If you’re the audiophile type, the sound mix on the release is exactly you’re style.
It just seems that every time I watch a documentary about a musician, I end up liking the artist more than when I started. Neil Young has been in the game for a very long time and has the ability the explore newer genres as they come along. He was born in Ontario, Canada in the town of Omemee. He’s a singer/songwriter and has an unmistakable voice. Young is also a two time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and multiple Grammy winner.
Jonathan Demme is a well known director in film today. His resumé includes Philadelphia, Rachel Getting Married, and Silence of the Lambs. I think it’s safe to say he’s a Neil Young fan being that this is the third film about The artist he’s made.
For this film, Journeys, the famous folk singer and director came together during Young’s solo tour in 2011 when he was playing in Canada. While driving Neil’s 1956 Ford Crown Victoria, he shares stories and experiences from his childhood. The “interview” is during the drive from Neil’s hometown to the famous Massey Hall in Toronto.
The film cuts between the interview or car ride and the concert. The setting inside the hall is such a small venue but it works perfectly for his sound. There aren’t any crazy theatrics, wild lighting or band that might take away from his performance, but just the man with his instruments playing his heart out.
The video transfer is in 1080p but it has a grittiness to it. Being that its shot in a documentary style, the grain is very noticeable and does give it a grounded feel but not overly enhanced. I don’t know if the film wasn’t shot in HD or if this was the look Demme was going for but its not flattering at all. It’s a toss up of being intentional or just overlooked.
Reviewing this Blu-ray is like I was mailed a front row ticket to sit in with Neil for a small show. The way the concert scenes sound completely make up for the subpar video. The music is in a perfect DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 that is so rich with a warm, inviting sound. There is very strong bass and clean highs that very much took the release up a notch. I would say that it’s even a demo quality mix and just right to showcase a home theater setup.
Set list
1. Peaceful Valley Boulevard
2. Ohio
3. Down by the River
4. Sign of Love
5. Rumbling
6. Love and War
7. Leia
8. After the Gold Rush
9. I Believe in You
10. My, My, Hey, Hey (Out of the Blue)
11. You Never Call
12. Hitchhiker
13. Walk With Me
In these types of concert films with interviews, the extras tend to be little to non-existent. Luckily, Demme put some of the press interviews they did for the movie on the disc.
Disc Details
Single Blu-ray Disc
Video Resolution
1080p
Audio
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 [96kHz, 24-bit]
Subtitles
None
Supplements
Journey to Slamdance: A conversation with Neil Young and Jonathan Demme- an interview at Slamdance about the film Journeys. It is an extensive look on how the collaboration happened.
92Y talks with Neil Young and Jonathan Demme- it’s an interview promoting the film.
Making of Journeys- a behind the scenes look at Journeys where Neil and Jonathan call it the Third installment of a series.
I’m fairly impressed by this release even though not by the video. The music has such a rich, warm sound that you can’t help be sucked in. He is a musician that’s not afraid to try something different with the changing times. The lyrics speak volumes of his beliefs and political views over the years. I also enjoyed the interview during the ride to the venue. If you’re the audiophile type, the sound mix on the release is exactly you’re style. As far as the picture quality, it leaves room for improvement. I like this one but this is really a release for the fans.
