Yanni - Tribute [VHS]

And that's not all, as the DVD is loaded with bonus features. Principal among them is "No Borders, No Boundaries," a beautifully photographed, hourlong film narrated by actor Christopher Plummer; part documentary and part travelogue, it contains musician profiles, Yanni biographical material, some Indian and Chinese history, and information about how the concerts came about. Other features include a lengthy Yanni interview and discography, as well as audio options. In the end, Yanni detractors are unlikely to be converted, but then, they can always put on their Limp Bizkit CDs instead. --Sam Graham

With the Concert and Additional documentary spread over a dual layered disc the results are a superb picture quality that is clean and sharp. I won't complain that it isn't widescreen because what we get here is a high definition fullscreen picture free of noticeable defects. The Sound is also incredible! Included is both Stereo and Dolby Digital 5.1 audio tracks that are clear and well defined (and not "over cooked" as one reviewer claimed). Also included is the documentary "No Borders, No Boundaries" which takes an intriguing behind-the-scenes documentary on the making of Tribute and Yanni's travels throughout these two fascinating countries. Bonus features also include a recent interview with Yanni and footage of the artist at work in his state-of-the-art recording studio.

Overall this disc is reference material even down to the animated menu's that are some of the best I've seen! You have to get this DVD and witness the musical genius that is Yanni!!


One of my favorites   July 30, 2006
L.A. SaxMan (Los Angeles, CA)
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

This is one of my all-time favorite music DVD's. There are so many reasons why this is a great show to watch. The music is all original, written by Yanni and played by a proffessional symphony orchestra. The setting is in both India's Taj Mahal and the Forbidden City in China. It was the first live concert ever played in the two settings, and there was a lot of red tape that the producers had to go through in order to get the authority to play in front of these monuments.

Also featured are violinist Karen Briggs and woodwind instrumentalist Pedro Eustache. Both are superb improvisational soloists and really add to the entertainment factor of the show. There are also four female singers, all of whom are excellent in their own way, and are featured both as soloists and providing background harmony.

Yanni's talent, along with being a prolific pianist, composer and arranger, is bringing great musicians together and directing them in a way to fully exploit each musicians unique and individual sound. His band contains musicians from all over the globe, and is something of a "United Nations" band.

For these reasons, I enjoyed this DVD much more than any other Yanni's other material. Most of his albums that I have heard thus far are just him playing, using synthesizers and drum machines to try to get the sound that he wants. Where this gives him the opportunity to explore the art of composing, there is nothing like hearing the music come alive with real musicians and orchestrations of what he wants to do.

I also compare this album to "Live at the Acropolis," and feel that buying this DVD would be a much better purchase. I think that Yanni's music was still in the developmental stage when he recorded at the Acropolis; with "Tribute," he has had a chance to try things out, and this is the culmination of all his years of hard work as a composer and arranger. I don't know if Yanni himself will be able to top this performance, let alone any other musician.


LOVE IT !!!!!!!   January 30, 1999
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

Having had the opportunity to see this music performed live 12 times and having met almost all of the musicians, I enjoy this video to the max. The musicians enjoy what they are doing and it really shows. I have played it so many times, I have just about worn it out. The music can soothe on a rough day and energize on a tired day. This man's music has magical qualities for me and for many other listeners. The Emmy Nominated lighting designs on this video are wonderful. They truly worked magic at these two magnificent sites. David Kaniski and Lee Rose did a spectacular job. The lighting really enhances the music. Creates a mood even before the first note sounds (check out Dance with a Stranger).

Looking forward to more work from Yanni and his magnificent musical entourage.

Linda C.


Witnessing History on DVD   September 29, 2002
Anomaly (United States)
12 out of 13 found this review helpful

I saw this DVD for the first time last night and was sorry I waited so long that it seemed like a "time travel" experience (it was produced in 1997). This DVD not only has Taj Mahal and Forbidden City concerts on it, but it has added bonuses of an entire length documentary related to how the concerts came about, the musicians feelings about visiting China and India, and a separate interview segment with Yanni who shares his incredible home studio with the viewers. (Viewers please note: The documentary, "No Boundries or Borders" so very well done, is located on the menu that comes up at the end of the concert's credits and is not found on the main opening menu.)

The quality of this DVD is superior to Yanni's previous Acropolis DVD (I recommend video only for that one). The DVD is an absolute jewel. The musicians, who were handpicked by Yanni from all over the world, are simply magnificant! I especially enjoyed "Dance with a Stranger," "Love is All" and "Niki Nana." The female vocalists are supurb. It is a very exciting concert that flashes back and forth between China and India's audiences. The music is so dramatic, that you'd expect to hear it in an Oscar winning movie!

This DVD is a piece of world history. It is the best value I've ever seen in a DVD. The documentary alone is worth the price of this DVD! Yanni made history with these performances and you will never find another DVD like this one -- ever! The man is a miracle, plain and simple. I'm waiting for Yanni's next performance on Mars, the moon - who knows what idea he'll come up with next.


Waiting for his new video albums...   March 25, 1999
Young Seok Park (Seoul, Korea)
12 out of 14 found this review helpful

Since I watched once luckily his live concert at Acropolis from TV, I've been a BIG fan of Yanni. I was not a real fan just when I listened to his previous CD albums. Before the Acropolis live, his music was mainly performed by synthesizers, which I didn't like and enjoy.

I love his two video albums. Even my mom and dad aged 71 to 72 enjoy the videos, saying "Yanni is a very talented musician" whenever they see them. I think "Tribute" is somewhat differrent from the first one. I like his new efforts made to this video. And I like the vocalists and other musicians including Van Johnson and Karen Briggs. Yanni is a genius. I'm waiting for his new video albums with a burning desire. How about DVD?