Within Temptation & The Metropole Orchestra: Black Symphony

The Blu-ray presentation of "Within Temptation & The Metropole Orchestra: Black Symphony" boasts a strong 1080i/AVC encoding that impresses with its clarity and vibrancy, despite originating from a multi-camera setup comprising 14 high-definition cameras. Although there is a noted lack of ultra-crisp sharpness found in other concert films and some inconsistency in contrast and detail sharpness as the feed switches between cameras, these minor issues hardly detract from an overall engaging viewing experience. Flesh tones are accurately presented, showcasing natural, lifelike colors without any undue redness, and the deep, inky black levels contribute to a visually compelling concert atmosphere that remains clean and mostly free of artifacts. The rapid camera movements are remarkably smooth, displaying no motion artifacts, which keeps the viewer immersed in the spectacular performance.

The strength of the visual transfer extends to its treatment of color and lighting, rendering the lush stage lighting and vibrant costumes with care, ensuring that colors are well-saturated and balanced throughout. Even amidst the dynamic and sometimes intense lighting, skin tones maintain their warmth and natural appearance, with primary colors kept in check to avoid bleeding. Despite occasional weaknesses such as slight crush, minor artifacting during rapid cuts, and sporadic aliasing and shimmering artifacts, these do not significantly mar the presentation. The video quality remains superior compared to many Blu-ray concert releases, with a clean image largely free from blocking, banding, or noise that often plagues other recordings.

However, it's critical to note while the Blu-ray delivers an exemplary visual feast that captivates and compliments the concert's auditory experience, it falls just shy of achieving the pinnacle of concert video presentations. This is largely due to fluctuating fine details and sometimes overly hot contrast levels that lead to slight inconsistencies in image quality. Despite these observations, "Within Temptation: Black Symphony" secures its place among the top tier of Blu-ray concert discs, offering a filmic presentation that not only showcases the orchestral and rock fusion at its best but also enhances the overall sensory enjoyment of this musical spectacle.

The audio component of "Within Temptation & The Metropole Orchestra: Black Symphony" is a marvel of modern recording technology, offering a selection that spans across the spectrum from the spatially expansive to the intricately detailed. At the heart of its auditory experience is the 96kHz/24-bit uncompressed PCM 5.1 surround track, which brings the live performance into the listening space with an exceptional clarity and depth. This track stands out for its superior balance, where each element, from the rich violins and full brass sections to the band's integrated sound comprising guitars, bass, keyboards, and drums, is woven together to produce a powerful and relentless auditory experience. The LFE channel adds a substantial backbone with continuous activity, enhancing the concert's bass frequencies to create an enveloping sound scape.

Comparative analysis of the various audio tracks provided reveals a hierarchical quality with the uncompressed 5.1 PCM track manifesting as the preeminent choice due to its full-bodied, ultra-balanced presentation that leaves no musical detail unexplored. While the DTS 96/24 track presents itself as a close competitor with only slightly diminished presence and spatial dynamics, it still affords an impressive listening experience. Conversely, the standard Dolby Digital tracks lag behind in terms of definition and spatial dimension, with the stereo Dolby Digital track being particularly underwhelming due to its phasey quality. This breakdown underscores the significant variance in quality among the available audio formats, highlighting the uncompressed PCM track as the gold standard.

Furthermore, this Blu-ray's audio sophistication extends beyond mere technical superiority. The meticulous capture and mix of audience sounds adds an authentic live feel, with crowd interactions and reactions placed in the mix such that listeners might momentarily forget they're not actually at the Rotterdam performance. Dynamic range is flawlessly handled, conveying everything from explosive pyrotechnics to the subtle nuances of vocal delivery with equal finesse. Despite a slight critique concerning the lead vocalist's mic technique which affected vocal clarity on some tracks, the overall audio presentation of “Black Symphony” is nothing short of breathtaking, setting a benchmark for live concert recordings and proving itself a worthy addition to any audiophile's collection.

The Blu-ray extras of "Within Temptation & The Metropole Orchestra: Black Symphony" offer an intriguing glimpse behind the scenes, tailored for both newcomers to the band and long-time fans. The supplemental section kicks off with the informative and engaging Backstage Report, encompassing candid interviews with the band, conductor Jules Buckley, members of the Metropole Orchestra, Keith Caputo, and fans, providing a comprehensive view of the event's atmosphere. Next, the 30-minute Documentary delves deeper, presenting never-seen-before footage intertwined with discussions about the band's history and the concert's significance, making it an essential watch for those looking to understand Within Temptation's evolution and artistic process. Lastly, the Countdown to Black Symphony adds a personal touch by sharing the day's emotions from start to finish. However, it's worth noting the limitation due to the PAL-format bonus DVD, which restricts access to additional content for many, including a treasure trove of music videos and a Bonus Concert, leaving non-PAL viewers longing for what could have been a more comprehensive experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• THE BACKSTAGE REPORT: Interviews with band members, conductor Jules Buckley, orchestra members, Keith Caputo, and fans pre-show.

• DOCUMENTARY: A close look at the band's history and insights into the Black Symphony concert.

• COUNTDOWN BLACK SYMPHONY: Chronicles pre-show preparations and post-show reflections.

Within Temptation's collaboration with the Metropole Orchestra for the "Black Symphony" concert, captured in high definition magnificence at the Ahoy Arena, Rotterdam, represents a zenith in live performance recordings. This Blu-ray presentation of the February 2008 event is both an audio-visual spectacle and a testament to the band's ambitious artistic vision. The band, known for evading strict genre classifications, leverages symphonic gothic elements to create an evocative experience that transcends mere musical performance. The addition of the 20-voice Pa'dam Choir and special guests like Keith Caputo, Anneke van Giersbergen, and George Oosthoek further enriches this concert, making it a monumental feat in capturing the essence of Within Temptation's sound and theatrics.

The technical prowess displayed in both the concert's production and its subsequent video rendition deserves particular commendation. Utilizing 14 high-definition cameras ensures that every moment is immortalized with crisp clarity, allowing viewers to relish in the elaborate stage design, pyrotechnics, and stunt work that punctuated the live show. However, despite these advancements, some editorial choices in the Blu-ray’s post-production—namely the overuse of filters and rapid cuts—tend to distract rather than enhance the viewing experience. These moments, albeit minor distractions, occasionally detract from the raw energy and complexity of the live performance.

Nonetheless, "Black Symphony" stands as a monumental achievement for Within Temptation and a must-see for fans and newcomers alike. The concert’s seamless fusion of rock, symphony, and visually arresting stagecraft not only showcases the band’s and orchestra’s talents but also sets a high standard for live performance recordings. While some may critique the Blu-ray's occasional lapse into over-processed visuals, the sheer scale and ambition of the project overshadow these imperfections, delivering an unforgettable experience that pushes the boundaries of live music performance.

"Within Temptation & The Metropole Orchestra: Black Symphony" on Blu-ray is an exhilarating live music experience that transcends cultural and genre boundaries, engaging both the dedicated fan and the newcomer with its dynamic performance. The collaboration between the symphonic metal band Within Temptation and the esteemed Metropole Orchestra creates a powerful, emotive blend of music, captured with pristine video and audio quality that immerses the viewer fully into the concert atmosphere. With performances of songs like "Ice Queen," "The Heart of Everything," "Jillian," and "The Howling," viewers are treated to a spectacle that not only showcases the band's musical prowess but also demonstrates their global appeal and versatility.

The technical specifications of this release are noteworthy, featuring an excellent video transfer that ensures every moment of the concert is presented in stunning clarity. The audio is particularly exceptional, with a 96kHz/24-bit uncompressed PCM surround track that envelops the listener, recreating the live concert experience in one's living room. While the package comes with a bonus DVD, its PAL format may be limiting for some audiences, yet this does little to detract from the overall value of this release. Fans considering purchasing from international sources should be aware of the premium price, indicative of the quality and rarity of this gem.

In conclusion, "Within Temptation & The Metropole Orchestra: Black Symphony" stands as a monumental achievement in concert presentation on Blu-ray, combining stellar musical performances with top-notch video and audio production. It's a testament to Within Temptation's broad appeal and a must-have for fans of the genre. The high cost of acquisition reflects its premium offering, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking to experience a breathtaking blend of symphonic metal and orchestral majesty. This release not only captivates and entertains but also broadens musical horizons, firmly establishing itself as an essential addition to any music aficionado's collection.