Peter Gabriel - Growing Up Live

Peter Gabriel: Growing Up Live presents the complete 2003 Milan concert from Peter Gabriel's tour based around the album Up, featuring 17 tracks across 134 minutes. Literally central to a memorable show is a revolving stage that sees Gabriel going for a cycle ride in an exuberant "Solsbury Hill," performing "Growing Up" inside a Zorb ball, and delivering a gravity-defying sky walk in "Downside Up" with daughter Melanie. Accompanied by regular sidemen David Rhodes (guitar) and Tony Levin (bass), Gabriel is joined by the legendary Blind Boys of Alabama for the spine-tingling "Sky Blue," throughout mixing recent tracks like the abrasive "Darkness" and "The Barry Williams Show" with established crowd pleasers such as "Red Rain," "In Your Eyes," and "Sledgehammer."

Gabriel may be less wired than before, but he commands the arena with effortless charm and charismatic presence, his voice retaining all its paradoxically fragile power. Presented in an understated blue light and shot in an unobtrusive, gimmick-free style, the concert begins and ends in virtual darkness with Gabriel alone at a keyboard; from the opening "Here Comes the Flood" to the final "Father, Son," Growing Up is rock theater of rare intimacy, emotion, and intelligence.

The DVD is presented with a flawless 16:9 anamorphically enhanced picture and three soundtracks: rich and clear stereo, excellent Dolby Digital 5.1 and even more precise and detailed DTS. The Story of Growing Up is polished nine-minute documentary in which Gabriel talks about his ideas for the tour and the presentation of some of the songs. Tony Levin's View (five minutes) sets the song "More Than This" to photos taken by the bass player. --Gary S. Dalkin

1 blown away...
Peter's US tour back in '92 was the first concert I ever attended, and it remains one of the best live shows I've ever seen. I did not get a chance to see Growing Up Live in person, but this DVD is phenomenal in every sense of the word. Amazing sound/picture, great song selection, incredible band. What else can I say? If you love live music and mind-blowing visuals, this is for you.

2 Musically and Visually Stunning
I was at 6 of these shows in the US (E.Rutherford, Philly, NYC, Boston, Uncasville, and Minneapolis) and I can say from experence that this is the most remarkable concert i have ever seen. When this came out, I was thrilled, more for the 5.1 DTS mix then anything. To be there was one thing, but to hear each part played out shows how great these musicians really are. And then there is Peter. He commands the arena. Unfortantely, because Americans have bad taste in music, The arenas were not filled and in some cases, less then half. I would have given ANYTHING to be in Milan for this show. Peter's voice was amazing every night, and even though it was pretty much the same set each night, I never grew tired of it because the songs are so fun to listen to. The mixes on this DVD make it worth the purchuse alone, whether you went to the concert or not. A MUST BUY.

3 Help with the Song Played on the Main Menu?!
First off, does anyone know the name of the song played over the closing credits and on the main menu? It is absolutely addictive and I would love to know where I could get it. I checked out all the credits on the DVD and could find no mention of it. It does say that all music on the DVD is written by Peter, so perhaps it's from another Real World release?

That being said, this concert film is mind-blowing!! Peter is still a performer of the highest caliber, regardless of age. True, Ged Lynch is no Manu Katche, but the band was superb. I had only heard Tony Levin's amazing stick bass, but had never seen him play it live before. What a trip! The props used are a joy to behold, but Peter is even more effective when it's just him at the keyboard. His opening version of "Here Comes the Flood" is incredibly moving. The sound is absolutely stellar and makes this a DVD that will be watched over and over.

4 One of a kind...and worth your time!
Peter Gabriel always manages to find new ways to present himself and his music. The "Growing Up Live" DVD is no exception. This show is a refreshing blend of sight and sound that manages to put a new spin on the concert experience. Gabriel chose not to lumber around the concert circut in 2002/03 armed with pyrotechnics, lasers, and mammoth video screens commonly found on most concert tours. Instead, he chose to present both music and visuals in a striking, yet simple way.

You are not bombarded with effects here, but they do make an appearance when called for and the result is seemless. Nothing appears forced or silly. The unique mix of images that accompany "The Barry Williams Show" fit the song's subject matter perfectly. The simple motif of a boat moving around the stage for "Mercy Street" enhances the loneliness noted in the lyrics. And Gabriel's ability to sing "Downside Up" from his postion on stage during that song is quite an impressive feat for a gentleman of 50+ years!

Yet, Gabriel also manages to show he doesn't necessarily need massive props or effects to do what he does. The stellar performances of "Here Comes The Flood" and "Father, Son" that bookend this concert show him to still be a talented singer and outstanding songwriter. Many of today's performers fall flat without lavish production or dressed up instrumentation. However, Gabriel does not and produces his most impressive performances as a result.

Technically, the DVD enhances all of these qualities and builds on them. The picture is flawless digital perfection and the DTS soundtrack is stunning to hear (if you have the equipment capable for it). And if your curious as to how on earth this was all put together, there is an excellent documentary on creating the stage show.

"Growing Up Live" is an outstanding concert packed with truly original ideas, both visually and musically. It is a unique presentation for a truly unique artist.

5 Not only a great concert, but a visual ecstasy!
I originaly bought the DVD for my father who couldn't stop talking about it. I got him the DVD and the duel CD set "Hit" for Christmas last year. He also recieved a new 5.1 stereo system for Christmas, and in tradition (like a little kid), he set everything up that night and had to play it. I had just discovered Peter Gabriel's musical genius the year before when I listened to his latest work "Up". I was finishing up cleaning up the wrapping paper when i caught a glimpse of the Barry Williams show scene. I at first was confused when I saw the "Do Not Adjust Your Set" across the screen. Then I sat and watched it, since I loved the song. I was in awe with the cinematography for the song and then was hooked and watched the rest of the concert. The theatrics were fabulous; an ingenious idea to use a round stage and the lighting was fabulous. The props were incredible (how great was the gigantic bubble and how he could jump around in it on beat!). As a performer myself, I was amazed by the genious and immediatly wanted to watch it over and over again. I have seen many concerts of different genres and perform many myself. This was by far the most thrilling and energized performance that keeps the audience enthrawled, even at home! Only wishing I could have been one of the lucky people to be able to see this live! A must have for anyone, even if you like Phil Collins better in Genisis!

6 As good as it gets!
For fans of Peter Gabiel this is a must buy. For lovers of great concerts you need to see this. The picture quality, camera work and sound are simply outstanding. Try and watch it on someone's projector, its unbelievable.
I was fortunate to see Peter Gabriel at the Hammersmith Odeon in 1980, and although his hair is now grey, he remains the ultimate showman.
Buy this dvd - you will not regret it.

7 Not a Gabriel fan, but love this DVD
I've never been a huge Peter Gabriel fan. I bought "SO" when it was released, and I like it as well as his radio hits, but beyond that, I haven't paid much attention to him.

The other day, I was flipping through the channels and came across this concert on the INHD channel. I was mesmerized.

What a show. This concert is more like performance art than a rock show. Bike riding, walking up side down, rolling in a ball, all "props" that add to the excellent sound quality.

Although I was only familiar with a few of the songs, I found myself enjoying this performance immensely. I bought the DVD the next day and have watched it (or portions of it) over and over.

Even now, I still don't quite love the music as much as others, but the performance is enough for me to enjoy this DVD very much.

8 un show pleins de surprises !!!!!!!
avec ce DVD Peter reviens aprs 10 ans d'absence pour notre plus grand plaisir et toujours avec la gŽnial mise en scne de Robert lepage .
en regardant ce DVD vous dŽcouvrirez beaucoup de choses comme Peter et MŽlanie Gabriel (la choriste) chantant la tte en bas,
Peter faisant le tour de la scne dans une boule gŽante...
plein d'autre surprises vous attendent dans ce DVD ou l'ont en veut encore une fois terminŽ.
a voir d'urgence!!!!

9 Get Secret World instead
Bought this thinking that the music off of the newest cd would be better live...Wrong! The only good things about this video were, obviously Tony Levin, but then all of the props Pete was using throughout the concert. The new drummer is the most boring guy to watch since Peter Criss...Although, his old stuff with KISS was fairly exciting...but this guy butchers classic songs. Then theres the fact that Pete also got rid of his old keyboardist - again. Now its a boring woman with no real show of talent. Pete also brought his daughter along, but she can get kind of annoying at times. Overall, if you liked UP, get this DVD; if you prefer classic Pete stuff, avoid this DVD.

10 Life changing
This musical experience is mind blowing. It is some of the most creative, eye opening performances I have ever seen. I can watch this over and over again and still feel like I was right there in the audience. You can feel the pasion that Peter feels just from watching this. Do the right thing and buy this.

11 Gabriel es Gabriel y punto
Al mencionar el nombre de Peter Gabriel, se le viene a
uno a la mente calificativos como:
innovaci—n, vanguardia, calidad musical, espect‡culo,
etc.
Pues bueno todo esto y muchas mas cosas son las que
nos presenta este magnifico vocalista y mœsico en su
ultimo DVD llamado Growing UP Live. Un concierto
que deja al espectador at—nito desde el principio hasta el
final.

Peter Gabriel nos tiene acostumbrados a sus montajes
espectaculares desde la Žpoca de Genesis y con los
a–os y los avances tecnol—gicos estos cada vez son m‡s
impresionantes, en Growing up, podemos observar,
entre otras cosas, a Gabriel y a su hija, quien hace
coros, caminando boca abajo en una plataforma o a
Gabriel metido en una enorme bola transparente
caminando por el escenario y en juego de luces
descrestante.

La calidad de la imagen y del audio son
inigualables,en el sonido encontramos desde DTS hasta
estŽreo digital, mezcla impecable y nivel de audio 1-A.

El empaque en el que viene el DVD esta muy bien
dise–ado, digi-pack, con varias alas que se despliegan y
en las que encontramos dos folletos con fotos e informaci—n sobre de la gira, la envoltura se asemeja a
una caja de cart—n.

Me atrevo a decir que este trabajo es uno de los mejores lanzados este a–o, o porque no el mejor que he
visto hasta ahora. Se los recomiendo a todos los amantes del buen rock gœsteles o no Peter Gabriel si
pudiera le dar’a no 5 si no 10 o mas de calificaci—n .

P.D: gracias Gabriel por mostrar que el buen rock prevalece por encima de la mediocridad musical que nos apabulla en estos d’as y que para ser rockero no se
necesita ser joven de cuerpo si no de esp’ritu y que el rock no es una moda, es un sentimiento es un
pensamiento, es una actitud de vida.
_______________________

Temas: Here Comes the Flood, Darkness, Red Rain,
Secret World, Sky Blue, Downside Up, The Barry
Williams Show, More Than This, Mercy Street, Digging
in the Dirt, Growing Up, Animal Nation (featuring Dr.
Hukwe Zawose and Charles Zawose), Solsbury Hill,
Sledgehammer, Signal to Noise (featuring Nusrat Fateh
Ali Khan), In Your Eyes, Father Son
Ademas trae:
The Story of Growing Up: a film by York Tillyer
Tony Levin's tour photographs
Bonus track: Elbow remix of "More Than This"
Interactive version of "Growing Up" for PC
Widescreen anamorphic format

12 PETER GABRIEL; GREAT, OF COURSE
PETER GABRIEL'S GROWING UP LIVE IS JUST WHAT YOU'D EXPECT. VISUALLY APPEALING, TOP NOTCH BAND AND GREAT SOUND. THE MAN'S A GENIUS, FOLKS. HIGHLIGHTS FOR ME WERE RED RAIN, SKY BLUE AND SECRET WORLD. BEING A BASSIST, I LOVE TONY LEVIN. HOW DOES HE PLAY WITH THOSE LITTLE STICKS ON HIS FINGERS? IF YOU LIKE PETER GABRIEL, JUST BUY IT.

13 Peter is the best !
Incredibule! that DVD every song or very special the first time you gone a listened , you gone a be anxious to present to all your friends Growing up and Downside Up (guinness record i hope, you see,,,,,,)

14 Un de mes trois meilleur DVD
Bien oui,
du tout d?but jusqu'a la fin il est sensasionnel j'ai meme ?t? voir le spectacle a MTL il faut le faire chanter une chanson avec sa fille la tete en envers , ceux qui se sont procur? ce DVD savent de quoi je parle et l'autre toune qui se prom?ne ds son ballon tr?s tr?s bon,,,,,,,

15 Love it!
I was so disapointed that I missed the "Growing UP" tour. I have seen most of Peter Gabriel's concerts in the last 25 years so I had to buy the DVD. Having never bought a concert "video" I was very surprised to see how good the quality was, the sound and visuals are great (sounds great on my system!). I have watched this DVD over and over and this got me over the anger of missing the concert!

16 Simply Unreal
This DVD mas as well have replaced every other live music recording in my collection. I was dragged (nearly kicking and screaming) to see Peter Gabriel on his Growing Up Tour's pass through New Jersey, and five minutes in was converted into a Peter Gabriel fanatic. So, naturally, I pounced on this DVD as soon as it was available.

I expected to be a bit disappointed, as no recording ever truly captures a great concert, but this comes as close as anyone could ask. As others have mentioned, the 5.1 sound is so good it actually justified (in my mind, anyway) my purchase of a proper home theatre system to enjoy it properly. And while the under-stage and behind-the-scenes camera angles annoyed me initially, I came to really apprecaite seeing how many people it actually took to make this massive production seem so effortless.

This, along with Hit, makes for a great introduction into the world of Peter Gabriel for the uninitiated. Please listen to everyone else's reviews -- definitely go pick up a copy. And for those who own Secret World as well, I find them to be excellent companions, rather than replacements for each other.

17 Awesome
I just watched this and all I can say is WOW! This is the best concert video I have ever seen. Peter Gabriel is the greatest bard of our time.

18 A little disappointing
I realise that it is 9 years since Peter did Secret World Live and that at about 54 he is not the spring chicken he once was. His music and lyrics are as to be expected - perfect, however, is stage presence and dynamic energy fade to insignificance when compared to Secret World Live.
The concert contains a good mix of his newer works and the classics such as 'Solsbury Hill', though I thought that the key backing vocalist for 'In Your Eyes' lacked the vocal power required to pull that song off. Paula Cole did a far better job on Secret World Live.
One big let-down is the childish overuse of cheap video tricks in the post production. 360 degree frame spins do nothing for me and the overuse of random freeze frames makes it appear that the DVD has a data fault.

All in all, still a very good concert.
10 points for Peter, still entertaining the world.
10 points for the band.
7 points for the post production sound engineer/producer, not the best mix.
4 points for the post production video engineer/producer.

Anyone wanting to buy this DVD - all good, but I highly recommend you purchase 'Secret World Live' as well.

19 Can't quit watching!!
Great camerawork, soundtrack, upclose shots! Would do anything to have been to that concert!! Peter Gabriel shows that you can have an entertaining production without the shock value. My favorite DVD by far!

20 Excellant!
What a wonderful work of art from one of the hardest working rock artists ever. Peter Gabriel takes 10 years to make a record and it shoes. I own the Secret World Live dvd as well as Growing Up and each one is great in its own right. Growing Up displays the maturing sensibilities of this artist. Audibly, the sound is better than Secret World Live. Every track is wonderful. The highlights are Red Rain which displays some of bassist Tony Levin's best work and Signal To Noise which is a Pink Floydian rock track in an orchestral string setting. Visually, the film (which, fortunately, uses cinematic lighting) is a feast for the eyes with its minimalistic props and dramatic lighting. One of the best examples in popular music that less is more. The arrangements are excellant, the performances wonderful. I even like daughter Melanie's singing which is very understated. Gabriel's voice is in fine form and Ged Lynch is a great drummer. Gabriel's music is intelligent and artful at every turn. This is how pop music should be written, recorded and filmed. Long live Peter Gabriel!

21 The best music DVD I have seen.
This is the first time that I have watched a DVD and felt compelled to review it right away.

This performance in my opinion, is THE best music DVD I have bought. I own approx. 350 various DVD's and I would even go so far as to say that it is one of the best DVD's in my collection. I have been a fan of his since the 80's so I may be biased.

I have had the day off work today, and was lucky to receive it in the mail this morning. With no housework or shopping to do, I immediately started it up. To my surprise, even the menu screen is flowing with superb sounding music and effects. I took that to be a good indication of what I was about to watch.

I was not disappointed. As you would know from reading other comments, this is a live concert recorded in Milan, Italy. From the first song, you could tell that the audience were there to listen to HIM, not to just another foreign performer. The majority appeared to be genuine fans, who were singing along in English.

One of the features is that whilst the concert is being performed, we are also shown bits of what is happening under the elevated stage. All of the stagehands are dressed the same and are very impressive to watch. Why? Well, because the choreography is like nothing else I have ever seen in a concert. It was similar to the Genesis concert I saw live here in Sydney some years back, but much more professional. Fans of Gabriel will know why it may remind you of Genesis.

Many, many moves were impressively choreographed with all performers joining in. The giant plastic air ball which suddenly appears in the middle of the stage is great eye candy and even more impressive when you see Gabriel actually climb into the thing and walk, or roll, around the circumference of the round stage whilst continuing to sing with a headset microphone.

I have a few other music DVD's which offer DTS sound, but this clearly stands out from the rest. So too does the picture quality. I came away thinking that the concert was made purely for DVD.

Unfortunately, the great Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is no longer with us, however that doesn't stop us being treated to his wonderful voice on the track "Signal To Noise".

Lastly, having recently lost my father, his final song "Father, Son", which naturally he dedicated to his father, was performed with so much feeling that it bought a tear to my eye.

If you like Peter Gabriel, or just like to watch a good concert, of even if you have a semi-professional home theatre set-up and want to test it capabilities, this is one DVD you must own.

22 A grumpy review...
En mi opinion, cuando uno se dispone a ver un concierto de rock, no espera ver 4 — 5 tipos sentados tocando sus instrumentos mientras leen su partitura, en una habitacion sobria y oscura, asi los espectadores pueden enfocarse en la musica. No, para eso existen los discos, los recitales de rock son una experiencia tanto visual como musical, y Peter Gabriel hace un rabajo espectacuar con este en particular.
Todo el trabajo de Gabriel surge de un tema, un punto principal, y las ideas se desarrollan de ese germen comun, y este video es un ejemplo de eso. Es uno de los recitales mas recomendables de estos ulimos a–os. Sobre todo para los que gustan de la buena musica y que saben apreciar una buena experiencia visual.
Buona sera.

23 Amazing with Digitial TV and Surround Sound
I wrote a review when I first got this DVD. Well, we just sprung for a DLP 720p 42 inch wide HDTV. And, a progressive scan DVD player - with a surround sound system. This is an amazing DVD in that format. Some have complianed about the orange men - well if you saw the concert you would understand. Some think its too dark, with this TV it is just right (it was dark much of the concert ("darkness").

This DVD rocks hard and brings back great memories. I saw him the first time over 20 years ago. Unfortunatly it is a great Swan Song - I think he is done.

I want that Bubble Plastic ball!

Jim

24 Por partes
Vayamos por partes:
1.- Calidad de im‡gen. 5 estrellas. inmejorable
2.- Calidad de sonido. 5 estrellas. Creo que es el mejor sonido que he esuchado en DVD.
3.- Repertorio. 4 estrellas. Bueno, pero podr’a haber inclu’do algœn tema m‡s de los 4 primeros discos.
4.- Concierto en si. 3 estrellas. Espectacular, como casi todos los conciertos de Gabriel. Sin embargo lo encuentro excesivamente cirquense y, en ocasiones algo infantil. Los efectos pirotŽcnicos (en un tema canta con su hija andando boca abajo, en otro, se introduce en una esfera transparente que va andando y saltando por el escenario, en otro m‡s, recorre el escenario circular montado en una bicicleta, etc.) m‡s que resaltar aspectos de la canci—n, hacen que Žsta pase a segundo plano y la cosa se convierta en una autŽntico circo. En ese sentido prefiero los efectos de su otro DVD y gira (Secret world) donde, con elementos mas sobrios, realzaba la belleza de las canciones, en lugar de sepultarlas.

25 Outstanding
This is a great DVD. I really enjoy the staging and the production was nearly flawless, except as noted elsewhere the somewhat irritating shots of under the stage. I got it the first time... I have listened to the studio versions of these songs and find that they are so much better live. It is also great to see these great musicians perform live and interact with one another. If you are a hard-core Gabriel fan, this is a must buy. Gabriel has not missed a step. The only thing that was missing for me was Manu Katche on the drums, but oh well.

26 more delicate, still of usual PG products quality
More I watch this DVD, more enjoy it. It is little different from SecretWorld in the way it is quieter, more academic. Sometimes you can hear the very sounds of Genesis in their blossom, sometimes you enjoy the relationship of father and child - Peter's daugther is singing there in her young beauty, face so much reminds father years ago, nice contrasts... Tiny sounds, requiring attention, also BIG RHYTMS are here, imagination and quiality artists' work, surprising decisions, quality of sound - all is there. Figures, as big, as Peter is in contemporary music, just have lost ability to do wrong. Just expect right.

27 The Most Stunning Concert DVD Yet!
I purchased this DVD the week it came out and have watched it probably 40 times since then. I've taken it to friends houses, all mild-to-non-Peter-Gabriel fans mind you, and they have stopped in their tracks watching it, especially as the stage evolves throughout the show. I won't give anything away for anyone who didn't see this tour in person, but this is the greatest, most technologically advanced stage in music history!

Now, the stage is great, but so what if the performance stinks, or the audio is muddy, or the picture is fuzzy? However, unlike the Secret World Live DVD, which seems to be a laser disc transfer that appears grainy the larger the monitor, Growing Up Live has the most sparkling, mind blowingly beautiful picture. It looks like the performers will walk into your living room at any time. And the audio is equally breathtaking, it sounds like you are sitting in the front row of a perfectly mixed concert, it actually sounds better than 99 percent of the live concerts I have ever been to.

And while Secret World Live may have had a slightly more energetic performance, when you realize it has been 12 years since that tour, and PG is approaching 60, you will be amazed at the things he does. He is MORE active in this concert then in Secret World Live. Yes, the version of In Your Eyes does not live up to the wonderful version on Secret World, but that is about the only let down. All of the new material at first could be a turnoff but the songs are so wonderful, performed by some of the most highly respected musicians in the world. And Animal Nation is incredible! The crowd reaction and cheering that leads into and through the band introduction is one of the standout moments on the entire disc.

Instead of being simply a repackaged version of the Secret World Tour, where most of PG's hits were performed, this is a great addition. Peter Gabriel didn't give in and do one last huge greatest hits tour to rake in the money, instead he performs mostly new material with another amazing band and stage.

In short, the entire disc is crisp, clear, and wonderful.
A must have not only for any Peter Gabriel fan, but one of the best discs to show off a home theatre.

28 Wow!! what a Concert
I grew up loving Peter Gabriel, Sadly enough I never had a chance to see him live. My library of music artist mainly consists of female artists but Peter has been my one male artist besides Gary Numan that i've always stuck with. Peter Gabriel has never really been recognized for his amazing talents. He truly is a superba musical and vocal artist. This DVD made me appreciate him even more. AMAZING, SUPERB! I turned around and bought his Secret World tour DVD the minute i finished watching it. I didnt care to much for the camera shots from under the stage but overall its well worth the money. I could watch it over and over. I love every song on it. What an amazing performer with a voice like no other! Buy it if your a Gabriel fan!!! A++++

29 Diamonds in the Dirt.
"Growing Up", Peter Gabriel's first recorded concert in ten years is in many ways better than his previous work "Secret World Live". The audio is significantly superior having been recorded in 5.1 and the picture quality is obviously better since technology has improved from "Secret World". The song selection is predominantly from "Up" with many different lighting effects and creative approaches to the songs. Peter Gabriel does not fail to entertain and captivate just as equally as he did with "Secret World". My only complaint is that at 2 hours and 13 minutes, his music can grow monotonous. I attended his "Secret World" tour and felt the same way ten years ago. I thoroughly appreciate his musical sensibilities and show direction, but most of his songs are mid-tempo with a few upbeat selections thrown in. So, "Growing Up" is a suitable successor to "Secret World" (which I also own) and it's sure to please any Gabriel fan and earn some new converts along the way--and with the nice price it's listed at it's practically a steal!

30 Growing Up--A Mixed Bag, But Worthwhile
First off, I have to say that I consider Secret World Live to be one of the great live concert documents of all times. I can't even begin to count how many times I've watched it since it came out, and it still moves me. Now that I've watched Growing Up a couple of times I can say it is a worthwhile purchase for a solid Gabriel fan but that in some ways it just doesn't stack up to Secret World Live. For one thing, Gabriel is simply a decade older now: bald and looking decidedly chunky, he doesn't have quite the same presence that he used to. Secret World Live was a very physical--even athletic--concert and that aspect of the Gabriel show has been toned down quite a bit in the present release.

Secondly, I'd have to say that the Growing Up band is just not up to the absurdly high standard of the Secret World Live group. Mainstays Tony Levin and David Rhodes are still on hand of course, but drummer Ged Lynch is no Manu Katche and, most significantly, Gabriel's daughter Melanie is no Paula Cole--but then, she's not trying to be. Melanie Gabriel has a sweet little voice which is used to good effect, but the memory of Cole's powerhouse vocals on Secret World Live is pretty much impossible to get beyond. The new guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Richard Evans is fine too, but Shankar's electric violin added something special to Secret World Live. It's just a different flavor, I guess.

A major stylistic difference between the two films is that Secret World Live was shot on two nights and carefully edited so that you almost never see a technician or a camera person onstage--it was pretty much seamless. Growing Up is shot with the absolute opposite idea--the guts of the production and the crew are an integral part of the film. They're all dressed in these odd orange smock outfits and they're crawling all over the stage throughout the concert. I found it rather intrusive. With one notable exception--a rather awful new song titled Animal Nation (what was Gabriel thinking??)--the material on Growing Up is quite strong. After performing Animal World, Gabriel's introduction of the band members seems to go on forever.

The staging of Growing Up is pretty amazing and full of neat visual surprises. If you're a Gabriel fan, you'll want to own this, but if you loved Secret World Live as much as I did--the music and the film--the comparison between the two may find the new release somewhat lacking. Remember the incredible energy of In Your Eyes on Secret World Live, with the whole audience going nuts with Papa Wemba and the band? Remember the buzz during the song Secret World when that huge video screen starts spinning? Spectacular though it is, there's nothing that quite matches those moments on Growing Up. Nonetheless, I'm glad I got it. Gabriel is one of the greats.

31 greatest show on earth!
I never really did like Peters music from his cds, but, i was very impressed with his concert.This was a super show and i continue to play this video over and over again. i enjoyed his show so much that the next day i went out and bought the secret world live video also, which i think is just as good as this one. I would highly recommend this dvd to anyone who at least listened to Peter Gabriel songs because i think his stuff from the last cd is better than the earlier stuff and most of the tunes on this video are from that cd. IF YOU LIKED HIM THEN , YOULL LOVE HIM NOW Just can get enough of Solsbury hill!

32 Don't Expect Secret World...
I saw this tour TWICE last year, in both Toronto and Vancouver and loved it. Being a professional musician myself, i am usually very critical of concerts and music in general, so i am very happy when i find something that impresses me as much as this concert did. This being said, i am a little disappointed with the quality of music on the dvd. I bought the secret world dvd when it came out, and the music on it is amazing and flawless. This in combination with how much i loved the growing up tour, i was really anxious for growing up live to be released. However now that it has been, i wish the musicality was as good as on secret world live. First and foremost, Ged Lynch (drums) doesn't even come within worlds of being able to top Manu Katche form the secret world tour. His grooves don't lock in with Tony Levin (bass), his drums sound terrible, and his fills are tasteless. The absence of Paula Cole from the secret world tour is also greatly missed. Even though the background vocal parts are not always very present, Melanie Gabriel (vocals, and Peter's daughter as well) certainly is no substitute for Paula Cole.

Now with that criticism out of the way, the other additions to the band are great. Tony Levin (bass) and David Rhodes (guitar) are long time members of Peter's band, and there's no doubt as to why he has kept them around for so long. The addition of Rachel Z on keyboards is also very impressive, and does a great job juggling between her piano skills and synth skills (which are very demanding in Peter's more recent music).

All in all, i think maybe my anticipation for this DVD was too great, which is what has caused my frustration. If you're expecting music that can match up to Secret World LIVE, then you're in for a disappointment. But Peter does still put on a great show, and the DVD is still worth viewing to see how he can still entertain arenas the way he does.

33 Superlative!
This DVD compares favorably with Gabriel's last live outing, 'Secret World Live'. 'Up' has the considerable advantage of being produced with DVD in mind, while 'Secret' was originally made for VHS, with all the limitations imposed by that now-obsolete format. While 'Secret' did make the upgrade to DVD, the video was compromised (excellent DTS sound, though).

The new live DVD is simply a pleasure to behold. 'Blue Sky' is worth the price of the DVD all by itself; the Blind Boys of Alabama deliver spine-tingling harmony. The other songs are no less impressive. I do miss Manu Katche on drums on this disc, however. His playing is as much a part of the Gabriel sound as Tony Levin's or David Rhodes - no doubt about it. Gabriel's use of props and the circular, moving dual-level stage is both original and an enhancement to the concert in general. Somehow Gabriel manages to pull these things off without seeming cheap or overly theatrical. Other reviewers have complained about the under-stage shots and stage hand work as being a distraction - I disagree. Far too frequently the yeoman work roadies do is invisible. Apparently Gabriel saw fit to include them in the overall scheme of the concert, and wanted to show just how much his success over the years has been owed to these unsung heroes (I was once a roadie/soundman for a band, so I do indentify).

The DTS sound is simply among the best I've heard in ANY concert DVD; all 5 channels are clear and precise. One feels covered in sound from all directions. Marvelous!

Overall, this is a terrific concert DVD. Now I don't feel quite so bad about not seeing this tour in person! I just hope I don't have to wait another 10 years before P.G. decides to tour once again!

34 Brilliant sound, visuals didn't do much for me
I'm a big PG fan and have been since the second album, and I was eager to see this disc. I'm not a big fan of concert videos usually, and I probably wouldn't watch this more than once. However, the sound is excellent - the best thing I've heard on my DTS system and I've played the disc with the TV off and the audio only - it's fantastic!

35 as good as the live show...
I really enjoyed the live show, and this dvd is also excellent, for xmas I bought a copy of the dvd, for each of the friends that I went to the show with, and they also love the dvd.

36 An Innovative Live Show
I had purchased the Secret World Live DVD as well, and was thrilled to see all my favourite musicians together on-stage. With Growing Up Live I had high expectations. Well, visually the show is pretty amazing. On nearly all the songs something exciting happens - be it some contraption lowering down from the ceiling, the light show, or the various props put into motion. It certainly looks like it would have been worth the ticket price. Sonically it all sounds great, you don't need surround speakers to appreciate the aural pleasures. It has to be said that the attending crowd was very enthusiastic too, which I think adds to the feeling of "being there" for the viewer of the DVD.
I was somewhat irritated by the frequent panning of the camera to the world of the orange clad stage crew, even though I think I understand the purpose of it. Still, shots of crew who at times look totally bored out of their skulls may reveal a lot about the stress of putting on such a spectacle, but I for one would have preferred seeing more of the show itself.
I also really wish they had shown a song or two from the other acts Sevara or Blind Boys of Alabama; after all, they are on Peter Gabriel's Real World Records label too.
As for the songs themselves, I know that Shock the Monkey made it to the repertoire for the US Tour, so I was sad to not experience it live (especially seeing Tony Levin get funky with bass would have been very cool).
Overall, no fan of Peter Gabriel should be without this. If you are unfamiliar with Gabriel or the live spectacle of his music, then I still think this is a really good indicator of what a really innovative artist can do with his live shows.

37 Don't dump on PG
or you'll get a nasty note posted by PG SUPER FANS. However, Peter is at his always top-notch form and delivers a quality show, the post production tends to focus a bit much on the oddly dressed stagehands, even when they are doing nothing. I know that Gabriel's show are not a high-octane over choreographed sensation, but roadies are not really very interesting, noway, nohow. All in all PG hardcore fans will accept it no matter what, more casual fans will be perplexed at the post production. Sound and picture quality are, of course, top shelf.

38 Sets a standard for music DVD
Let me state that the shows I saw in San Francisco and Dallas were not as exciting and creative as the Milan performance. I read several reviews before purchasing, and what I most heard about was the people in Orange Suits were too visible. But, having watched it, there were only one or two moments when the camera on them was inappropriate.
What I saw was a middle aged man being a great musician and song writer. The quality of the DVD is superb, and there aren't too many, awkward camera angles. The sound is terrific, and I often play the DVD for the music alone. The DVD highlights the bands energy and enormous talents, and Animal Nation, a song I have never heard before (although it sounds simplistic by PG's standards) starts kind of slow and silly, but ends powerfully, with an international, tribal sound.
However, there were two flaws I caught after the second viewing of it: in "Animal Nation", for one brief moment, the sound and the visual are off. The second one is the song, "In Your Eyes", where a guest of PG is on one side, then magically appears on the other, and then back on one side, then magically reappearing on the other.
But, all in all, I have not seen a musical DVD with as high of quality as this, and I definitely believe it sets the standard for future musical DVD releases.

39 Superb all around
I had the opportunity to get through this entire disk over the holidays, and I was very impressed ... superb audio, superb video, & superb performances.

And in reply to the naysayers (who are apparently highly paid professional camera-persons, editors, & vocalists), (1) the video images are of outstanding quality, (2) if you didn't like the camera shots, movements, & transitions ... I did, (3) if you don't like seeing orange-men ... Peter & company simply want to credit the entire crew, (4) Melanie's not Kate, Laurie, Sinead, or Paula ... she's Melanie & she performed great!, and (5) if you don't like to see Peter growing up ... it does happen. Get over whatever needs to be gotten over & give this superb dvd a fair shot. Any objective look could never lead to one or two stars.

Highly recommended !!!! As is Secret World Live. Both are outstanding with slightly different but great audio/video quality, supporting casts, tracks, & performances.

40 Astonishing!
I've been a PG fan since I bought my first Genesis album in 1973 at the ripe age of 11. He seems to improve with every album and every tour, but this DVD marks a new high.

I wasn't sure what to make of the CD when I bought it the day it was released. I listened and listened (as I do every CD he puts out - or album in the older days). Then I saw him live in Chicago and he knocked my socks off. I had a newfound appreciation of the songs.

Then I got this DVD for Christmas. Technologically it is cutting edge, as is everything PG does. I particularly love the vertical split screens. I also love the camera work showing the crew underneath the stage preparing bits of the current or next song staging and then panning upwards back to the musicians.

Musically it is also breathtaking. It captures the live show extremely well. The performances were all stellar and to that knucklehead who wrote a review from NY (meowmix or something?), that background singer is PG's daughter Melanie Gabriel. And she was excellent.

As both a visual and musical experience, it was astonishing. Something I will watch over and over again to (a) recall the concert I saw; (b) see bits I might have missed since it was in the round; and (c) experience the talents of PG and his band each time anew. I've always tried to explain verbally to friends what a Gabriel concert is like (comparing it sometimes to a Cirque de Soleil show), but oral tradition only does partial justice. Thank goodness this DVD does it complete justice. (How do you explain a musician/singer revolving around the stage in a uterus shaped plastic mouse ball?)

41 Excellent, as always...
First of all, there was a review that mentioned the following:

"His background singer is NO Paula Cole and whatever New Jersey diner he found her at, she needs to be returned."

::sigh::

Michelle Gabriel, aka his background singer, is Peter's daughter, and I thought that she was just fine.

Ok, had to get that out.

On with the review....

I first saw PG at the Royal Oak Music Theatre during the PG2 album tour. The show was totally amazing. The band opened by walking down the aisles of the theatre carying portable spotlights. I next saw PG during the PG4 album tour when he was in full face makup and let the audience pass him around on his back during 'Lay Your Hands on Me'.

Everything Peter Gaberiel did on stage was and is a finly coreographed piece of artwork. The Secret World Live tour was amazing with the 'male' and female' stages and the interplay down the moving walkway that connected them. The Growing Up tour played on more of a relation with sky, earth, and ground. I think that this tour is just as creative as any of his previous works. The only problem that I have is that there are few older songs, but that's ok too, due to the quality of material on the UP album. I really enjoyed the opening of 'Here Comes the Flood'. That is one of my favorites and this version does it justice.

Peter Gabriel is one of those special artists that continues to grow and expand the boundaries of his/her art. Many can sit on their laurels and trot out a tour of tried and true old material, but Peter Gabriel is an artist of rare form.

If you've never seen Peter Gabriel before, perhaps Secret World Live is a beter introduction, but Growing Up Live is truly excellent and a must have for all PG fans.

42 Whew...what a show!
"WHEW! Breathless...panting..and still in a bit of a trance about it all".

So began a newspaper review from 4/4/77 of Gabiel's first solo tour. That was an incredible show for me, all new songs (only reference to Genesis was the encore, Back In New York City), great Band (Robert Fripp playing unknown backstage only to be introduced, and still never seen, at the end). It was the beginning of Grabriel's growing up.

This DVD shows how far he has come. It is hard to get a handle on just how good he is at doing this kind of thing. He writes a few simple yet profound songs, gathers some of the best musicians and technicians together and aims for the stars, or should I say the clear Blue Sky, the Big Time, something.... More Than This.

This was a great venue, a great crowd, a great band and choreographed show (a little like a playful Cirque du Sole show). Nice song selection...but what matters most is that the audio and video quality are excellent.

This is a must have for the old fan, and bound to keep attracting the new (the Milan crowd here looks mostly 20 to 30 something, and my 8 yr old was mesmerized and kept saying she wants the CD, then later my 15 old admitted to loving The Blind Boys of Alabama jamming on Blue Sky, as well as the super slick Barry Williams Show). Peter is one of those rare older rock artists who has continued to grow and expand his horizon and bring it all back to share.

I'm still a bit breathless.

43 Almost Surreal - Every song is worth the money
Don't think too much about this one, it is worth every cent.

Peter Gabriel is the one of the most creative (if not the most) artists in popular music, this DVD is a good example of his endless search to deliver something different,unique and attractive. The DVD is a non-stopping pleasure to the eyes. My sound system is not good enough to determine the quality of the sound, but for a good stereo system it sound as good as any movie.

I went to the concert and this was almost better than being there. Picture was excellent, I viewed it on a 57" with a progressive scan DVD player and it was almost movie-like quality. Peter Gabriel always go beyond createvelly, you can see his input in the camera shots and picture composition - Not like other DVDs I've recently seen (i.e. Rolling Stones Four Licks). Better than any DVD concert I've ever seen.

The extras are OK but not great. I would have expected more from him on the "The making of Up". The Tony Levin section is not a big deal, but fun.

44 Absolutely Horrendous
I have never been disappointed by a Peter Gabriel performance...until now. I am really glad I didn't spend the $150 for tickets to see his show in NYC. What was up with the monks who sat under the stage and changed the stage sets inbetween songs? They also followed him around with a camera. Very creepy. Peter looked like he went to a Star Wars garage sale and layered on his purchases.

His entrance was very undramatic and not like him at all. It worked alright just not what I expected. His voice was stressed and he looked very uninterested in being there. The studio overdubbing of the vocals was too much. So much that it sounded bad after overmixing.

His background singer is NO Paula Cole and whatever New Jersey diner he found her at, she needs to be returned.

The whole performance was painfully performed, painfully shot and only need be bought to complete your collection.

45 Not quite what this tour deserved
Yeah, only four stars (though I'd actually have given it 4 1/2 if allowed). It's not that this concert video doesn't make most other concert videos look and sound like a 12-inch black-and-white TV picking up signals from the next state over. Plus, it's Peter Gabriel, whom at this point I would consider pretty much unrivaled as both a singer-songwriter and as a showman in both his generation and my younger one. Buying this disc should be a no-brainer for most who love music. As sometime happens, however, the formidable strengths of this DVD do make the weaknesses stand out in sharper relief.

First, while I can appreciate the perspective of the Amazon reviewers who have weighed in on the opposite side of the issue, I am a confessed member of the "Why, dear Hamish, *why* show the stagehand-cam seemingly every thirty seconds?" club. I have no doubt that they're all wonderful people, and as a stage-crew geek from way back who generally finds behind-the-scenes stuff rather fascinating, I would have watched (and most likely applauded) any 30-minute "Life of an Orange Person" documentary that might have been included on the disc. Yet are the Orange People really more interesting than, say, the stage manager or the sound mixer, who never get shown? Either way, I'm fairly certain that they can't possibly be more interesting than the onstage view during the single bar of music that represents the very pinnacle of "Red Rain" -- but Hamilton decides to show us them right then anyway, and it takes a lot away from what I recall from the actual tour was one of the show's most powerful early moments. In short: if I couldn't see it when I was there, I'm actually not nearly as excited about seeing it randomly interspersed now as the director seems to think I should be.

Second, that goes for the audio as well. During the tour, the sound mix blew me out the back of a local outdoor amphitheatre whose acoustics are not exactly widely respected. Here, though...well, I love surround sound as much as the next person, but there are a number of moments on this disc where it seems artificially overutilized to the point that it genuinely detracts. David Rhodes's guitar did not pan magically from the far left of the soundstage to the far right and back again within the space of two bars at any point during the actual concert -- and if that's actually how Gabriel wanted it to sound live, consider me thankful that his efforts were stymied successfully by the gods of real-world (no pun intended) concert acoustics. Ditto for the horn samples on "The Barry Williams Show," which are endearing on the album but downright jarring when pushed entirely out to the surround channels on this disc. No matter how carefully you may have calibrated your home theatre with the white-noise generator, trust me on this one: crank the surround channels down substantially before viewing this video. (At least under Dolby 5.1. I can't address the DTS mix.)

Third, the track listing is definitely imperfect. "No Way Out" -- for my money the finest song on Gabriel's latest album -- didn't make the set list. Nor did "The Tower," the uptempo, techno-influenced track from _Ovo_ and _Red Planet_ which brought the house down very nicely on the second leg of the tour. Nor did "San Jacinto," which Gabriel performed occasionally on this first leg but unfortunately not in Milan. Instead we get "Animal Nation," an inane and tedious song whose very existence represents the one time in Gabriel's career when I have been genuinely tempted to ask him what on earth he was thinking. And then, the painfully cheesy, "Animal Nation"-themed, audience-singalong band introductions which go on for something like thirty minutes after that song normally would have had the common decency to end. If Gabriel truly loves this collection of astonishing musicians as much as he clearly seems to, he should have asked Hamilton to highlight them during the actual concert portion -- as was done so wonderfully on _Secret World Live_ -- rather than overcompensating with a staged love-fest as he does here.

Fourth, Mac users may experience trouble accessing the interactive "Growing Up" feature. While the packaging claims that it's compatible with OS X, my top-of-the-line laptop running the latest version of that operating system can't find it anywhere, and Gabriel's website (at least so far) contains nothing in its technical-support FAQ for the disc that would explain why.

Have I turned you off this disc yet? So help me, I didn't mean to. It is still Peter Gabriel, and Peter Gabriel live for that matter. The man is an international treasure whose concerts are all but unrivaled. If these renditions of "Red Rain," "Mercy Street," "Digging in the Dirt," and "Signal To Noise" don't take you to a very good place, you may need to check yourself for a pulse. At the same time, I would have to agree with the reviewers who have recommended _Secret World Live_ over this disc if you're just getting started with Gabriel's concert videos. There is simply a greater feeling of intimacy (free of the wrong kind of technological intrusions) in that earlier film, and I can't help but miss it here.

46 AMAZING AND INCREDIBLE !!!
I had the opportunity to be in Italy for the concert last May and with authority can say that this DVD is amazing and it keeps all the emotions just like being there.
The sound and video shots are 5 stars and believe it's true. If you read reviews saying negatives things it's because they don't appreciate a great work.
I recommend you to buy this DVD definitively.

47 Gabriel does it again
Compared to Secret World Live this is a very different concert movie with a completely different feel. There are many different camera views being used. Sometimes you're watching the show in the audience, sometimes you're soaring over the stage like an eagle and sometimes you're right there on stage with the band, just inches away from the face of a musician. Crystal clear professional shots are alternated with half-blurred home movie-like shots. Most of the footage is slightly dark, but this does create the right atmosphere.
One of the most special things are the orange crew. Those who have seen the show live know that there's a small army of orange-clad crew members walking around and under the stage (re)arranging the stage settings during the show and filming the musicians for the big projection screens which hang high above the stage. Normally a concert movie goes through a lot of pain and effort not to show any other camera's or crew members. Not this one. You can actually watch the orange crew fully at work and the camera even dips below the stage every now and then to see what they are up to, making the concert movie sort of a documentary at the same time. The latter might not be to everybody's liking since it takes away a bit of the magic in the show. Personally I like this approach a lot since it makes you feel like you're part of the whole thing, much more than in the Secret World gig.
For Growing Up Live there was basically one round stage and a round scaffolding which is lowered during certain parts of the show. Band members also move to different spots on the stage, which also has a rotating outer ring. Thereby the lack of space to move around compared to Secret World is partially compensated. Nevertheless, this show feels less dynamic than the previous one, but at the same time this creates a more cozy atmosphere. Bravely opening and closing the show on his own with Here Comes the Flood and Father and Son suits this atmosphere very well.
The Barry Williams Show is the only song where a lot of tinkering with the footage has been done. Using lots of static, test images and control room switchboards the atmosphere of a TV show behind the scenes is created. Nice ! Less pleasing are the visual slow motion and split-second still effects in Sledgehammer which are a bit tiring to watch and soon become rather annoying.
Instead of the often overused overlaid images this concert movie switches to split screen images every now and then with the upper part and lower part of the screen showing different perspectives.

Another fine thing as far as concert registrations are concerned is the fact that in a Peter Gabriel show there's lots of rearrangements and new additions to songs, making it a new adventure from the audio side as well. And what about throwing in a brand new song, Animal Nation ? Surely not one of his best, but with some fine audience participation in the end section.

Compared to Secret World Live the concert sounds much more 'live'. It was no big secret that Secret World had a lot of overdubs. This seems to be less the case on Growing Up Live. Still, this concert most probably has it's own share of minor 'cheating'. For instance, a song like Growing Up sound very different in the vocal department compared to e.g. Digging in the Dirt or Sky Blue. Then again, considering that it must me darn hard doing some decent singing while walking around in a big plastic ball I can live with this. ;-)
I found the collective Secret World band tighter and better than the band for Growing Up Live, nevertheless there's a lot of splendid musicianship to enjoy. Also, unlike the show I saw in Rotterdam, the Blind Boys of Alabama actually join the band on stage for Sky Blue. And that's just one of the treats in this amazing show, all of which are captured on this DVD. Every song has it's own atmosphere and special effects or theatrics. The spooky little house hiding the drummer in Darkness, the egg descending from the ceiling in Secret World, Peter and his daughter walking on the ceiling in Downside Up, Peter walking on the rotating stage in Sky Blue, the camera in Barry Williams Show, the flaming globe in More Than This, Melanie in the boat moving around the stage in Mercy Street, Peter in the big ball in Growing Up, the little bike in Solsbury Hill, the transmission pillar in Signal to Noise, the lightbulb jacket in Sledgehammer, you name it.

Another integrated part of the whole visual spectacle is the Italian audience, which is marvellous. I can see why Peter prefers to shoot his concert movies here. They are very enthusiastic, as one can see and hear during songs like Digging in the Dirt, Sledgehammer and Animal Nation.
Whereas the concert itself was excellent, I found the DVD extra's to be quite disappointing. There's some still photographs of the tour, accompanied by an interesting ballad version of More Than This in the background. The 'making of' documentary The Story of Growing Up was rather disappointing. Not only does it feature some material that was already available in the sneak-preview on the Secret World
DVD. It is also quite short (less than 10 minutes)

Last but not least: the packaging. The DVD comes in a slip-case and folds open until you have the DVD with two booklets on each side, thereby displaying the trinity earth, moon and sun. The two booklets contain credits and nice pictures of the show and behind the scene. All done in a very tasteful way.
To sum up: a great concert movie and some disappointing extra's. Still highly recommended because of the main feature, but adding up to a bit less than the Secret World Live DVD.

48 Fantastic!!!
After seeing this tour live at the Tweeter Center in Tinley Park, Illinois, This was a must buy DVD. The picture quality is very crisp, sound is even better. I would highly reccomend this DVD to any Peter Gabriel fan. Lets all hope he tours again!!!

49 A great keepsake from an awesome tour
My wife and I were fortunate enough to have seats some 40 feet from Peter Gabriel's stage when he toured in Michigan for the Growing Up tour in 2002. We sat at about eye-level to the musicians, watching in rapt fascinating their every move.

I saw Peter Gabriel in the early '90s when he performed his Us tour, chronicled in Secret World Live. I was blown away by the spectacle of it all then...

...but even more so this time.

Sure, he's older. Maybe he's even gained a few pounds. But how many of us aren't older, and a little heavier than we'd like to be? That's life.

But, holy cow, does this man have style. And a flair for the dramatic. His stage performances are nothing short of electrifying. And surprising. A feast for the eyes as well as the ears. True theater.

Plus, he never fails to surround himself with the very best musicians in the world to bring his musical creations to life.

Growing Up Live was a wonderful reminder for us. There may be a few overdubs. There may be a few too many camera cuts. But this package, like Peter Gabriel's concerts themselves, is first-rate. Tony Levin's tour photographs are a wonderful addition, as is "The Story of Growing Up."

But the real showcase is the show itself, peppered with astounding visual treats and classic songs.

You can offer as much nit-picky criticism as you want about Peter Gabriel, but I say he is one of the world's finest and most consistently fascinating musicians.

Growing Up Live is well worth the price -- especially if you were there, watching the show unfold.

Highest recommendation!

50 peter gabriel growing up live
If you have DTS or 5.1 capability this is the best concert video around. Absolutely brilliant sound. Wonderfully filmed. Hamish Hamilton is by far the best concert director i can think of. Get this DVD with U2's Slane Castle DVD, another Hamish Hamilton masterpiece.

51 Somewhat Disappointed
I am a huge Peter Gabriel fan. I think a lot of times people let their "admiration" of the performer cloud their reviews. I will try and review the video itself.

I bought this video because the "Secret World" concert video is probably the best video own. This video does not even come close to Secret World.

First of all, Peter is noticably older. I have nothing against rock stars aging, however Peter looks like hell in this video. You can be older and still look good. He is wearing this robe that looks like something from Obi Wan Kanobe's (from Star wars) wardrobe. Its so unflattering and it also makes him look 100 pounds overweight and bloated. The backup singers look so frumpy as well.

I also found all the computers and keyboards on stage annoying. He would just sit (or stand) at these "machines" and sing and play music along with the rest of the band doing the same thing. I like rock stars that move, dance, get involved with the concert. This added to his "old and bloated" look. It gave the video a very "laboratory" kinda feel. Like he was a mad scientist in his lab making music. When he rode his bicycle around, I thought "he's too old now to move around on his own. The bicycle should have been a wheelchair"

I agree with the other reviewer on the footage of the stage help. They are wearing BRIGHT orange jumpsuits like convicts in prison and they are filmed quite regularly. WHY???!!! Who wants to see the stage help? A lot of times they are sitting waiting for their next task and its like watching a bunch of bored union workers on a cigarette break. There is no artistic value in this. I found it distracting. You see footage of the stage help filming the video. Shouldnt they be "invisible"?

In Secret World, (his previous concert video) he was so animated. He involved and showcased everyone in the band. The viewer grew to know the others in the band and grew to love them. Ample time was spent featuring them, especially Paula Cole. It looked like everyone was having so much fun. In this video, the band and backup singers mean nothing and add nothing.

In Growing Up Live, there is none of this. The band is simply support. Just like the roadies in the orange jumpsuits. I couldnt tell you one memorable thing about any of the supporting band. This is different than Secret World where I was blown away by Paula Cole and enjoyed her tremendously.

I also found a lot of the performances of many of his staple songs to be "same old thing". The same female vocal style and thing in "In your eyes", the same Dance choreography in "Sledgehammer" (and in In Your Eyes), the same old musical variations in "Solsbury Hill" as Secret World.

On the positive site, the sound is incredible in DTS. The video quality is great and far superior to Secret World. I loved the video editing. I loved some of the songs that are not in Secret World like Mercy Street. The stage is incredily visual and changes and is mesmarizing.

However I would simply buy Secret World and pass on this video. In fact I'll sell you my copy of Growing Up. Watched only twice.

52 One of the best rock showmen ever
Visually speaking, there exists no official video/DVD document of
Peter Gabriel's legendary live performances before the "So" era (candidates for release include the Genesis '73 Oxford show, the one-hour Rockpalast performance from '78 and several worthy
documents of the '82/3 tour, all of which are
extraordinary). Fortunately, "POV" and "Secret World Live" were amazing, and now comes "Growing Up", featuring a Gabriel so old that he no longer need wear the old man mask that he used to close out "The Musical Box" with, but in great form nonetheless.

"Up" was a good album, vastly overlooked, although the tour did sell tickets and gave millions throughout the world good exposure to some of the darkest, artiest material in his entire career. "The Barry Williams Show" might still make one wince (the singer seeming a little out-out-touch with a trend that peaked years before this song was finally released), but the rest is soulfully performed. Even "Sledgehammer", which has become a bit of a mill around his neck, still sounds fairly fresh and comes at the right point in the show. The highlights include an elegant "Mercy Street", a ferocious "Digging In The Dirt", an intense "Signal To Noise" and the naked piano renditions of "Here Comes The Flood" and "Father, Son". There is some overlap between this and "Secret World Live" (5 or 6 songs total), although the performances and visual dramatics are different enough to warrant inclusion. All the visual tricks--
the upside-down walk, Zorb ball, bicycle ride, etc. look good on screen although the whole show was much more powerful when experienced live (esp with good seats, as I had at his Anaheim
performance). Still, this is a must-purchase if you are a Gabriel fan and not a bad intro to his later work (the show concentrating almost exlusively on songs from 1986 and after; one small disappointment being that absolutely nothing from "PG III" or "Security" was performed). As said by many here, the picture and sound is top-notch, although there could be more bonus features. And I didn't mind the orange guys at all.

53 Yes, I have Grown Up With Peter Gabriel and Glad of It
Being unable to see very few of these great Acts live (Living in Australia causes this to be little expensive) makes the availability of such DVD's extremely important. This I believe is one of the finest I have had the privilege to see. Having listened to Genesis initially in 1971 and finding this music captivating I have always been drawn to Peter Gabriel, (I still stridently believe the Gabriel years were the best of Genesis and look forward to the Lamb 5.1) this concert has all the attributes of a Genius at work, the performance of the musicians (aahhh Tony Levin) with Peter also makes this one great magic moment, some might think the production is a little over the top but this is quality entertainment with brilliant sound and vision, to show the Technicians was at first odd but they are a major factor in the production, and to have them as part of the visual increases the reality factor.

As much as I enjoy The Secret World, I think they are separate concepts (needless to say in time also) I am very careful not to compare directly.

Having recently had the privilege to see YES in concert with all that goes with a live show, it is so difficult to capture a live production with all the energy and ambiance that go with that, but I think this DVD is near as close as you can get to being there. The song selection gives us a history of this brilliant Person and lets those who may not have seen the development over the last 35-40 years see what the music is about, from a conceptual point of view, if you are willing to take the time to understand. I still prefer to sit and just listen to Peter and Genesis, for that matter all my music, but to have a visual version does give that extended dimension that can excite, and send the "old shiver down the spine". This is certainly worth viewing even if you have not had the pre-"Growing Up" Knowlege of Peter Gabriel.

Jim

54 Innovation & Imagination, a perfect blend with Maturation
After attending the tour ending concert in Montreal my only disappointment was that it was the last show of this tour. An amazing display by a consumate professional. It would keep me happy until the new DVD release of the "other show" made it into my DVD player.

After watching "Growing Up Live" last night, I found myself glued to the tube, enthusiastically waiting for each track, some of which were experienced in Montreal, and others that I was ecstatic to see included on the DVD. After reading some of the reviews, I was originally concerned about some of the negative remarks, i.e. camera work, orangemen, sound quality, etc...however, after viewing, I came to the conclusion that the techno critics need a better understanding of Gabriel's production innovation and artistic imagination. The audio and video were incredible, the energy was contagious, the atmosphere was mesmerizing. I have seen U2's Elevation and may other concert productions and none have yet been able to eclipse either of Peter's concert videos. Most of todays hottest acts fail to come close to what Peter can provide thru his outside the box style of sound and vision. Watch the "Stones, Forty Licks" DVD, you can witness old and boring, declining sound and same old song and dance. Secret World Live (VHS) was utterly breathtaking and Growing Up Live was rife with the same type of positive energy and playful atmosphere and was still able to send shivers through my body. Intricate beats mixed with experimental electronica and a utilization of world music influences is Peter's trademark and he brings it in full form in his newer music. The old standards were infused with new life and some surprise OVO inclusions like, "Downside Up and Father, Son" were a real treat. Stand outs like "Mercy Street and Sky Blue" with the Blind Boys (also seen in a separate concert the same weekend in Montreal) were spine tingling to say the least. The visual inclusion of the orangemen throughout the concert was a selfless gesture to show the immense teamwork and countless efforts by more than just the musicians. Not even close to a distraction. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this DVD and fail to see merit in any of the negative comments by the few close minded individuals who felt the need to express their lack of knowledge in what it really requires to pull off a show of this magnitude. I look forward to many viewings and wait with baited ears and eyes for the next...sound, song, album, tour, video, whatever, I'll be waiting.

55 IT'S THE SOUND, MAN!
Peter Gabriel has always embraced technology as it has emerged. This disc has a fantastic DTS presentation. If you like Peter Gabriel, and have a system that you can turn up, you will especially enjoy Sledgehammer. Sounds great, looks great!

56 One of the best concert DVD after U2's elevation tour DVD
If you are a fan of Peter Gabriel and love what he does then i suggest you buy this DVD. It Peter at his best, the way he does things are amazing. He voices is very clear. Inside you get two nice booklets with picture of the tour.

57 Noone love PG more then me but..one starr less for audio
First - there is a lot of emotion here for me. PG cancelled the Atlanta BIG show because we didn't have the capacity to handle the equipment. So I flew to Chicago for the first performance. AMAZING. I was on the floor and the sound was as awesome as the show. Then I flew again to Arizona for one of the last. AMAZING again. This time from the first row of the upper level - to get a different perspective. Great again. So when he finally came here to Atlanta - Chastain Park for the "mini show" under the stars I not only went but took my kids (8 & 6) too. And much to my joy, he brought the ball out even on the small stage - when he starts bouncing to Growing Up, so did I. I wanted to be in there with him.
This is a terrific DVD - video wise. But did any of the reviewers try out the DTS5CH - 5.1 surround modes? I had heard the sound was a bit odd and I have to admit this impulse buy because I just couldn't resist. As I play it now, what I find is that this was obviously recorded from the sound board and overproduced. I figure this because there is complete separation between PG's voice and the band. Further, because it was recorded from the sound board, you only hear the "plugged in" instruments. PG's voice is one of them, Melanie's isn't. Neither are the drums. Also, they put odd things in the rear surround channel. Sounds waiver, its not rich and full, bold with strong base. It IS amazing how I hear his voice so clearly, he is in your living room. But as much as I love his voice, I love his music and arrangements. Melanie's voice isn't as strong as his backups from the past but I would bring my daughter on tour too, I forgive him. The problem here is that on one of their most beautiful performances - one my 8 year old daughter and I sang together at the concert in Atlanta, Mercy Street - it's all Peter, I could barely hear Melanie. So I put it on regular Dolby stereo and it sounded much better. The band joined in and it sounded more realistic. I have adjusted the sound levels, done all I can. I just don't get it. To be honest - I can remember the sound being unrealistic and over produced on the first VHS tape I got, Secret world was better. I almost wanted to take the amazing visual experience this DVD brings and record studio songs over it. The behind the scenes, look into the orange men (if you saw the concert you would appreciate them more) and the blooming of the ball. Get it for the video and forgo your surrond sound system for good old sterio.

58 Awesome Classical Performance
Up is a GREAT dvd which shows PG at his best. The quality of the release is great, very clear. The band is so tight after years of playing together, singing well too. PG likes to put alot of creativity in his shows (as any fan would know), and the dvd gives you all the angles in a comfortable way. PG's daughter sings with him and it is really a joy to listen to them. I sensed she might be his daughter by her appearance and the sound of her voice. I noticed one reviewer who didn't like the techs in the shots, but I like the feeling of showing everything behind the making of his shows. GREAT SHOW PG!

59 More than this
Mixed Emotions abound for me in trying to write about this disc. So, setting emotion aside... this is a technical marvel. Sound is fantastic. The picture is crystal clear. The packaging is lush with an abundance of photos and careful art design to set the mood. I've owned the Secret World live VHS for years, and from what I've read there is some fuss about the technical quality of that DVD. Anyone looking for a technical showcase need not worry. This DVD is a polished gem. Now, as for my personal response to that gem... I'm a lifelong fan of PG. I saw this concert twice, once in NYC in an arena and the slightly scaled down version in Toronto. That makes me a less than objective reviewer since I have something to compare this DVD to. My hesitance about giving this disc a full on five stars is that it just doesn't captue the vitality of the shows as they came across live. There is a good deal of film editing to try and energize things, but it didn't seem to add anything for me. Secret World live on VHS anyway is hands down the finest concert film I've ever seen, and I've seen several by many artists. While the DVD is flawless technically, and the inclusion of the orange people provides no real distraction despite the comments of some reviewers here, I feel as though this disc doesn't do for this tour what Secret World live did for that tour. Its great, but for those who are fans of the tour and who have seen it, while this DVD makes a good souvenir they will know that there was more than this.

*** Update*** Its been a few weeks since I wrote that review, and I have "More than this" to say. This disc has really grown on me. A few thoughts, Gabriel is older, and some of the power of the live show came from the way he has aged with such tremendous grace. There was real power to the fact of him singing so strongly, and behaving so naturally (moments like sledgehammer aside). He was acting his age and performing as someone wise. His contemplative thoughtful strolls around the stage might not have made as much of an impact across repeated viewing on DVD. Then again they might have. Either way, there has clearly been a lot of focus here on the visual... why cut to the orange men? Because orange is an interesting color... and the area under the stage is a secret world. They are visually interesting. Why cut around among the musicians so rapidly? Because this disc was made for fans who could be counted upon to watch the disc repeatedly. The density of images mean there is always something new to appreciate. The concert was the concert. The DVD is the DVD, and it has been made to be taken on its own terms. It works, and works well. That's why I've returned to give this DVD Five Stars. (One last note, you can hear every note of bass playing, but we don't get to see enough Tony Levin. That is a real shame. His agility and energy did a lot to balance Gabriel's reserve in the live show. Suppose they were woried that in close ups Levin might have upstaged Gabriel. Try to catch some glimpses of Tony Levin's stances in the long shots. He gave the live show an extra swagger and edge that really made it incredible. Rumor has it that following his decade out of the spotlight Gabriel has so much material ready that he may have another album out soon. See this group live if you can! Tony Levin is as much of a force of nature as Gabriel is. Amazing live music!)

60 Amazing
No doubt the best concert film I've seen. It's interesting visually and musically. Everything is in top form, and Peter's voice sounds perfect, unlike other DVD's in which everything is great but the lead voice is off (Bono, Robert Smith..).
The songs from UP take on more strength live, but most enjoyable at least to me is this version of Downside Up sung by Peter and his daughter Melanie (on Ovo some other singer does the lead vocal), it is a very powerful song. IT's also intersting to see Melanie Gabriel, very sweet high pitched voice.

61 PERHAPS THE BEST CONCERT FILM EVER
Ignore the review from my state's northern area, this is a brilliant concert! Yes, the crew are visible... so what? They are an extremely important part of this show; besides, this isn't the first time the crew has been integrated into a concert (remember the Jawa-like techies on the "Rust Never Sleeps" tour?)
The picture quality is excellent; the sound is fabulous. I only wish there was more behind-the-scenes stuff, like interviews with band members, etc. Obviously, fans are going to want this. Most will love it.

62 Amazing DVD A must for any Gabriel Fan
This concert dvd is amazing i seen peter on his 2002 growing up u.s. tour and this dvd makes you feel like you are sitting in the front row i think the filming was excellent. If you are a gabriel fan or just want to watch an amazing concert this dvd is for you

63 Worst Concert Film Ever!!!
Let me explain, I am reviewing the watchability of the film, not the concert. First of all, the editor must have been one of the crew members, a member who had very little experience editing a film. The edits were too quick, bouncing from person to person, sometimes showing the crew, sometimes showing the crowd, but never really staying focused on one person.

Why did we ever need to see the crew. These people are meant to be never seen, as is why in most concerts they wear black. But not here, they are a main focus, wearing orange to stand out.

Edits should be at least 5 seconds so that the viewer can see the action. Not here, the edits are quick and often.

Between the songs we should have seen Peter talking to the crowd. Not here, the film was focused on what the crew was doing.

The sound quality ws nothing to brag about.

Don't get me wrong. Secret World is excellent. Whoever the 5th grader was who edited this film would get an F in class. Don't waste your time even renting this film, yet alone buying it. Your money can be spent better almost anywhere else.

I bought it and at this very moment it is sitting in the garbage. It is the Worst Concert Film I have ever seen.

64 What a Show!!
DVD has stopped and I have chills in my spine (maybe Father and Son influenced me...). I was at one of the shows that were filmed and surely this DVD reports all the atmosphere that was there in Milan. I took my sixteenth nephew with me for his first POPSHOW and he told me that it was amazing. I've been waiting for this DVD from 8 May (the day of the concert), because they announced that the show would be filmed. Unfortunately they have cut many of the presentation (double language: italian and english) and some of the things that happened during the show. Do you want an example? "Here comes the Flood" was re-recordered at the end of the show, because the first take wasn't good. I think that if they let it on the DVD (a bonus-track) you can make a comparison between different version.
I've heard some of PG's official bootleg and surely they capture the whole atmosphere that was created at each show. You can tell: it's the same track listing, but every night the songs look different.
I read some other reviews and I'm asking to me: had these people seen the show by presence? They say they don't like the view of orange people. PG say (during the show) that without them there would be NO SHOW. The views of all the work of these people let you know what's behind a big tour like "Growing Up". You only can imagine what's the work of what once called black people; making them ORANGE PG let us know that he's not the only one working on stage and also what happen to all the stuff that appears and then disappears on the stage.

65 Weak....Was Hoping For So Much More
Keep in mind I am no film maker, just a true lover of Gabriel's music......1. Why show the crew under the stage during key uplifting moments in the Music???? Come on!!! 75 percent of the DVD should be on Peter,Tony and the rest of the band. As a viewer do I want to feel like I'm in the upper section during an amazing change? No. Try thinking about the people who love the Music, and the parts the different members of the band are playing FIRST. Be good to one another.

66 Weak....Was Hoping For So Much More
Keep in mind I am no film maker, just a true lover of Gabriel's music......1. Why show the crew under the stage during key uplifting moments in the Music???? Come on!!! 75 percent of the DVD should be on Peter,Tony and the rest of the band. As a viewer do I want to feel like I'm in the upper section during an amazing change? No. Try thinking about the people who love the Music, and the parts the different members of the band are playing FIRST. Be good to one another.

67 Simply unbelievable
Being an avid PG fan for years, I was eagerly awaiting a DVD release of his new tour. Having seen him live in 2002 in NYC, I was amazed how lifelike the concert seems, and the sound quality (especially in DTS) is simply impeccable.

Personally, I would've preferred more extra material on the DVD, but mixing Tony Levin's photos with a GREAT remix of "More than this" simply makes it worthwhile.

Once again, a great release from a great artist.

68 Next best thing to being there...
If you missed the first leg of PG's 2002-2003 tour (in the round), you missed a spectacular show. Having seen it live, I was pleased that the makers of this DVD followed the precedent of "Secret World Live" and presented a complete concert, instead of a "concert-based creation". PG's first "live" video, "P.O.V." (on VHS only, at this writing) included too many non-concert elements (mimed singing, promo video footage) that came across as downright cheesy.

The performances presented on "Growing Up Live" are terrific and include a mix of songs from throughout PG's career, but (as with any tour) the emphasis is on the songs from the "UP" album. The new songs, particularly "Growing Up", "More Than This" and "Signal To Noise" hold their own next to classics like "Sledgehammer", "Solsbury Hill" and an extended "In Your Eyes". His band, as always, is extremely tight. And PG's voice has aged, well, better than his hairline! (His new look was described to me as Uncle Fester meets Fu Manchu. Personally, I give him credit for aging gracefully. But I digress...)

The staging of this leg of the tour is stunning, in too many ways to list here. The video trailer currently available on PG's web site doesn't do it justice- but it's worth checking out.

As for the film, the production is a bit more slick than that of "Secret World Live". The use of split-screen varies between interesting and distracting, but is kept to a minimum. Same with the occasional "stop and go" video shots - best described as a video version of "scratching". For the most part, the video is sharp and captures PG, his band, and the spectacular staging in better detail than you could get from a front-row seat. The audio quality is excellent, particularly in DTS mode.

My only serious quibble is the too-frequent shots of the orange-clad techies who helped with the mammoth production. I wouldn't mind if the shots in question were of the crew at work- say, hoisting PG and Melanie Gabriel into position for the upside-down walk of "Downside Up". But we get WAY too many shots of the crew idle - sitting/waiting underneath the stage while a perfectly watchable performance is happening topside. I found these shots to be unnecessary and distracting - and the only obstacle to a 5-star review.

That said, this is a worthwhile and enjoyable DVD for any music fan, and a must-own for fans of PG.

69 PLEASE GROW UP...
The video is superb. END OF STORY.
Have any of you seen this thing on an accurate 40 inch flatscreen with a DVD player that has a decent chip for deinterlacing? It's glorious. It kills the U2 DVD. Don't judge the video unless you have a player and TV worthy to judge it on.

THE OFFICIAL SITE IS DEAD WRONG on the camera count. (If that's indeed what it says.) Look around the web, and you'll see multiple sources say either 25 or 26 cameras. Better yet, pull you head out of the ground and watch the show. There's ten camera angles in any given song, let alone the whole show.

It's Worth every dime and every nickle...

70 Beatiful audio...but the video is *&%$#@
I didn't like of video quality. The audio quality is "ok".
A believe that production manager didn't has good resources
to film this video. There wasn't hight technology how there is in Rush(Rush in Rio), Pink Floyd, U2 and Rolling Stones.

Is true: Growing Up Live was filmed with 10 cameras. See techanical caracteristics in oficial site.

2 stars

71 TAKE TIME TO GROW UP
So that the Amazon viewing public doesn't get the impression the guy who's review appears below has a clue what he's talking about, I think I need to clear some things UP.

ONE:
I think that 'Peter G' was sick when he approved the DVD edition.The songs is with low quality.

This couldn't be farther from the truth. I watched it last night at my brothers' in 5.1 and it sounds superb. Mercy Street and Sky Blue will blow you away. Picture is spot on and the colors are amazing. It's better than the U2 show, which I love and have seen over 10 times, but just isn't as good in the tech dept.

TWO:
The video was record with only 10 cameras.

The offical site is wrong, it is NOT 10 cameras. They used 25 cameras for the Growing Up show, do you like to misinform the public?

THREE:
The people in show, I think that then were dead. Normal show for me.
I think that Peter must see the "Rush in Rio DVD", "Led Zepplin DVD new", "U2 DVD" and others big bands. Peter isn't a big artist. Rush used 22 cameras in his shows.

This is the funniest one, as the SAME director who did the U2 show did Peter's, the only difference being he did a better job on Peter's show. Oh, and I'm sorry Rush only had 22 cameras...

Trust me, this show is worth your dime.

72 I'm disappointmented with G.U.L.
A think that 'Peter G' was sick when him approved the DVD edition.
The songs is with low quality. The video was record with only 10 cameras. The people in show, I think that then were dead. Normal show for me.

I think that Peter must see the "Rush in Rio DVD", "Led Zepplin DVD new", "U2 DVD" and others big bands. Peter isn't a big artist. Rush used 22 cameras in his shows.

Regards

73 Re-UPing
This concert is less the tale of a man coming to grips with essential parts of his life coming undone than SECRET WORLD. This is a more lighthearted and playful Gabriel who re-considers the songs from UP as well as assembles a presentation of well known tunes from his canon. In short, this is more concert than concept.
And it is a great concert! I did not have the opportunity to catch it live, but the cameras are giving you a multitude of perspectives you would not have caught anyway. The performances are absolutely sterling and there seems to be far less overdubbing on this than there was with SECRET WORLD. Colleagues Levin and Rhodes anchor the drive of Gabriel's music and with Ged Lynch in the drummer's chair, Rachel Z at the keys and daughter Melanie on vocals, the whole effort has a very strong rock instead of world direction. Less the romantic leading man of his last DVD, Gabriel is a bit more computer geek with paunch. Happens to all of us, I guess. In any case his approach is much lighter in humour than UP would have ever suggested. I can remember him sitting on the edge of the stage at the Tower in the course of "Fear is the mother" and freaking out the girls who had come close to caress him by rearing his head back with his eyes rolled up into his skull. No more mental patient on the loose. The fun of doing this concert comes off effectively. It had to have been great fun live, because it is just a real joy to watch on DVD. Among the highlights are The Blind Boys of Alabama, whose harmonizing is absolutely the best thing musically about this concert. It's a great disc to just enjoy for its own sake. I'm sure Gabriel will get back to mythology and ontology later.

74 Almost Perfect with some Growing Pains
After much ado, it's finally here.

A few things up front, there is some overdubbing. No big deal, as the original concert had Peter talking to the audience using almost no English. There are reportedly a few scenes where Melanie Gabriel was given the opportunity to re-sing a few lines, but other than that this concert is basically untouched audibly.

Some other people, (Fabio Vampel from NYC USA who thinks we won't notice that he posted twice) will lead you to believe that the video quality is poor and the camera angles are limited. Nothing could be further from the truth. There are sometimes ten cameras visible in a single frame at a time let alone the other 15 they used in shooting the concert. The transfer has more than enough bit rate cursing through it, it's anamorphic, and any DVD player with a good deinterlacer and a DVI output to a High Def TV will show you just how fantastic this picture transfer really is. For those who think that's unfair and it should look great on all TV's and DVD players... sorry, it ain't gonna happen. ^_^;

The recording style/mix is a lot more raw than the Secret World concert. Sounds a lot more like the sound of a 'real' concert. And the 5.1 DTS mix on this disc is truly spectacular. Peter's vocals on quieter songs will be a revelation for those who have the proper sound set up to take advantage of it.

The picture quality ranks among the best I've seen for concerts. Not quite as sharp as Bruce Springsteen's latest live DVD that was shot for HBO, but Peter's comes off as smother and more 'film like'. Green hues just pop off the screen and the darks are very prominent and moody. The disc being anamorphic was seen as a given but it's VERY much appreciated just the same.

Now that I've watched it, there's much to criticize in way it's shot. Actually, more like in the way they chose to edit it. It leaves very little to the imagination. There's too many under the stage shots and they don't make ANY effort to hide the camera guys and technicians running around in BRIGHT orange?! You get the feeling they wanted you to think you were 'in on their secrets' but it comes off as distracting from the songs instead. Also there's some head scratching sceen cutting and editing. Let's face it, stilling the frame and having it fade to B&W looks so... dumb. Frankly it's all the more irritating because most of it looks so cool.

Take note, though, that the positive stomps the negative. We have a solid list of classics and new tunes (though having Rythm of the Heat instead of Animal Nation would have been nice). We have an incredible audio mix of it all. And we have superior packaging along with a well crafted tour to pick from. Songs like Mercy Street and Signal to Noise will remind you why Peter is a master at show atmosphere with visuals never overtaking the reason we're all here.

Which is to enjoy the music.

75 You know you want to buy this DVD---
---and you should. This concert is nothing short of breath taking with its visuals. It was directed by Hammish Hamilton, who also directed U2's Elevation concert, and he does an excellent job of going back and forth between the performers and the stage hands. I don't know why Amazon doesn't list the songs he performs, but here they are:
Here Comes the Flood
Darkness
Red Rain
Secret World
Sky Blue
Downside Up
The Barry Williams Show
More Than This
Mercy Street
Digging in the Dirt

Growing Up
Animal Nation
Solsbury Hill
Sledgehammer
Signal to Noise
In Your Eyes
Father, Son
If you still feel a bit apprehensive about buying this DVD, it should also be noted that the picture and sound quality are perfect, which cannot be said of the Secret World Live DVD. I only wish there were some mutliple camera angles and more extras.

76 Any Show..has always been spectacular
If you have the POV video & the Secret World Live DVD, you know that Peter puts out nothing less than a spectacular show. I saw the indoor and outdoor tour this past year, the indoor circular stage was by far the better performance. If you are a fan, you will enjoy this DVD, the preview enough sells itself!

77 Too Early to Tell
I've seen the preview available from PG's web site. I'm pretty certain I am going to buy the DVD to keep as a record of the tour and as a reminder of the great show I saw. Those are the same reasons I own "Secret World" DVD. I am dissapointed with "Secret World" because it does not capture the scale of the show. The close ups take away from the spectacle. I'm guarded concerning the new disc because it may follow suit.

I'm rating a 3 because I've got to fill in the box.

78 Preview
I went to his concert in June 2003(outdoor version) and it was fantastic. Let's face it you don't just go to a Peter Gabriel concert--you experience it and "what a show". If it is anything like the "Secret World" DVD, it will be great. I am looking forward to the experience with the new DVD. If anyone would like a preview, go to "www.petergabriel.com" and click on the "news" feature on the bottom bar.

79 Great Tour
The Growing Up Tour was a fantastic presentation by Peter Gabriel. With that said, today is Oct. 13th, the DVD isn't released until Nov. 4th, and already Amazon is allowing folks to review it. What a farce. Who can anyone honestly review something that doesn't exist yet? I saw the show live, loved it, but that says NOTHING about the quality of the DVD. 1 star for stupidity.

80 Not To Be Missed!
I saw Mr. Gabriel twice on both of his recent trips through the U.S.A., once last November in New Jersey and this June in Dallas. His music and shows add up to more than the usual concert experience. I have an audio copy of the shows where this DVD was shot, in Milan last spring, and it is awsome. This will be a must for all Peter Gabriel fans and a visual and audio thrill for the less initiated.

81 Well roll me in a Zorb and call me Orangeman
As a longtime devotee of Peter's work, I can say that I am intrigued by what is afoot with this DVD as there will almost certainly be some surprises in store for us. Clips of the Milan show began to get circulated on the Net a while back which caused a massive gushing among PG fans: the shots were spectacular. The 5.1 sound is reported to be great as well. Add to this the chance to discover some of the finer details of the show that might have been missed ( like the Zawose Bros -- what kind of a mbira were they playing? ... i'd never seen anything like it; how will the Heaven and Earth concept be transferred to a DVD film? what were the challenges faced by the orangemen?) I must compliment the staff at Real World and Peter himself in coming out with this package so soon after the tour, giving us the chance to re-live the wonders of Growing Up.

82 November 4 can't get here soon enough.
I saw Gabriel live in Detroit last December, and the show was, as expected, amazing. Given the care that Gabriel puts into his films, I expect this DVD will be as impressive as Secret World Live. A Gabriel concert is the closest thing to a secular epiphany.

If you like Gabriel at all, buy it. If you need an introduction, buy it.

Like the song says, What a show!

83 >>> GROWING UP
Haing not seen the DVD yet, i went to see this show in Philly and I know that this is one that you would not want to miss being a Peter Gabriel fan or not. With stuning visuals and great songs to boot this is a show that is good for any music collection. From the zorb ball, to the bike, to the upsidedown walk, to the light show it was one of the best shows of 2002-2003. I highly suggest this DVD for people who missed the show and who want to relive it. I here the extra features contain and making of featurette and many more. If the 5.1 mix is anything like the Secret World Live DVD its going to be worth it in everyway.