This a video release by Depeche Mode, featuring an entire concert from their 2001 Exciter Tour, shot at The Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy on 9^th and 10^th October 2001.

The concert was attended by over 16,000 screaming Depeche Mode fans. Featuring founding band members David Gahan (vocals), Martin Gore (guitar/keyboards), and Andrew Fletcher (keyboards), along with Christian Eigner (drums), Peter Gordeno (keyboards) and Jordan Bailey and Georgia Lewis (backing vocals), this two-hour show encompasses the high-energy ritual that is a Depeche Mode concert.

Featuring such classic tracks as Never Let Me Down Again, Personal Jesus, Black Celebration, and Enjoy the Silence, as well as several tracks off of their "Exciter" LP, such as Dream On, the show manages to explore the history of the band, while focusing on their then success as well.

Gahan struts about the stage, oozing energy and passion for the music, while Gore demonstrates his prowess on guitar. The band clearly loves playing live and does a great deal to connect with the audience. The show is fun and spontaneous and the finale is awe-inspiring.

The second disc offers many special features, all of which have interesting titles. We start with "The Preparing". This 8-minute segment offers interviews with production manager Bill Leabody, lighting director Paul Normandale, production coordinator Lee Charteris, stage designer/director Anton Corbijn, and manager Jonnathan Kessler. These individuals discuss the preparations for the tour and describe the part that they play in making the concerts happen. Corbijn displays an interesting model of the stage set-up. Corbijn is featured again in "The Photographing". This is essentially a still gallery, with 26 pictures of the band in concert. A commentary by Corbijn accompanies these stills. This feature runs for 52 minutes although photographers may find this interesting.

Next up, we have two more sets of interviews. In "The Waiting", the camera roams the outside of The Palais Omnisports de Paris Bercy interview Depeche Mode fans. Most simply discuss their love for the band and how much they love their music over the years. Some people speak only in French, without subtitles. With the 11-minute segment, "The Talking", we are treated to a series of backstage interviews with Gahan, Gore, and Fletcher, as each is asked a specific question. The questions are both thought-provoking and intimate, making this a unique way to get to know the members.

There’s more and this one is one is special, titled "The Screening", one can watch these short films by themselves, with the accompaniment of their respective music (in Dolby 5.1). The songs are Waiting for the Night, It Doesn’t Matter Two, In Your Room, It’s No Good, and Black Celebration. Next, we have "The Choosing", which is simply the performance of Never Let Me Down Again, but with a multi-angle viewing option, giving the viewer three different views to choose from. The extras are rounded out by what is essentially a bonus track — a live performance of Sister of Night.

Music DVDs are no longer in vogue and if you still have a DVD player and have this DVD, watch it as it offers a great presentation of the band’s live show and many extras that fans should love.  Overall, this will be a delightful treat for Depeche Mode fans and a nice introduction to the group for the uninitiated.

"One Night in Paris" was directed by famed photographer Anton Corbijn and was shot on Digital Betacam using 13 cameras. The use of digital video to capture this live show has given it the one up as the image is very sharp and clear, as would be expected with a video feature.

The DVD cover is a great work of art and shows the playlist of 20 songs. The cardboard slipcase contains the two DVDs and comes with a 16-page booklet with graphics and pictures by Corbijn. The inner cover itself is decorated with typical Corbijn photos of the band.

Details:

Director: ‎ Corbijn, Anton

Release date: ‎ 24 May 2002

Studio: ‎ EMI Music Germany GmbH & Co.KG

Duration: 1 hour, 57 minutes, 43 seconds.

Rating: *****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira