Queen

More than a mere DVD reissue, the main feature here represents a full-on reworking of Queen’s 1984 concert film We Will Rock You, released theatrically throughout North America. While that artefact strived to replicate a live concert experience (particularly in markets that were unlikely to ever play host to Queen), the aim of this digitally restored, reedited and sonically enhanced effort is to serve as a historic document, and to look and sound exceptional. It succeeds on all accounts, despite having no additional footage to introduce. Purported to be the first feature-length concert movie shot on 35mm film, the footage, which was filmed over two nights (November 24 and 25, 1981) is stunningly sharp. The band’s performance of about 25 career-spanning songs, meanwhile, is top-notch, as the home of the Habs is shaken without the benefit of any arena rock staples like keyboards (save for acoustic piano) or backing musicians. A witty and revealing commentary track by Brian May and Roger Taylor proves entertaining too, as does the skimpy outfit the late Freddie Mercury dons for the encore.