Spectacle: Elvis Costello with... Season Two

Elvis Costello returns with more big names in this seven-episode 2009 second season compilation from his acclaimed Sundance series combining music and interviews filmed in Toronto's Masonic Temple and New York's Apollo. With personal favorites like producer Nick Lowe among the guests, Costello doesn't feign objectivity, but he still asks questions that are more educated than ingratiating. In the first episode, Costello welcomes U2's Bono and The Edge, who talk about their work with Brian Eno, Daniel Lanois, and Steve Lillywhite. In addition to performing their set, the pair cite the Clash and Costello's Attractions as inspirations (Costello performs “Mysterious Ways” before they come onstage). In another segment, Costello and Bruce Springsteen enjoy a two-part mutual admiration session sure to please fans of both musicians. When Costello puts together a “guitar pull,” he chats with the artists between songs, including Sheryl Crow (who performs “If It Makes You Happy”), Ron Sexsmith, Neko Case, and Jesse Winchester. Sometimes audience members rival the performers in terms of fame, as when Steve Buscemi appears during the episode with Lowe, Richard Thompson, Allen Toussaint, and Levon Helm. Ray LaMontagne shows up at the end of this episode to add vocals to The Band's “The Weight,” then returns for the show with John Prine and Lyle Lovett. Costello himself takes the spotlight in one installment, reminiscing about Paul McCartney and Burt Bacharach while being interviewed by Mary-Louise Parker. Presented with Dolby Digital 5.1 and stereo options on DVD, and DTS-HD 5.1 and LPCM stereo options on Blu-ray, extras include a behind-the-scenes documentary and three bonus songs. Highly recommended. (K. Fennessy)