Eric Clapton: Crossroads Guitar Festival DVD: Review By Dodd

In June of 2004 some of the greatest artists in history came together for a cause. The Crossroads Guitar Festival in Dallas, Texas was a benefit show that gave all proceeds to Eric Clapton's Crossroads Center for addicts. For hours on end, some of the greatest legends came together for one phenomenal show. It was quite a treat for the lucky bastards who somehow managed to finagle tickets to this musical extravaganza. However, for those who didn't score tickets, attempt to purchase them, or even know about the show in the first place, I have good news. The highlights of the Crossroads Guitar Festival are available on a two-disc DVD.

Eric Clapton is certainly a man that has connections. This may have something to do with the fact that he is a rock legend, but that is beside the point. Everyone is here! Bringing in a taste of the old days are Clapton himself, ZZ Top, James Taylor, BB King, and Carlos Santana just to name a few. Demonstrating guitar and blues sounds from the new millennium are newer artists such as Johnny Lang and John Mayer.

The concert is photographed wonderfully as shots of the stage are covered from all angles. Various stage settings and times of day are captured as well as the show transitions between broad daylight and the evening hours.

It is a thrilling moment to witness a favorite artist playing their most notorious songs live. What is even more thrilling is to see that same artist coming together on the same stage with a musician of the same renowned status. Eric Clapton joins a variety of his musical guests on the stage for jam sessions that, while probably even cooler to see in person, are just as exciting to see on DVD.

Interviews

Artists highlighted in the festival come forth to answer questions about musical influences, the electric guitar, and the Crossroads concert. This is probably the most insightful feature from the supplement menu.

Guitar Solos

Not really offering anything new, this feature allows the viewer to jump to guitar on the preexisting concert performances. A pretty lazy feature, but could possibly be appreciated by guitar gurus.

Multi-Angle Concert

Choices of two concert features are available for viewing with the multiple angle, interactive treatment. While viewing the concert, one can push the enter button on their remote to view the concert in split screen. While simple, it adds a feeling of psychedelic euphoria to the concert experience. Someone please pass the weed.

Presented in widescreen format, the concert looks great visually. The video equipment is top of the line and captures the festival at various times of the day with different methods of lighting.

Dolby Digital 5.1- This DVD is nothing but great sound. The concert is clear as can be without the annoying feedback.

Standard keep case

This is a must buy for fans of country, blues, rock, guitar, or all of the above. While some legends are not given as much spotlight as other remarkable artists, it is still a marvel to see these masters of the six-string come together for one long jam session.

Despite the mediocre special features, this DVD is all about the music. This concert DVD failed to disappoint me. After all, Eric Clapton does a rockin rendition of "I Shot The Sheriff"! How can you say no to that?