Nirvana recorded an acoustic set
for the show “MTV Unplugged” Nov. 18, 1993. No matter how storied Nirvana was at
the time, no one could have guessed that what the band did that day would go
down as one of the definitive moments of rock 'n' roll. Since the show's
original airing in 1994, fans have only had the CD Unplugged in New York
and a smattering of random video clips to make this judgment. However, with the
long overdue release of the complete, unedited performance on DVD, the legend
surrounding Nirvana's last great moment will surely skyrocket.

While the CD serves as a testament
to the performance, the DVD brings the entire experience to life. As a result,
the viewer is treated to not only seeing the brilliant musicianship of Nirvana
on that day, but is shown the band members' banter in between songs as they
craft this masterpiece off the top of their heads.

The addition of the visual
experience pays for itself during the Nirvana's first few songs, as one can
really get a sense of the fear and unease Kurt Cobain initially had playing in
an unfamiliar acoustic setting. The visuals also help to communicate just how talented
Nirvana was. The third song, a cover of the Vaselines' "Jesus Don't Want Me For
A Sunbeam" finds bassist Krist Novoselic picking up the accordion while drummer
Dave Grohl sits at his kit and plays bass while simultaneously keeping the
song's beat on his high-hat.

After a flawless cover of David
Bowie's "The Man Who Sold The World," the band nails a string of lesser-known
tracks from its albums Nevermind and In Utero, before it's joined
on stage by Cris and Curt Kirkwood of Meat Puppets fame for covers of their
songs "Plateau," "Oh, Me" and "Lake of Fire." The DVD shows the normally somber
Cobain truly enjoying himself as he performs some of his favorite songs with
his idols. In a moment edited out of the CD, Nirvana and the Meat Puppets jam a
version of "Sweet Home Alabama" for an instant after an audience member yells
for "Freebird."

While the performance of "All
Apologies" and the Leadbelly cover "Where Did You Sleep Last Night?" to end the
show seem natural on the CD, the DVD tells another story. Unsure of what to
play next, Cobain asks for requests before each song. Finding the audience's
responses unsatisfactory, Cobain chooses both songs himself and ends the show
perfectly.

In discussing the Unplugged
in New York album, music journalists often liken the sigh Kurt Cobain
takes before the end of "Where Did You Sleep Last Night?" to him being crushed
by the weight of the world. Though the interpretation of this is subjective,
the DVD is sure to fuel further speculation. During the song, the camera
remains fixed on Cobain as he sings with his head down and his eyes closed.
When the moment in question occurs, the camera shows Cobain looking up with his
eyes wide open as he sighs, as if for a moment in his chaotic life he is awash
in total clarity.

When it comes down to it,
Nirvana's Unplugged in New York DVD is a treasure for not only fans of
the band, but music lovers everywhere. The DVD's special features further the
viewer's grasp on the performance by showing not only the original televised
version of the show, but also the rehearsal of a few tracks, illustrating how
the band worked the songs out and translated them so expertly into the acoustic
setting. Nirvana's Unplugged in New York DVD is necessary viewing for
all those who consider themselves fans of music.

5 stars out of 5