Available at Amazon.com
Eagle Vision presents Queen Rock Montreal & Live Aid. 95 minutes. Not rated. Originally released in 1984.
Directed By:
Saul Swimmer
Cast:
Freddie Mercury……….Himself
Brian May……….Himself
Roger Taylor……….Himself
John Deacon……….Himself
The Film:
Most of the kids today know Queen based on the use of “Bohemian Rhapsody” in Wayne’s World. Do the kids today even remember Wayne’s World? Anyway, before that film, Queen ranked up with Led Zeppelin as rock and roll gods and still maintain that title today. This 1981 live performance should sway any doubters.
As the show begins Queen explodes into a rocked out fast version of “We Will Rock You” and you instantly know this to be true. What follows is an hour and half of pure unadulterated rock and roll genius. Almost every Queen song that you love is present here and if you don’t know any of their songs, these ones will quickly become your favorite. And they don’t just play the songs they way you remember them. These live performances really elevate the greatness of the songs. Among Queen’s standard you get a fantastic version of the Queen/Bowie song “Under Pressure” and an awesome rendition of Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock”. Then to top it all off you get an epic drum solo followed by a wailing guitar solo.
This was the first show filmed entirely in 35mm and it shows. Not only is the music unforgettable but it’s a joy to watch. It’s very well shot and Freddie Mercury has amazing stage presence. His energy flows out of the past into your living room making you want to join the crowd in cheers after every song.
As if all that wasn’t enough this DVD collection also includes Queen’s fantastic 1985 Live Aid performance. It’s only a 25 minute set, but it is a solid 25 minutes. Whether you’re a Queen fanatic your just getting into them, this set is a must for all.
The many looks of Freddie Mercury.
The DVD:
This film is presented in 1.85:1 widescreen. Sound is in DTS Digital Surround and PCM Stereo. The remastering of the Montreal concert is fantastic but the Live Aid show, which was shot of video, looks pretty bad. It sounds great though.
Extras:
Disc 1:
Audio Commentary with guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor: For the most part this is a really sparse commentary with lots of dead time, but when Taylor and May talk they have interesting things to say and they crack lots of jokes. Over all this is a pretty decent commentary.
Disc 2:
Live Aid Performance: (25 min.) As described earlier this is a great 25 minute set with bad video quality. It’s still a great time. It can be watched in surround or stereo.
Live Aid rehearsal: (11 min.) This is rehearsal of three songs mixed with an interview with the band about why they chose to do Live Aid. It’s a really good interview.
TV Interview (USA 1982): (6 min.) This is without a doubt the squarest show ever and the lamest interview of a rock band. It’s absolutely hilarious!
The Inside Pulse
I don’t know what else to say that I didn’t already say above. This is a fantastic rock concert and the transfer is amazing. Plus the inclusion of the Live Aid performance makes this a must own for any rock fanatic.
