Image Entertainment presents

Matchbox Twenty: VH1 Storytellers (2002)

"Wow, I never thought that I would get to say this but we're Matchbox Twenty and welcome to Storytellers."- Rob Thomas

Stars: Rob Thomas, Paul Doucette, Brian Yale, Adam Gaynor, Kyle Cook
Director: David Diomedi

MPAA Rating: Not Rated for language
Run Time: 01h:02m:38s
Release Date: 0000-00-00
Genre: music

Style Grade	Substance Grade	Image Transfer Grade	Audio Transfer Grade	Extras Grade
B	A-	B+	A	C+

 

DVD Review

[Note: The release date has been delayed due to production issues; new release date TBA.]



I have a fascination with the songwriting process. The ability to take a thought and add a melody and words to create something that is both lyrically and musically challenging is, to me, most impressive in an artist. Songs by their general nature express sorrow or happiness, and often have a different meaning for each person who listens to them. In other words, one man's song about love and life is another's about depression and heartache. All of this is on display in VH1 Storytellers, an intimate look at music where the artist recounts the experiences and meaning behind their biggest hits.

With Matchbox Twenty: VH1 Storytellers, the very nature of the show takes on a whole new meaning. Lead singer Rob Thomas, a performer who considers himself a songwriter above all else, breaks down wall after wall as he tells intimate and humorous stories, while the band plays through their most recent hits.

Song list:
Bent
Mad Season
Black and White People
Push
If You're Gone
Crutch
Lonely Weekend
You Won't Be Mine
Rest Stop
3 AM
Though the set list is relatively scant in comparison to that of seeing the band live, the selection of songs more than makes up for the quantity. Thomas, who is amazingly well spoken and passionate about his music, does a nice job of explaining the meaning and history of each song, especially the climactic song, 3 AM. What was to so many a song about a lost relationship is shown by Thomas to be an autobiographical piece about his mother's battle with cancer. It is refreshing in this era of pop supergroups and processed rock to see a song that has meaning and stands for something, especially one so close to the heart of its author. Other highlights include Rest Stop (my favorite song by the band) as well You Won't Be Mine, a favorite of Thomas' and likely by many who will see this performance.

While the quality of the music would normally be enough for anyone looking for collection of Matchbox Twenty performances, it is in the stories and audience interaction that Matchbox Twenty: VH1 Storytellers truly shines. Thomas and the remainder of the band (Paul Doucette, Brian Yale, Adam Gaynor, Kyle Cook) have a relaxed manner throughout, with Thomas showing undeniable charm and charisma. Overly jubilant in one moment and emotional the next, his descriptions of the event and circumstances that led to the creation of the songs are almost always fascinating.



Rating for Style: B
Rating for Substance: A-

 

Image Transfer

	One
Aspect Ratio	1.33:1 - Full Frame
Original Aspect Ratio	yes
Anamorphic	no

Image Transfer Review: Presented in the original full-frame image seen in the original broadcast, this transfer looks fine overall, though the image does falter, appearing to be a bit soft at times. Colors are vibrant and crisp with no bleeding, while the darkened shadows of the room look fine with little grain. I noticed no apparent instances of edge enhancement at any time throughout the program.

Image Transfer Grade: B+
 

Audio Transfer

	Language	Remote Access
DS 2.0	English	yes
Dolby Digital 5.1	English	yes
DTS	English	yes

Audio Transfer Review: Presented with both DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 sound mixes, Matchbox Twenty: VH1 Storytellers sounds absolutely terrific. While sitting in a darkened room, watching the disc on a large television, the mix really does give the impression that you are there with the band. The instruments echo in each of the rear speakers, while the sounds of the audience subtly fill the rest of the room. The mix is never showy in its design, but it has been quite awhile since I have heard one that reproduces the ambiance of a live performance so realistically.

A direct comparison between the DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 mixes showed that the Dolby Digital mix sounded a bit louder, while the DTS track showed more definition.

Audio Transfer Grade: A 

Disc Extras

Animated menu
Scene Access with 12 cues and remote access
Music/Song Access with 12 cues and remote access
Packaging: Unknown
1 Disc
1-Sided disc(s)
Layers: single

Extras Review: A country version of the hit Push, as well as an option of viewing Matchbox Twenty: VH1 Storytellers with only the music and no explanation of the songs make up the extra features on this disc.

Extras Grade: C+
 

Final Comments

I have often said that I would rather know the true meaning behind songs because I always seem to have my own association with events that have happened in my life. I enjoy the Storytellers program because it is nice to hear a band go into depth about their work. It is almost like a game to see if your thoughts are the same as those who wrote the songs. Highly recommended.

Kevin Clemons 2002-06-05