Audio and Video
Let's start with the good news. The audio on the Live aus Berlin DVD is very good. You can select either Dolby 5.1 or normal PCM stereo sound. However, I found the wide-screen video image on this DVD disappointing. On a large-screen TV (ideal for this kind of spectacle) the image was a bit blurry -- much less sharp than most of the DVDs you can view these days. The lack of detail was also apparent on my computer monitor. (Rammstein's 2004 Lichtspielhaus DVD may be better; see my review.) The less-than-optimal video image is the only reason I gave this DVD four out of five stars.The Performance and DVD Features
Rammstein is obviously not everyone's cup of tea. I'm not really into heavy metal that much, but I truly enjoyed this DVD. Live aus Berlin ("Live from Berlin") presents a riveting performance and the music is at times much softer than you might expect from an industrial metal band. Unlike many concert videos, I found myself watching this DVD almost from beginning to end. But the DVD menu offers a variety of ways to view the concert.Most important for German-learners: You can select "German subtitles" which will display the song lyrics you are hearing (below the image area). You can also watch a 15-minute interview with members of the band--without any subtitles or with English, French, or Spanish subtitles. The DVD menu also offers more features described below.
A word of caution! This unrated DVD contains language and images that some people may find objectionable. (I didn't.) "Bücke dich," with its raw text and simulated homosexual rape depiction, included on the VHS version, is NOT on this Region 1/NTSC DVD. I have written previously about Rammstein's controversial lyrics, and anyone not familiar with them should get informed before viewing this DVD or listening to Rammstein's CDs.
Bottom Line
This Rammstein live concert on a four-story stage with band members in Borg-like or S&M costumes is pure entertainment. Fire and fireworks are a constant element (including a cartwheeling Till Lindeman wearing fire-spewing rocket shoes!), as are klieg lights piercing the night sky (reminiscent of the Nuremberg rallies). The pulsating yet melodic music makes it impossible not to tap your feet or sway to the rhythm. Rammstein fans will find this a must-have DVD. Those in the audience often do a lyric sing-along, even filling in gaps that the performers leave for them from time to time.Too bad the image quality isn't top-notch, but if you want a good demonstration of why this German band has gained worldwide fame, rent or buy this DVD.
Rammstein: Live aus Berlin DVD
Audio: 5.1.Dolby, PCM stereo
Video: widescreen format
DVD Extras:
Song selection by title
Multicamera (for 3 songs)
Director's Cut
15-min. interview with band members
Audio and subtitle settings
Note: The 'Live aus Berlin' CD (not the DVD) is available from the U.S. iTunes Store, as are other CDs and at least two music videos by Rammstein.
