Overview: Few bands are more closely associated with Montreux than Deep Purple and there was simply no other contender when it came to choosing the act to headline the closing night of the 40th Montreux Festival in 2006. The band duly delivered one of their finest live performances, sprinkling songs from their latest album "Rapture Of The Deep" through a set chock full of their classic tracks. There was even a brand new song "Too Much Fun" written especially for the occasion and, of course, a show-stopping performance of "Smoke On The Water".

DVD Verdict: OK. It's not Deep Purple live 1972, but the band still rocks here. This DVD was filmed and recorded very well. Sound is full and fat, with nice balance between instruments. The camera crew and, later, DVD editors, knew what they were doing. When Glover has a bass solo or even a snazzy bass run, it's caught by the cameras. Same for Morse on guitar, Paice on drums, and Airey on keys/Hammond. Lots of nice closeups of the hands of Morse and Glover (musicians will rejoice!). A camera catches Paice drop a stick over the high-hat early in the set, and Paice, always the pro, quickly grabs another stick from below without missing a beat. Airey sounds good on keys.

Long-time DP fans will probably wish it was Jon Lord and Ritchie Blackmore in the band still, but the current DP still is a great band. Ian Gillan, who looks mysteriously more and more like actor Patrick Duffy these days, is in pretty good voice. He also has fun, moving from one side of the stage to the other, and all around. The guys look like they're having a really good time. Glover makes a few "rock guitar faces" without ever slipping into cheesy territory. Makes me want to go see them this summer in St.Louis, even though I'm broke. Ha.

The older classics are always favorites, but "Wrong Man" on this DVD rocks. It's a great version and makes me appreciate Deep Purple's recent work, too. Same for "Rapture of the Deep"'s title cut, also heard and seen in this film. Enjoy!