John Luther Adams – Strange & Sacred Noise (DVD-Video/DAD)

 

Picture: C+     Audio: B     Extras: C+     Music: B-

 

 

Another abstract music experiment from the Mode Records label is contained within John Luther Adams – Strange & Sacred Noise, a 2005 release based on Adams original 1997 work.  It is experimental, Classical and Jazz, with various abstract pieces laid out with precision about ideas of precision measuring of time and space.  Here in three playback versions, it is risky and challenging, but ultimately has maybe more repetition than it should.  The titles look more like algebra or science phrases, but you will just have to hear it yourself to decide.  There is no way to otherwise articulate it.

 

The video is still images for the most part, while the one extra was shot in 1.33 X 1 analog video, likely NTSC.  The audio on that interview is simple PCM 2.0 Stereo, but the music is 48kHz/24bit Stereo that is impressive.  The Dolby Digital and DTS 5.0 mixes are also good, though the DTS is better.  It is a draw between the PCM and DTS, as the PCM is a bit richer.  Extras include an on camera interview that runs just over an hour with Adams by Allen Otte, but that is the extent of the motion video.  The usual, thorough, multi-language booklet Mode Records includes in all their releases, with the usual detail is also included in the CD Jewel Box package.  Go to www.Mode.com for more details.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo