Kirk Franklin’s Rebirth project needs no further introduction. Crammed with guests and harking back to the feel of the artist’s earlier work that first grabbed the attention of the Gospel world back in 1993, it has become a favorite of most throughout the Gospel nation (see album review).

The release of the accompanying DVD some seven months after the February 2002 release of the CD will no doubt pique the curiousity of everyone who has the audio. Certainly, there is much to dig into, as it not only offers some stunning concert visuals of the live portion of the album, but also provides many extras.

In fact, you could rightly call this the epitome of what DVD is supposed to be, for it's far more than simply a video version of the live portion of the CD. Video production from Tim Malone (who has handled Franklin's prior video recordings) is stellar, with multiple vantage points courtesy a full crew of ten cameramen. Recorded in July 2000 at Houston's Lakewood Church, pastored by Joel Osteen (who is seen in attendance via congrational shots), the visuals are stunning.

The theme is all-white, with ankle-length choir robes and white suits on everyone else. The choir microphone setup is not traditional, with groups of three around each mic.

While not all of the songs on the CD make it to the DVD (which is understandable, since the CD was a mix of studio and live cuts), those that did come with extra portions; several have extended intros or a reprise.

There's also several brief interview segments with Franklin, and also Shirley Caesar and Willie Neal Johnson. "Caught Up" moves into reprise territory with Franklin handing to mic over to Shirley Caesar, who after tearing the house down with her lead on the song, had gone to sit in the front row with the congregation. Caesar took the cue, and spent several minutes going up and down the aisle, ad libbing.

Another reprise comes with the very funky "Brighter Day", as Franklin encourages 'all of the grandmas out there' to stand up and get their groove on. He invites one courageous mother up on stage with him, and she ably shares her moves with everyone.

Kirk Franklin at GMWA 2002

Kirk Franklin checked in at the GMWA in Detroit in August 2002, and delivered a late-night set to all who were still awake. Peek at some of the photos from the concert. Kirk Franklin and crew at GMWA

Other bonus parts include extra footage with Willie Neal Johnson on "Looking Out For Me", as well as some new new stuff on the Richard Smallwood-enhanced "Don't Cry", which is supported by a lone praise dancer dressed entirely in red.

At the end of the "Always" ballad, Franklin also plays a gorgeous hymn medley ("There's A Sweet, Sweet Spirit", "It Is Well", "Holy Is The Lamb" and others) to round off "Always", with some great closeup camera work on his hands.

The concert part of the DVD ends with credits rolling over an extra Latin-jam reprise of "He Reigns", before the segue into a collection of footage that captures approximately 10 minutes of candid, behind-the-scenes activity that hones in on the preparation surrounding both the live and the studio aspects of the album recording.

From jokes to 'hi mom' antics, to prayer sessions to relaxed shots of the crew taking it real easy, you truly come away from this with new insight into Kirk Franklin and his entourage of singers and psalmists.

The concept video of "Brighter Day", and a brief but touching tribute to the late keyboard maestro Michael Robinson (who is featured throughout the live recording) rounds out this fabulous DVD.