John Denver: The Wildlife Concert (1995)

I know I'd seen this show on PBS in the past, but tonight I happened to flip over to NHPTV with the laptop on my lap and John Denver on the TV. An earlier post here said it best that Denver was at his pinnacle with this performance. He demonstrated a true respect for the original arrangements but managed to make them into something he'd not done in the earlier recordings some 20 years prior. It brought forth my memories of working the hay on the farm in the early-mid 70s, so thankful to have music that actually helped enhance my appreciation of the country roads with the sunshine on my shoulders.

I have been a fan of John Denver since the early 1970s and have seen almost everything about him that has ever been on TV. In my opinion, this last TV concert was absolutely his best. It is the one I own and choose to remember him by.John's voice in this program is richer and warmer than in his earlier work. He plays his guitars and piano with skill and joy. The back up band is excellent. The arrangements of familiar songs are updated and perfected.Sound quality, lighting, camera work, directing and staging are marvelous. John looks great - confident, happy and handsome. His performance is a solid 10. At the time this show was taped in 1995, John's act is fully matured and at its pinnacle.If you are a Denver fan or just interested in what all the buzz about this guy has been, this is the one to see and own.Sadly, John crashed in his private plane in October 1997 and his life was over. Fortunately, his talent, music and message live on in this wonderful program.

This DVD version of a television special beautifully captures John Denver's spirit and talent. Mixed with the wonderful songs are visions of the wilderness he sought to protect. My only wish is that it somehow could have included more. Perhaps someday, they will be able to release a video from his concerts that produced his "An Evening with John Denver" so people will better remember what made him so successful.

An excellent John Denver concert, containing many recognizable favourites plus one selection apparently recorded nowhere else, "For You". John's voice is in fine form and he is backed up by skilled musicians, including James Burton on guitar. The Dolby Digital 5.1 presentation provides full, rich sound. The visual clarity is superb. A must have for any John Denver fan. It would be nice if this DVD was re-issued in Blu-Ray format. However, that is not likely to happen because of the fact that the concert was recorded in 1995. Nevertheless, this is a DVD that any John Denver fan would be happy to own.