![Queen: Rock Montreal & Live Aid [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51M4NF17NAL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
“Queen Rock Montreal” will be released simultaneously in both high definition formats, HDDVD and Blu-Ray. This version includes the full Queen Live Aid performance, never before seen full performance footage of Queen rehearsing for Live Aid: Bohemian Rhapsody + Radio Gaga + Hammer To Fall and previously unreleased Live Aid interview with the whole band. The Montreal concert is presented in high definition, while the Live Aid and all bonus materials will remain in standard defin [Read More...]
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
The sound quality on this release is absolutely breathtaking. I cannot believe how much resolution has been tweaked out of these 26-year-old multi-track master tapes. This is by far the best audio quality I have ever heard of a music concert of this age. The sound quality can stand next to any sound quality of today. Yes, it is that stunning!!!
Honestly, I did not expect the audio quality to be as good as the audio quality from the 2004 DVD release of ‘Queen On Fire - Live From The Bowl’. But this beats it, and the audio quality on that release is breathtaking as well. I had no idea that so much punch, bass, and kick could be lifted from a concert of this time.
The DTS 5.1 mix is unbelievable! It feels like I’m taken back in time and am right there in concert watching the show. The instruments are so crisp and clean! The music is not flat and lifeless. It is full, wide, and alive! These guys rock!
The picture is beautifully restored as well. In fact, it is hard for me to imagine that this concert was recorded in 1981. It simply does not show it’s age, and now I understand why Queen Productions have taken technology further yet with Blu-Ray and HD DVD issues of this release as well. The picture is magnificent! No grain, lines, or darkness whatsoever! The picture glows and shines! Is it really this old? You won’t believe it!
Since I do not own the original ‘We Will Rock You’ DVD release from a few years back I cannot do comparisons. All I know is that this is the best-sounding and best-looking Queen DVD concert in my collection. Overall, it is simply one of the best DVD releases in my collection.
The addition of the ‘Live Aid’ material on the second DVD is a nice treat for those fans who do not already own the material on the previously released 2004 Live Aid (4 Disc Set) DVD box. Even if one already owns this live set an interview with rehearsal footage is exclusive to this release. Furthermore, a 1982 news feature from US TV series PM Magazine is a bonus.
Queen has never sounded and looked better! These guys were incredible! Highly recommended!
What can I say?
The picture quality is better than any other concert I have seen on blu-ray.
Shooting on 35mm film was definately the right choice. There is something about film and the way it captures the lights. The colors are all highly saturated and the detail is amazing. You can see the dust and finger prints on the monitors, the uneven texture on the surface of Brian’s guitar and all the little details in Roger’s drum kit. I have never seen a more beautiful concert video; and to think this was shot 25 years ago.
The sound is excellent too. But I found myself switching back and fourth between surround and stereo a number of times. The surround soundtrack provided a very open and spacious sound; but it was a little too reverberant. I found the stereo soundtrack to be more clear and direct.
Musically the band is in great form. Freddie’s vocal performance is top-notch. He is in full voice and clear as a bell.
The reason’s I only gave this DVD 4 stars are minor. Even though Queen were at their peak in popularity when they filmed this performance, in my opinion this was not their artistic peak. If only they could have filmed a performance 5 or so years earlier during their Night at the Opera and Day at the Races period. Also, even though the band sounded great, it seemed like their performance was somewhat lackluster. Compared to some of their other concert videos, this outing was not quite up to par.