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Directed by Matthew Wachsman | |
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In my opinion, Mike Portnoy is the best drummer in the past 15 years. But besides that, you must know he is a huge fan of music, movies and is a media freak. Portnoy has a huge collection of CDs, DVDs and Videos from not just his favorite bands (which you will see in this DVD) but chronicles everything he's done with all the music groups and the CDs he's been a part of. He's joined together with the fine folks at Hudson Music to create this extensive document that captures Portnoy's musical life. ICM comes in a beautiful, sturdy 3-disc foldout package with vivid color photos and graphics that represent what's inside or on the discs. The HD footage of interviews with Portnoy at home, performances in the studio and the life footage look sensational. There is other footage taken over the years does not always match HD quality but you'll appreciate just getting to see all those special moments. The DVD is mastered beautifully with special attention given to overall picture quality and a rocking sound mix. There is also a cool foldout poster featuring a collection of color photos of Portnoy behind his kit. Disc 1: "In The Dream" allows Portnoy to give analysis and perform 2 songs off Dream Theater's Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence, 2 songs off Train Of Thought and 2 songs off Octavarium. What's so cool about the way these songs are performed are they are mixed with live & studio performances. Disc 2: "On The Side" is all about the side projects Mike Portnoy has been a part of since LTD. 2 songs with TransAtlantic, 2 tracks with Neal Morse, 3 tunes with OSI. There is also session work with John Arch, John Petrucci/G3 Tours, Overkill and Fates Warning. I was particularly impressed with Portnoy allowing us to take a walk through of his extraordinary home, including his media collection room and seeing the specific drum kits that he had designed. Portnoy also takes the time to show us footage and explain the genesis behind his tribute bands, which were created when he wanted to do more than just solo at drum clinics. Portnoy takes the time to explain his love and passion for The Beatles (his all-time favorite group), Led Zeppelin, The Who and Rush. Then we see Yellow Matter Custard perform "Magical Mystery Tour," Hammer Of The Gods perform "Moby Dick," Amazing Journey performs "Amazing Journey" and Cygnus & The Sea Monsters performs "XYZ." What's super cool about each of these Tribute bands is that Portnoy has worked together with Tama to put together drum kits that exactly resemble the kits from the drummers he's honoring. Disc 3: Bonus Material includes "Pull Me Under," "The Mirror," "Metropolis" live, Portnoy's live drum solos in 1995, 2004 and 2005/2006. My favorite solo/live performance is Portnoy's duets with Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall), Charlie Benante (Anthrax) and Richard Christy (Death, Iced Earth & Howard Stern). This live segment is edited brilliantly cutting back and forth between shows where Portnoy and his friends play little segments from an assortment of different bands. It was a lot of fun to see these guys pound out drum beats from familiar songs from such bands as Led Zeppelin, Judas Priest, Rush, Van Halen, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Anthrax and others. The third disc also includes an interview with Eric Disrude who takes care of setting up and maintaining Portnoy monster drum kits. In Constant Motion is over 7 hours long and worth every moment. Easily one of the standout DVDs of 2007.
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