5/5 Amazing grace!
  by E. Dans (Mahopac, New York United States)
After stating that his toruing days with his former band "Yes" are over, Rick Wakeman goes over-the-top with this special concert in the UK celebrating the 500th anniversary of King Henry VIII. He plays songs from the stellar album of the same name plus a few additional songs. The arrangement is great! Another reviewer mentions the lack of overhead shots showing Rick's keyboard work, but this isn't totally accurate. There are overhead shots of keyboard work, although perhaps not enough of them. The fantastic picture and sound, as well as the musicianship makes for an astounding concert experience. You must not miss Rick at the pipe organ, of which he ascends a long flight of stairs to reach. Rick is in top form here. The concert is so well produced that it reminds me of well produced Pink Floyd shows (minus the lights and lasers etc). Also don't miss Ray Cooper (of Elton John fame) on percussion. Awesome!

5/5 RICK WAKEMAN at his incredible BEST!!!!
  by D. Manning (Campbelltown, NSW, Australia)
Although the CD version lacks the narration from Mr Blessed, the music itself takes you on the journey through time.

It is truly Rick Wakeman's master work that we have all been waiting 30 years to experience.

Dave


5/5 Wakeman Comes Alive
  by Jerome Bush (Louisiana)
My, my! I always loved the original, but this concert was nothing short of unbelievable. I can't believe how fast a person's fingers can move. Rick may have aged in his physical appearance (we all do), but there's nothing that's changed in his ability to write and play--except that through decades of experience, he's gotten better.

I am a drummer, and I love different time signatures, but it's quite another thing to write those songs, employ those changing time signatures, and play marvelouly across them. A drummer develops a pattern to fit the time, but Rick has to play melodies across them. Just gorgeous.

I bought the blu-ray. The video quality was so clear, I thought I might just be in the audience. The light show that continued throughout the show was lovely at times, vibrant at others. The sound was crystal clear. I always judge the high end by how well I can hear the cymbals: they were beautiful. I'm not a big fan of electronic drums (always prefer accoustic), but they sounded great, and I'm always amazed by left-handed drummers. He was perfectly in time (and in tune) with Wakeman.

The choir...glorious. Dramatic and perfectly balanced. The orchestra was balanced as well (though I thought the electtic bass drowned out the orchestra's basses). Loved the lady trombone player. The marimba and xylophone were well played, and I could hear them.

The standout musician (beside Rick Wakeman) was Ray Cooper. He seems to enjoy playing, and he has the talent to back it up (used to play percussion with Elton John and a host of others). He's equally adept at congas, tambourine, cymbal rolls. He adds so much spice to the concert. He's been playing since the 60s (at least), so he's been around forever. [...]

Sum it up? Fantastic DVD. Get the blu-ray. Worth every penny, and the little book with the history of Henry the Eighth is worth the price of the DVD itself.

5/5 After 36 Years...worth the wait
  by Terry P. Powers
Well...the liner notes alone are worth the $11.95. Rick has always been a humorist, (I think he would have been a wonderful T.V. host if he hadn't done music instead)and he shares a few stories about the old days and the making of this album that are a treat. I never noticed Richard Nixon on the album cover...did you? He had petitioned Hampton Court to perform this album back in 1973 but was turned down. Now, 36 years later in front of a very enthusiastic crowd, a full orchestra, and a full choir, Rick brings a fresh performance of his debut album to DVD, and the sound was great. I didn't particularly care for his friend reading notes about all 6 of the wives inbetween each song, but otherwise Rick's performance was a classic. He has lost none of his abilities with age, even donning the shimmering gold cape and ascending a lighted staircase to play the pipe organ on Jane Seymour. If you've ever been a fan of Rick's keyboard mastery, you will enjoy this DVD a lot. A fresh take on an all time classic...ENJOY!

1/5 Don't buy this in Blu-ray unless you are computer literate or have new equipment
  by Mark C. Sullivan
I can't really review this since I have been unable to view it. BEWARE. Sony requires you to "update your encryption key" before you can see or hear anything. I assume that this is only a problem with older Blu-ray hardware.