Koch Vision // 2003 // 71 Minutes // Not Rated
Reviewed by Judge Patrick Naugle (Retired) // March 8th, 2005
They did it all for the glory of love...in 5.1 Surround!
Supergroup Chicago's lead singer, Peter Cetera, and Christian pop crooner, Amy Grant, found themselves at the top of the charts in 1986 with their hit single "The Next Time I Fall." The two came together once again nearly 20 years later for a reunion on PBS's "Soundstage" show, to sing some of their greatest hits, and duet on the sappy "The Next Time I Fall."
Performed during this 2003 broadcast were the following songs:
Amy Grant:
* Baby Baby
* Simple Things
*
El-Shaddai
Peter Cetera:
* One Good Woman
* Glory of Love
*
Restless Heart
* If You Leave Me Now
* After All
* The Next
Time I Fall (with Amy Grant)
* Baby, What a Big Surprise
* You're
The Inspiration
* Have You Ever Been In Love
Bonus Tracks:
* 25 or 6 to 4
* Even a Fool Can See
* Hard To Say I'm Sorry
In the 1970s, Chicago was one of the most popular musical acts on the planet. Peter Cetera was one of the reasons for the band's popularity -- a songwriter, singer, and bassist, Cetera helped Chicago evolve from their jazzy, experimental roots in the '70s into a smooth romantic pop machine in the 1980s. In 1985, Cetera left the group to continue pursuing his solo career, which began with his debut self-titled album and continued with Solitude/Solitaire and World Falling Down, among others.
Just as Cetera left Chicago, Christian singer Amy Grant -- who found success in the religious music scene in the late '70s and early '80s -- was beginning to gain momentum as a crossover artist in both the contemporary Christian and secular musical worlds. Grant's duet with Peter Cetera marked the first of many hits she'd end up having as a secular musician. In the early 1990s, her career took flight with the release of her album Heart In Motion, featuring the hits "Baby Baby," "Every Heartbeat," and "That's What Love Is For." Multiple albums followed, along with a divorce from Christian artist Gary Chapman (with whom Grant has three children) and a surprise marriage to country singer Vince Gill in 2000.
Soundstage Presents Peter Cetera With Special Guest Amy Grant is a merging / reunion of these two artists playing some of their biggest hits. I wouldn't call myself a huge fan of either artist, though I do think they've both crafted infectious, hook-laden tunes that are staples of their time. Grant's music -- due in part to her relationship troubles -- has matured, while Cetera seems to be stuck in some 1980s time warp. Either way, this concert brings you the best of both artists. Grant's almost acoustic rendition of her hit "Baby Baby" is foot-tappin' good, and Cetera can still belt out the high notes on such hits as "Restless Heart" and "The Glory of Love." While neither artist really goes all out on the rock-and-roll scale (they're placed at around a five), this concert disc is better background music at your next dinner party than...oh, say, Yanni. There is no denying that these artists appeal to a specific demographic -- mostly those who grew up in the 1980s, and those who enjoy sappy, gooey love songs. On that level, Soundstage Presents Peter Cetera With Special Guest Amy Grant works very well.
Soundstage Presents Peter Cetera is presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.33:1 full frame (a disappointment, since it's widescreen when I watch it in high-def on cable). This is a decent looking transfer that should please fans. The image sports bright colors, dark black levels, and hardly any discernable defects.
The soundtrack is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround in English. If you've never heard "The Glory of Love" in 5.1 Surround...well, I've just got to say that you're really missing out. In all seriousness, this Dolby 5.1 mix is very good -- the track utilizes both the front and rear speakers to good effect without any distortion in the mix. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that this is the perfect concert DVD to put on when you're getting your groove on. No alternate soundtracks or subtitles are included.
The extra features on this disc are rather slim. You get brief biographies on Cetera and Grant, a small photo gallery, a discography, and some bonus songs (listed above in the track listing).
Review content copyright © 2005 Patrick Naugle; Site layout and review format copyright © 1998 - 2009 HipClick Designs LLC
Scales of Justice
Judgment: 83
Perp Profile
Studio: Koch Vision
Video Formats:
* Full Frame
Audio Formats:
* Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround (English)
Subtitles:
* None
Running Time: 71 Minutes
Release Year: 2003
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distinguishing Marks
* Biographies
* Discography
* Bonus Tracks
* Photo Gallery
Accomplices
* IMDb: Soundstage
http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0421459/combined
* Official Site
http://www.pbs.org/wttw/soundstage/pcetera/featured.htm