second, and the audience is reminded of how great his voice is also. The band(s) sound unbelievable. The double and triple layering of background vocal parts makes the combined ensemble sound huge, and the horn overdubs from the album can finally be played correctly (anybody who has played this tune in a band is aware of the difficulties in deciding what to leave out from the ending). The combined ensemble continues with "In The Stone" and "Dialogue", and the vocals get passed around to several other people. From his first lines in "In The Stone", it is obvious that Bill Champlin no longer posesses the requisite control over his voice to sing live. Unfortunately, that doesn't stop him.
When EWF takes the stage by themselves, the result is spectacular. After an intro rev-up of the crowd by vocal fill-in B. David Whitworth, whose mannerisms are more than a little obnoxious, Philip Bailey and Ralph Johnson retake the stage and absolutely kill while running through a sequence of the band's classic tunes. The tunes are linked together, but not like a medley; each tune breathes its own life. The ensemble interplay is great, with Bailey, wife Krystal, Johnson, and Whitworth providing percussion to fill out the band's sound. This isn't the classic horn section, but the new guys do a more than adequate job. The only time the old horn section is missed is during the sax solo on "After The Love Has Gone". Gary Bias does a good job, but he lacks the passion of Don Myrick (sadly gunned down by the LAPD about 12 years ago). Russian fat guy Vadim Zilbershtein simply rocks on his guitar solos and proves once and for all that white guys can be uberfunky; Al McKay never sounded this good. Keyboardist/musical director Myron McKinley only features himself once, and would do well to lose a little modesty; he solos like a cross between George Duke and Herbie Hancock. This performance is a staunch reminder of why musicians should learn to play their instruments; everybody excels at what they do, and several do two or three different things.
On the second DVD, Chicago takes the stage with a medley of somewhat lesser-known tunes. They play them well, but c'mon guys. Medleys are musical fascism. Either play the song or don't. The band then works through several of their better-known tunes, including a couple that are clearly musician's favorites. The band plays well, but the singing is subpar. Jason Scheff does his best singing when he isn't trying to imitate Peter Cetera; unfortunately he tries way too hard to do just that on several tunes. Bill Champlin was brought into the band in the mid-eighties to compliment Peter Cetera as a second baladeer when the band forsook its jazz/rock leanings for a more commercial pop sound. With Scheff doing a mediocre Cetera impression and Champlin unable to conjure up the vocal power that he was once known for, many of the tunes (particularly the ballads) are lackluster and at times borderline bad. Musically, the band is tighter than it has been since Terry Kath and Danny Seraphine were members. While Scheff is able to hold his own on bass (his father was Elvis's bassist) and often downright outplay Cetera on parts that Cetera wrote, Champlin's contributions on keyboard are average at best. Champlin often looks like the odd man out, unable to contribute anything of great meaning. Walt Parazaider's flute playing is excellent; his contributions are probably overlooked far too often.
After a half dozen tunes, Lamm sings Saturday In The Park. The 30 minutes between his vocal contributions only highlights how much better a singer he is than Scheff or Champlin (guitarist Keith Howland actually does Cetera justice on his one vocal lead, and he does it by singing with his own sound rather than imitating Cetera's). After a few more tunes, the combined ensemble retakes the stage for six more tunes. The Lamm/Bailey vocal interplay is once again excellent, and Scheff, unencumbered by the need to sound like a certain other vocalist, shines again. The sax duet on "Free" shows Parazaider coming with a much hipper concept than Bias, playing a half step below the key and thus providing some interesting dissonance. On "25 or 6 to 4", the three guitarists have a showdown of their own. Howland plays something reminiscent of Kath's original solo, but much more polished and precise. He plays all the licks good guitar players practice hard to play, and plays with great swagger (despite having a rather metrosexual hairdo). EWF rhythm guitarist Gregory Moore comes next, and his playing is adequate. He's clearly better suited as a rhythm guitarist, however. Next up is Vadim, and he absolutely kills. His concept is otherworldly. He makes me proud to be a fat guy playing guitar. They close by soloing together, which is also a treat.
Overall, EWF kills on all levels. Chicago plays their instruments well, and Lamm's singing is sadly underrated. Unfortunately their performances are marred by inadequate vocal performances from Scheff and especially Champlin. The combined ensemble performances are surreal; this is a musician's wet dream come true. Regardless of what instrument you play, any musician can take something valuable away from this DVD (even vocalists; Bailey's falsetto solo on the first disc is jawdropping). If you're not a musician, you'll be entertained also. Bands and songs haven't been this good for quite some time now. Remember when musicianship ruled the earth? These guys do.
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