Dream Theater Album: “Score: XOX - 20th Anniversary World Tour Live with the Octavarium Orchestra [DVD]”

I was not bowled over by "Octavarium", and knowing that "Score" has five songs from that disc I didn't rush to the store the day it came out like I usually do when DT releases something new. I waited two days. Well, after listening to it several times I'm impressed. How could musicians of this caliber not impress? Anyway, the gem on this DVD is the entire forty-one minute version (with full orchestra) of one of the greatest DT songs ever, "Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence". Wow! This song alone is worth the asking price, but fans get two hours and forty minutes of music, clear video and professional editing, ear pleasing audio options (stereo and DD 5.1), and some outstanding bonus features on disc two that include - an hour long band documentary, three bonus tracks, and a three minute animated short.

Overall, this is an amazing DVD from one of the best prog-metal bands ever, and if you favor DT's latest release over previous works, this will be a treasure.

First off, I wasn't a fan of the tracklisting when I first saw it. Then I began to thing about it and realized that I didn't want the same songs on every DVD. If I want to see and hear my favorite songs I can always put on Budokan or Scenes From New York. I really loved the fact that they played "Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence" and "Octavarium" all the way through. Those two songs alone ate up 1/3 of the show. The band was as amazing and tight as always, no more discussion needed on that subject. The Orchestra really added to the second half of the show, but more importantly, they didn't drown out the band the fans paid to see.

The picture and sound quality are as great as Budokan and the venue isn't as dark, which I prefer. The special features contain an informative (although rather short for my tastes) documentary on Dream Theater's history, and three live performances that lack the picture and sound quality of the first disc. I'm not complaining though, because they are nice to have.

20 years and 8 albums down...

here's to hoping for many more to come.

This is THE best Dream Theater DVD put out to date. Where there was not a lot of room for improvement over the Budokan DVD as it was fantastic, the guys managed to raise the bar even higher with "Score"!

With everything a DT fan could ask for and more, "Score" hits on highlights from the last 20 years without repeating, for the most part, other DVD collections and absolutely kills with every song. The inclusion of the orchestra for the whole Six Degrees of Inner Turbulance was mind blowing and an event unto itself.

The documentary is a fantastic history. It would have been great to hear from Kevin Moore, he and the first lead singer, Chris, from the Majesty days, are the only folks not heard from. The three bonus tracks are a great glimpse at the history of the band while representing songs not heard or seen live on DVD (though the "Another Day" video is part of their first live concert).

The biggest improvement with this DVD from the last is the sound. The new PCM stereo option is THE choice you need to make when listening to this DVD. On the 5.1 track, James LeBrie is lost in the mix. But the PCM track is a perfect mix and fixes what was the Budokan's only flaw.

I have looked forward to this DVD since it was announced and it was everything and more that I hoped for!

With each new live DVD from DT I have wondered how they can maintain the momentum, excitement and interest. This brief review outlines why I believe that 'Score' matches 'Live in Budokan' in excellence and excitement.

Live in Budokan' is one of my top 5 live rock DVDs in a collection of over 40 concert DVDs. (See my review 'Brilliant concert and certainly a Mike Portnoy showcase') 'Score' is immediatley added to my top 5 DVD concerts. Not only is the sound and video quality the same but the players show new aspects to their vast range of musical skills. Portnoy adds fills in places that other mortal drummers just smile, whilst Petrucci shows a melodic side not as apparent in 'Live in Budokan' which tended towards being a shredfest. Some of the soloing over the orchestra and band in the second set was majestic progressive rock at its best - so beautiful that I found it an emotional experience.

The 'Six degrees of inner turbulence' composition is covered in its entirety. This alone is worthy of an accolade. The controversial set list is great in that it covers material not already covered on previous DT DVD concerts. I find this thoughtful of the band rather than overplaying some classics to death. (I think of all the Deep Purple DVD concerts with 'Smoke on the water' played without fail.)

Radio City Music Hall, NY, was the perfect venue and of course we have the addition of the 'Octavarium' orchestra. Before purchasing I wondered how this would work and hesitated thinking of some wishy-washy soft version with an orchestra. I was impressed how well this worked - in no way do DT play quietly - there is no compromise. DT rock as hard as ever. The orchestra complement and add to the power and beauty of the arrangements.

Any weaknesses? If anything the orchestra by themselves in the overture did not seem as cohesive or as sure of the score. Certainly the playing worked better together with the band. I am sure this would have been stretching for both orchestra members and DT. A real achievement that this worked so well.

Yes, there is a dead spot in the DVD - and my heart missed a beat. But really in the bigger scheme of things, so what. 3 hours plus of material and you have a 1 second pause.

There is no hesitation in giving this DVD top score (pardon the pun!)

DT fans will have bought this already. For newcomers - where have you been for the last 20 years? This will be an excellent addition to anyone's collection who loves progressive rock with a hard edge. Uncompromising musicianship that will enthrall for the entire concert and then again and again...

There are So many things to enjoy, appreciate and admire in this concert. All of the members of the band are higher than the tops of their games and the semmingly odd tracklist is absolutely perfect for the show.

In short, Octavarium will blow your mind then Metropolis will blow your load...figuratively and literally.