Phil Collins: Going Back - Live at Roseland Ballroom NYC Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Phil Collins: Going Back - Live at Roseland Ballroom NYC" delivers an impressive viewing experience, encoded in 1080i with MPEG-4 AVC, and presented in the aspect ratio of 1.78:1. The clarity of the live transfer is commendable, providing fans with a close-up, intimate feel of the concert. The stage lighting, particularly the prominent blue overhead lights, enhances the overall ambience and visual depth. Strategic camera placements capture not only Collins but also the choir and band members on the compact yet sophisticated stage, ensuring a comprehensive visual narrative of the performance.

The video quality stands out with exceptional sharpness and detail, vividly displaying textures such as Collins' stubble, dress sequins, and fabric ripples. The color palette is lively, with the red curtain backdrop offering an excellent contrast to the purple attire of the band and choir members. Black levels are consistently solid, particularly evident in Collins' suit. While there are occasional instances of mild motion-judder, these do not detract from the overall visual experience. Moreover, no issues related to pixelation or transfer-specific anomalies are noted.

In summary, the Blu-ray transfer manages to maintain high-quality visual fidelity throughout the concert, delivering a visually rich and immersive concert experience that is free from distractions such as artifacts or transfer errors. Whether watching on a PS3 or SA setup, viewers are ensured a pristine and detailed presentation of Phil Collins' live performance at the Roseland Ballroom.

The audio presentation of "Phil Collins: Going Back - Live at Roseland Ballroom NYC" on Blu-ray is delivered with remarkable precision and clarity across three audio tracks: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, English Dolby TrueHD 5.1, and English LPCM 2.0. Both the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 tracks offer a richly immersive experience. The DTS-HD track stands out with its crisp and clear sound, showcasing an impressive dynamic range that brings the live performance to life. The balance between Phil Collins' vocals and the instruments is meticulously crafted, particularly the choir and prominent solos, such as in "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone," which are highlighted superbly without any dynamic fluctuations or distortions.

Listeners will appreciate the superb mixing quality, as the crowd noise is audible yet never intrusive, maintaining the integrity of the live concert atmosphere. Notably, there are no detectable pops, cracks, or audio dropouts, ensuring a smooth auditory experience throughout. The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track mirrors the excellence of the DTS-HD track, offering practically identical performance in terms of clarity and balance, making either choice satisfactory for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

Furthermore, Collins' iconic vocals predominantly emanate from the front center channel while also subtly filling the surround system, showcasing a well-balanced integration with the instrumental elements. Bob Babbitt's bass work is a standout feature, offering some of the finest bass performances on a concert Blu-ray, particularly in tracks where it takes center stage. The high-end frequencies are delivered impeccably, especially when keyboards mimic string instruments, adding another layer of depth to the overall sound. In essence, this Blu-ray disc’s audio presentation is a testament to Eagle Rock Entertainment's commitment to high-quality live concert recordings.

The extras on the Blu-ray of "Phil Collins: Going Back - Live at Roseland Ballroom NYC" provide a deep dive into the artist's passion and process, delivering engaging content for fans and music enthusiasts alike. The Rehearsal Footage features intimate scenes from June 2010 in Gland, Switzerland, where Phil rehearses with his band. This segment is further enriched by Collins' commentary, emphasizing his homage to The Funk Brothers. The Interview with Phil Collins spotlights a candid discussion about his family, musical influences, and illustrious career, showcasing his enduring commitment to the craft. The inclusion of a Booklet offers a personal written statement from Collins, adding another layer of insight. All extras come with optional subtitles in multiple languages, ensuring accessibility for a diverse audience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Rehearsal Footage: Going Back rehearsals with optional commentary.
• Interview with Phil: Discusses family, musical influences, and career.
• Booklet: Contains a personal statement by Phil Collins.

Phil Collins' "Going Back: Live at Roseland Ballroom NYC" showcases a nostalgic journey through Motown and soul classics, performed at the iconic Roseland Ballroom in June 2010. The Blu-ray captures the essence of Collins' childhood inspirations with a total of 26 tracks that shaped his musical career. Notably, Collins is backed by an impressive lineup, including original Funk Brothers members Eddie Willis and Bob Babbitt, Genesis members Daryl Stuermer and Chester Thompson, as well as a dynamic ensemble of backup singers, horn sections, and percussion. Standout performances include "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone" and "Blame It On The Sun," where the live band’s authenticity shines, despite occasional issues with Collins' vocal performance.

However, not all songs resonate equally. Collins' voice has aged, which becomes evident in tracks like "Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me A Little While)" and "Uptight (Everything’s Alright)," where his vocal limitations are apparent. Additionally, some song choices, particularly "Jimmy Mack," suffer from awkward gender-related lyrical adjustments that don't translate effectively in Collins' rendition. Despite these inconsistencies, there's an undeniable personal touch to his interpretations, lending a sense of genuine homage rather than mere replication. Highlights often come from less well-known songs such as "Ain’t That Peculiar" and "Too Many Fish In The Sea," where Collins finds a better balance between authenticity and respect for the original material.

Overall, "Going Back" serves more as a heartfelt tribute than a technical showcase. Collins' deep appreciation for the genre is palpable but occasionally hindered by vocal shortcomings and certain less convincing arrangements. Yet, the performance's raw energy and nostalgic value make it a unique addition to any collection of Motown enthusiasts or avid Phil Collins fans. This Blu-ray release by Eagle Rock Entertainment ensures high-definition quality without regional restrictions, making it an accessible relic of a significant musical homage.

Phil Collins: Going Back - Live at Roseland Ballroom NYC on Blu-ray is a remarkable showcase that captures Collins' homage to Motown with a palpable sense of passion and nostalgia. The production values are high, reflecting the technical prowess of Eagle Rock Entertainment. Picture quality is excellent; sharp detail and vibrant colors make the audiovisual experience compelling. The sound mix is well-balanced, ensuring that Collins' voice is set neatly against the backdrop of a stellar band performance.

However, one must approach this Blu-ray with tempered expectations regarding Collins' vocal delivery. While his genuine enthusiasm for the material is evident, there are moments where his vocals don't quite meet the high bar set by the original Motown classics. That said, the backing band delivers a flawless performance, and there are tracks where Collins still manages to shine, making for a generally enjoyable listening experience.

As long as one approaches Phil Collins: Going Back with the right set of expectations, I cannot see how one could not enjoy it. It is a wonderful tribute. The Blu-ray disc herein reviewed, courtesy of Eagle Rock Entertainment, looks and sounds very good. It is also attractively priced and Region-Free. RECOMMENDED.