Queen, the iconic rock band that needs no introduction, is captured in their most electrifying form in Queen Rock Montreal. Originally recorded in 1981, this monumental concert film, recently smashing records with its digitally restored IMAX release, is now available for home audiences in stunning double Blu-Ray, double 4K Ultra High Definition, double CD, and triple vinyl packages. For fans and newcomers alike, Queen Rock Montreal is the ultimate way to experience Queen live and in their prime.
As Brian May himself puts it, this is Queen “live and dangerous.” Queen Rock Montreal showcases Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon at the zenith of their performance prowess. This isn’t just a concert; it’s a time capsule back to a period where Queen’s stage presence was unparalleled, their music was dominating global charts, and their connection with the audience was palpable.
The new release is meticulously crafted to offer the best possible viewing and listening experience. Both the 4K UHD and Blu-ray editions are presented as two-disc sets. Disc one offers “Rock Montreal” in its original full frame format alongside their unforgettable Live Aid performance. Disc two provides “Rock Montreal” in widescreen, complemented by an exclusive 11-minute bonus feature. This bonus dives into the Live Aid rehearsals, featuring rare interviews from the lead-up to this historic event and behind-the-scenes rehearsal footage, giving fans a unique glimpse into Queen’s preparation for one of music history’s most iconic moments. The 4K package goes even further, presenting “Rock Montreal” in both SDR and HDR formats across both discs, ensuring optimal visual fidelity regardless of your display capabilities.
To achieve this exceptional quality, the original 35mm negative was scanned with painstaking detail, frame by frame. This process allowed for the removal of any imperfections – dirt, damage, or splices – ultimately enhancing the picture’s sharpness and overall quality. This digital restoration ensures that Queen Rock Montreal looks and sounds better than ever before, bringing a 1981 concert into the modern era with breathtaking clarity.
Disc one of the 2x4K package delivers Queen Rock Montreal in its Full Frame format, staying true to the original artistic vision, coupled with the Live Aid performance, now upscaled to HD and enhanced with Dolby Atmos audio for the first time. Disc two revisits the Montreal concert in widescreen format and includes the fascinating behind-the-scenes featurette. This featurette blends footage of Queen rehearsing for Live Aid with contemporary interviews, offering intimate insights into the band’s mindset just before their legendary Live Aid appearance. Both screen formats of Queen Rock Montreal in 4K can be enjoyed in either HDR or SDR. Audio options for both Queen Rock Montreal and Live Aid performances include LPCM Stereo, DTS-HD Master Audio, and the immersive Dolby Atmos. Adding another layer of depth, Queen Rock Montreal features an audio commentary track by Brian May & Roger Taylor, where they share their personal reflections and anecdotes about the film.
The double Blu-ray release mirrors the 4K package, offering Queen Rock Montreal in Full Frame on disc one with the upscaled HD Live Aid performance and Dolby Atmos audio. Disc two contains the widescreen concert version and the Live Aid rehearsal featurette. Just like the 4K version, the Blu-ray also provides LPCM Stereo, DTS-HD Master Audio, and Dolby Atmos audio options, alongside the Brian May & Roger Taylor commentary track.
Bonus Features:
Beyond the concert itself, fans are treated to valuable bonus features:
- Audio commentary by Brian May and Roger Taylor: Gain firsthand perspectives on the concert and its historical context from two members of Queen.
- Live Aid Rehearsal Footage: Get a rare look at Queen preparing for their Live Aid performance with rehearsal footage of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Radio Ga Ga,” and “Hammer To Fall,” along with a pre-Live Aid band interview.
4K – Disc 1
Queen Rock Montreal (full frame version) SDR/HDR
- Intro (Taylor)
- We Will Rock You [Fast] (May)
- Let Me Entertain You (Mercury)
- Play The Game (Mercury)
- Somebody To Love (Mercury)
- Killer Queen (Mercury)
- I’m In Love With My Car (Taylor)
- Get Down Make Love (Mercury)
- Save Me (May)
- Now I’m Here (May)
- Dragon Attack (May)
- Now I’m Here [Reprise] (May)
- Love Of My Life (Mercury)
- Under Pressure (Queen / Bowie)
- Keep Yourself Alive (May)
- Drum and Tympani Solo (Taylor)
- Guitar Solo (May)
- Crazy Little Thing Called Love (Mercury)
- Jailhouse Rock (Leiber / Stoller)
- Bohemian Rhapsody (Mercury)
- Tie Your Mother Down (May)
- Another One Bites The Dust (Deacon)
- Sheer Heart Attack (Taylor)
- We Will Rock You (May)
- We Are The Champions (Mercury)
- God Save The Queen (Trad. arr. May)
Queen Rock Montreal Commentary from Brian May & Roger Taylor
LIVE AID CONCERT
- Bohemian Rhapsody (Mercury)
- Radio Ga Ga (Taylor)
- Ay-Oh (Mercury)
- Hammer To Fall (May)
- Crazy Little Thing Called Love (Mercury)
- We Will Rock You (May)
- We Are The Champions (Mercury)
- Is This The World We Created…? (Mercury / May)
4K Disc 2
Queen Rock Montreal (widescreen version) SDR/HDR
- Intro (Taylor)
- We Will Rock You [Fast] (May)
- Let Me Entertain You (Mercury)
- Play The Game (Mercury)
- Somebody To Love (Mercury)
- Killer Queen (Mercury)
- I’m In Love With My Car (Taylor)
- Get Down Make Love (Mercury)
- Save Me (May)
- Now I’m Here (May)
- Dragon Attack (May)
- Now I’m Here [Reprise] (May)
- Love Of My Life (Mercury)
- Under Pressure (Queen / Bowie)
- Keep Yourself Alive (May)
- Drum and Tympani Solo (Taylor)
- Guitar Solo (May)
- Crazy Little Thing Called Love (Mercury)
- Jailhouse Rock (Leiber / Stoller)
- Bohemian Rhapsody (Mercury)
- Tie Your Mother Down (May)
- Another One Bites The Dust (Deacon)
- Sheer Heart Attack (Taylor)
- We Will Rock You (May)
- We Are The Champions (Mercury)
- God Save The Queen (Trad. arr. May)
Queen Rock Montreal Commentary from Brian May & Roger Taylor
LIVE AID REHEARSAL
- Bohemian Rhapsody (Mercury)
- Radio Ga Ga (Taylor)
- Hammer To Fall (May)
Queen Rock Montreal is more than just a concert film; it’s a testament to Queen’s enduring legacy and their unparalleled live performances. For avid collectors, dedicated fans, and those seeking to experience the magic of Queen for the first time, this release is an essential addition to any music library. Relive the energy, the passion, and the sheer rock spectacle of Queen Rock Montreal.
