Sonically, this is an amazing DVD, and the older gems are fantastic, from both bands. It opens with an incredible ‘Beginnings’. Other hot spots are ‘Free’ and ‘Call on Me’, “Shining Star’ and ‘Getaway’.

Now, here’s the problem that makes it impossible for me to watch the whole thing in one sitting… MAJOR CHEESE FACTOR. The way these bands portay themselves is soooooo hammy, between the on-stage high fivin’, pointing at random members of the audience, really corny canned dialogue, and general mugging and grinning. I don’t know, maybe if I thought the 80’s was a great decade I’d appreciate it. It’s like a bad Vegas show. It’s more akin to what you’d see at a Garth Brooks or Bon Jovi show. When the big American flag drops down behind the stage during ‘Free’ and the horn section ’salutes’, I wanted to puke (esp. considering that in their heyday, Chicago was quite politcal and anti-gov’t).

Content wise, about half of it’s great, the other half is pretty bad, esp. the Chicago ballads. So I’d say it’s worth a rent, but don’t know if it’s worth buying. That said, if you loved the 80’s and all that personified that decade, you’ll probably love this DVD.
Rating: 3 / 5