Gaga Chromatica Ball

One of the best concert documentaries to come out this year, this was such a treat for Gaga fans and those starting to love her and her music including myself. The concert and the entire film were divided into several parts of "acts" which was, first of all, just as interesting and mind-blowing than the other ones. Filled with such disco-ready and electronic-blasting performances, each number was reflective of Lady Gaga's musical versatility that encompasses pop, EDM and musical. For those just starting to deep-dive into her entire discography, I found it revealing and at the same time frustrating to have found her songs just concert-ready and filmed with such excellence and impact as was embodied in this concert film.

I've been looking forward to this since it was announced by Gaga herself, as I was only able to see The Monster Ball Tour and artRAVE as concert specials, Chromatica is one of my favourite album of hers

The Video: Let's talk technical aspects, the camera switching in sequences feel a bit too fast at times, but then again, which feature doesn't have that nowadays?, it's like watching a Guy Ritchie film, sometimes the overlay of the interludes especially when they have flash imagery can be a bit dizzying (People with photosensitive epilepsy may want to take caution), but for me it was okay and still brought on a lovely experience, The VFX used in certain sequences such as "Alice" and the "Tamara" interlude made me think there was a issue with the video until you realize it was intentional, in terms of the camera's themselves, I noticed some of the video feed looks like a cellphone recording using a high ISO, which was a nice touch as it breaks boundaries especially to be known as a 'film',

The Sound: Don't really have any complaints there as I played this back on a JBL Bar 5.1 which made the experience quite lovely for me at home, I know the film contains an ATMOS track and I wish to watch it all over again when I have an ATMOS system, can't wait for that!.

The Lady of the moment: Lady Gaga stands out with her stage presence, and she makes it known that (as previously stated) "I'm not going to lip-sync my way through an HBO special" and boy she doesn't! And she has a damn fantastic voice to go with it, I could not keep my eyes off her during her performances which actually made me wish I was there in person! But hey I'll get to watch this over and over!.

The stage: Given from her previous tours where her stages were a sight to behold, the Chromatica stage is presented in all it's simplicity along with the amazing lighting colours as it helps us focuses on what we're watching, and that's Lady Gaga!

The Interludes: This is a first on her concert specials as The Monster Ball Tour only showed the Paws Up interlude and part of the Tornado interlude (Really wished they kept all the interludes for that, would have loved to see the Manifesto film in the special), back to Chromatica Ball, all interludes are kept intact, and they seem to take on an other worldly form, one interlude that stood out for me was the "Sonnet" interlude and I found myself putting this twice on my WhatsApp status in both word and video form.

Overall View: It was definitely worth the wait and I'm so glad Mother Monster has blessed us with this concert film especially for the fact it released 1 day after my birthday, The show was really amazing and kept my glued to my couch until it was over, and as I am writing this review, I'm watching the concert again, and I must say, the surprise at the end of the show was definitely a nice touch (When you see it...) and tells me there is more great things to come!

From the moment the show begins, it's clear that Gaga has meticulously crafted an experience that transcends a typical concert, blending music, theater, and visual art into a seamless and exhilarating spectacle. Lady Gaga's Chromatica Ball is a masterclass in live performance. It's a bold, ambitious, and unforgettable show that showcases her unparalleled talent and visionary artistry. Whether you're a die-hard Little Monster or a casual listener, this concert is an experience that leaves an indelible mark, reminding us all of the transformative power of music and performance. The editing of the movie, done by Gaga herself, honoured her fans all over the world!

The Chromatica Ball concert is an extraordinary spectacle that captivates the audience from start to finish. The seamless arrangement of songs in the setlist keeps the energy alive and engaging, eliminating any sense of monotony. The production features breathtaking visuals, including stunning 3D backdrop graphics for each song, showcasing a level of artistry that is simply mesmerizing. Lady Gaga's live vocals highlight her impeccable talent in the global music industry, proving why she is a force to be reckoned with.

The fashion showcased throughout the concert is equally impressive, reflecting her status as a fashion icon. Each outfit is carefully curated, adding to the overall aesthetic and allure of the performance.

I've watched this concert over ten times, and I find it never gets boring. It's a thrilling experience that encompasses every emotion, leaving fans with a renewed love for Lady Gaga, unconditionally. This concert is not just a performance; it's a celebration of music, artistry, and the powerful connection between Gaga and her audience.

Concert movies are a common way for artists to monetize events, but the quality of the music and the live performance show are crucial factors in making an exceptional concert film. Lady Gaga's Chromatica Ball, filmed live at Dodgers Stadium in California with over 52,000 monsters in attendance, represents multiple eras of her music in a visually striking love letter to her extensive catalogue. The film features seamless editing, trippy visuals, projection, strobing lights, flashy pyrotechnics, and intricate dance moves, making it one of Gaga's best ever performances. The concert splits into four distinct acts, topped off by a jaw-dropping finale. While some staples may be absent, Chromatica Ball gets an awful lot right about what a dream Gaga setlist would be, including some deeper cuts. The full catwalk, constantly changing set, and multiple costume changes add an extra burst of pizazz. Bizarre interludes for Chromatica carry us over into different elements of the show, with visuals onscreen melding with the images, such as effects during "Telephone." Gaga's flawless vocals are paired with masterful stage design, and the stage itself is a constantly moving tapestry of beauty. Big, booming instrumentals each have their moment to shine, with "Babylon" serving as an iconic, gold-tinged highlight. In summary, Lady Gaga's Chromatica Ball is an epic concert that showcases her diverse musical eras and the power of her live performance show. Fans can now enjoy a front row ticket to her most ambitious show yet, thanks to Gaga herself. Gaga's variety show, Gaga Chromatica Ball, is a captivating performance that showcases her greatest hits. She effortlessly transitions from high-energy fun to inspirational themes, and her piano performances are particularly impressive. Gaga's ability to incorporate her true feelings without making them into a pep talk is evident, as she encourages the audience to celebrate their pride and makes "Born This Way" a major part of the show. Her personality is filtered through every frame, creating a deeply touching portrait of Mother Monster without requiring talking head interviews. The show falls within the realm of a concert movie, leaving viewers feeling as if they were in the room with the thousands of other Monsters. While it is unclear how strongly people will connect to this, those with a casual interest in Gaga's sound or persona are likely to be watching. A concert movie is about giving back to the warm, accepting masses that have loved Gaga since the beginning. The show leaves a lasting impression on the audience, whether they are wiping away tears from emotional ballads or singing along to the lyrics from the comfort of their living room.

Exclusively On Max May 28. 2024.