“I don’t think we quite realized it at the time, but this film has preserved one of the highest peaks in Queen’s touring life, on stage in the old glory days. The director was very much focussed on Freddie, and this now stands as probably the most precious intimate capture ever of Mr. Mercury at his full awesome power,” said Brian May.

After enjoying this new release last night, I have to agree with Brian. It's a modest miracle of technology that we can preserve these types of performances.

That said, this concert was filmed in November of 1981. That is 43 years ago as of this writing. Nonetheless, I can't help but compare this audio/visual experience to Taylor Swift's recent Eras Tour which released just a few months prior. Despite 2023 remastering love given to this Queen project, four decades of media capture technology is no small bump in the road. This IMAX release still feels like a 1981 film. The image has that sweet warm film grain, and some of the shots are a bit soft on focus. That said, when the cameras hit those super close-ups just right - you get a view even front row concertgoers don't. While some viewers will find that super close shot a bit overwhelming on the IMAX screen, I think it's super cool.

Everyone will love the cozy shots of Freddie at the piano, singing and playing. It's as if he's in your living room.

This concert film also opened my eyes (and ears) to the great voice of drummer Roger Taylor. That's in addition to highlighting his marvelous drumming chops. And while I always enjoyed May's leads and signature guitar sound, I had an all new appreciation for the way he carries all instrumentation beyond the bass/percussion on many of the band's songs.

Let's talk about Bohemian Rhapsody. I love the way it starts on piano and grows. However, in this concert it appears they ran the middle section (all the layered vocals) from a pre-recorded tape or sample while the band is off stage. This was weird - just weird. Some really cool lighting effects could not completely distract from the fact that the stage was empty. I'm sure performing this part presented all kinds of challenges. I still enjoyed the presentation, but I can't help but wonder if it would have been bigger if they went small and played a sort of "unplugged" version. Freddie at the ivories, the other three gathering round the piano. Perhaps John on an upright bass, Brian with the 12-string, and Roger tapping the piano top. ... Would love your thoughts on that ...

Overall, I enjoyed this concert! Freddie's talents are missed, but what a joy and treasure to see him and Queen play and sing again at the local IMAX screen.

-- Books by Author/Illustrator Ross Anthony --