I was surprised to see more technically-knowledgeable reviewers comment on what was thought to be a less than perfect Blu-ray recording. Watching it, I marveled at the audio and video quality of the picture in both performances. Lest you think the 480i upconverted to 1080i is a flaw or distraction, I can assure you that the picture is sparkling, clear, and vibrant. In many of the close-ups, you can see each individual hair on a musician's head. (I almost felt I was intruding, to be able to see them so closely!)For both symphony 1 and 2 the performances are excellent--the musicians are attentive to each of Järvi's directions, his guidance is constant and we watching the video can see subtle indications to the orchestra which the symphony hall audience cannot.Both Swedish soprano Camilla Tilling and Finnish mezzo Lilli Paasikivi are in perfect form and seem to feel the passion which I especially find moving in the Urlicht and final parts of Symphony 2.There is a bonus feature of Paavo Järvi's thoughts about the two symphonies. I don't entirely agree that Mahler was constantly tormented by his Jewish roots, (he was able to fit himself into the world he chose to live in!) but surely they did influence his life and his music. Many of us, as did Leonard Bernstein, hear bits of klezmer music especially in the middle sections of Symphony 1. At any rate, Järvi's comments are generally insightful, and promote continued thought and discussion.The technical engineers deserve special praise, not only for the quality--audio and video--of the DVD, but also for knowing the music, and being able to be there every time an individual instrument was given by Mahler its "chance to shine." Really, it was a "symphony of the engineers" to engineer being there for so many close-ups at exactly the right moment.Symphony 2 was performed in the Eberbach Monastery whose alcove served as a perfect location for the off-stage brass ensemble, and gave it an aura of supernatural distance (which I think is just what Mahler intended)There have been so many great conductors of Mahler, that I was a bit hesitant to welcome Paavo Järvi into their midst, but this recording convinces me he is for real, and I think you'll find hearing and watching these two symphonies a really enjoyable experience.