Britney Spears: Live from Las Vegas (2001)

This concert shows Britney at her best on her "Dream Within a Dream Tour" in Vegas. From the first explosion to the last bungee-stunt, this show is THE spectacle to see. Britney has endless energy throughout every song, infusing the music with her awesome dance moves. Not only were her backup dancers amazing, she was right with them for every move. The lights, the costumes, and the props all add to the visual element to the show, which has a theme of different dreams that are common in people (being chased, being trapped, falling are examples). She has songs for the kids (such as Lucky, Sometimes, and Anticipating) while she also throws in her developing "adult" independence (Overprotected, I'm a Slave 4 U, Boys). Satellites were set up at different military bases around the country, so that the audience and the viewers at home could all show support for those in the service, as this show was broadcast just a short time after the tragic attack on the Twin Towers in 2001. The picture quality is crisp with excellent wide angles and close-ups, and the 5.1 Dolby Digital track is full with bass and a hint of being in the MGM Grand Arena. Though Britney's actual live vocals are rare in this show, you may find yourself not noticing it eventually, as Britney herself is the one-woman-show; with the Vegas spectacle behind her, that is.

I'm sorry to admit that I watched this piece of crap a few weeks back when I was forced to baby sit three of my cousins who had control of the television that night. The horror show began right from the start with an introduction that made no sense. It's like I witnessed a murder from a long distance away. I really can't explain what the hell the introduction was? A lot of pretty colors and bad sound. Something about a girl ding something? It made no sense. Then to make it even worse, Britney makes an entrance that puts Michael Jackson's entrance to shame. And I'm not saying I like Michael Jackson.The screaming from the arena full of teenie boppers never ended. In my opinion, the screaming helped Britney's singing...or should I say "lip singing." How the hell could you not notice that she was lip singing. She missed her que several times and then spoke live after she sang. Either, the sound department did a terrible job with the microphone, or the sad fact was, Britney was not live in Las Vegas at all. Her CD playing her vocals behind the silver curtain with the great and powerful Oz was live instead. All in all, if you are a 12 year-old girl with nothing better to do on a Wednesday night, this is worth watching.

Catching this on TV was an odd experience- it was like a Rob Zombie concert, but instead of cool music and monster imagery it was a salute to a "Cherry 2000"-esque robot which lurched and jerked about the stage, belting out pre-recorded, pre-formed pop songs with all the skill and precision of Teddy Ruxpin. The high point of delirious stupidity is when drunken "Noah's Ark" star Jon Voight (who must sit during his whole appearance, save he stumble off the stage and land head first in the orchestra pit in a puddle of his own Scotch-flavored vomit) appears, slurring a bedtime story to a "young" Britney. The rest of the show is spastic, sub-"Mickey Mouse Club" dancing briefly seen between pre-recorder video bits. Appearing lost and queasy in this multi-media propaganda event is the clueless sex-puppet Britney (who is made of 85% recycled materials). She seems like one of those cherubic young girls whose soul-less, bitter moms force to prostitute themselves up for subhuman beauty contests, only this beauty contest is lasting Britney's whole life and the grand prize is having middle-aged fathers fantasize about her in the shower.

HBO Concerst are here to stay and Britney's concert is no exception..after watching Madonna's latest snoozer..this was a welcome change...what plays well onstage and in large arenas may not play well on TV...It was obvious Britney lip synched to about 90% of the show..her robotic choreography and dialogue with the crowd seemed very earnest..in fact most of the dance moves were straight from her video so you were not seeing anything new..and you never got the impression she was completely comfortable onstage. Jon Voight makes an appearance and adds the quintessential "cheese' element into the show that we can all expect from Britney. The rain shower scene was unnecessary and it appeared to be a feeble shot at turning Britney into some sensual sex machine.. ..all this talk about maturity..but her sound is still loaded with confectionary sugar. never put the cart before the horse. ....the show is entertaining..but if you are not a die hard Britney fan..I doubt it will hold your attention...