DVD Review - Michael Jackson Live in Bucharest: The Dangerous Tour (2005)

In all the controversy surrounding Michael Jackson in recent times, I think it's useful to reflect back upon what initially made him a renowned figure in the first place - his ability as a performer. Whether you're already a fan, or you're simply curious to see what all the fuss was about, Michael Jackson Live in Bucharest is great way to see MJ at his best. The DVD offers a tantalizing taste of the artist, the talent and the mania that surrounded Michael Jackson in his heyday.

The DVD was shot in Lia Manoliu Stadium in Bucharest, Romania. The concert originally took place in 1992 to an estimated crowd of about 70,000. It was filmed prior to any of the criminal allegations that later surfaced about Jackson, back when MJ was merely considered eccentric.

Michael's Dangerous Tour was the biggest in history to that point. The King of Pop still ruled and the DVD demonstrates why.

The concert begins with a shot of the stage filling up with smoke, pierced throughout by a brilliant white light that emanates from backstage. The cameras pan between the stage and the crowd. They reveal the massive audience and the sheer pandemonium taking place in anticipation of MJ's appearance.

Ever the consummate performer, Michael knows how to make an entrance. Fireworks explode. The crowd screams. Jackson is catapulted from under the stage into the air and lands on the stage, making his so-called "Toaster Entrance." The crowd goes into hysterics. MJ stands perfectly still, fists clenched, staring at the crowd from behind his sunglasses. The clock ticks. Michael remains frozen.

Now for most entertainers, this might be an invitation to get booed off the stage - but not for Michael Jackson. The longer he stands motionless, the louder the crowd screams.

After what seemed like ages, Michael jerks his head to the side, slowly removes his shades, and stares down at the crowd, taunting them with every movement. Abruptly, with a spin, and the sound of smashing glass, drums and synth thunder to life, laying down the backbeat to the opening track of MJ's Dangerous CD - Jam. Michael begins busting dance moves and prowling the stage as the band lays down the groove.

I don't think I've seen this level of hysteria in an audience since back in the early days of the Beatles on Ed Sullivan. As the camera scans the audience you see women (and even some men) in hysterics, sobbing uncontrollably. Security guards struggle endlessly to keep fans at bay, and are kept equally busy carrying away women who've fainted.

Director Andrew Morahan does a fine job of capturing the spectacle, the emotion and the energy. A small quibble would be that the camera strays too often from MJ's performance, but I have to admit it's fascinating to watch the pandemonium.

Some reviewers have alleged Jackson lip-synched his performance, but after careful observation I find no evidence of this. If he did, he did it masterfully. Even if it were true, the dance moves alone are worth the price of the DVD.

Michael's backup group is rock solid. Sound and production values are state of the art. The choreography is masterful as is the costuming and set design. The set list provides an excellent mix of MJ's entire career and includes a medley of early Jackson 5 songs as well as tracks from Off the Wall, Thriller, Bad and Dangerous. Each performance is a unique visual and audio feast for the eyes and ears.

An interesting personal moment is when Michael allows a female fan to come up on stage and then struggles to continue singing as the star struck teen bear hugs him. Michael struggles to soldier on good-naturedly until a roadie finally comes to his rescue.

A small quibble would be MJ's penchant for pregnant pauses. Though perhaps calculated for dramatic effect (and to catch his breath no doubt), they happen a little to frequently, and become increasingly annoying when combined with the dead air that occurs between songs to allow Michael's costume changes. However, such observations seem like mere nitpicking when weighed against the overall quality and power of the performance.

When HBO aired the concert in 1992, it received the highest ratings in TV history. After watching the concert, it's not hard to understand why.

The opportunity to see this electrifying performer has passed. Michael Jackson: Live in Bucharest is as close as you'll get to the magic that was once Michael Jackson. Watch the concert and see why they called him "The King of Pop."

Set List

Jam
Wanna Be Startin' Something

Human Nature

Smooth Criminal

I Just Can't Stop Loving You

She's Out of My Life

I Want You Back/The Love You Save

I'll Be There

Thriller

Billie Jean

Working Day and Night

Beat It

Will You Be There

Black or White

Heal the WorldMan in the Mirror