Peter Gabriel has a long and interesting musical history, from his early days as a drummer, and as one-time singer for Genesis (yes, the same one with Phil Collins). While originally just a singer, Gabriel soon found that his penchant and flair for theatre and costume drama could be gradually introduced into Genesis' live show, and the fans loved it. They loved it so much, and the theatre became so innovative and creative, that it soon overshadowed the band's music and lyrics. The rest of the band may have appreciated the attention and the increased media interest, but not at the expense of the songs.

Launching into a solo career, the hits from the first four self-titled albums were spasmodic. They included Solsbury Hill, Shock the Monkey and Games Without Frontiers. The albums sold well, the live shows garnered excellent reviews, and Gabriel established a significant and loyal fan base. However, things became crazy for Gabriel in 1986 with the release of So that included the monster hits Sledgehammer, with that unforgettable video that became an MTV favourite, and the duet with Kate Bush, Don't Give Up. The album also contained Big Time, In Your Eyes and Red Rain.

The follow up album, Us, contained the hits Digging in the Dirt (another unforgettable video and MTV favourite), Kiss That Frog, and Steam. There were other great songs on the album with plenty of African rhythms and other world music influences. It was to be quite a few years before the next studio album, but that is not to suggest that Gabriel retired or slacked off - far from it.

Gabriel was a key figure in establishing WOMAD, a world music festival held annually, and one-off projects with artists such as Youssou N'dour. There were also films that Gabriel scored, but little in the way of live concert tours that makes DVDs such as Growing Up Live and the previous release, Secret World, such gems.

Growing Up Live is a film by Hamish Hamilton and Peter Gabriel. It has the right to call itself a film and not just a concert for this is much more than just a band and a singer with a bunch of songs - this is art, theatre and music.

Filmed over two nights at the Filaforum, Milan in May 2003 as part of the Growing Up tour, there are no real clues or giveaways that this DVD is compiled from two performances. Right from the opening split screen introduction, there is every indication that we are in for another Peter Gabriel slice of magic, and over the next 133 minutes, that is exactly what we get. It would lessen the impact of the stage and the set to go into details, but it is safe to say that there are a few surprises, as there are with every Gabriel show, and there is good use made of trap doors, rigging and various props such as a boat and a bicycle.

Gabriel's songs are perfect examples of social commentary more often than not, and the visuals that accompany many of the songs are extremely effective. There is no use of video screens so don't be expecting any copouts from Gabriel. Oh, no. When Peter Gabriel wants to show you something he is going to do it for real.

The band is a mix of old and new. Bass player Tony Levin has been with Gabriel since his early solo days, and David Rhodes on guitar is a long-serving band member. The band is hot, talented and utterly professional, and Gabriel's daughter, Melanie, appears on backing vocals.

If you want to hear a unique and talented singer, with strong and emotive songs, performed brilliantly with a stunning and creative stage show, then this DVD will fit the bill with ease. This is a big call and uses more adjectives than is probably permissible in one sentence, but you know what, after watching Growing Up Live for a second time, I am tempted to try and squeeze in a few more. This is arguably the best music DVD of the last 12 months and is a spectacle that any serious music lover should check out.

To go with the sensational and visual show we have a superb video transfer. The aspect ratio of 1.78:1 is 16:9 enhanced and difficult to fault. Stage lighting that is so often a problem in live DVDs is simply not a problem here, and the lighting and colouring is excellent. The image is mostly very sharp and there is no problem with grain. Close-ups are particularly sharp and there is no evidence of colour problems or noise.

There are no marks such as dirt and scratches and neither should there be in a recording this new and from a performer that insists on quality equipment and professional standards. There is no edge enhancement and only one or two instances of minor shimmer.

There is some use of split screen to allow you to see what goes on behind the scenes during some of the set changes and some use of home video quality equipment such as mounted cameras on some of the stage props. The Barry Williams Show contains deliberate snow, interference and static and is preceded by an onscreen warning.

Black levels are great and shadow detail is not an issue. The layer change is placed between songs at 59:24 but had it been a few seconds earlier, it would not have interrupted the spoken introduction to the song.

Ever had an aural orgasm? Well now you can. There are three options here, being Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo or 5.1, and a DTS 5.1 track that sounds as good as any you will hear. The mix is almost perfect. The low-frequency sounds such as bass guitar and drums are rich, deep and truly encompassing. Vocals and instruments are clear, and treble sounds such as the various percussive and wind instruments are loud and clear. There are no problems with synchronisation and volume and overall clarity is sensational.

The vocals and much of the music comes from the front speakers with vocals being evenly spread. The rear channels are used mostly for audience response and to fill out the sound, but there are some tracks that do make specific use of the rear speakers to good effect. The subwoofer gets a solid workout also.

The Dolby Digital 5.1 track is also a good one, but lacks the punch and drive of the DTS track. In one or two tracks to vocals get a little lost in the mix, and the stereo track is likewise good, but simply does not have the impact of the surround mixes. Those with DTS capabilities will give thanks to (insert your favourite subject of worship here) for this bounty.

There are a few extras on offer and the first will probably be of most interest to Gabriel devotees. The Story of Growing Up at around ten minutes is all too brief. Peter Gabriel himself tells us about the album, the show and how it all came about.

Tony Levin's Tour Photographs is a series of shots taken by bass player Levin and is accompanied by an Elbow remix of a newer track from the Up album called More Than This.

Lastly, Noodle - Interactive Growing Up provides access to an interactive version of the song Growing Up. This is your chance to play mixer, but you will need a DVD-ROM.

There is little to add at this point. Growing Up Live is a fantastic DVD from a gifted performer. The video and particularly the audio presentations are damned good, and this is one DVD that will get repeated and regular viewings. 'Nuff said. In the words of one loved or loathed icon - "Do yourself a favour!"