Dream Theater – Score 2-DVD/3-CD Review


Website: Dream Theater

The Inside Pulse:
Yes, it’s been twenty years since Dream Theater formed, and the final stop on their celebratory tour at Radio City Music Hall in New York City was filmed for a massive two-DVD/three-CD release, Score. Although this is the third DVD the band has released of live material since 2001, this was the first featuring the band playing with a full live orchestra as well as the entirety of “Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence,” a 40+ minute opus. The second DVD contains an involved documentary of the band along with other bonus features; other than that, the CDs contain the same show as the first DVD. The setlist of Score covers at least one song from the entire history of the band, including a rarity or two. It’s a strong concept for a momentous occasion.

Positives: Those who have seen Dream Theater live know how insanely talented these guys are, and it’s always nice to see them tear things up. The orchestra is absolutely lovely and fits perfectly with their song selections. It’s exactly what one would expect to hear from the band; for those not familiar, they’ll blow your mind. The documentary is interesting and fun, chock full of archival footage. Also noteworthy is the “Octavarium” animation which was played on the backdrop screen this last tour, presented in all of its cuteness as a bonus.

Negatives: The band has long since flooded the market with their live material. It’s interesting to hear them play with an orchestra, but the all-over song selection for the 3+ hour show is very low-key. Aside from finishing with “Octavarium” and “Metropolis,” this isn’t the set list that most fans plunk down good money to hear. The video production is lacking compared to Live at Budokan, but it’s not painful like Live Scenes was.

Cross-breed: Dream Theater = metal version of Rush. This set leans a bit further into the Rush than the metal.

Reason to Buy: Fans should grab the DVDs if just for the novelty and documentary, but the CDs are only really necessary if you want to keep the live show portable. Looking to get into the band? Get Live at Budokan and work up to this one if you like what you see.