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Queen Rock Montreal & Live Aid Blu-ray
Eagle Rock Entertainment | 1983 | 160 mins | Not rated | Dec 04, 2007
Disco_And
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Feb 06, 2008
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Movie: 5
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Video: 4.5
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Audio: 4.5
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Extras: 4.5
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Overall: 4.5
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As good as it gets
The main reason I bought this disc is for the music by Queen and the fact that I never got to see them live, so I really wanted to see them in high definition – Wow - this is as close to seeing what Freddie Mercury and the rest of the band as they looked like in their prime as it can gets.
The concert itself is very good bearing in mind that it is all pre Hot Space. The video quality is fantastic considering that it was filmed in 1981 so it is over 26 years old by the time they put it onto this Blu-ray disc. They had the foresight to film in 35mm which is great for Blu-ray so you get a nice VC1 encode in 1080p and the picture quality is so good that you can even clearly read what is on the Microphone that Freddie is using on his piano. Unfortunately all the extras are in standard DVD video mpeg2 which includes the Live Aid performance but it’s still ok because you’re mainly buying this disc for the music.
As for the sound, you get two to choose from in both the main concert and the extras, both are great - first off you get stereo PCM or you can also have the DTS HD 5.1 96/24bit track. I preferred the DTS HD track for the feel of being there but the PCM has a slightly better sound quality.
Overall this Blu-ray is a must buy for any Queen fan and anyone who is getting into rock and wishes to see what a great rock band looks and sounds like. |
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DaPenguinPimP
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Feb 25, 2009
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Movie: 5
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Video: 4.5
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Audio: 5
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Extras: 4
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Overall: 4.5
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Best Concert I Own
I absolutely LOVE this blu ray concert. I was hesitant at buying this seeing how there was no review, but there was a sale on amazon so I pulled the trigger. Freddie Mercury's performance is amazing! Best Live show I've seen. The picture is amazing for a show from over 20 years ago and so is the sound. If your a fan of Queen, heck if you like even 1 song by queen, GET THIS BLU RAY NOW. |
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jbt419
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Dec 04, 2007
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Movie: 4.5
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Video: 4
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Audio: 4
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Extras: n/a
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Overall: 4
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Queen Rocks Montreal & Live Aid
As many fine rock concerts have been done in the past for video distribution, Queen Live in Montreal was filmed in celluloid rather than video, thereby making it not necessary to have the show bathed in white lighting for recording in video. The richness of the stage colors are AMAZING, the lack of film grain is most impressive, and the power of the audio recording is damning evidence for the need for a capable home theater system to begin to do the overall impact of this Blu-ray gem proper justice. By the time Freddie Mercury takes the piano for the third number and utters the first notes of Play the Game, it's easy to see why Queen was the top band in the business in their day. If you had to have only rock concert in your Blu-ray collection, Queen Rock Montreal & Live Aid would be a worthy choice to make. So much so, in fact, that I'm hoping that other Queen concert videos are paroled from the archives and processed for re-release in Blu-ray. The best way to summarize the treatment of this Blu-ray DVD concert showpiece? You got it: A Crazy Little Thing Called Love. |
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Freis968
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Dec 09, 2007
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Movie: 5
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Video: 4.5
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Audio: 4.5
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Extras: 4.5
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Overall: 4.5
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Finally...some good rock BluRays
I got rid of all of my DVDs in anticipation for concerts like this so I am thrilled to finally see them
making the way into my collection. Compared to We Will Rock DVD of years past this new mix
seems to be a slight less in the treble department. The bottom end sound was retained however
making it a great "thumper" of a show for your system. For being from 1981, this show is still so
fresh and crisp. There is a nice booklet included that should be a standard in all BluRays, concerts
and movies alike. I did notice the color being a tad bit muted and soft compared to the former DVD
release almost as if some video softner was added perhaps to cut down on the grain. The only
reason I did not give the extras a 5 was because of the exclusion of the great commentary by the
producer that graced the DVD release a few years back. However, I guess they make up for it by
including a new and up to date interview with Taylor and May...but as Queen sang "I Want It All".
Pick this one up for sure. |
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Amsco
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Jul 22, 2008
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Movie: 4
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Video: 4
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Audio: 5
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Extras: 4
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Overall: 4
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Just meh.
FIRST OFF
IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THE "LIVE AID" PORTION OF THIS CONCERT BLU-RAY IS NOT IN HIGH
DEFINITION!!!!!!!!!
Just thought that should be clarified... the 25 minute Live Aid performance is NOT in high definition.
It is in 480p, and I would say that it's quality is worse than that of VHS. The main Montreal concert
picture quality is good. Not great though. Good audio, too, but it would be hard to not have good
audio on a concert DVD/Blu-Ray so long as the volume is loud.
The concert is ok. It's got some hit songs, but not enough for me. What's there is good, but I was
feeling a little left out of this in-joke as I am a moderate Queen fan. What IS impressive is that
Queen plays a TIIIIGHT show. Their ability to hit each note live is great, and Freddie doesn't change
a whole lot. They play well live, and Freddie's stage antics are enough to make you tired just
watching it (good thing). Also, it's nice that there is little to no crowd noise while they are playing.
I gave the "Extras" section a 4, only for the inclusion of the Live Aid performance, but then again,
it's PQ is really bad. There's also a nice commentary from 2 original band members, and it's also
viewable in subtitle form while you're watching it, which is nice because you don't loose your sound
that way.
BOTTOM LINE-- I would be pissed if this has costed me more that $20. Shoulda bought Pearl Harbor
instead. |
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Ian_S
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Jan 20, 2009
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Movie: 4
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Video: 3.5
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Audio: 4
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Extras: 4
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Overall: 4
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Interesting first HD effort for UK mega group.
First of all some corrections... I'm pretty sure this is only a BD25, the dare I mention it, HD-DVD version is about 22GB in size and I can't tell the two apart for picture quality, they both have identical issues.
Live at Wembley was certainly not shot to be a DVD as contended by SquidPuppet. It was filmed by the UK's relatively new (at the time) TV channel, Channel 4, to be aired sometime later in a 'live simulcast' with independent radio in stereo, as stereo Nicam TV broadcasts were still a rarity if they'd even started in 1986. I was actually there for the Friday concert, and watched and recorded the Channel 4 simulcast.
As for the lighting being **** well that was Queen's rig at the time, and if you watch the On Fire At the Bowl filmed on the Hot Space Tour in the UK, you'll see quite a few similarities... so not really much of a reason to criticise.
The picture is generally very good, however, personally I think it's been over compressed to fit onto a BD25, and if you look at the grain, especially during Somebody to Love, it moves as though it's elastically attached to Freddie's body, which just isn't right. Grain, or even smoke in the air doesn't do that. Even one of the amp grills does the same things during one song as Freddie's head moves around infront of it, whilst he's singing at the Piano.
However, when the picture is good, (mostly in brighter sequences) it's excellent. Shots of Roger Taylor pulverising that drum kit are often superb for all aspects of PQ.
To have shot such a concert on film was quite an achievement. If you listen to the provided commentary with Brian May and Roger Taylor, you get a good idea of how the band felt about the whole thing, being shot over two nights with as they saw it constant camera intrusion. Here I would strongly recommend you find a copy of Pioneers DTS release on DVD of this concert as that DVD has a commentary by Saul Swimmer the original director, who sadly has I believe since passed away. The two commentaries provide BOTH sides of the story and show the tension that existed between the director and the band. Saul goes into fair detail on the issues they had with the technology at the time.
Again, the sound in a way suffers from the BD25 treatment as we only get DTS-HD High Resolution and not lossless Master Audio. However the PCM option is a real stormer. Queen were never happy with the sound on the previous releases, and their reason for this was simple, it was designed to be shown on a big screen in big venues to re-create the concert experience, so the mix was very dry and relied upon the big venue to provide the ambience found at a concert. That is what that mix was designed for, and as such it did not translate well to home viewing.
So the new mix delivers a more Queen live sound, plenty of thump and best played very loud. It's a kicking mix, Roger Taylors I'm in Love With My Car and drum solo being (for me) particular high points. To be honest though, there are no low points in the mix. It's very front L+R heavy with the rears being just echo largely and the centre not there, which is a typical Queen approach to home video mixes. So, the PCM track doesn't lose you much, and on my system infact gains more wallop and precision.
Yes the Live Aid snippet is in SD, but we're lucky it even exists, it's literally a BBC recording of the live TV feed on the day with all the technical warts of the event. It will never be any better. Doesn't make it any less worthwhile though, and it remains one of the best live moments ever in rock history. To steal the show that day was some feat. To have it on BD with decent audio and no DVD over compression is something to be thankful for IMO, and a welcome addition to the Blu-ray.
So all in all, a good solid release. The show was odd in that it wasn't just a show from a tour but a specific 2 night event for the purpose of creating a concert film to be shown on huge screen and big sound systems. However, as one of only three Queen concerts shot on 35mm, it's important, and this release delivers a good transfer nd an excellent sound mix.
It could be improved by putting it on a BD50 now dual format compatibility is not a requirement, and allowing more bits to the video encode and a full bore DTS-HD MA track. Beyond that, hard IMO to find major fault. |
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ToASTER
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May 07, 2009
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Movie: 4.5
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Video: 3
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Audio: 4.5
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Extras: 3
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Overall: 4.5
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Excellent concert, fair picture quality
Actual specs:
Size: BD25
Runtime: 1h 35m 11s
Video: VC-1, 1080p24/1.001 (Quality: FAIR 6/10)
Audio: DTS Hi-Res 5.1 (3018 kbps, 24-bit, 96 kHz)
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Region: A, B, C
Bottom line: A must have for every rock music fan! |
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DarkDune
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May 21, 2009
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Movie: 5
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Video: 4.5
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Audio: 5
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Extras: 4
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Overall: 5
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When Concerts Were No Less Than AWESOME!
Anyone else notice how Freddy's outfit is diminished as the Concert progresses? Also, in what other concert does the lead singer get to have his Heineken right there on his instrument in case he needs to wet his whistle  ...
Awesome, simply AWESOME! Highly Recommended! |
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Flamingo
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Dec 25, 2007
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Movie: 4.5
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Video: 4.5
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Audio: 5
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Extras: 3
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Overall: 4.5
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Excellent Queen BD
Well worth picking up. I compared the Blu-ray to the standard DVD and the Blu-ray is a definite upgrade. Facial close ups on the Blu-ray really show how good a transfer was done here. Musically solid show. |
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Jeroenbloemendaal
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Jan 12, 2008
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Movie: 5
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Video: 4
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Audio: 5
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Extras: 3.5
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Overall: 4.5
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Queen on blu ray!
I love the music from Queen and that's the reason for me to buy this Blu Ray.
The concert self is good, there are better concerts from Queen but this is a good concert!
The video quality is for most of you the reason to buy this blu ray. This concert was in 1981 so it's 27 years old. The video quality however is very good. Movies on blu ray are better of course but the quality from this blu ray is much better than the DVD version from this concert. So when you buy this blu ray for the video quality there is no reason to not buy him.
The audioquality is very very good, I can't something bad about it, it's almost perfect. Freddie Mercury is one of the best singers ever!
The extra's on this DVD are fun to watch.... only they are in DVD quality. There is the Live AId performance, very good performance by the way. And there are some other little extra's.
So when you loves the music from Queen, This is a must have for you!
20 euro's for this blu ray is not to expensive.... the DVD version is also 20 euros.
Jeroen Bloemendaal (The Netherlands) |
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Sergiu
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Sep 03, 2009
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Movie: 5
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Video: 5
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Audio: 5
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Extras: 5
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Overall: 5
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Queen Rock Montreal & Live Aid
I hope that Blu-ray will mix all Queen concert's in Hi-Def because Queen are legends |
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akprashanth
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Oct 10, 2009
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Movie: 4.5
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Video: 4.5
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Audio: 5
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Extras: 3.5
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Overall: 4.5
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Its Rocking
VQ is very good for a concert. AQ is much better. You feel like removing your shirt and dancing with Freddie.
There is no end to the number of times you can listen to Bohemian Rhapsody and I want to break free. |
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java57
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Dec 12, 2007
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Movie: 5
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Video: 4.5
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Audio: 5
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Extras: 3
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Overall: 5
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Wonderfull BT
Queen in their best whit the best technology. |
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kansas666
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May 27, 2008
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Movie: 3
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Video: 5
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Audio: 4.5
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Extras: 4
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Overall: 4
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WOW!
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. |
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Hockeytown
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5 days ago
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Movie: 4.5
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Video: 5
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Audio: 5
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Extras: 4
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Overall: 4.5
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Amazing
This concert is phenomenal and to see it in high definition is even better. The PQ is AMAZING given the footage is from 1981. The AQ is flawless in my opinion. The extras are awesome, the Live Aid stuff is great but it remains in 480p. Its a must buy for any Queen fan. |
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SquidPuppet
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Mar 05, 2008
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Movie: 2
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Video: 2
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Audio: 1.5
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Extras: n/a
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Overall: 2
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Uh....HI DEF ...????
I am a huge Queen fan. Have seen them live multiple times.
I am a huge BD advocate (collection is growing fast)
The Good: Its Queen!!! Freddie was "ON" in this show (fresh, rested voice)
The Bad: PQ worse than DVD seriously teetertottering on VHS. Audio was choked significantly. Weak venue (You could see Freddie struggle to contain his energy on the tiny stage). Crap lighting. Crap Cinematography and directing and editing....no rythem or flow. The audience wouldnt get with the program (key at a Queen concert)
"Queen Live at Wembley" upconverted on DVD is a VASTLY superior experience in every aspect. That show was shot SPECIFICALLY to be made into a DVD and the final product is fantastic. The director and editors did an amazing job. The extras are terrific as well. I highly recommend that any staunch Queen fan see that ASAP. I tear up when I watch it. |
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