DVD Review: Arctic Monkeys: Live at the Apollo DVD

Since January 2006 when the Artic Monkeys debut album became the fastest selling debut album in UK history at the time, they have been on a winning streak with success and fame following them in all their endeavours.

To some, it may seem inevitable that the time has come for the band to release a live album to hold onto the publics interest, but I can assure you that Live At The Apollo is not your run-of-the-mill live album.

Taking place in the Manchester Apollo in December of 2007, it shows the band playing the last gig of their critically acclaimed Favourite Worst Nightmare Tour. The production by Warp Films not only documents the final gig of the tour, but features relaxed footage of the band before the show kicks off.

The show itself opens with three tracks off the second album to get the crowd going before switching to hits off their first album.

Turner certainly knows how to get the crowd going, and at one stage has the entire audience chanting in unison creating an electric atmosphere.

While to some, the production quality is disappointing, in my opinion, it keeps in touch with the boys’ down to earth feel.

The lack of editing and grainy quality of the DVD adds to the raw feeling from the performance that is the essence of Artic Monkeys.

The only editing in the DVD is in parts of the show when the footage shows three different camera angels, but even then roadies are still visible!

Fans are treated to a special appearance from Alex’s other half of the Last Shadow Puppets, Miles Kane, who joins the band for Plastic Tramp.

Other highlights include When the Sun Goes Down, Teddy Picker, 505, and Leave before the Lights come on.

An enjoyable, minimally -tweaked DVD for those with an interest in the band.

4/5