Dire Straits: Alchemy Live

When Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits played this concert (released here for the first time on DVD, with remixed audio and remastered sound and visuals) at London's Hammersmith Odeon in 1983, they were on the threshold of superstardom: Brothers in Arms and “Money for Nothing” were only a year away, with Live Aid coming in '85. But by the time the guitarist-singer and his band finish this lengthy set with “Going Home” (the theme from Local Hero), you can already hear where Knopfler was ultimately headed—namely, away from the arenas and stadiums toward a quieter, more varied career of solo albums, soundtracks, and collaborations with other musicians. Not that this isn't an excellent gig, especially for those longing for an earful of the superb playing that had already made Knopfler the “it” guy for Bob Dylan, Steely Dan, and others. The group draws on all four of their studio albums to date, with extended versions of “Once Upon a Time in the West,” “Telegraph Road,” “Tunnel of Love,” “Romeo and Juliet,” and, natch, “Sultans of Swing” (at the time their biggest hit and best song). With Knopfler saying little and effects limited to some smoke and fancy lighting, the focus is on the musicianship (the eight players are thoroughly in the groove, especially drummer Terry Williams) as well as the songs, which are all delivered by Knopfler in a gruff voice that's perfect for this material. Presented in DTS 5.1 and PCM stereo, DVD extras include two bonus songs and a 1980 BBC documentary profile of the band. Recommended. (S. Graham)