By Russell Wildermuth

Incubus, not to be mistaken for the mildly popular 1965 film directed by Leslie Stevens, scored big among the music industry with their popular song “Drive.” This single hit number one on the Modern Rock charts in 2001 and since that point, Incubus has been a full-blown musical force that has attracted fans from all over the world.

Alive At Red Rocks was a concert filmed in Red Rocks, Colorado, on July 26, 2004. It is a compilation split into two discs. The first disc is a CD that includes five unreleased songs (two live and three studio-recorded) and the second disc is a DVD, which holds 19 live songs, five of which are “visually enhanced.”

The location of the concert could not be any more beautiful or appropriate. The space-like scenery combined with the on-stage flourescent lights emit a psychedelic setting that any above or below average Incubus fan would enjoy. The arena is filled with hardcore Incubus fans that enjoy every moment of the performance. The fans never sit down to relax; they remain forever standing, making it seem like fans have shown up for the concert in Woodstock fashion.

If you are looking for a pop-culture type of DVD, then it’s probably best you go out and purchase the lip-synched, manufactured Britney Spears Live collection set, that is, if anyone would waste their time creating one. For hardcore fans, the Incubus DVD is a must have, but you don’t need anyone to tell you that. Unsure music enthusiasts might want to check out a few songs online before they decide to make this $20-something purchase. The most recognizable songs that will likely grab your attention are “Nice To Know You,” “Wish You Were Here” and “Drive.”

DVD extras include backstage goodies, an extensive photo gallery that plays in succession to more Incubus music and the previously mentioned visuals from five select songs. The visuals are interesting and colorful, something that you might find produced in the hippie days. Watching most of the visuals, you might get the feeling that you are watching a baby come out of the mother’s womb: very odd. If you are freaked out by the strange visuals, and your stomach, for whatever reason, is upset by the variations of the designs, you have the option to switch between the concert footage and the visuals. The menus appeal is right on target, you will feel like you are part of the Incubus experience, unlike other music artists who choose DVD menus that are plain and boring.

The set-list feature allows you to select your favorite songs and skip over the ones that aren’t fitting your current tastes. The goodies seem endless. In addition, for those of you who are sick and tired of purchasing DVD box sets that include or exclude goodies that are not listed, you need not worry. The 19 songs are listed clearly on the back of the box and can be easily found online.

Overall, this DVD is well developed and you can plainly see that a considerable amount of hard work was put into the final product. Incubus has been producing music for about a decade now and deserves a second look when you stop by their DVD in your local retail store. Their apparent love for music is truly inspiring on all levels.

Final Grade: B+

The DVD of Incubus´ performances in Colorado delivers the special features, including backstage goodies.