DEPECHE MODE ONE NIGHT IN PARIS - A LIVE DVD BY ANTON CORBIJN DOUBLE DVD MUTE, PLAYGROUND RELEASE: MAY 29, 2002 REVIEW: JUNE 10, 2002

Not many artists can say they are experienced in live releases. When Depeche Mode with Anton Corbijn now deliver another live package they know what they are doing, all the way from the initial planning stages to finished product. We get what can be expected and a little more. The "Exciter Tour" reached me in Stockholm and I can say this recording captures the show pretty well. Naturally, the 5.1 Dolby Digital sound and footage from as much as 13 cameras almost moves the concert into your home. And Palais Omnisport obviously was a good venue choice.
All this can't help me from the usual restlessness that comes from watching long live shows at home. Furthermore, I have seen all Depeche Mode shows since the "Music for the Masses" tour and think this (and the previous one) are the least mind-blowing. The "Exciter Tour" live show was a bit simple and kind of cheap considering what we are used to. And one has to take in account that this is a band from the world's live arena elite which can realise most ideas on stage.
But what songs! And the rock'n'roll live machine Gahan is pure energy - he hopefully ignited all 16 000 visitors. "I can't sing but I have soul" he says in the interview. It's also good to see Gore dare a whole lot more these days. The use of a live drummer and keyboardist works quite well. Nor Gore, neither "Flush" Fletcher, can play what's needed. Nevertheless, I'm not all too fund of the new versions of songs like "Black Celebration" and "Never Let Me Down Again". And by the way, where was "I Feel Loved"?
DVD gives a lot to the music fans of today. The second disc offers generous amount of extra goodies. Choose camera angles, which is kind of fun. Meet the band, the people behind the tour and the fans. At least the band member interviews are really interesting and could have been longer. I think it is a good idea to place stuff like fan clips separate from the live film. We also get to watch photographs together with Anton Corbijn and see the live backdrop videos in full. Did you know the shark in "In Your Room" wasn't looped by the way?
With all this extras and of course the quality of DVD, even I, who generally don't really enjoy watching live videos much, surrender.

MIKAEL KAHRLE