Hi,
I received my copy of the dvd In Portrait and watched it a few times. It is really well done. The sound is available in 5.1 and sounds incredible. The picture quality is excellent also. There are two tabla, tanpura and sitar players, although Anouska doesn't do much.
As far as quality of sitar playing, I am not really qualified to say, but what I do know from my RS cds, is that although he is probably half the man he used to be, he is still very good for a man of 80 yrs of age, and a pleasure to listen to. I look forward to seeing him in October.
The second dvd that comes with the set is well done also. RS seems very candid and affable, not sparing in wit, especially when describing his dancing years. My sister in law, who does not know much of ICM, like the second dvd better. I think, in retrospect, that you are invited to view the biographical dvd first and then the concert --to judge from the order of the packing -- but I could not wait for the concert.
If you are a RS fan, I think it is a great purchase. I bought it on amazon.com, for $45 CAN.
I have this DVD as well and it is a joy to watch him and listen to him talk about his past. The imagery and music during the biography are stunning. The scenes Benares and the ghats along the Ganges are beautiful.
His playing during the concert is very expressive during the alap that starts the concert. I wish Anoushka did more and I hope she does at the show in Boston at the end of the month!
Regarding Anoushka not playing much on the DVD, I think its because the DVD is really about Ravi. I saw two of their concerts last year, Anoushka plays the first half of the show by herself (accompanied by the two tanpura players and tabla players) and when Ravi does finally take to the stage there's plenty of interaction between Noushka & Bapi. Don't worry, you're going to love the show :-)
