Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve

Trasn-Siberian Orcestra is a world-famous band/orchestra. With "The Ghosts of Christmas Eve," the band brings a piece of their live performance to your TV. It revolves around a girl who has run away from home to find shelter in an old theater, and is entertained by the "ghosts" there. It not only has the band, but it has Michael Crawford and Jewel among other as performers, and Ossie Davis as the caretaker of the theater.

While this is a good movie, seeing the band live in concert is far better. This year, look them up when they go onto their next tour. You will be glad you do!

For those unfamiliar with the works of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, this video will give merely a glimpse into their musical genius. This band evolved from a heavy-metal band from the mid-80's called Savatage. As they grew musically, they began to incorporate classical music into their work, ranging from Mozart to Mussgorsky to Beethoven. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra was a side project conceived originally to perform Christmas music, blending traditional and new compositions with a group of highly talented musicians.

This video is just a touch of what they are. Many "guest" performers, such as Michael Crawford and Jewel appear in the video. Watching this video will hopefully give one a desire to look further into the band. These wonderful artists have woven 3 albums together (2 Christmas, and one not) of intricate story-telling, poetry, and, of course, wonderful music.

If you do enjoy what you see and hear, do yourself a favor. Next Christmas, look for their live performance to come to a city near you, and buy a ticket. It is a musical spectacle you will thank yourself for. I have been a Savatage fan for many years, and have now seen TSO play live 3 years in a row. WOW. The collection of musicians, mostly unknowns, is unrivaled. The compositions are wonderful, the performances even more so. Worth every penny.

As a side note, TSO's single non-Christmas release, "Beethoven's Last Night", is one of the best albums I have ever heard. Released nearly 2 years ago, I rarely go as much as a week without listening to it.

I'm a rather recent fan of TSO; what got my attention was the Christmas video being emailed around with house lights & "Wizards In Winter" as the sound track. My only complaints about this video are that 1)there isn't more music, & 2)it doesn't show more of the musicians performing. I LOVE watching Al Pitrelli play guitar, he's awesome! I've got all of Savatage's CDs, save 2, & Jon Oliva's "Tage Mahal", as well as all of TSO's CDs. The performances by the guest artists are wonderful, and the video contains a song that isn't on any of the TSO CDs. I've already purchased my tickets for their concert here coming Nov. 10, and can't wait!

As concert DVDs go, this one is pretty good and a must buy for fans of Christmas music. The story presented is touching and TSO is excellent in turning Christmas music into a format that is enjoyable for all.

I have seen TSO in concert every year since 2003 and sometimes twice during the season if the cities are close enough. The best one, by far, was New Years Eve 2007 (heading into 2008) in Birmingham AL as Tommy Shaw of Styx played the final three songs with TSO.

To try to put into words what is TSO show is like is not possible. The music, singers, band, stage show with lasers, explosions, lights, and just the entire stage presence is beyond belief. You actually feel a part of the show. I have been brought to tears many times.

I've seen the west version of TSO each time. The narration of Tony Gaynor is outstanding...he could narrate a phone book and you would feel touched. The band of Al Pitrelli (the maestro), Angus Clark, Anna Phoebe/Mark Wood/Alison Zlotow, John Lee Middleton/Chris Altenhoff, John O'Reilly, Jane Mangini, and Derek Wieland, are the best! The singers include Tommy Farese, the winter queen Kristin Gorman, "old city bar" Bart Shatto, Andrew Ross, Jeff Soto, Scout Xavier, and Erin Henry...fantastic.

The DVD gives you an insight to TSO's version of a Christmas show. But to see in person then you walk away in awe. I hope Paul O'Neill produces a live DVD one day...to relive the show over and over again.

Thank you TSO!

It's hard to put into words what we saw. There is a story narrated by Ossie Davis but the night really belonged to Tran-Siberian Orchestra and Michael Crawford. TSOs music throughout was top notch and Michael Crawford's version of "O Holy Night" was more than a perfect fit. It has definitely become one of my favorites to watch at Christmastime. If you have a chance to see it, do yourself a favor and watch it...then you'll understand.