Phil Collins: Live at Montreux 2004 Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Phil Collins: Live at Montreux 2004," released by Eagle Rock Entertainment, showcases a generally high-quality AVC encoded 1080i transfer in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. This Blu-ray proficiently captures the intricacies and nuances of the live performance, providing a sharp and detailed high-definition experience. Close-ups reveal minute details such as a Band-Aid on Collins’ fingers and the sweat on his face, adding to the immersive nature of the viewing experience. However, there are some challenges commonly associated with live concert recordings, particularly in the blue lighting, which occasionally causes minor banding and posterizing issues.

Despite these minor lighting-related concerns, the overall color reproduction remains commendable with well-saturated and accurate hues. Flesh tones maintain their natural appearance, consistently depicted even under varying lighting conditions throughout the show. The black levels are robust and the contrast is managed adeptly, maintaining a clear distinction between different elements on stage. This Blu-ray transfer demonstrates solid technical proficiency, ensuring that fans can enjoy an almost true-to-life portrayal of Phil Collins’ compelling performance at Montreux.

Eagle Rock Entertainment has made three robust audio options available for "Phil Collins: Live at Montreux 2004," including a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, LPCM 2.0, and a standard Dolby Digital 5.1 mix. The fidelity of the lossless tracks is outstanding overall, emphasizing notably bright and vivid percussion elements with superb clarity in backup vocals. The dynamic range across these options is excellent, providing a vibrant and immersive listening experience that closely mirrors the live concert atmosphere.

However, there are a couple of technical issues worth mentioning. The bass appears to be mixed unusually high, which can be overwhelming at times. More concerning is the handling of Collins' wireless microphone. The mixing engineer seems to have mixed his vocals too low or the signal quality was subpar, leading to significant volume drops whenever Collins moves slightly away from the microphone. This creates spots where Collins' vocals are almost inaudible, detracting somewhat from the experience.

Despite these minor anomalies, the overall sonic quality remains impressive. Instruments are well-balanced and come through clearly, allowing listeners to enjoy every element of the performance with integrity. These audio tracks do an excellent job of rendering a rich and authentic live concert experience, marred only slightly by the occasional technical shortcomings.

The extras on the "Phil Collins: Live at Montreux 2004" Blu-ray offer a substantial and varied addition to the main concert, catering to both fans of Phil Collins and jazz enthusiasts alike. The standout extra is the full-length 1996 Montreux concert featuring the Phil Collins Big Band, conducted by Quincy Jones. Although presented in standard definition, this performance showcases jazz-oriented, largely instrumental interpretations of Collins' hits as well as jazz standards. This inclusion provides an enriching glimpse into Collins' musical versatility and the dynamic range of his work.

Extras included in this disc:

• Phil Collins Big Band Live at Montreux in 1996: Features jazz-oriented, mostly instrumental versions of Phil Collins' songs and jazz standards, conducted by Quincy Jones.

Phil Collins' "Live at Montreux 2004" Blu-ray provides an exhilarating snapshot of the artist's storied career, featuring a vibrant live performance that captures both his solo success and his Genesis roots. The concert kicks off with a high-energy, synchronized drum solo featuring Collins alongside Chester Thompson and Luis Conte. This engaging introduction sets the stage for a powerful setlist that covers many of Collins' iconic hits. Notably, tracks such as "Against All Odds" and "One More Night" are rendered with remarkable fidelity to their original arrangements, albeit with updated elements provided by different vocal partners like Amy Keys and Arnold McCuller.

Throughout the over two-hour concert, Collins transitions masterfully between heartfelt ballads and upbeat anthems, keeping the audience captivated. The inclusion of a full brass section, along with Collins' seasoned bandmates, adds a rich layer of sound that complements the dynamic performance. Iconic tracks like "In the Air Tonight” and "Sussudio" are highlights, showcasing Collins' robust vocal performance despite the physical demands of an extensive set. Backup vocalists further enhance the live renditions, adding depth to classics like "Separate Lives" and "Easy Lover."

The disc also includes Collins’ 1996 Montreux concert, offering a stark contrast with its big band arrangements conducted by Quincy Jones. The 1996 performance focuses primarily on instrumental interpretations of Collins' work, with notable guest appearances by Tony Bennett and David Sanborn. While the big band format introduces a unique, jazzy twist to familiar songs, it is evident that the 2004 performance captures the quintessential Collins experience, combining his percussion prowess with his extensive catalog of hits. Both concerts provide a comprehensive overview of Phil Collins' versatility and enduring appeal in live performances.

Phil Collins: Live at Montreux 2004 expertly showcases Collins' enduring talent and versatility in a dual-concert setup. The 2004 performance highlights his prowess as a pop-rock superstar, featuring instantly memorable tunes characterized by gorgeous changes and thoughtful lyrics. The second concert delves into Collins' jazz roots, with a big band led by Quincy Jones performing unique arrangements of Collins' material alongside jazz standards. Both performances emphasize his ease and simplicity on stage, delivering a refreshing contrast to the often over-hyped music icons of today. While some minor video and audio issues are present, they do little to detract from the overall experience.

For fans of Phil Collins, this Blu-ray offers a comprehensive look at his musical range across two distinct performances. The concerts are visually and sonically impressive, transporting viewers to the intimate atmosphere of Montreux. The addition of the jazz performance as a bonus feature enriches this set and offers an intriguing glimpse into another facet of Collins' artistic skills. These concerts, devoid of excessive production, focus squarely on the music, allowing Collins' raw talent and affable personality to shine through.

Phil Collins Live at Montreux puts to rest any claims that his music is superficial. While he may not push the structural limits as rigorously as his Genesis predecessor, Peter Gabriel, Collins excels at crafting instantly memorable tunes with thoughtful lyrics. This Blu-ray captures the essence of his versatility and genuine charm, making it a must-have for both hardcore fans and casual listeners. Despite minor technical flaws, the sheer quality of music makes this release highly recommended. Order your copy today!