Peter Gabriel's Secret World Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Peter Gabriel's Secret World Live," presented by Eagle Vision in an AVC-encoded 1080i transfer with a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, reveals both the strengths and limitations associated with its source material. The original 16mm film negatives were meticulously repaired, cleaned, and scanned at super 2K resolution to create a master file sequence. This restoration process allowed for significant digital grading and color correction by award-winning colorist Ray King, bringing the concert to high definition for the first time. However, potential buyers should temper their expectations as the inherent limitations of the 16mm source mean that much of the footage remains soft, particularly in midrange shots, which often appear as fuzzy blurs of color despite the digital restoration.

While fans will appreciate the improved quality over previous VHS and DVD versions, it is essential to recognize that "Secret World Live" does not achieve the sharpness or detail of more contemporary concert recordings. Close-ups fare the best, showing a reasonable amount of detail—albeit not to today’s high standards. The color reproduction, while robust in some areas, tends to be muted overall, and blacks come across as murky with variable contrast levels. The concert's dynamic lighting setup—accentuated by deep, colored lights—results in frequent oversaturation and notable instances of banding when bright lights are on display.

Additionally, some isolated shots deviate sharply in quality, appearing to have been sourced from video rather than film. These sections drop to sub-SD quality, with red, green, and blue pixels visibly separating, disrupting the viewing experience although infrequent and brief. Despite these issues, this Blu-ray edition remains the best version available for home viewing—but it's not without its significant limitations driven by the original 16mm film format.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray of "Peter Gabriel's Secret World Live" excels with both a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround mix and an uncompressed LPCM 2.0 stereo version. These mixes strike a balance between clarity and spaciousness, effectively layering individual elements, particularly the percussion. The 5.1 mix is masterfully engineered, with crowd noises subtly confined to the rear channels, minimizing interference with the overall listening experience. Gabriel's distinctively raspy vocals are prominently positioned at the forefront, supported by Paula Cole’s ethereal voice, and strengthened by excellent instrumentalists.

The mixes don't overwhelm with sheer sound intensity, but rather create a palpable sense of space, allowing for strong separation between instruments. This allows listeners to either focus on individual elements or appreciate the cohesive ensemble. Directionality and imaging are impressively executed, placing the primary instruments in the front with secondary percussive elements in the rear channels. The dynamic range is well-extended, capturing everything from Gabriel's gruff tones to Cole’s brighter notes with pristine clarity.

Notably, the low-frequency effects (LFE) track is well-balanced, enhancing Tony Levin's exceptional bass performance without overpowering the overall audio mix. This careful tuning ensures that no single element dominates, providing a harmonious blend that accentuates the live performance's atmospheric and nuanced nature. The audio fidelity remains consistently high, reflecting the meticulousness of Gabriel’s craft in both technical execution and artistic delivery.

The extras included in the Blu-ray release of "Peter Gabriel's Secret World" present a well-rounded exploration of the concert experience, delivering both visual and contextual depth. "Red Rain" offers a high-definition performance capturing the enthusiasm of fans. The "Behind the Scenes" segment provides insightful interviews where Gabriel elaborates on his collaboration with Lepage, set symbolism, and artistic influences, albeit somewhat brief. The "Timelapse" video provides a fascinating look at the stage construction process, while "Quiet Steam" creatively bonds visual art with an alternate mix of Gabriel's hit song "Steam". Finally, the inclusion of "The Rhythm of the Heat" from Gabriel's "New Blood" tour adds an intriguing reinterpretation of his classic, though its relevance to this disc remains uncertain. This collection is accompanied by a booklet filled with concert and behind-the-scenes photos and credits, enriching the overall package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Red Rain: High-definition performance of a popular song from 'So'.
• Behind the Scenes: Interviews with Gabriel discussing creative insights.
• Timelapse: Timelapse video of stage assembly and teardown.
• Quiet Steam Gallery: Slideshow set to a quieter remix of "Steam".
• The Rhythm of the Heat: Live performance from the "New Blood" tour.

Peter Gabriel's "Secret World Live" Blu-ray captures the atmospheric live performance recorded in 1993 with striking theatricality. The stage setup, heavily imbued with symbolic elements, presents a fascinating juxtaposition of lo-fi charm within a sophisticated production, evidencing quaintness by today’s standards. Notable elements include a red British phone booth symbolizing masculinity and a tree representing femininity, complemented by a monumental screen projecting evocative visuals. These props, along with meticulous choreography, stimulate both visual and emotional engagement. Gabriel’s entrance from beneath the stage during "Come Talk to Me", and the head-mounted camera in "Digging in the Dirt" exemplify this blend of theatrical innovation and rock concert intensity.

The musical execution shines as brightly as the onstage visual spectacle. Gabriel’s band, including standout musicians like Tony Levin on bass, David Rhodes on guitar, and Paula Cole on vocals, deliver powerful renditions of Gabriel’s repertoire. Songs predominantly from the 'Us' album such as "Blood of Eden", "Kiss That Frog", and "Secret World", accompany classic hits like "Sledgehammer" and "In Your Eyes". Though some might miss tracks from Gabriel’s earlier work, the concert's comprehensive selection demonstrates his evolution as a solo artist post-Genesis.

Technically, the audio and video recordings on this Blu-ray are commendably crisp. The performance, an interplay of simple yet impactful visual effects and robust sound quality, offers a captivating experience that reflects both Gabriel's progressive rock roots and his theatrical ambitions. This release holds particular appeal for fans who appreciate intricate live productions balanced with high-quality musicianship and engaging visual narratives.

"Peter Gabriel's Secret World Live" is an enthralling reminder of a different era in live concert production. Captured during Gabriel's 1993 tour, this Blu-ray offers a rich musical experience featuring Gabriel’s greatest hits and spellbinding performances by an all-star ensemble. The theatricality of these performances, characteristic of Gabriel, showcases his unparalleled flair for combining emotional depth with challenging music. However, the visual presentation is less convincing. Despite efforts to restore the footage from the original 16mm negative, the resultant image quality lacks the sharpness expected from modern high-definition recordings. For those unaccustomed to the softer look of older concert videos, this can be quite jarring.

Fortunately, the auditory experience more than compensates for the visual shortcomings. The lossless soundtracks deliver a vibrant, immersive audio experience that captures the essence of the live performance. Acoustic details are rendered with clarity and depth, ensuring that Gabriel’s emotive vocals and the band's dynamic instrumentation resonate deeply. While the supplementary features included in this release aren't particularly abundant, they provide a decent amount of context and added value to the main feature.

In conclusion, while "Peter Gabriel's Secret World Live" may not meet contemporary expectations for image clarity, it remains a must-have for fans thanks to its superb audio presentation and evocative musical performances. Manage your expectations regarding the visual quality, but rest assured that Gabriel's artistry and the band's prowess shine through in every moment. This release stands as a testament to Peter Gabriel's lasting impact on rock music and live performance artistry. Recommended for enthusiasts and collectors alike.