Video Games Live is a stunning confluence of high-brow music, the games we all grew up on, and the surprisingly funny antics of the show's hosts. I can't quite explain how Mr. Tallarico (one of the co-creators) became so charismatic, but I have heard rumors that he can no longer walk upon hallowed ground without bursting into flames.
For those of you unfortunate enough to have never witnessed the spectacle in the flesh, Video Games Live announced (via press release) earlier today that they will be releasing a CD and DVD of a performance they held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil last year. Details on pricing and how you can get your grubby mits on the laser-etched media are to be announced in August.
You may remember our coverage of the VGL concert we attended en masse during this year's GDC, but if not, I can sum it up thusly: the event makes grown men wet themselves, and grown women ... well, they also wet themselves.
If you catch my drift ...
[Hit the jump for a speed boost and the full press release.]
VIDEO GAMES LIVE ANNOUNCES DVD & CD RELEASE
Online Trailer Now Available!
Recorded From Award-Winning Sold Out Performances in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Los Angeles, CA - Video Games Live, The #1 video game touring concert in the world, announced today that they will be releasing a DVD & CD from their award-winning sold out performances recorded in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil last year.
Online DVD & CD trailer now available:
Hi-res: http://www.videogameslive.com/video/vglbrazil.wmv
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIMFYoQkHvo
"Since we started Video Games Live over 5 years ago we've always received at least a few e-mails and letters each week asking if and when a DVD and CD would be available," said Tommy Tallarico, co-creator of Video Games Live and longtime video game composer. "We're finally proud to announce the first ever live game concert DVD and CD available in the U.S. and throughout the world." Co-creator Jack Wall added "The shows in Brazil were absolutely amazing. The crowds were unbelievable and the energy level was second to none."
Recently, Video Games Live was the recipient of the “Special Breakthrough Achievement Award" at the 3rd Annual Gameworld Awards for their performances in Brazil last November.
The Brazilian shows were sponsored by the biggest corporations in all of Latin America including oil company Petrobras as well as UOL, the principle Latin American internet online provider. Intel, the world's largest semiconductor company were the title sponsors along with media partner Futuro Publishing which helped to make the initial groundbreaking tour a national success. Adding to the already powerful line-up of supporters were the Brazilian Government and the Ministry of Culture, whose commitment to the Video Games Live project speaks volumes for VGL's relevance, significance and future presence in Brazil.
The highly prestigious Petrobras Sinfônica Orchestra performed in some of the highest regarded venues in all of Brazil.
Video Games Live is currently planning its return tour to Brazil for September, 2007. Exact DVD & CD release dates, pricing and ordering to be announced in August.
WEBSITE
www.videogameslive.com
CURRENT WORLD TOUR DATES
http://www.videogameslive.com/index.php?s=dates
About Video Games Live™ (www.videogameslive.com)
Created by two industry leading video game composers Tommy Tallarico and Jack Wall, Video Games Live™ (produced under their company Mystical Stone Entertainment, LLC) is the front runner in the field of live game music performance. Video Games Live™ is an immersive concert event celebration featuring music from the biggest video games of all time. The debut performance launched on July 6th, 2005 at the world famous Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles with the LA Philharmonic with over 11,000 people in attendance making it the largest video game concert in the world.
Contest:
1:50 AM on 06.22.2007
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Maybe it's just because I'm not big on games like Halo and that kind of stuff. It felt like they were playing me to sleep with a lullaby more than they were entertaining me.
By and large the best parts of the show were:
1. The beginning with the compilation of old 80's arcade game music
2. The contests where an audience member plays a video game live and the orchestra has to keep up/in sync.
3. At the very end they brought out a woman who played songs from Super Mario World on a piano at increasing speeds. This part was amazing. I couldn’t believe they didn’t make the entire show just her playing with the orchestra accompanying.
These three things were so great, it made the rest just seem like filler. I guess I'm not trying to say the whole thing was bad, because it wasn't, I just think if you're going to go to all that effort to execute a extremely brilliant idea you shouldn’t fill the majority of the show with depressing sounding Halo music.
You guys should have tried the Bugs Bunny on Broadway tour, talk about something giving you chills and bringing a tear to your eye, that’s where it’s at.
Cloud Plush