What is Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band – Tour 2003? Well…The Last Waltz this ain’t. Ringo has been touring with his All-Starr’s since the 1990’s. And the 2003 version includes “stars” such as Colin Hay from Men at Work, Paul Carrack from Mike and Mechanics, John Waite and Sheila E. I suppose we’re in time warp because these are 80’s stars.
The DVD was shot on Digital Video and goes back and forth between live concert footage, “behind the scene” stuff, and interviews (mostly about the “s…ars” talking about how much they love Ringo). Some of the songs are okay and the “documentary” footage is mildly entertaining, but mostly it’s just much ado about nothing.
I found the concert footage a little depressing. Most of the tunes are done half-heartedly, and they bring back memories of a time long gone. It seems like these “all stars” are still trying to hold on to a former fame that they once had. But I surmise that they miss the music, the crowd, and the enjoyment of doing what they love. But this DVD is all about Ringo, about promoting himself, his new CD, and his attachment to one of the greatest bands ever to grace the musical universe (yes, we’re talking about the Fab Four).
Audio
You can alternate between Dolby Digital 2.0 and 5.1 Surround. The 2.0 is fine, but the 5.1 gives you more of a “concert feel”. The surround speakers are mainly used for the sparse clapping and cheering found during these concerts. The music is heard cleanly and clearly. An adequate presentation of this “star studded” event.
Video
This disc will presented in a 1.33:1 aspect ratio. As I mentioned, the concert was shot on Digital Video, and it looks as well as DV can. The colors are natural and accurate, and the transfer is extremely clean. But yes, it looks like video; an appropriate feel for this nostalgic non-event.
Special Features
The extras include an “acoustic” version of “Here Comes the Sun”, which was sung at a rehearsal. Not bad. Makes me want to listen to the original. There are some band member biographies, some bland concert stills, and a Ringo discography. Nothing to write home about.
Final Thoughts
Ringo gets a little help from his friends with this DVD. But he might need a little more help to keep his career afloat. With adequate video and audio, Ringo Starr & and His All-Starr Band seems vaguely like a performance at a local bar that books acts that had former glory but are now “washed up”. The presentation feels a bit like that. It made me a bit sad. I think I’ll put on my well worn copy of the White Album. Go Ringo.
Special Features List
- Acoustic version of “Here Comes the Sun”
- Band member biographies
- Concert stills
- Ringo discography
