Review of Shania Twain: Up!

Introduction

Having sold more than 35 million records of her previous album, Come On Over, it was just a matter of time before she`d have to answer her fans and critics alike with a follow up. She released, Up, co-written and produced by uber producer and husband Robert John "Mutt" Lange. It`s not the sales record that she has to live up to, but perhaps the easy to listen style of songs she`s created before, that people will want more of.

Her distinctive style of countrified pop is still evident and catchy in her new album and 2003 saw the start of a world tour, taking in Grant Park, Chicago.

This DVD covers that concert and gives a taste of what`s in store for those that want to see Shania play live.

Video

Presented with a 4:3 fullframe video transfer, the quality is good. It`s clear and vibrant with no dirt or other problem anywhere. Being a concert performance, I think the widescreen treatment would have just added more to the whole presentation.

Audio

You have a choice of two soundtracks: 2-channel Dolby Digital stereo or DD5.1. There is some difference between the audio tracks with the 5.1 sounding more dynamic. There`s a wider soundstage created across the front with the 5.1 audio though very little engagement of the rear surrounds in any meaningful way. Despite this it`s a punchy soundtrack and if you like the music you`ll be pleased with the quality.

Features

Easy to navigate static menus with song selection and one miserly extra:

• Discography - Just a few static pages with a catalogue of album and DVD releases.

There are no subtitles. Up is packaged in a standard DVD keep case.

Conclusion

She can certainly stir a crowd into a frenzy and this performance in packed out Grant Park shows she has a lot of loyal fans. I`m sure she`ll do the same to fans here in the UK when she starts her tour in 2004. While I wouldn`t consider myself hardcore, I did like having this DVD playing in the background; all her popular catchy songs "Don`t Be Stupid", "You`re Still The One" and "Man! I Feel Like A Woman" from Come On Over sound good. Her on stage performance however is a very standard sing-on-stage-with-the-band affair. There are no theatricals or dancers that might lend an air of showmanship to the concert. Being into karaoke I`d have liked onscreen song lyrics, which would have bumped up the score a bit, but this is just me and in no way makes this a poor DVD.

This is recommended without a doubt to Shania fans. To anyone else that likes her brand of pop music you might enjoy her Platinum Collection of videos even more.