Northwest Passage

[Just was informed that the Portland on this disk is the only source for the 3/11/05 show. D580.su, D580.2, and D580 are 3/12/05. Thus, review is upped to 4 stars, even if 3/11/05 merits no more than 3 stars.]

Given the fact that the Amazon concert can be found in stellar quality on both D586 and D658, it is difficult for me to justify more than 4 stars. One would do better to obtain Amazon D658, which includes the Norah Jones set. A sound upgrade for the Portland show would also be helpful.

Really suprised this one has'nt recieved more reviews..maybe the footage is available elsewhere..Anyway,forget the fact it isn't the most exciting set-list;forget the fact it is'nt the most awe inspiring peformance from Bob and concentrate on the fact that this is pro-shot footage.Which means perfect picture(although no real close ups of Bob,not sure why..) and perfect sound of Bob in concert just last year.

This is a great dvd to watch and even though it's a shortened set is a pretty accurate portrait of last years concerts.It also highights just how slick,some might say dull,this band are.Highlights include "Blind Willie.." and "Thin Man"..the 'relative' suprises of the set. God, I never though I 'd consider 'Ballad Of A Thin Man' a suprise!!

The Portland footage is bound to suffer in comparison and in truth it isn't a great audience film. Although the picture quality is nice and it is fimed from an unusual angle none of the songs are complete. The audio recording is quite harsh and this is accentuated by the truly horrendous violin playing which is really over-bearing at times.Bob seems to like it tho.

But it really does'nt matter it's the 16.7.05 footage that I would say makes this disc an essential for any dvd collection .Thanks Joz.