Nirvana Album: “Unplugged in New York”

Awesome. I am so impressed with this release. Not only is the sound and picture fantastic, but they have both the original mtv edit of the show and the unedited version of the show. They finally got it right!

It's been fifteen years since this show aired on MTV. Since then, the accompanying CD has become a staple with most fans of the band, while the show itself became a distant memory. On one hand, it just doesn't feel like fifteen years have passed since then; the music still sounds fresh, vital and contemporary. On the other hand, my son barely knew how to walk when this was filmed, and now he's applying for a driver's license. I guess perspective is everything. In its time, the most jarring aspect of this performance rested in how well these songs worked in an acoustic environment. Here was this intense, electrified, post-punk indie band playing at James Taylor volumes. Kurt Cobain remains seated throughout, while Dave Grohl plays his drums with a deft touch, using brushes. Against all expectations, the show rocked in ways that nobody could have predicted, and finally, the evidence is available on DVD for all to see.

So many of these songs are classics in their own right, but many have been surpassed by the specific versions featured in this program. "Jesus Doesn't Want Me for a Sunbeam," "The Man Who Sold the World," "All Apologies" and "Where Did You Sleep Last Night" represent some of the best music that our culture had to offer, and what held true in '93 still holds true today. This performance seemed simple and charming in its time, but has grown to represent so much more. Watching this, it is impossible to not mourn the loss of Kurt Cobain. What he could have achieved is incalculable, but there is so much evidence here pointing to the raw and crucial nature of his artistic creativity. We are so much worse off without him than we tend to acknowledge. Considering that he passed away within six months of this show, it now takes on the airs of a eulogy, an impression that is heightened by the candles and flowers that adorn the stage.

On a technical note, this DVD contains the unedited performance, including songs that did not appear on the original MTV broadcast. For purists and impatient types, it also contains the edited version as aired by MTV. The extra tracks and between-song banter only add to the casual brilliance of this performance, and the recording is so crystal clear that you can hear the texture of Grohl's brushes on the cymbals. As rock and roll films go, this is classic, like footage from Woodstock, or Altamont. It seemed so simple at the time, but nothing like it has appeared since then. An entire generation has now come of age that never had the opportunity to see Nirvana, and specifically this show. Now that I've watched it a few times, I know what I must do. I need to give this to my son. before he leaves for college.

A+ Tom Ryan

I just got done with my review for DVDFanatic... This is an excellent release for many reasons. Here are excerpts from my review:

Finally we are able to see the entire unedited performance that took place on stage at Sony Studios in New York City on November 18, 1993. In addition to that, for the MTV-lovers out there, you get the original MTV broadcast performance and a few other goodies.

Though there is a small part of me that wishes there was a 16x9 presentation of this, but I am happier to have the originally shot and intended 4:3 Full Frame aspect ratio. It looks fine, but is noticably from the mid-`90s It may have restotred a little, but ahsn't really been refined or sharpened. Either way, still brighter and better than a VHS taped from TV in 1994!

Available are a Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround track, DTS 5.1 track and the original Dolby Digital Stereo. I found myself watching the MTV broadcast in Stereo, but pumping the DTS for the unedited set. The 5.1 mixes put you in the room with the band; the subtle roaring of this "acoustic" crowd surrounds you. And though there is a minor difference between the DD and DTS, it is basically negligable when the music is playing. They are both a mix well done.

An eight-page color booklet inside has more photos (some from the CD booklet) and a page with the show's setlist, players, DVD credits, etc.

Considering what this is (a mid-`90s TV special), they did a great job in presenting a comprehensive package to fans. Of course, one could argue that the entire performance is a bonus feature, but MTV and Geffen opt to consider the original MTV performance the bonus material instead - making the unedited performance the main feature. This is brilliant. In addition to that, you get an older MTV special and rehearsal footage. It's not a lot, but it is pretty much everything you could have asked for that has something to do with the event at hand. I really can't think of anything lacking here, except perhaps a commentary from Grohl and Novoselic. But who was going to seriously cross their fingers and hope for that.

· Original MTV Version (45:37) - The ever-so-familiar original broadcast, complete with logos, commercial breaks and song titles, is actually really great to watch every now and then for nostalgia purposes. Some songs were edited out of order and others were dropped altogether, but this broadcast version is the one that fans have burned into their memories. You can choose a song individually or "Play All." The same three audio tracks are available for this performance as are for the main feature.

· MTV News: Bare Witness (14:04) - This is a great retrospective from 1999 made up of interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. Fans, MTV personnel, members of the media, fellow musicians, and more comment on the evening. The piece actually does a great job of putting the uniqueness and what made this evening so special into perspective. For some it will serve as a reminder; for others it will attempt to explain history. It's the best and most appropriate featurette that could have been included. Excellent.

· The Rehearsals (22:33) - In this area of the Bonus Features menu you will find five songs from the rehearsal to view. What's odd is that there is no "Play All" option and you have to select each song individually... or so it seems. Actually, if you select the first song, all others will play in order after it. The collection is absolutely fantastic behind-the-scenes footage of Cobain, just practicing and chatting with the band. It's great to watch and a much-appreciated addition to the set. Rehearsal performances include: "Come As You Are," "Polly," "Plateau," "Pennyroyal Tea" and "The Man Who Sold the World."

Nirvana: Unplugged in New York is a must own for fans. For the first time, you will see the full performance that took place that night, and you'll get to experience it in a great 5.1 surround mix. In addition, you get the original broadcast version, rehearsal footage and a nice featurette on the event. There is no better way to spend $12, so make room next to Live! Tonight! Sold Out! on the shelf and purchase immediately.

It's been 14 years, but Nirvana's legendary Unplugged performance is now on DVD. The picture quality is excellent. Same with the audio. The rehearsals are a great bonus too. I could talk about this show all day, but if you're reading this, you know how great the show is.

One thing I haven't heard mentioned: The Bare Witness MTV2 thing is a new edit that is only 14 minute long. The broadcast version without commercials is 22 minutes. A lot of stuff mentioned during "Where did you sleep Last Night?" was pretty powerful. It's all gone. Some of it is now overlapped on the last song in the clip.. so now it's totally ot of context. It's a nice little bonus feature.. But 8 minutes are missing and they don't tell us why.

Show's stunning; especially if you forgot about it and haven't watched it in some time. Things you'll notice and love are: the uncut broadcast (of course), different camera angles for a lot of shots, and the new audio mastering sounds just amazing. Bonus features include the practice session in which they rehearse some songs. There is also an interview bonus section; nothing out of this world, but it's a plus.

Since the audio was not edited for this DVD to be TV/fan-friendly, you can hear Kurt messing up the lyrics for the song Lake of Fire. I was used to the original broadcast and so I never got to taste the raw power that was behind this show, and it was released just in time to make me remember how much I love this band and how cool to see any uncut performance is, specially if it has this incredible energy and honesty. This is the closest you can get with out being an actual attendee there. All in all, this is must have for any Nirvana fan and a nice gift to the rest of the world.