Gojira – The Flesh Alive [Limited Edition Deluxe Version] DVD + CD

I think the quality of the outside of a product is just as important as the contents. If time has been taken to make the packaging of a product impressive, it’s likely that the contents within are going to match. I, myself, am not a Gojira fan but found myself drawn to the artwork and overall presentation of the three disc “The Flesh Alive” set. This factor alone excited me and made me whip disc one straight out of the box and into the DVD player.

The DVD menu is clear and practical. Moreover, it has audio options that are sometimes overlooked! There’s the choice of stereo or 5.1 dolby digital, so sorry all you HotRate DTS fans, there isn’t that option here.

The first show of the set was recorded at Garorock, lasting 93 minutes and includes tracks such as A Sight To Behold, Flying Whales, The Way Of All Flesh and Vacuity. The sound quality is spot on and the video quality is clean and clear. However, one thing that I wasn’t fond of was the amount of crazy effects added in post-production that take away from the show itself. I found myself concentrating on the skewed camera angles and excessive effects than the performance. Luckily they calm down as the show progresses. Minus the excessive after effects, the multi-viewpoint cuts add to the dynamic atmosphere of the gig but at times it feels overdone and even makes you feel a little nauseous at times. Besides that, the inclusion of audience shots emphasises and captures the energy of the gig.

On the same disc you’re treated with three additional songs from a gig at Les Vieilles Charrues lasting 15 minutes, to perhaps finish of the set list of the previous show that may seem incomplete to some fans.

The second disc features a show from Bordeaux lasting 80 minutes. Don’t be disheartened by the fact that the set list is a complete replica of the Garorock setlist with the addition of Toxic Garbage Island because the show itself has a completely different atmosphere. Bordeaux has a very intimate feel and no crazy effects edited in. The camera angles are less dynamic and the video quality seems slightly lower than Garorock but still upholds a nice enough quality to enjoy the show. I personally enjoyed watching the Bordeaux show than the others, but that’s just a matter of personal preference.

As well as the Bordeaux show, disc two features “The Way Of All Flesh From The Inside” – a 62 minute documentary of exclusive behind the scenes footage. A must have for any avid Gojira fan.

To complete this whole package off, disc three is a live CD of the Garorock show, not to mention a free double sided poster and booklet.

Due out on 11^th June 2012 (also available on Blu-ray as a single disc plus audio CD).

8/10

Track Listing:

DVD1:

– Garorock Show (93 min):

1. Oroborus
2. The Heaviest Matter Of The Universe
3. Backbone
4. Love
5. From The Sky
6. A Sight To Behold
7. The Art Of Dying
8. Drum Solo
9. Clone
10. Flying Whales
11. The Way Of All Flesh
12. Terra Incognita
13. Vacuity

– Les Vieilles Charrues Show (15 min):

1. Indians
2. Toxic Garbage Island
3. World To Come

DVD 2:

– Bordeaux (80 min):

1. Oroborus
2. The Heaviest Matter Of The Universe
3. Backbone
4. Love
5. From The Sky
6. A Sight To Behold
7. The Art Of Dying
8. Drum Solo
9. Clone
10. Flying Whales
11. Toxic Garbage Island
12. The Way Of All Flesh
13. Terra Incognita
14. Vacuity

– Documentary (62 min):

“The Way Of All Flesh Inside” (exclusive behind the scenes footage)

CD:

1. Intro
2. Oroborus
3. The Heaviest Matter Of The Universe
4. Backbone
5. Love
6. From The Sky
7. A Sight To Behold
8. The Art Of Dying
9. Clone
10. Flying Whales
11. The Way Of All Flesh
12. Terra Incognita
13. Vacuity