Let´s get one thing straight here. Filmed in november 1981. The show was out in 1984 (on VHS) with the confusing title "We will rock you".
Then it was released on DVD by Pioneer with the same titel in 2001. A better release, cause the picture showed a very good quality - but the sound was "CRAP"!! Cause they did´nt bother doing a proper mix from the multitrack.
That´s why the band hated it, and wanted it to be stopped (but they did´nt have the legal rights from the director Saul Swimmer who owned it).
And now finally Queen Production bought the rights early this year. After almost 9 months of work the Queen Production team has digitally restored the picture frames one by one (with the a special tecnique NASA use to save old films on the moonprojects) and the original 24-multitracks have been found to do a "real stereo and 5.1 sound DTS mix". And it sounds and look splended indeed.
This makes the release worth every penny. The sad thing is that the visuals for two songs can no longer be found (Flash and The Hero). According to guitarist Brian May, the editors did´nt have in mind going back (if they wanted) to change something in the future, so they probably "thrashed it" - but you can "hear them" on the Double CD release.
What makes it fantastic is that it is filmed on "real 35mm film" and not on crappy video. The show shows a very edgy band who did´nt get along with the director Saul Swimmer at all, cause he demanded to change their lights, clothes, and even their moves on stage. But it´s a two way street, cause filmdirectors know what looks best, but the band new how to make the best show.
But in the end the final product is a great show that captures Queen in good form that few bands can match (even today).
Though I´ve seen better Queen audiences and shows (especially on their DVDs Live At Wembley Stadium 1986, released 2003 and On Fire At the bowl 1982, released 2004). The great thing with this show is that it captures a real Arena show indoors with all the beautiful designed lights by the band themselves. The visuals was always one key factor with Queen shows to connect with the audience. And with probably "the worlds greatest front man ever", the audience is spellbound (especially me).
And with Live Aid as a bonus this must be 5 stars. Freddie Merury sings like a God, but the rest of the band shows that every member was and is multitalented. The songs are classic and stands the test of time. A must for every generation to learn what a great band should deliver on stage.
Go and get it !! (You need a good surround system and you have to play it LOUD). The HD/Blue-Ray discs gonna look and sound spectacular. 26 years since it was filmed and it almost feel like last year (accept the 80´s fashion).