On DVD: Paul Simon, Live from Philadelphia
This performance from the Tower Theater in Philadelphia is loaded with hits. Musicianship is impeccable, but that's pretty much always the case with Simon, the guy's a real perfectionist. It's a rather laid-back show, and the Philly concert has a more intimate feel than the Simon & Garfunkle DVDs like "The Concert in Central Park."
"50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" has a terrific groove, but for me the sparser songs, like the "The Boxer" work best. The mix of hope and regret running through "American Tune" is a real highpoint, especially listened to in the wake of our recent election.
Video quality is only so-so, not bad for a 1980 recording, but the 4:3 picture looks a little washed out. Sound quality is better; it comes in three flavors, stereo and 5.1 Dolby and DTS. With a running time of just 53 minutes, you'll wish there was more to this DVD.
Paul Simon, Live from Philadelphia will be released on November 25.
Steve Guttenberg is a frequent contributor to magazines and Web sites including Home Entertainment, Playback, and Ultimate AV. He is a member of the CNET Blog Network, and is not an employee of CNET. Disclosure.
