Rating: Summary: All things considered... Review: I've just read a number of reviews for Rush in Rio, both good and bad. I was one of the guys that ran out and bought this only days after it's release in October. I saw Rush twice during the Vapor Trails Tour (Saratoga Springs NY and Manchester NH, respectively). I had incredible seats for both (first few rows from the stage). A fan for 25+ years. It's disheartening to see things like "the audio sucks", "horrible" etc. If you know anything about this production, you know that guitarist Alex Lifeson was THE individual pretty much responsible for mixing the audio for this DVD. Geddy Lee has said that neither he nor Neil had any desire to become involved in the mixing of this project, so it all fell on Alex. So, that's a direct hit towards him and his 30 years worth of experience in the music business. The guy put in ungodly hours, months of stress, and even lost his father during the time period this project was being mixed and I'm ashamed that other Rush fans would 'dis him like that. Personally, this show sounds great on my Onkyo 5.1 surround system and I very quickly find myself reliving the shows I saw when I view it. My 16 year old son (not particularly a Rush fan due to his young age) sat in awe last weekend as we watched it. I believe that this was a special performance that captured Rush in all their musicianship glory and in the spirit of what they've always been about...the music. As many music groups can only wish that they will play as well, perform as well, and draw as many people after 30 years of playing. As far as not being able to hit certain notes, it's just part of getting old but I don't believe that it detracts from the energy of the performance at all. That being said, Rush is also a band that in my opinion has aged quite gracefully and have never tried to be something they're not - 20 somethings. If you watched any of the documentary or read any of the interviews you will also realize that it's a miracle this first time ever show in Rio even occurred at all. From the equipment being rained on a few days before and arriving late at the venue in the first place, to the fact that most of the audio and video equipment was screwed into makeshift 2 x 4 racks in the back of a rented truck, and all of the other unforseen obstacles that occurred, makes it all that more amazing a show. The quick camera movements and angles are a reflection of the energy and momentum of this particular show (I believe) and it certainly keeps the audience captive. Besides, if you're going to have a production involving 22 cameras, why not take advantage of all of them? Lastly, the whole Vapor Trails tour symbolized one of the most celebrated returns (in light of the five-year hiatus that noone likes to talk about)and I think the DVD exemplifies that. If you're truly a Rush fan and you think this DVD stinks, then you're missing the point entirely. It's OK to disagree but I for one have to give Rush In Rio my full endorsement. To those that do...enjoy!
Rating: Summary: Shut up and Learn to Play Progressive Metal Review: Gentlemen, I live in Italy and we never saw Rush live. The only one time they came close to us Alex got an injury at the finger in Zurich around 1980. I have got this DVD because a friend went to London and bought me a copy (in Italy we will hardly see it outside the import network and believe me, there is a strong Rush community that could really overcome the fantastic Brasilian crowd at least 3-1). I have read all the reviews here and all the bla-blas about the sound and the movie direction. I was prepared to the worst. Honestly, there's a bit too much crowd in the surround speakers,the sound is a bit too compressed, and the direction is simply a bit too "fast" like most of today's music clips but - This is a great show with the guys at their peak - The sound list is a bit Vapor Trailed but there is everything you would like to hear from them live - The crowd is unbelievable - There is a documentary for the off-stage section that is unique and enjoyable like being part of the family - There are three songs in multi angle; thus you can see what Geddy, Neil and Alex are doing for the entire song and learn how to play if you are a musician What the else do you want? Buy it and see what it means to be the undisputed masters of progressive metal in a concert strongly pushed by 40.000 people screaming. This blend is perfect.
Rating: Summary: rush in rio Review: This concert DVD should by rights claim 5 stars. The only problem is that the audience is mixed in a wee bit too much. Nevertheless, the production is huge and one feels as if they are surrounded by a million Brazilian soccer fans who love their music. Too bad QUEEN live in RIO isn't readily available, you'd get my point. The subwoofer action is unrivalled, deep tight and punchy. And I did not get my system from Radio Shack!
Rating: Summary: Joyful noise unto the world... Review: There are many good things about this DVD, but the following few push it well into the "strong buy" range: -The exuberance of Brazilian fans who waited so long to see Rush. -The By-Tor and Snowdog cartoon. -The "Anthem" video. -The setlist. -The multiple angles. -"Earthshine"...fantastic! -The concert footage is way better than being there (I was there at Scranton, PA). -The documentary: --Alex Lifeson's hilarious hotel adventures. --Neil Peart practicing before a show. --Geddy Lee sticking up for Neil Peart's absence from Press Day activities. What else do you need to know?
Rating: Summary: "Rush In Rio" - the best rock DVD Review: "Rush in Rio" DVD is perfect !!!! My number evaluation(zero up to 10): -Video quality = 10 -Audio quality = 8 -Average = 9 "Rush in Rio" DVD can be compared only with Rolling Stones(Bridges to Babylon) and U2(the last tour). The Maracana Show was filmed with 22 cameras. Except Rolling Stones and U2, there isn't other band that filmed with 22 cameras or most. Examples: Iron Maiden in "Rock in Rio" DVD was filmed with 8 cameras...uéeeeee Peter Gabriel in "Growing Up Live" DVD was filmed with 12 cameras...uéeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeé Buy "rush in Rio" DVD. The best show!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rating: Summary: Lighten Up Review: Agreed. The sound is not great all the time, and we, the die-hard RUSH fans, have come to expect the highest level of production from our favorite band. Of course, the documentary explains the problems they went through with recording the concert, so give the guys a break!But, when Tom Sawyer opened up, I was instantly transported back to my enjoyment of the Vapor Trails concert I saw in the Bay Area, and I was thrilled to be watching the one band I have loved for so long crank out a set of uncompromising musicianship. Isn't this what experiencing a DVD of a live show is all about? Most of all, I was moved by the crowd- I see 40,000 people, who have listened to THEIR favorite band on vinyl, tape and cd for almost 30 years but have never seen them live, finally living their dream or seeing their heros on stage. You all know what I am talking about- you pop in Exit Stage Left or Different Stages, and you are brought back to your favorite concert, or even that favorite memorable moment from some show five or ten years ago. Your heart quickens its pace a little from that special highlight in your mind's eye, when you saw The Boys nail that critical moment in some song, perhaps punctuated by some aspect of their stage show. But, this crowd has NEVER seen Rush live- we get to witness in mass what I remember experiencing back in 1982- my first Rush concert. I believe this DVD captures that emotion of the huge, wild and exuberant Brazilian crowd. For those that are hyper-critical, stand back and see the forest from the trees. I, for one, am thrilled to own this DVD. It is a must for any Rush fan. The song selection, the length of the DVD, the extras, and the ability to see your favorite band- The Best Band on this Planet- play at such a high level, is absolutely, without a doubt, worth every penny.
Rating: Summary: RiR DVD Review: TO ALL RUSH FANS OUT THERE: we are perfectionists- most of us are probably aware of the little timing mistakes made by the band since there are so few the band's live performances will never be adequate- yes indeed I also must confess that the ~1hour long Exit...Stage Left video on VHS was absolutely horrible (however a must have) RiR is still on my wishlist. And yeah okay the sound may be sucky. OH, WELL, I do not care, many fans most likely have unilateral high freq hearing loss anyway, besides, it doesn't matter what the reviewers say, we will still purchase the DVD.
Rating: Summary: Heartbreaker Review: Man, would it have been nice to have a good DVD of Rush. I was going to buy this, but waited after reading so many negative reviews. My friend purchased it and I watched his. After doing so, I have to agree that the sound and video editing are not professional. It's almost like a group of intermediate level-instead of top level-guys got their hands on this and went crazy. Way too much attention is focused on the crowd, and there are times when they are playing and the focus is on the wrong element (i.e. paying attention to Geddy during a guitar solo). The documentary, however, is well worth watching, but the sound on that is even overmodulated at times. I haven't listened to the CD version. If you want a live RUSH concert on video, I still have to say that A Show of Hands is the one to get. And until I hear the RiR CD, I'd have to say get Different Stages.
Rating: Summary: let's get some perspective, folks! Review: Rush continues to be a vital creative force nearly 30 years into their existence. They are truly at the top of their game on this DVD and it captured well what a rush concert experience is. I've seen them over 15 times live and what few reviewers seem to remember here is that the sound of their music in concert is overwhelming! Add a frenzied crowd to that, and you have a lot of sound to deal with in a live mix. Watching this DVD on a big-screen and listening to it on a 5.1 sound system, I find it to be an incredibly satisfying experience. After the opening Tom Sawyer, the crowd settles down a bit and as the evening progresses, the music comes to the forefront. This phonomenon was no different from the three eveninigs I was privelidged to catch the Vapor Trails tour here in the US! My sound system was balanced using the AVIA program and I have not made any adjustments to audio levels. Drums, bass, guitar, and vocals are equally present in the mix, the way a good one should be! On the video end of things, if you stop focusing on the fast edits, the concert's a much more enjoyable experience (actually, the edits are well-synced with the pace of the songs). The documentary is excellent and really presents the band in situations many of us thought we would never be privy to. Hat's off to A.M. for a job well done! Many people seem to be wishing for everything this dvd is not. This viewer thanks the band for everything it is! May you buy it and treasure it!
Rating: Summary: Cut them some slack! Review: There is a perfectly good reason why Geddy's vocals are down in the mix. He can't sing very well anymore!!!! Why do you think they didn't play older material as the years went on? This DVD was exactlly what I expected out of a band that hit their prime 20 odd years ago...
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