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Great representative recording but wish it were DTS or at least ... Sep 28, 2009
The twin discs are compelling in providing the essence of what the Kodo troupe is all about. Recorded in 2003 and released in 20o4 by Sony Music Japan, you'll find references to the "double D" Dolby mark but unfortunately the soundtrack wasn't recorded in a format that would have done much better by this group such as DTS. That said most AVRs will be able to extrapolate the tracks into a satisfying presentation. One simply wishes for something more state of the art.... hence the 4 stars vice 5.
0 of 2 found the following review helpful:
 A Letdown Jul 10, 2009
I had seen "Yamato: Drummers of Japan" at the Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth Tx and it was an amazing show. Five of us went together and admittedly most of us were prepared to be fairly bored. Nothing could have been further from reality, we all left completely excited about the show we had just experienced. And yes, it wasn't just a show it was an experience.
I tried to find a DVD of that show or at least that group but I couldn't find anything. I read the reviews regarding this group and this DVD "Kodo: One Earth Tour" and everyone was raving about it so I thought it was a no-brainer.
Actually I couldn't have been more wrong. Yes, it's a DVD of Japanese drummers, but that's where the similarities end. The production value, the lighting, the cinematography, the editing, it was all mediocre at best. And I really can't say much more about the performance, it was long drawn out and pretty much boring. I'm not trying to sell the other groups DVD, apparently there isn't one, I'm just sharing my impression of this DVD. My expectations were high the reality was a letdown.
 Fantastique! Sep 23, 2008
I am going to see Kodo live again in October here in Japan...nothing quite lives up to a live performance viewed from the third row but...this DVD comes close. If you have the chance to see Kodo live, don't pass up the opportunity. It will be an evening you will not soon forget. If not, this DVD is the next best thing.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
The beauty of Taiko! Aug 13, 2008
"Absolutely beautiful" are the words I can convey about this DVD.
Back in 1993, among my first purchases of taiko (Japanese drum) music on CD was "BEST OF KODO". With an interest in taiko drumming, I have always been in love with its peaceful and rhythmic nature and have purchased and listened to KODO as it explored it's various musical directions.
For one thing, it's one thing to listen but to finally see KODO visually is indescribable. You see, after watching many taiko drumming performances and concerts, I have never watched KODO perform. What I saw... I was amazed.
Since their debut in 1981 at the Berlin Festival, KODO has brought the sound of taiko to the years of the world through their ongoing "One Earth Tour".
The group spends about a third of the year overseas, a third touring Japan and a third on their home of Sado Island.
Among their accomplishments of delighting audiences in over 2,600 performances in 42 countries in the world.
In 2001, KODO became the first Japanese artists to grace the stage of the prestigious Nobel Peace Price concert in Oslo, Norway.
In 2002, they helped craft the theme song to the FIFA World Cup KOREA/JAPAN and was featured on the soundtrack of the Chinese motion picture "HERO".
In this DVD, released this month, viewers have the opportunity to watch a beautiful two hour performance of Kodo recorded back in November 20 & 21, 2003 at Setagaya Public Theater in Tokyo, Japan.
In collaboration with Tamasaburo Bando, one of Kabuki's most renowned artistic directors. Kabuki, a Japanese traditional theatrical art form over 400 years old.
For KODO, they continue to explore the limitless possibilities of the traditional Japanese drum taiko for over 30 years and on this DVD, the performance is stunningly beautiful.
One thing that surprised me about the performance is how each member was choreographed perfectly. From their difficult stances and the beat of the drumming, I have never seen the human body exerted in a way, as seen in this concert.
I asked myself many times, how they can stand in a certain position, exerting their bodies for long periods of time but that is one thing about KODO that makes them so unique.
With a total of 11 performances not including the encore, the duration of the DVD is about two hours long. With each performance ranging around 10-20 minutes each.
It's hard to describe in words how visually stunning this concert is.
One major point of enjoying this DVD is the different camera angles. From all sides, up and down, angles, close-ups. You're literally right there. Not missing a beat. It's an up close view of the concert that enhances the performance.
From the facial emotions of the taiko drummers, in positions that seem very uncomfortable but look great as part of the choreography, you can't help but be amazed by the dedication and artistic nature of the taiko drummers.
I will say this. "KODO - ONE EARTH TOUR SPECIAL" is one of the best filmed concerts I have watched on DVD.
From lighting to the sound quality, the concert was filmed very well and although not an anamorphic, the colors and lighting are brilliant. Blacks were utilized and I don't recall seeing any artifacts.
As for audio, the taiko drums sounded great on my home theater system and the audio of the taiko drums were projected very well through my speakers. As well as the music by the group later on through the concert.
With many Japanese music DVD's, I was not expecting any special features but this DVD does come with a special feature which is a featurette titled "To Sado and Beyond" ("Sado e" Special Version) which includes interviews with members of Kodo and I believe an interview with musical director, Ryutaro Kaneko.
Included with the DVD is a 9-track CD with several performances from "One Earth Tour Special".
Also, included is a booklet featuring KODO musical director, Ryutaro Kaneko writing about his experiences and being on the island of Sado.
"Record of an Extraordinary Encounter: Kodo and Tamasaburo Bando" by music journalist, Takuya Katagiri is included in the booklet. As well as, concert information, Tamasaburo Bando and KODO information and a page featuring the 24 members of KODO.
If you are a taiko drum fan, you owe it to yourself to check this DVD out.
I've watched many taiko drum performances but what you see on this DVD goes beyond what many of us have seen before.
This concert is truly a remarkable performance and the added bonus of having the CD along with the DVD is a plus. "KODO - ONE EARTH TOUR SPECIAL" DVD is highly recommended.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
A pinnacle of artistic and musical acheivement Jan 23, 2008
This performance has only one flaw. It lacks the true physical experience of Kodo. The experience of FEELING the reverberations flowing through your entire body, sensations from tickles to heart pounding thumps. Other than that, the music is superb and the sheer dscipline required to play these instruments is amazing. Their sound runs the gamut from light airy flutes to thundering bass solos. I must add, this is NOT a flashy modernized show. This is NOT Blue Man Group. It is traditional Japanese music on traditional Japanese instruments with traditional Japanese perfromance and is entertaining in its own right.
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