In this column I review an upcoming title that is essential for any rock music lover's library...Robert Kinsler
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| Queen performing at Montreal Forum in November 1981. Photo credit: Queen Productions, Ltd. |
Title: Rock Montreal + Live Aid (Mercury Studios)
You might like if you enjoy: Queen, Freddie Mercury, Smile, Brian May
Tell me more: Following its record-breaking IMAX Event Cinema release worldwide in January 2024, the concert film "Queen Rock Montreal" is set for release via Mercury Studios on Friday, May 10. The concert film is being released as a double 4K Ultra High Definition package (the configuration reviewed in this column), as well as via several other configurations including a double Blu-ray, double audio CD, 2CD Limited edition and triple vinyl. A 3LP Colored Transparent Blue Vinyl package is available exclusively on the Queen Online Store at queenonline.com. The essential new title is a spectacular display of Queen captured at the Montreal Forum in Montreal, Quebec on Nov. 24 and 2, 1981 — the final concerts of the British rock quartet's "The Game Tour." The 4K Ultra High Definition allows the viewer to watch the concert film in its original full-from aspect ratio or cropped to 16:9 widescreen; the state-of-the-art release also features optional high-dynamic-range (HDR) for both aspect ratios.
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| Freddie Mercury, left, with Brian May at Montreal Forum in November 1981. Photo credit: Queen Productions, Ltd. |
Singer-keyboardist Freddie Mercury, guitarist-vocalist Brian May, drummer-vocalist Roger Taylor and bassist John Deacon were at the height of their collective powers when they were captured for this film (which was originally released in movie theaters in 1984); as detailed in the liner notes that are included with the title: "As would be expected of Queen, they took the form of the concert film to a new level, becoming the first group to shoot an entire show in full cinema format 35mm." The digitally remastered sound and visual quality on "Queen Rock Montreal" is extraordinary and the 96-minute concert includes a slew of the band's timeless hits as well as favorite album cuts.
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| Bassist John Deacon at Montreal Forum in November 1981. Photo credit: Queen Productions, Ltd. |
This writer was fortunate to catch Queen on "The Game Tour" when it came to Southern California in July 1980 and watching this film transported me back to the magic and power of that night. Highlights on the film include the night opening punk-styled take on "We Will Rock You," soaring "Play The Game," powerful "I'm In Love With My Car" featuring Taylor on lead vocals, tender "Save Me," crowd-pleasing "Under Pressure" and "Crazy Little Thing Called Love." Although known for its melodic and winning radio hits, the band's hard rocking instincts were fully on display via killer runs through "Keep Yourself Alive," "Tie Your Mother Down," and "Sheer Heart Attack." The band's emotional closer, "We Are The Champions," brought wonderful chills to this fan.
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| Roger Taylor performing at Montreal Forum in November 1981. Photo credit: Queen Productions, Ltd. |
As a bonus, the band's earth-shattering 21-minute performance at Live Aid on July 13, 1985 upscaled to high definition for the first time ever (including brand new stereo, 5.1 and Dolby Atmos sound mixes) and video footage of Queen rehearsing for that benefit concert is also included (a short interview with the band is also featured). The seldom seen performance from Mercury and May performing "Is This The World We Created...?" later at the event is also included. A wonderful 16-page booklet filled with colorful photographs from the concert film is also included.
Information: MercuryStudios.co and queenonline.com.
Robert Kinsler
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