The second DVD offers 50 minutes of interviews in which all five members plus drummer Larry Atamanuik discuss their influences, their instruments, and their favorite songs. There's also backstage and road footage, baby pictures, and more. Perhaps the only disappointment is that two songs from the CDs are not included in the concert: "Down to the River to Pray," which is heard over the end credits but not shown on stage--presumably because the CD version was not taken from this 2002 Louisville show--and "There Is a Reason." --David Horiuchi

When I was thinking of a gift to buy my father for Christmas, I remembered how much he was blown away by the concert. So, I ordered the DVD version of their live concert from April 29 and 30, 2002 at The Louisville Palace in Louisville, KY. My father was so happy when he got the DVD, and he loved watching all of the artists performs. He said it was haunting to see them on screen, considering we had just seen them in concert, and he said it was just like being there all over again -- hearing them live, being blown away by their amazing talents.

Alison Krauss & Union Station have to be some of the best artists to have come along ever since music was first being recorded. They're talents are breath-taking and you won't have a single flaw to point out about them.

I think the more special 'treats' on this 2 DVD set are the intense, instrument-only performances "Choctaw Hayride" and "Cluck Old Hen". It's amazing watching how fast and accurate these musicians play their instruments. Not only does Alison Krauss sing, but she also plays the fiddle. If Alison Krauss & Union Station ever stop if your town for a concert, here's some smart advice. GO SEE THEM. You'll get a whole lot more than your money's worth.

The special features of this DVD aren't bad at all. The first disc of this 2 DVD set is of the concert, and the second is of the special features. The second disc contains a tribute to Peador O'Donnell (someone who worked closely with the group), a haunting music video for "New Favorite" from the album NEW FAVORITE, and other features including biographies of/interviews with Alison Krauss, Union Station, and drummer Larry Atamanuik.

The Alison Krauss & Union Station LIVE 2-disc CD set will make a great gift for anyone who loves pure, quality music.


Almost like being there....   July 23, 2003
19 out of 19 found this review helpful

This is an excellent DVD, and long awaited for AKUS fans. Both the video and audio components of this concert are worth the price alone. The DTS 5.1 surround sound makes it feel like you're front and center. The concert is the same one that they used to make their "AKUS - Live" 2-CD set, with some omissions, most notably the two encore songs after "Oh, Atlanta". One highlight, for me at least, was the inclusion of the band's banter with the audience between songs. There is a little of this on the CD version, but much more is included here, and it really showcases the band's personality and sense of humor. For those who have been to one of their concerts, this truly is the next best thing to being there.

Disc two is far less impressive. The interviews are pretty stiff, and the producer got a little carried away with photography tricks - switching from color to black-and-white endlessly, and video gymnastics that look like they came right off of an overdone powerpoint presentation. The behind-the-scenes footage is simply the result of someone holding a home video camera and taking various shots of everyone monkeying for the camera. It's not all bad, by any means, but it is a lost opportunity for those who were hoping to get a little more insight into the band.

Bottom line, however - this is an excellent concert and a very well done DVD at that. It rivals the Eagle's "Hell Freezes Over" DVD for sound and video, and is one I will be watching over and over for years to come.


A Solid Pleasure   April 15, 2006
Diego Banducci (San Francisco, CA United States)
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

Country music seemed to lose its way in the late sixties when country performers increasingly began to imitate rock musicians. Beginning about ten years ago, there was a new initiative to bring it back to its authentic roots, led by Emmy Lou Harris and given real momentum by the release of the movie "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" Even George Clooney was upstaged by the real star of the film -- the music.

We enjoyed the film so much that we bought the companion DVD, Down from the Mountain (The "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" Concert) which recorded a Nashville concert by the musicians from "O Brother." If you don't already have that DVD, buy it.

Anyway, Alison Krauss and Union Station figured strongly in all of this (group member Dan Tyminski sang "Man of Constant Sorrow" and the group itself was the Soggy Bottom Boys). Because "Down From the Mountain" featured interviews with all of the musicians involved, we became aware of what serious musicians the members of Union Station are.

This concert, which takes place in a beautiful venue (the Louisville Palace -- what all auditoriums aspire to be when they grow up), simply takes up from where "Down From the Mountain" left off. Almost all of the music is fast and upbeat, with lots of pickin' and individual performances by members of the group. My personal favorite is Jerry Douglas who plays the dobro, a horizontal guitar that produces the sweetest sound I've heard. I now realize that it lay at the core of some of the best music in "O Brother."

Alison herself comes across as being shy and slightly embarrassed at being the center of attention, a true Natural.

Sit back and enjoy.


Utterly breathtaking   July 16, 2003
Angus M. Glen (Switzerland)
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

I have just watched this concert twice in a row straight through.
I've seen the band live on two separate occasions and whereas a film/video/dvd can never replicate the exact experience, this DVD comes very close.
Those familiar with the live CD (which this is the visual version of) will appreciate the additional dialogue and between songs banter. Alison is very funny and natural when talking to the audience, her brand of wry self depreciating humour comes across very well, and endears her to the viewer.
The musicianship is impeccable, first rate, amazing, defies superlatives. Especially the world class dobro playing of Jerry Douglas (though the whole band is musically above reproach).
The visuals are very clear, lots of detail on the individual solo-ists as they take their breaks.
The sound is crystal clear, no nuance is missed.
Buy it, listen, watch, be amazed.
Then watch and listen all over again, you'll still be amazed.


Great Concert DVD!   January 22, 2004
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

This concert DVD is one of my favorite DVDs-- the DVD captures the blended harmonies and the tight playing of Alison Krauss & Union Station. This DVD is close to having Alison and her band playing a concert in your living room. Viewers who also play bluegrass will appreciate the close upsections on the various players.

Alison superbly fronts her band with her angelic voice. Dan Tymanski (hope I spelled his name right) adds his clear strong vocals and is featured soloist on a number of cuts including his well-received and awarded "Man of Constant Sorrow" solo. Jerry Douglass could not be bested by anyone else in the world on his Dobro and his playing is featured throughout the DVD. His solo instrumentals he nails down pat. Each member of the band is given a chance to shine btw.

If you like acoustic music and great vocal harmonies you would likely enjoy this DVD. Now if I can only find a DVD of that TV special of Shania Twain backed by Alison Krauss & Union Station that I saw on TV this winter. I don't think there is a DVD out yet of that show but if one comes out I will buy it promptly.