• Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
• Video Codec: AVC/MPEG-4
• Resolution: 1080i/60
• Audio Codec: PCM 2.0 Stereo; DTS-HD MasterAudio 5.1
• Subtitles: English
• Region: ABC (Region-Free)
  
• Rating: Not Rated
• Discs: 1
• Studio: Eagle Rock
• Blu-ray Release Date: September 13, 2011
• List Price: $19.98

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Purchase Yes Symphonic Live on Blu-ray at CD Universe

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Overall
[Rating:4/5]
The Performance
[Rating:4/5]
Video Quality
[Rating:3.5/5]
Audio Quality
[Rating:4.5/5]
Supplemental Materials
[Rating:3/5]

Click thumbnails for high-resolution 1920X1080p screen captures

(Screen captures are lightly compressed with lossy JPEG  thus are meant as a general representation of the content and do not fully reveal the capabilities of the Blu-ray format)

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The Performance

[Rating:4/5]

Yes is one of the legendary UK ‘70s bands that has managed to play for more than 3 decades and continues to rock on. This BD issue of a 2002 concert shows why these talented musicians have survived the vicissitudes of rock popularity. First and foremost, they are extremely talented and, for the newcomers, cut straight to the chase of Steve Howe’s solo guitar work, featuring JS Bach. You’ll get the message. The symphonic backdrop works better with Yes than with some of their contemporaries who lacked the classical chops. Forget about time and how time can do so much, Yes are very much still with us. The video quality is about as good as you get for the last decade. Sonically, no excuses, Yes: Symphonic Live sounds wonderful.

Video Quality

[Rating:3.5/5]

There is a pervasive softness in this film which is not detrimental, simply the result of the technology of the times.  A mostly dark stage is periodically lit up by colored lights. The color palette is fine but nothing special. The close up shots are OK but not up to today’s better videography.

Audio Quality

[Rating:4.5/5]

The soundtrack is mostly upfront with little going on in the surround channels. Yes, there is some ambience, but it is very understated, giving the experience of a live concert  that did not particularly want to replicate the live experience. The Steve Howe guitar work is superbly captured, and that’s what most of us would have paid for.

Supplemental Materials

[Rating:2.5/5]

There are two extras, a “Dreamtime Documentary” and “Don’t go” video. Short fare but worth watching. I would have loved more time with the Yes men.

The Definitive Word

Overall:

[Rating:4/5]

Yes-heads will be delighted to see this undervalued 70’s group return to the video stage albeit in a 10-year old release. The addition of symphonic players is questionable since Yes was a powerhouse by themselves. Nevertheless, extra musicians does not add unneeded alloy to the musical gold which is presented here. True believers would have wanted more classic Yes. I was more than satisfied with “Close to the Edge,” “Long Distance Runabout,” “Owner of a Lonely Heart,” and “Roundabout.”  This concert made time stand still for the soul survivors of the ‘70s and for this I am extremely grateful. Newbies should  kick off their  Sketchers and give the previous generation the benefit of the doubt. This concert will more than justify the time spent.

Additional Screen Captures

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[amazon-product]B005D0TETA[/amazon-product]

Purchase Yes Symphonic Live on Blu-ray at CD Universe

Shop for more Blu-ray titles at Amazon.com

Overall
[Rating:4/5]
The Performance
[Rating:4/5]
Video Quality
[Rating:3.5/5]
Audio Quality
[Rating:4.5/5]
Supplemental Materials
[Rating:3/5]

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