by natsume on Fri Dec 05, 2008 6:05 am
I wasn't expecting this to be quite as gorgeous as it it is. Shoko Ise is credited as both the artistic director ( I think) and the director of the DVD itself, and it shows. I remember thinking that the DVD might not be so great, as there were not that many cameras that I could see at the performance. Not only is it a wonderful document of an almost perfect show, it is beautifully produced. There were a limited number of cameras, and they were all static, but the editing, quality of photography, and Ise's visuals more than make up for it. The packaging is simple and elegant as well.
I was a little lukewarm to Swimming in Qualia that night, it was the first time I had heard it. It was very easy for me to reassess that, on my second listen, tonight. The visuals and the music are a perfect marriage, and it really is a wonderful, intriguing piece of music/visual art.
An added bonus (for me), I am 99% sure I can see myself during the end credits, as there are two, lingering, black and white, grainy shots of the audience leaving their seats after the show.
For those of you who skipped this because of the price, I assure you it is quite worth picking it up!