Summary:

"Live On The Other Side" -- a concert captured on the eve of the release of Korn's seventh studio album, "See You On The Other Side" marks Korn's first performance in the states since the exit of co-founding guitarist, Brian "Head" Welch. Since Korn have had a rather big year since the release of the album, it was only natural that a live DVD was released to celebrate (or capitalize) on it. This concert very well could have been Korn's victory lap. A reminder to everyone that the guys have still got it and they are still vital. And although they are, this concert and overall package just doesn't show that.

Don't get me wrong. This is a good concert, good presentation, and decent extras. However, this is not Korn at their best. This concert was back in December, before the band really got their act together for their "See You On The Other Side" world tour. This means no back-up band, no cool imagery, and virtually no stage show. What this concert is, is the four members of Korn (and guitarist Rob Patterson stuffed in the back somewhere) simply rocking out the tried and true material at The Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. Now, had Korn waited a few months and released something documenting their world tour, this DVD could have easily been more exciting. Those who saw them more recently know what I'm talking about. Not only did the back-up band help fill the empty spots, with some unique visuals and stage set-up, but the band was also in top form. Here, on this DVD, they're a little rusty.

The setlist is a bit too safe as well. Basically, it's "Greatest Hits, Vol. 1" with a mere four songs from the new album. Sure, we all love hearing "Got The Life" "Blind" and "A.D.I.D.A.S." but for my money, the best part of the world tour was hearing old, but lesser-known favorites like "Divine" "Clown" and "It's On" mixing with the more experimental new stuff like "Love Song" and "Tearjerker." Everything about Korn's show clicked when I saw them. On this performance, however, it's a bit sterile, and need I say, overproduced. Considering this is a basic Korn concert, it would have benefited the whole production if they hadn't pro-tooled everything to death. But in it's defense, at least the cameras don't cut away every half-second, like on their last "Live" DVD (and there's no cheesy CGI images integrated either).

The extras are mixed. The "Coming Undone" music video actually isn't the music video. Just the live performance. The "Jukebox," likewise, is worthless, as it just lets you select which performances to watch. However, a documentary that follows the band onboard a plane with some fans/contest winners is a real treat. Not only do you get to hear a completely warped version of "Here To Stay," but you'll also see Patterson performing with the band, unmasked and unhidden. This feature itself probably would have made a better DVD than what we got. I'm a huge Korn fan, and I'm pretty disappointed with this. What could have been a great opportunity to show a revitalized band is just predictable, going through the motions. For some reason, Korn just can't get it right with their live DVD's, and I don't understand why. Just go see them live, as soon as possible. The real thing is much, much better.