ZZ Top: Live at Montreux 2013 Blu-ray Review

"ZZ Top: Live at Montreux 2013" on Blu-ray, presented by Eagle Vision, offers a commendable visual experience with its AVC encoded 1080i transfer in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The high-definition picture delivers sharpness that really stands out, particularly in close-up shots, providing an immersive visual detail of the band members. The color saturation is accurate and vibrant, enhancing the overall concert experience. While interlaced presentations can sometimes introduce minor artifacts, this release keeps such issues to a minimum, only occasionally showing slight combing and light moire in busy lighting scenes.

The video quality ensures that the dynamic stage presence of ZZ Top is captured beautifully, with rich tones that accurately represent the live environment. Minor technical imperfections like posterizing are nearly non-existent, ensuring the visual integrity remains intact throughout the majority of the performance. Fans will appreciate the attention to detail in the visual presentation, which significantly contributes to the overall enjoyment of this live recording. The minor artifacts do not detract significantly from the visual enjoyment, making "ZZ Top: Live at Montreux 2013" a stellar addition to any collection.

The audio presentation of "ZZ Top: Live at Montreux 2013" on Blu-ray is exemplary, highlighted by its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix and LPCM 2.0 stereo fold-down options. Both tracks deliver a crystal-clear sound experience, with robust midrange and low-end frequencies that powerfully support ZZ Top's signature hard-charging music. The 5.1 mix, in particular, expands the audio landscape significantly, providing an immersive listening environment that brings the concert to life. The pronounced boost to the drum tracks in the 5.1 setup is particularly notable, adding depth and vitality to the overall soundstage.

There are no discernible technical issues with either audio track, making this Blu-ray a definitive option for audiophiles and fans of live music performances. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix excels in creating an enveloping experience, allowing the listener to feel as if they are part of the live audience. Meanwhile, the LPCM 2.0 stereo fold-down retains clarity and balance, making it a solid option for those preferring a stereo listening experience. This dual-option setup ensures that listeners, regardless of their audio system configurations, can enjoy an outstanding and consistent quality of sound.

The extra features on the Blu Ray of "ZZ Top: Live at Montreux 2013" are a commendable addition, enhancing the overall value of the disc. These extras provide insightful and engaging content that extends the viewer's experience beyond the concert footage itself. Highlights include interviews with band members Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill, offering personal perspectives and behind-the-scenes anecdotes about their performance and the Montreux Jazz Festival. The video quality of these features is presented in 1080i resolution, ensuring a clear and detailed visual experience. Audio is crisply reproduced, capturing the essence of their dialogue and interaction without any technical hitches. Overall, these extras are a substantial addendum to the main feature, making this Blu Ray a must-have for any ZZ Top enthusiast looking to delve deeper into the band's live performance dynamics and historical context.

Extras included in this disc:

• Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill Interview: Personal insights from band members about their performance.
• Billy Gibbons on the Montreux Jazz Festival: Gibbons discusses their connection to this iconic festival.

"ZZ Top: Live at Montreux 2013" is an electrifying concert experience that captures the legendary rock trio at their finest. The setlist is a robust catalog of the band's illustrious career, featuring iconic hits like "Sharp Dressed Man," "Legs," and "La Grange," alongside standout performances of lesser-known tracks such as "I Loved the Woman." Notably, their cover of Jimi Hendrix's "Foxey Lady" is a highlight that pays homage to Gibbons' connection to the late guitar icon. The band's energy is palpable as they deliver each song with the raw intensity that has defined their career since the late sixties.

The technical quality of the Blu-ray is impressive, offering a highly immersive viewing experience. The cinematography effectively captures the dynamics of the live performance, with close-ups providing an intimate view of the musicians’ impressive craftsmanship. The video transfer is sharp, highlighting everything from the intricate instrumentation to the band's signature beards. The audio is exceptionally balanced, ensuring that both the searing guitar riffs and Billy Gibbons' gritty vocals are presented with clarity and depth. For fans and audiophiles alike, this Blu-ray serves as an excellent tribute to one of rock’s most enduring acts.

ZZ Top: Live at Montreux 2013 is a must-own for fans of classic rock and high-quality concert footage. The Blu-Ray showcases the Texas trio at their best, delivering a setlist packed with iconic hits and deep cuts alike. Billy Gibbons’ guitar work remains impeccable, while Dusty Hill and Frank Beard provide a tight rhythm section that anchors the performance. The concert captures the raw, gritty energy that has been ZZ Top's trademark for decades, with each song resonating with a keen sense of musicality and showmanship.

The technical elements of this Blu-Ray are equally impressive. The video quality is razor-sharp, meticulously capturing every detail from Gibbons' intricate guitar solos to the dynamic lighting effects that enhance the overall experience. The high-definition visuals are matched by a robust audio mix that balances the instruments and vocals beautifully. The DTS-HD Master Audio track offers clear, powerful sound with immersive surround effects that bring the live performance into your living room. Even subtler details, such as crowd noise and venue acoustics, are rendered with notable accuracy, providing an authentic concert feel.

Still surprisingly fiery despite being well into their AARP years, ZZ Top cranks out a visceral set here that is strong on guitars and kick drum, with a nod or two toward Montreux's jazz heritage as well. Technical merits here are first rate and ZZ Top Live at Montreux 2013 comes Highly recommended.