Paul van Dyk is a master at creating upbeat, emotional trance. On Global, PVD has decided to mix up a set of his most popular records. The result is nothing less than spectacular.

The minute you here the vocal on "We Are Alive" (a beautiful track about a one night stand) you will understand the reason trance dominated the clubbing community for so long. PVD's style of trance is powerful yet palatable. The type of music that could move people at a global level because its messages transcend boundaries like government, religion, or language.

This single mix methaphorically represents a time in dance music culture circa 2000-2002 when soaring vocals and drum rolls defined the dance floor. Of course, PVD was one of the few DJs in the genre to deliver something of substance that was still uplifting. In fact, most of his brethren (Sasha & Digweed, Dave Seamen, Danny Howells, etc.) passed on this style and instead delivered darker mixes that relied more on overall programming and continuity and less on emotion.

Personally, I think this is a must have for anyone who wants an introduction to trance music or for those die hard PVD fans out there that just want to have all of his tunes on hand.

The energy on this mix makes it perfect for a party, a long drive, or a run.

My only negative comment is that this style of trance tends to be much simpler than the complex textures and melodies one would find in progressive house. Therefore, the mix gets tired after a few listens and needs to be rested before it can be enjoyed again. This is my personal opinion of course, and you could very well disagree.

Do not hesitate to buy PVD's Global. It is one of those rare trance compilations that deserves the label "must have."

Beautiful. Van Dyks best, mixed by the best (him). Some older tracks, and some new ones...all in all...a great job. The DVD blew my mind...much different from the DVDs you see nowadays...not just trippy computer effects, or scenes from dark clubs of peoples feet...but real, good footage of the places Paul went, and the places he spun at...A must-have for all die-hard PvD fans!

First and most Paul Van Dyk is a Genius when it comes to his production. He takes an average of 2 years to compose his CDs. So when they are finished and released, they are almost a perfection. If you are a PVD fan, then this is a must have, hands down. This CD is a perfectly mixed CD of his Bests productions. If your a PVD fan and you see the tracklist, you automatically know that this is PVDs "Finest Hour". Plus the DVD is just to die for. Apart from showing everywhere PVD has played and been, commentaries of his fans around the world, and some of the music videos of the songs; it also has an interview with Paul. I mean what more can you ask for. Trust me (a pvd fan till i die) you will be overwhelm with Global CD/DVD package.

Now, for a person who has never heard Paul or doesn't know much about him, this compilation is a Great introduction. IF you like TRANCE, then after listening to this compilation numerous of times, you will like PVD and may even fall in love with his music. But that will only happen if you like Trance and Electronic Music.

To those who haven't heard Trance too much or are not very familiar with electronic music, then I would suggest that you start with this CD, which comes from one of the most talented and highly respected Producer/DJ in the Electronic Music scene all around the world.

This CD/DVD package is truly a must-have if you are a fan of Paul van Dyk or just trance in general. The CD does an amazing job compiling his greatest tunes; however, I wish he would have introduced a few new tunes like many "greatest hits" albums do. Nonetheless, the DVD truly proves that Paul van Dyk is a Global trance DJ, nearly having an empire if you will. It also shows that trance music is a global and unity type of music by featuring some of PvD's fans, his club and festival appearances in Europe and Asia and the US. It nearly makes you want to crawl into your television and join the masses of people that are mesmorized by PvD's work. The DVD also features wondeful interviews with fans, Paul himself, music videos, and trailers to movies and commercials that feature PvD's work.

To declare my position, he's my absolute god and I'm a frequently showing up at the Vandit Nights @ Casino/Berlin.

If you are new to PvD - this package is like a best-of album, so leaving out the pros and cons of a best-of albums in general, you can expect the cream of his own music - which is different (more melodic) than his DJ-livesets you might already have enjoyed.

The tracks blend in each other nicely, some are reworked moderately. The video includes Love Parade, CSD, Gatecrasher, Amnesia, Vandit Nights and other in L.A., S.F., Tokyo, UK, Mexico, Berlin (rulez!), Ibiza, Bangkok and many more. The video shows Paul performing all over the world, making an amazing collage of local impressions and international fascination for true trance music.

As bonus you get 5 music videos, interview stuff & fan statements and the Zurdo film trailer. This adds the DVD9 up to 76min of film + 40min extra stuff.

The CD includes the same Tracks as the DVD (but without the various voice-overs) ... personally I think I'll use the DVD more often. It gives you all the tracks in (re-recorded) DTS 5.1 (which is probably close to stereo) and the video makes a nice background on any party.

So an overall must have for the fan and a good intro for PvD newbies. This video/music collage will catch you again and again ... even in decades, I dare to predict.

PvD