The Official Inaugural Celebration

This two-disc set captures highlights of President Barack Obama's inauguration celebration, presenting both the pre-inaugural “We Are One” concert at the Lincoln Memorial and the “Neighborhood Ball” musical performances, along with the actual swearing-in and inaugural address. Denzel Washington introduces the “We Are One” event (after the invocation and “The Star-Spangled Banner”), with speakers including Laura Linney, Tom Hanks, Marisa Tomei, Samuel L. Jackson, and Jamie Foxx, who does a convincing Obama impression. Bruce Springsteen begins and ends the show with “The Rising” and “This Land Is Your Land” (featuring Pete Seeger), while other notable performers include Mary J. Blige (“Lean on Me”), Sheryl Crow with Herbie Hancock and Wil.i.am (“One Love”), John Mellencamp (“Little Pink Houses”), U2 (“In the Name of Love”), and Bettye LaVette with mismatched partner Jon Bon Jovi (“A Change Is Gonna Come”). Although audience members look like they're freezing in the outdoor venue, Blige and Garth Brooks (“Twist and Shout”) manage to get the crowd moving, and the cameras capture Michelle Obama mouthing the words to the Bill Withers and Bob Marley covers, while her husband appears to gravitate toward the Otis Redding and Don McLean selections. The second disc opens with the inauguration ceremony before moving to the ball, hosted by Nick Cannon, where several performers reappear, including Beyoncé and Stevie Wonder, while others, such as Mariah Carey and Maroon 5, are seen for the first time. Beyoncé, who played Etta James in Cadillac Records, serenades the president and first lady with a lovely “At Last.” Recommended. Aud: P. (K. Fennessy)