The DVD market is in danger of becoming flooded with so many half-arsed efforts and less than brilliant transfers being dumped on the shelves, but just occasionally a DVD comes along that makes you think, "Wow, can these things look and sound any better than this?". Eric Clapton's One More Car, One More Rider most certainly sits in this category.

Recorded in August of 2001 as part of the Reptile Tour, this performance is just about perfect in every way. Clapton has crammed in some great covers, solid and familiar originals, new songs, old ones, acoustic and electric versions, and a cracking band into 120 minutes that will almost certainly leave you wanting more.

The Los Angeles crowd are certainly appreciative, but they were rewarded with some truly fantastic performances from band members including such legends as Billy Preston, Andy Fairweather Low, and Steve Gadd. Clapton himself is in fine form both vocally and playing-wise. Both his solos and acoustic picking are solid and near perfect, demonstrating great feel and just enough free form improvising to keep things interesting. Of course all are played with that head back, taught-lipped look that all guitarists seem to break into the moment they rip into any solo.

Highlights from the show are difficult to single out because the whole show is really a highlight. It was pleasing to hear Layla in its original full-tilt style, and other classics covered include Sunshine of Your Love and standards such as Hootchie Cootchie Man. Billy Preston throws in Will it Go Round in Circles, but the only other vocals are harmony and backing provided capably by Fairweather Low and bass player Nathan East.

There is not a lot else to say about One More Car, One More Rider for it really is one fine DVD. The performance is musically and technically flawless, at 120 minutes it is a decent length, and although there are no extras, the video and audio quality are near perfect.

Tracklisting

It always bothers me when I want to give ten out of ten for video quality, but I find that I have no choice for there is nothing to fault when watching One More Car, One More Rider. It is presented in an aspect ratio of 1.78:1 and is 16x9 enhanced. Everything is just right, even the stage lighting and other factors out of the control of the transfer process look great. Colours are vibrantly realistic with no evidence of chroma noise and skin tones are accurate. The sharpness and definition of the image are so razor sharp that you can see the hairs on the back of Clapton's hands and you can even tell the time on his wristwatch.

Shadow detail is great with all the stage well lit and all band members are awarded their share of the light. Even the camera angles are well thought out. There are no marks whatsoever and things such as sparkles and dirt are non-existent. There is just the slightest instance of shimmer at one or two points, but as I can't give fractioned ratings, I am going to stick with my decision to award a ten.

The layer change is placed between songs at 63.32 and while of noticeable length, is not too intrusive.

Well, if giving ten out of ten for video worries me, also awarding ten out of ten for audio positively bites - for it suggests no room for improvement - but if the audio on this DTS 5.1 track could be improved, then I would like to know how. It is mastered at a great volume, and the sound range is just brilliant from the lowest bass notes to the crystal clear trebles such as high hats, cymbals and acoustic guitar strings.

The low-level frequency sounds as mentioned are at a perfect level. They are warm and full and really support the rest of the music. The drums are well recorded and from sticks to brushes, each stroke is firm and clear. Guitars both acoustic and electric sound gorgeously clear, piano and organ solos are very clear, and vocals are so clear you will have no trouble understanding every word sung. The production from Clapton and Simon Climie is very good, and the sound mix could not be better.

The majority of the music comes from the front speakers, with instruments clearly separated when required, and the rear speakers used to fill out the room. Crowd noise is well balanced between the front and the rear speakers, and the subwoofer gets a solid workout without being too aggressive.

The Dolby Digital 5.1 mix sounds almost as solid as the DTS mix, but perhaps not quite as clear with the treble sounds just a little clipped. However, this is still a very good mix as is the Dolby Digital stereo one. Those with DTS, however, will know that DTS can and should sound a little better than other mixes and in this case, it does.

Extras are non-existent and maybe an interview or a short biography in the form of a featurette would have been nice.

Even as a casual fan that doesn't own one Eric Clapton CD, I can say unequivocally that I was most impressed with every aspect of this release. The song selection is excellent, the performance itself is extremely good, and the video and audio quality are faultless. Fans can buy this with complete confidence, blues lovers will be more than satisfied, and those that appreciate a fine DVD transfer will be impressed and praying that future releases will all look and sound this good. If only...