Stone Temple Pilots: Alive in the Windy City Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Stone Temple Pilots: Alive in the Windy City" offers a mixed bag in terms of video performance. Presented in a 1080i AVC encoded transfer in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, the video quality is somewhat disappointing for a high-definition presentation. The primary issues stem from an overall softness, inconsistent and often murky contrast, as well as persistent artifacting and posterizing. These problems are exacerbated by the stage's psychedelic lighting schemes and an upstage light display that frequently dissolves into moiré and aliasing artifacts. While better-lit moments and close-ups do offer decent sharpness, these instances are few and far between.

Digital noise is another significant drawback, noticeably plaguing approximately 80% of the video content. Whether it’s the backdrop screens or darker portions of the stage, digital noise is almost omnipresent, further degrading the image quality. The overly saturated stage lights also tend to wash out finer details, detracting from what could have been a more visually engaging experience. Technical mishaps, such as the out-of-focus and shaky camera positioned near drummer Eric Kretz, compounded by some random audience shots captured with subpar cameras, further detract from the overall quality.

Despite these flaws, not all is lost. There are moments of high detail where facial features and other intricate elements are clearly visible, offering a glimpse of what this presentation could have been under better circumstances. Additionally, when the camera angles and lighting align well, the presentation boasts rich and bold colors with maintained contrast, making for an occasionally grand viewing experience. However, these positives are overshadowed by the persistent technical shortcomings that prevent this Blu-ray from being considered a noteworthy high-definition release.

The audio presentation of Stone Temple Pilots: Alive in the Windy City offers two robust, lossless formats: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and LPCM Stereo 2.0, ensuring a diverse auditory experience. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix is built to replicate the feel of a medium-size arena, filling your listening space with dynamic sound outputs that are both loud and meticulously crafted. The fidelity of Rob DeLeo’s bass work is exceptional, with the LFE channel truly showcasing his skill, while Weiland’s vocals are well-placed in the center channel, maintaining clarity amid the complex instrumentation. Dean DeLeo’s guitar resonates distinctly through the left and right channels, whereas Kretz’s drumming is cohesively integrated within the overall sound field, providing a solid rhythmic foundation.

However, despite these highlights, the audio mix is not without flaws. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, while generally clear and spacious, occasionally struggles with dynamic range and instrumental separation. There are instances where the mix seems flat and mono-like, with instruments uniformly plateauing at the same volume. This detracts somewhat from the intended sonic depth and spatial feel one might expect from a high-definition surround experience. Moreover, sloppy moments in the mixing, such as abrupt audience mic volume increases and feedback-like vocal echoes during specific tracks, expose lackluster attention to finer details.

Overall, while Alive in the Windy City delivers a powerful concert sound with precise channel assignments for instruments and vocals, it is hampered by its consistent volume levels and occasional mixing missteps. For fans and audiophiles alike, the energy and clarity are commendable, but there remains room for improvement in achieving a more dynamic and immersive auditory experience.

The Extras section of the "Stone Temple Pilots: Alive in the Windy City" Blu-ray provides a mixed, yet informative viewing experience. The primary feature is an interview with the band, captured in 1080i resolution over nearly 15 minutes. While Scott Weiland's quirky choice of attire and the general atmosphere inject moments of humor and interest, the overall execution falls short. Unlike typical interviews, this feature presents as a promotional piece with superficial title cards introducing topics rather than fostering in-depth dialogue. However, the band's insights on self-producing the album add valuable context for fans and audiophiles alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interview with STP: Features band members discussing their latest album and self-production approach.

"Stone Temple Pilots: Alive in the Windy City" captures the band’s fierce energy during a sold-out performance at the Riviera Theater in Chicago. The 18-song setlist spans their storied career, featuring classics like "Vasoline," "Plush," and "Interstate Love Song," as well as tracks from their self-titled sixth album. The concert offers a frenetic and raw experience, propelled by Scott Weiland's dynamic stage presence. Weiland's performance evokes the manic energy of classic rock frontmen, drawing comparisons to Mick Jagger. Despite his notorious struggles with addiction, Weiland's spirited vocals and trademark megaphone usage are on full display.

The band's sonic cohesiveness is evident throughout the performance. Eric Kretz's powerful drumming lays a solid foundation for Robert and Dean DeLeo's intricate bass and guitar work, respectively. The interplay between the DeLeo brothers crafts a dense, high-energy sound. An interesting note is the shift in performance tempo; many classic tracks are played at a slower pace than die-hard fans might remember, adding a fresh twist to familiar tunes. This divergence from the album versions highlights the band's willingness to evolve their live sound.

While some may find the lack of moshing and a more sedate audience surprising, it reflects the maturity of both the band and their fanbase. Visually, the stage setup is minimalistic, with effective use of projections and lighting, though some light effects could be overwhelming for sensitive viewers. For those nostalgic for STP’s heyday or new fans looking to experience the band live, "Alive in the Windy City" offers a robust and unfiltered look into their enduring appeal. The recording exhibits superb audio quality that emphasizes the band’s robust performance, making it a valuable addition to any rock enthusiast's collection.

"Stone Temple Pilots: Alive in the Windy City" is a long-awaited release that offers a glimpse into the band's live performance capabilities beyond subpar bootleg recordings. This Blu-ray captures the group in solid form, delivering their iconic tracks with energy and precision, especially appealing to devoted fans of Stone Temple Pilots and Scott Weiland's later venture, Velvet Revolver. The concert features both the musical prowess expected from the band and the impassioned showmanship of frontman Scott Weiland, although it lacks some modern video clarity, leading to slight visual shortcomings such as digital noise.

However, while the performance remains robust and engaging, the technical aspects of the Blu-ray may leave high-fidelity enthusiasts wanting more. Audio dynamics do not fully utilize the potential of a lossless Blu-ray format, causing the iconic vocals of Weiland to come off as muted compared to their studio recordings. Moreover, the on-stage effects, particularly strobe lighting, may not be suitable for all viewers. Furthermore, the packaging is rather scant in terms of special features, with the only additional content not adding significant value to the overall experience.

In conclusion, "Stone Temple Pilots: Alive in the Windy City" serves as a significant piece for die-hard followers eager for a live performance compilation. It encapsulates the band's live energy and nostalgia but falls short in meeting the high audiovisual standards high-end setups might demand. Fans should consider this as a nostalgic addition to their collection, while casual listeners may find greater fulfillment revisiting STP’s classic studio albums. This Blu-ray is best approached with tempered expectations regarding technical execution but can still deliver an enjoyable trip down memory lane for dedicated fans.