Collective Unconscious.org

10.16.96

Source: Unspecified Filming Equipment > Master > DVD
Source: 3rd Gen VHS / DVD > Goldwave > WAV > NERO > CD ((Mastered to CD by Galen: 1999))
Image from DVD: Here

Notes: Sometime in early 2003, the actual filmer of the show transferred his recording to DVD. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to obtain a copy rather quickly. Shot from the center and slightly elevated, this DVD features one of the best "filmings" of Tool to date. There are some absolutely fantastic shots of MJK & Danny. There are a few real nice shots of Adam & Justin as well but this is, basically, a MJK/Danny center-right shot. This is very, very slightly off center. Surprisingly clear, focused & very crisp this recording is a key component in understanding the history of Tool's live performances. Honestly, this is one of my favorite performances ever. What a setlist.
Notes: As of March 2003, the only audio sources from this gig that are out in trade are either from a rip I did from a 3rd Gen VHS or from other people's assorted rips. The sound is considered a C on the VHS rips. With this particular DVD, the sound quality would be, if I used grades like this, B+. This is a -huge- jump in sound quality. There are numerous incomplete recordings/versions floating around. Also, there seems to be more higher generations of this recording floating around than the average VHS recording with at least some low gens. Filmed from right above the pit, this show is quite good. Nice close-ups of the entire band & some very interesting screen shots. There is rumored to be a DAT source in existence but that is just a...rumor, I've not heard it. There is an incomplete version of this show floating around as a single disc, sometimes silver-disc entitled: Stynkfysted. It too is ripped from a video of the show as well. This is a very intriguing thing that most collector's would really enjoy; being the live debut of some favorite songs.
Notes - by Buffalobossie 11/14/2005:

The first thing that caught my eye when watching this was how clear and sharp the video is for VHS. The second thing that caught mye eye was the smudge on the camera lense. In the top-right-ish area of the picture, the video is blurred. I was praying near the start that the camera guy would wipe it off or something. While that never happens, this is but a small complaint about a video that is otherwise amazing.

Maynard makes a point in saying that the audience is seeing the worst show of the tour. There are a few flubs by the band during the set, and most Tool afficienados will notice these. That does not take away from the performance as a whole, however, which was stellar. Even if it is the "worst" show of the tour, the worst show of an amazing tour is still wonderful.

As I stated before, the video is very sharp. Even as a master, it's amazing that the video is in as good condition as it is after waiting seven years to be transferred to DVD. There is a tiny audio dropout in the beginning and maybe another tiny one later on, but that's being nitpicky. The audio itself is very nice for a VHS source.

This concert is a must have, especially for collecters as several songs are premiered, including the always epic "Third Eye", which was one of the songs they kind of messed up at one point. Such mistakes by the band are minor and don't really detract from the performance. If anything it enhances the live feel of the recording. It reminds you that not only is the audience becoming familiar with the songs, but so is the band.

Maynardism:
"This is the first show of this album. So in about ten years, you can tell somebody that you were here & they'll look at you & say you are lying. But unfortunately for you, in some ways, you are getting the worst show of the tour"