Originally released on VHS back upon the release of the live album of the same name, 1981s Three Sides Live sees legendary prog act Genesis making their transition to pop icons, with a good portion of this set featuring songs from both Duke and Abacab, two albums that cemented their superstar status in the rock world. Originally only released on DVD as part of the limited edition box set The Movie Box 1981-2007, this concert film can now be enjoyed on DVD or Blu-ray as a standalone item. Originally filmed in 16mm, it's been fully restored for this release, though there's some serious darkness issues at many points during the film that obviously the high definition transfer just couldn't fix. For the most part though, the video quality is pretty decent, and the sound is also quite solid. I'm sure most folks who only owned the VHS copy of Three Sides Live previously will be quite happy with this Blu-ray version.
As for the film itself, the band play a selection of then newer tracks, with the Duke songs coming across quite well, especially "Behind the Lines", "Dutchess", and "Turn it On Again", and both "Abacab" and "Dodo/Lurker" from Abacab are stellar here. The real treat for longtime fans will no doubt be the Lamb medley of "In the Cage/The Cinema Show/Slipperman", a great nod to the Peter Gabriel years, but you'll wish there was more. Phil Collins is in good form throughout, really delivering some soaring vocals on the hit "Man on the Corner", and the rest of the band is rock solid at every step of the way. Nice to see Daryl Stuermer taking over most of the lead guitar work; the guy is an excellent player, no disrespect to Mike Rutherford. The live footage is interspersed with some backstage and radio interview footage with the band, which at times can be a distraction, but there's one segment with Collins taking calls from fans at a radio station which is quite humorous.
Over on the bonus features, you have a selection of the songs on audio only format, including an astounding "Fountain of Salmacis" that is not to be missed. It's a shame that there is no surviving video of this one. In summary, whether you choose the Blu-ray or the DVD, this is one live film any Genesis fan will want to have in their collection. The positives far outweigh the negatives, making this a no brainer purchase.
Track Listing
1. Behind the Lines
2. DUchess
3. Misunderstanding
4. Dodo/Lurker
5. Abacab
6. No Reply at All
7. Who Dunnit?
8. In the Cage (Medley), The Cinema Show, Slippermen
9. Afterglow
10. Me and Sarah Jane
11. Man on the Corner
12. Turn it on Again
Bonus Tracks: audio only tracks of Behind the Lines, Duchess, Me and Sarah Jane, Man on the Corner, One for the Vine, The Fountain of Salmacis, and Follow You Follow Me.
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