Despite the fact that Steve Vai's solo performance on this CD seemed sub-par, overall this DVD is a delight for guitar fans. I'm not sure how significant it is in terms of any non-guitarists' enjoyment, but on the former point I am assured.
Joe Satriani sounds terrific throughout this DVD; what's interesting for me is the fact that I didn't expect him to keep my interest for more than a couple of songs. However, he is obviously having a terrific time throughout, and his sound is lively and smile-inducing. As far as Yngwie Malmsteen, I have the hardest time remaining even quasi-objective. The man is probably the best overall Rock/Metal guitarist of all time. I mean, Randy Rhoads most likely would have usurped that title had he lived, but he just didn't have the chance to put enough material out (not that that was exactly his fault!). Hendrix was overrated, Van Halen started petering out in the mid-'80's, and whom knows WHEN Ritchie Blackmore and Tony Iommi are going to start releasing Rock/Metal oriented releases again. Same goes for the (massively overrated) Kirk Hammett and the (massively underrated) Alex Skolnick.
Malmsteen, despite his portly appearence and (expected) bad manners, is unbelievably good. I think the people whom hate him most are just intensely jealous.
Ironically, it is Steve Vai that impresses most on the actual G3 jam-together at the end of the disc. Vai really shines, and his sound stands out during this part, as well as his fascinating, mostly legato lines.
Most rock and metal guitarists already have this DVD. If you ARE of such a breed, and DON'T have it, do yourself a favor and check it out. Immediately.
Point deducted for the weirdness of the Vai solo performance (he crams in too many of his friends and does little impressive in the way of soloing himself).
