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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Oldies, but....GREAT, 5 Nov 2005
This review is from: To Russia with Love [DVD] (DVD)
Elton was the first "western" artist who were allowed to perform in the USSR. Even Paul McCartney was not successfull. This DVD does not have excellent sound and video quality - but what would you expect from the footage made in 1979? But even though, it is really worth watching Elton and Ray Cooper perform all the hits alone. Both really enjoy their work. It`s pleasure to hear "Saturday" and other hits only with piano and percussion, to see Russian people be silent at the beginning and dance, clap at the end, even russian police is present in the hall. I really like this DVD, because it has unique atmosphere and it is somehow different experience to hear all the songs be played on the piano and percussion. Also, you get interviews with Elton and Ray as well with the crew, there is some footage from the tour between songs. If you are Elton`s fan, buy it. You will love it, really.
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7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Back to basics, 28 Aug 2006
This review is from: To Russia with Love [DVD] (DVD)
Elton John was past his career high when this was filmed in 1979. Punk and New Wave were 'in' and Elton was seen as a dinosaur. Having announced his retirement from the stage 2 years earlier this was Eltons attempt to get back to basics.
The first half of the show is just Elton and Pianos. For anybody who is a fan this is reason enough to buy the DVD.
Its also worth saying that apart from a few chorus/tremelo effects the Piano sound is not cluttered with strings like on some modern recordings. His modern Piano generates a string sound based on what he's playing - which I don't like!
The second half of the show starts with Elton playing Funeral for a Friend and the entry of Ray Cooper. This is done in suitably dramatic style and Ray takes the show to a different level. Ray Cooper is a very talented all round musician and not only plays percussion (which he is famous for) but also adds more keyboards, vibraphone, marimba etc. He also has a great stage presence and on the evidence of this film almost steals the show from Elton John. With just the two of them some songs are transformed and I particularly liked the version of 'I Think I'm Going To Kill Myself' with Ray Cooper playing Marimba behind his back!
The documentary side of the film is pretty good and Elton John and Ray Cooper get to see many spectecular sites in Russia, and prove themselves to be a bit more intelligent than your average pop stars (we see them discussing which Grand Piano they would like at one point). I had the video of this recording many years ago and a key scene was cut from it. At one point Elton (having had a quite a lot to drink) and Ray jam on "I Heard it through the Grapevine" with a local band at the hotel they are staying in. Well this scene is back in the DVD.
Sadly there are no extras except for some stills, but fans will enjoy this, and I suspect that it would make a good introduction to those people who aren't diehards as well.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Great partnership, 21 May 2010
This review is from: To Russia with Love [DVD] (DVD)
have been a Elton fan since 1972. Not so much now as his voice just aint what it was, but that's not his fault
This was done before he had the operation on his throat, which to me is not as good as it was before.
The 70's was his best era and here he does a great job with ray.
The piano playing is out of this world, the sound could be better, may have to be done on blu-ray.
Could do with more extras.
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