Thanks for the tips, Wayne!

I'll make it a point to watch the behind the scenes rehearsals, and do some on-line research on each of the symphonies. This is becoming the most thorough "tour" of a composer's work I have ever done, and I'm glad of it.

On a somber note, my wife fell last night just before we were going to bed, and a 911 ambulance trip to the local hospital confirmed she had a fractured pelvis. OUCH!! I've just learned that a fractured pelvis is kind of like a fractured rib, there's not a lot that can be done surgically or with any sort of a cast. It's more like grin and bear it while it heals. I'm not sure how my wife, the movin' and shakin', on the go type, will like the "lots of bed rest plus PT" period she's in for. I guess that makes me the chief cook and bottle washer for the time being. It's going to be some hectic here for a bit. She'll transfer from the hospital to a physical therapy place tomorrow for hopefully a short time before coming home.

Rick.

Rick,

So sorry to hear about your Wife's injury! That will certainly be a bit of a storm cloud on your Summer at the lake house. At least she's in good hands, as I'm confident you'll be taking good care of her but that will definitely slow her down. You may have to turn the volume down on those headphones as well so you can here her little bell ringing...

Cheers,

T Cobe

I was able to sit down and watch Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Ultimate Edition this morning. I had my doubts going in as extended editions of films typically add back material that was cut for a reason. Seldom do I find the extra footage adds to the film in a positive manner. My other skepticism going int this film originally was Affleck as Batman.

Starting with the technical bits, the PQ was pretty good but top marks were missed due to grain and color. I think I understand that they were trying to make this film dark but the contrast wasn't great, nor was the shadow detail. CGI and cinematography were solid and in most scenes, there was great detail in the picture. 4/5 for PQ.

SQ was a bit better on this one. Dialogue was always clear. Surround channels were utilized frequently and effectively with powerful and full sound. There was a tremendous amount of LFE for my fellow bass heads out there. This will be a fun one if you get a new subwoofer. Good sound overall but I'm not sure there is anything of reference or demo quality. 4.5/5 for SQ.

Overall entertainment on this film was a 3.5/5. The biggest weakness on this film was casting and tempo. I have not been a fan of Affleck's performance in superhero films and this one is no exception. His performance was consistent with the script but his character was very one dimensional. They also failed to develop Wonder Woman, and at this point, I'm not sure she was cast well either. Probably the most curious and questionable choice for casting was Eisenburg. Marvel films always seem to be cast well and they typically give you a feel for each character. I didn't get any of that here.

The Ultimate Edition attempted to clean up the plot a bit by filling in some gaps from the theatrical release and they did a good job here. The extra footage was seamless and added to the cohesiveness of the story. Despite this improvement, the tempo on this film seemed a bit off. It was a bit slow for a while and then you get non-stop action with two or three consecutive big battle scenes in a row at the end of the film.

Cahill did a good job as Superman as he did in his first attempt but I feel DC is struggling to try and catch the momentum Marvel has achieved on the big screen. As in Guardians of the Galaxy, it is important to capture human emotion and provide people a chance to connect with the heroes, villains, or both. That connection doesn't come from fight scenes or twisty plot lines. It comes down to good story telling and that was simply missing. Just my .02.

Cheers,

T Cobe

My Amazon order finally came.
Tim Reynolds and Dave Matthews Live at Radio City Music Hall.
WOW!! This is my new Reference Music blu-ray. I only knew one or two songs here, these are probably Dave Matthews fan songs. But If you love the guitar, good music, good songs, and some piano thrown in, this is as real sounding as it gets.
You are in the audience, not up on stage, which I prefer. The Pic quality is 5/5 as is the Sound quality. It is DTS-HD MA 5.1 and I cannot imagine any better. There is a second disc, a documentary I have yet to watch. LOTS of good music here.

An Evening of Nostalgia with Annie Lennox. Also 5.1 surround if I remember, but the picture quality seems to be intentionally faded and fuzzy and just not there. It is a 3/5 PQ to me, especially compared to the other 2 discs I am talking about here. SQ is somewhat better, probably a 4/5, it is hard for me to say, as I REALLY like Ms Lennox, but these are not my kind of songs, these belong over on the elevator thread!!!

Eric Clapton Slowhand at 70, Live at the Royal Albert Hall.
WOW!!! Eric has peripheral neuropathy in his hands (as do I) and it is getting harder for him to play, we may not see him in concert like this much more. It is painful, I can tell you!!! No, he is not what he was as a young buck, this is mature stuff. Duh, he is 70!!!! DTS-HD MA 5.1 all totally good, but not much audience/hall ambiance. I do find that the two included CDs (they are a big plus for playing in the car) are a little harsh sounding on the top end and his voice. But the concert itself is AMAZINGWESOME!!! This is my kind of music!!!! 5/5 on SQ!
PQ is a total 5/5, with the only comment: wish the back up singers (who are wonderful!!!!) could be heard but NOT SEEN!!! They would say the same about me.
LOTS of GREAT music here!!!!
God Bless, Wayne

Wayne,

Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds Live at Radio City Music Hall is a favorite of mine! You've nailed it with your review. If I'm not mistaken, I think there is actually more music on the second disk. This concert is also available on CD and it sounds fantastic there as well!

I'll have to check out Eric Clapton. I've been curious lately about his music and have added a few of his albums to my wish list.

It's really good to hear from you, Wayne! I'm glad you're popping back in as time permits!

Cheers,

T Cobe

I've just finished watching/listening to Beethoven's 6th symphony, from the Mariss Jansons 1-9 set.

Compared to the heavier "DA DA DA DUMM" theme of the fifth, it's lighter, more airy. But just so RIGHT. It tugs at so many emotions. Words that came to mind in various parts as I listened: airy, enchanting, whimsical, haunting, absolutely beautiful, sweet, uplifting, dramatic... It has become my new favorite piece of music. It tugs at most every emotion, yet seems "of a piece". Transitions are seamless and the whole piece just flows so effortlessly.

I can't begin to comprehend how a (brilliant, genius) composer can juxtapose so many instruments and create such GORGEOUS music, but Beethoven did, for sure.

Symphonies 7, 8 and 9 still to be heard. I just LOVE this Blu-ray set. Wayne, you found an absolute gem in this collection. I'll be playing these over and over.

Happy listening!

Rick