I think i've seen most of the Yes DVDs currently available, but this was my first Blu-ray to feature them. It showcases a relatively intimate performance by comparison with some of the arena gigs available elsewhere. Nothing wrong in that, but fans of the lavish Roger Dean stage sets may be disappointed. The playing, though, is superb, more than making up for any let down in the visual department. Never famous for their stunning good looks, the band have aged gracefully, but you may not want to dwell upon appearances (Drummer Alan White resembles a deranged Rick Stein for much of the time. But can he cook fish?).
After a while you find youreslf watching the playing techniques and, for example, the labels on all those knobs Rick Wakeman has to twiddle, revealed by Blu-ray resolution for the first time. As a masterclass in how to perform a challenging selection of old tunes whilst managing to keep them fresh, it's pretty hard to beat. I've held a star back, only because I feel the later material from "Magnification" is weak by comparison with some of the classics overlooked in its favour. Close To The Edge might have been too long for inclusion here, but the omission of Starship Trooper is disappointing. Otherwise the picture and sound are top notch and at this price you're assured a bargain. Hopefully a Blu-ray "Songs From Tsongas" isn't too far away. And let's hope Jon Anderson is on the mend, as the little chap's sterling perforance here reminds us how baffling the others' decision to tour with a "sub" last year was.