Review of Styx And REO Speedwagon: Arch Aliies Live At Riverport

Introduction

Having just watched a REO Speedwagon concert and a Styx concert, it seems only logical to watch the "Arch Allies" disc, which features a joint show from both bands.

As I`ve already said in my previous reviews, REO Speedwagon`s peak of popularity came in 1980/1981 with the release of "High Infidelity", which features a number of smash hit singles. Styx peaked slightly earlier and are best known for the hit single babe. Both bands played in front of packed arenas in the early eighties, and are still on the go playing to adoring fans.

Video

Surprise surprise, my third Sanctuary disc of the evening is the third to feature NTSC video (and again is complete with Federal warning screen). As with the other two discs, hopefully the retail Region 2 release will feature PAL video so that those without multi-standard TVs won`t miss out.

I`m beginning to wonder when I will see a convert DVD that features an interesting stage show, instead its lighting effects and the band strutting their stuff.

As with the other two DVDs, the picture quality is average, nothing special, and nothing to cause concern.

Audio

The soundtrack comes in a choice of Dolby Digital 2.0 or Dolby Digital 5.1.

I listened to some tracks with both soundtracks to make a comparison and predictably the Dolby Digital 5.1 version is far superior, adding considerable extra depth to the music. I thought that the sound on this DVD was better than the two individual releases, in terms of the music and vocal reproduction and the performances. Once again, the rear channels are used for crowd noise.

The overall sound quality was above average, with a little compression evident in the mix, but the vocals clear and well defined.

Features

Both bands have their own menu on the disc, which contains a biography and a discography. There are also audio only interviews with Tommy Shaw and Kevin Cronin along with a picture gallery.

The interviews follow the "How did the Arch Allies project come together" theme and are quite interesting.

Conclusion

Of the three American stadium rock DVDs featuring Styx and REO Speedwagon, this is the best, offering the best of both bands, with good sound and reasonable visuals. The songs do get a little "samey" after a while but there are enough memorable tunes in the setlists to maintain interest.

The extras are pretty thin on the ground, but there is sufficient content to provide reasonable value for money.