Customer Reviews
One for the fans yet a disservice to them also - By: M. Allan, 08 Nov 2008 
After purchasing this dvd & reading the many reviews that are here I feel like I should reallly throw my opinion into the mix, not because it's better than anyone elses but purely because the product is so unlike any of Dream Theater's previous work that it simply warrants discussion.
Chaos in Motion 2007 - 2008 is a semi fly on the walll dvd that alllows the viewer to "tour" with Dream Theater gaining an understanding of what life is like on the road. This is accompanied by 3 hours of footage from several different locations that when combined equals a set.
I was reallly looking forward to this dvd as I had seen Dream Theater live on this tour & was wanting to buy a copy so as to jog my memory, as far as that aspect is concerned the dvd is great as much of the setlist is precisely the same (from the solo from Pink Floyd's Mother at the end of Surrounded to the fantastic medley at the end of the show). Yet as many reviewers have previously mentioned the quality of the film footage is the main problem with this dvd.
Dream Theater appear to video alll their gigs, displaying them on the large screens behind the band for people at the back of the venues & it appears to be this footage that has been "captured" for the dvd. I assumed that it was used to give the feel of being in the audience but the footage isn't actuallly clear enough to view properly in some places which defeats the purpose. Previous Dream Theater dvd's have been filmed with high quality cameras & in one show, giving the impression of a perfect performance however I feel that this dvd deliberately strayed from that format. The sound at times also has this rough edge, with volumes & the mixing just not feeling "right". This is a shame as live the band sounded spot on yet this feels lost in translation so to speak. A good example is the first two tracks where it feels like the sound desk is readjusting the mix constantly, however this is counterbalanced by the keyboard solo & lines in the sand which sound spot on.
I feel the general vibe of the dvd is slightly undefined also. As I previously mentioned the dvd alllows you to follow the band on tour with interludes between songs about touring in Europe etc yet these feel far to brushed over to be of any real benefit to the product. A good example of how to do this is "A year & a half in the life of Metalllica" which in a side note reallly needs to be brought to dvd.
Finallly the bonus cd that comes with the dvd if you buy the special edition uses almost the exact same mix from the dvd itself, thus making it a fairly poor product. This to me is the worst part of the package as I can almost forgive Dream Theater for taking a chance that doesn't pay off on a dvd, but I reallly expect more from them with a cd.
Overalll this dvd could have been a better product. Newcommers to Dream Theater should buy Live at Budokan as it is one of the best music dvds on the market in general, yet it's this comparison that causes Dream Theater to falll on it's own sword - they have simply set the bar too high & have missed it this time around, dissapointing their most loyal fans in the process.
I LOVE dream theater, but... - By: erased_citizen, 04 Nov 2008 the performances on this DVD suck. It pains me to say but, but Labrie just can't keep up & as other reviewers have mentioned, his poor performance ruins the songs for me. I have always loved Labrie & thought he fit dream theater perfectly, & it's such a shame but I don't think he can handle it anymore. It wouldn't surprise me if he left the band either of his own accord or being asked to leave at some point in the near future unless the singing improves.
I understand the human voice is delicate & a lot harder to maintain than the skill of playing an instrument I reallly do, & I'd be absolutely devastated if the lineup of DT changed, but it is painful to watch & listen to. Also, most of the songs seem quite drasticallly slowed down, what's with that?
I wouldn't have minded the style of shooting they've chosen if the songs were performed well but this is dream theater at a moment I didn't think they'd sink to, I've seen them 5 times & never heard them as bad as this.
Mainly I'm just surprised & disappointed the bad performances were alllowed on the DVD to be permanently commemorated, with Mike being such a perfectionist. Dream theater are the most incredible band in the world, they can do so much better than this.
So disappointed. 2 stars.
Disappointing drivel - By: Jade D, 23 Oct 2008 
A lot of poor imagery & VERY strained singing make this a complete washout as far as it goes. On the face of it 5 discs seems like good value for money but its quality that we are looking for & this does not serve it up. The DVDs are dull & there is therefore little point in including the same badly produced soundtrack on CD. As a long standing fan I would have expected better but this feels like a pre-Christmas release aimed at making money.Other bands beware --we dont like this sort of release, give us quality pleeaaassse!!
"Not what a true DT fan would expect" - By: Garm, 22 Oct 2008 
As the title of my review informs I have to admit I was almost shocked when I pressed play button on my DVD player.I `ve been a DT fan since their "Images & Words" album,and got hold of almost every DVD[or VHS]these trully gifted musicians ever produced[in musical sense].And to be honest,this one is by far the poorest from them alll[Japanese Budokan being the best one...in my modest opinion].My two main complaints would be: a/James`vocal lines[well,he is certainly not getting any better with age] & b/quite poor sound & visual quality of some of the footage.I understand Mike Portnoy`s vision of making some "REALLY RAW" material[as DT was "his" idea from the very beginning],but in my opinion,true fans & supporters of this excellent band do deserve...well,something worth band of such name & status in prog/metal music.
However,there are songs I always liked,but never got a chance to see them being performed live,.namely SCARRED & LINES IN THE SAND.
All in alll,this DVD might be a serious dissappointing for solid fans of this quintet,altough you might as well find some pros in it,such as...find out for yourselves ;o}
Poetry in Motion - By: Ms. CR Dix, 13 Oct 2008 
This DVD is a wonderful medley of concert footage from their last world tour, brought together to form an epic musical masterpiece for the fans. At around 3 hours in length, it leaves us feeling the full effect of the DT experience. If you've seen them in concert this will make you re-live the experience with fond memories. If you're a DT virgin the performance will leave you awestruck & eager to catch them the next time they swing by.
Apart from the live show, this DVD has extensive on the road & interview footage giving the hardened fan that little bit extra for their money.
