Rating: 
Summary: I wasn't there, but...
Review: I live in Medellín, Colombia and I travelled almost 6 hours by plane just to see Rush in San Antonio, TX last year. Well, let me tell you: the sound was perfect because it was loud and Rush rocked, not 100% hi-fi, just loud!. I did not hear every word Geddy sang or every note they played because my friends and everyone in the public was yelling, it didn't matter, it was perfect. ¿Can you imagine the excitement of the Brazilian people seeing and hearing Rush for the first time, in their own sacred stadium? Well, don't imagine, just see this DVD. This is just like The Beatles at Shea Stadium, the audience are protagonist too, this is an event to preserve!. It doesn't matter if you have to reconfigure your home theater to get a "better sound", the excitement is there, just enjoy. As far as I'm concerned, seeing this DVD is like being there in San Antonio again and again. If you didn't catch Rush at the Vapor Trails Tour, this is as close as you can get, and believe me, it's very close.
Rating:
Summary: An Unbiased Review: Honestly!
Review: I will try to make this as unbiased as possible from a technical perspective and then from an entertainment factor perspective. SUMMARY
Audio (both 2.0 DD and 5.1 DD): 5 stars
Video: 4 stars
Extras: 4 stars
Band Performance: 5 stars
Overall: 5 stars SONG HIGHLIGHTS (this part subjective)
All songs off of Vapor Trails, the encore, Resist, Natural Science, Freewill AUDIO
The audio on this DVD is phenomenal. All instruments are incredibly clear and discernable during very active passages. Although synthesizers have taken a backseat on the latest album, this mindset does not affect older songs where the synths are still represented appropriately to still remain true to the original songs. Alex's guitar is by far the best sound I have heard of any guitar in a recording. Geddy's bass is incredible as well. Neil's drums (i.e. mostly the tom toms) take a little bit of a backseat, but not distractingly so. His drums represent how they came across in concert. Both 2.0 and the 5.1 mix are equally good with the 5.1 rear channels just a little hot with crowd noise, but basically very realistic in representing the atmosphere in an open venue. VIDEO
At first I thought the video was phenomenal. However, after repeatedly viewing the DVD I am finding that certain camera shots are not a s good as they should be. For example, the shots behind Neil or any shot of the band where blue stage lighting is used the image becomes more "grainy." The second concern is that of editing. A little much, but not too much like Iron Maiden's Rio DVD. Anyway, the shots on Rush In Rio tend to be a little fast on the higher energy songs like Working Man, Tom Sawyer, etc. and then slow up on the slower songs. This is not distracting in a major way, but appropriately done. Overall it is very clear and focuses on the boys playing their instruments quite well. EXTRAS
I like the documentary. By most standards, it is boring for the fact that Rush are not the lavish rockers that most bands are. In fact it represents just what kind of life these gentlemen live and I like that. The documentary uses a nice blend of Rush studio tunes without the vocals giving these songs a new and unique feel. The documentary shows rehearsal and individual warm-ups by the band members. I love the nice guitar shredding Alex was doing back stage for warm-up. Completely different soloing than what you will find recorded. Finally, unlike the Ozzy Budokan documentary you don't have to sit through the whole thing to get to your favorite parts. Each part of the documentary has appropriately placed chapters. Other "Extras" include a 1975 lip-synch version of Anthem and a By-tor video. Although, these are interesting to see, you will most likely never watch it due to the phenomenal concert that Rio was. PERFORMANCE
Most songs were performed flawlessly with some nice little improvisations to mix it up a bit. There are some very minor mistakes that do not distract from the performance at all. This is the tightest I have seen the band. Although I am a bass player, I am really impressed with Alex Lifeson and his outstanding performance. CONCLUSION
All in all, this is the best DVD I own. I am amazed by the sound and video and feel it to be of audiophile quality; meaning it sounds and looks great on my $50k system. The Eagles Hell Freezes Over DVD used to be my reference DVD for sound quality. However, with the release of Rush In Rio that has changed and it sounds awesome on my electrostatic speakers! Video is still very good, but they could have done just that little more to make this a flawless DVD for today's standards. I highly recommend for the fans and non-fans alike.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing Mix
Review: I have been a long time Rush fan for many years. I own all of thier stuff to date. I was very anxious to get this DVD like everyone else. I just purchased a new high end home theater sound system and couldn't wait to pop the DVD in. I have the Eagles, ELO, and the Cure on DVD and all of those sounded awesome! But I have to be honest, when I heard the first song on the Rush in Rio DVD in 5.1 mode, my jaw dropped. I couldn't believe how terrible the sound was. I knew it wasn't my system becuase of the previous DVD's I just mentioned. The drums sounded muddy and for crying out loud, I could hardly hear Geddy's voice. It sounded as though there were a couple of mics 300 yards away recording the sound. It is also disturbing since Rush are all such perfectionist. How did this DVD get past them with such a terrible mix. I would never expect a live recording to be perfect but this is terrible as far as sound quality goes. If you are a hard core Rush fan then you should buy this DVD to see the show and rare interviews. But if it is sound quality you are after...save your money. A Show Of Hands sounds much better on VHS. Don't get me wrong...Rush is one of the greatest bands ever. That is why Rush and thier fans don't deserve this horrible sound mix on this DVD. If am wrong, I apologize. But if you say the sound is great, let me know what equipment to use to get quality sound from this DVD.
Rating:
Summary: The Best Live Performance By Far of Rush
Review: I am impressed. I can finally say that this is the finest Live DVD of Rush that I have witnessed. The production of the packaging, video graphics, sound, camara angles, and documentary is astounding. I've witnessed the Moving Pictures Video, Exit Stage Left Video, A show of Hands, and this surpasses them all because of the following reasons. Rush used to be a bit rigid and lifeless on stage. I remember the 80's Rush looking like they were forced to have fun a bit. Rush in Rio shows the band having fun. There is a genuine feeling that the band enjoys playing live now and they had missed it, or they have finally come to grips with their past. Alex even plays some of the older guitars he used in the late 70's eary 80's. Geddy really feeds off the estatic audience and it propels the band. They played a fine show. My only negative comment is that 2112 was not played in the correct key. It does not feel right in the lower register, but I understand this was changed to allow Geddy to sing Temples in key. Geddy shines in this performance. Neil was excellent as well, and hats off to Alex. All are still in fine form. I wish they would all just take a bow together at the front of the stage. I understand Neil just wants to hop into a bus and get clear away from the stadium after gigs, but it would be a nice thing to do......
-Dave Carlin
Philly
Rating:
Summary: bf5m00y(BB)
Review: Buy the dvd / cd and enjoy a great show. Start with the second dvd first, it is a great way to understand the group as individuals. Rush fans will still love the show regardless of some reviews pointing at the quality of some of the recording. All of those reviews still say- own it! This review is for folks who are thinking about buying it and are on the fence. This is a live concert and is not perfect, but rather a genuine look at what it truly takes to put own a show like this. This may have been the last time for Rush, and if you never got to see them, this is the next best thing. Watch it and you may get some of the feeling of -in concert. Hopefully this was not the last go round! The cd is just as good and worth the money. The sound quality is great on the dvd and cd. Rush folks sometimes demand perfection because it is Rush; but here it is in a nutshell- a Rush concert on any level, surpasses most others by far. Enjoy
Rating:
Summary: Great Performance Rush.... Shoot the Producer !
Review: Hey I love Rush as much as the next guy. In fact, I still think they're one of the most underrated bands of the past thirty years. But how can such a technically superior band allow such a mediocre representation of their sound become what will probably be the final document of their live performances. I have to believe they had no input? The 5.1 mix is totally inferior as mentioned in previous reviews. Geddy's vocals are all but lost through the bulk of the show. The only exceptions are songs such as "Closer to the Heart" where there is little opportunity for other instruments or crowd noise to overshadow the vocals. Alex's guitar and Neil's drumming are consistently overwhelmed by the overpowering bass & crowd noise. Some have said that these problems improve after the first few songs. I disagree. I think that after straining to pick the vocals up during the first few songs, your ears just become more accustomed to and adjust to the faulty mix. I also dismiss all those who wish to exuse the sound quality due to the events surrounding the show, equipment problems, weather etc. I'm sorry but one listen to the new Led Zepplin DVD flushes those arguments. I mean that Zep stuff was recorded some 25 to 30 years ago, on equipment that could in no way compare to even the worst equipment available today. To those that argue that they have preserved the integrity of the actual live performance, I say thanks for nothing! Cuz ya know what, when I go to a live show and the mix (...), I complain then too! Yeah, I wanna see the band, but I wanna see the band because I love the music! I don't think it's wrong to expect the sound quality to be the best possible. And OK, so what if you didn't get the mix quite right the night of the show, there sure as hell is no exuse for not cleaning it up for a DVD or CD release. I have tried to manipulate the mix, as others have described (bringing up the center/reducing the rear surrounds), and although it does improve a small amount, it certainly does not fix things. If Geddy's vocals were the only thing on the center channel , it might work, but increasing all of the accompanying sounds in the channel just gives the performance different kind of unbalanced feel. I will try the stereo mix as a few have suggested, although it just seems wrong to have to go to this extent since this is 2003, and I did buy 5.1 DVD. All that said, there are redeeming qualities to the package. The band was obiously "dead on" and having a great time palying, which was awsome to see. And as mentioned before, the crowd was freakin insane, very cool! I really liked the set list too, although I would have liked them to include "Subdivisions". My recommendation is that if your a total Rush fan (like me) or an average fan that's not that particular about sound quality, don't hesitate to buy. Otherwise, you will likely end up dissapointed
Rating:
Summary: Believe the Hype! This is a must own!
Review: Don't pay attention to the nay-sayers, or you will be missing a GREAT PRODUCT! They would find something to complain about if Rush played right in their living room! Awe inspiring product that captures the raw excitement of the Brazilian fans and the band. Sound quality is not an issue as far as I'm concerned, certain people are exaggerating that issue WAY too much! If you are not a HI-FI junkie like me, you will not find it an issue. Watching the fan participation is enjoyable in itself, the fans in Rio seem well versed in even the lesser known tracks like "Resist", "Secret Touch" and "Big Money". Get out there and buy this thing!
Rating:
Summary: One Large Victory!!
Review: This is a great DVD!! It captures the feel and pacing of the actual concert (I went to 4 VT 2002 tour). I have been waiting for a mix to capture what Rush sounds like live and this DVD does it! Does it sound like the studio? Heck no! If you want that;buy the studio albums. What you get here is raw, slightly improvised, high energy renditions of amazing songs. Let's not forget that these guys are 50, haven't played in five years and rock more than ever! There have been complaints about the sound and editing-don't listen to it. Buy this DVD and enjoy life;it is that good.
What is so awesome is that the concert is presented in full; Rush never does this. So relish in that amd thank God for this product. Did I mention you should buy this? Rush is simply the best band ever (Peter Gabriel era Genesis runs a close second). This is one of the best concert DVDs. Believe the hype! Rush reigns victorious!!
Rating:
Summary: By-tor, and Anthem 1975
Review: To find the By-Tor movie, during the documentary listen for the reference made by Alex and press enter. To find Anthem '75, press 2-menu-1-menu-1-menu-2-menu start drum solo then go back to menu,
start Yyz then go back to menu,
start YYZ again then go back to menu,
start drum solo then go back to menu and Anthem 75 will be listed as a choice.
Rating:
Summary: It's Like This
Review: Rush In Rio the dvd package and 3 cd package (get that as well because of Vital Signs and Between Sun and Moon -not on the dvd) are literally the best items Rush has put on sale since the mid-1980s. They do not fail here at all and have given music fans a true gift. North American crowds should hang their heads in shame at how much we all have taken Rush for granted. The crowds in Brazil show how its supposed to be done. Appreciation for every single song. Dancing and singing to every song. Fists in the air and lots of emotion. Hell even the women down there love the band...what is the problem with the women in the states and Canada? Get your act together! Highlights are just too many to list. The string of Earthshine, YYZ,The Pass, Bravado, The Big Money,The Trees, Freewill, Closer To The Heart, and Natural Science is flawless. The crowd literally BOWS to Rush during Freewill. After the intermission it picks right back up with One Little Victory, Driven, Dreamline and then into some more Vapor Trails stuff Ghost Rider and Secret Touch lead us right into Red Sector A with haunting concentration camp computer animaton and then right into Peart's solo after Leave That Thing Alone. Limelight, Spirit of Radio, La Villa Strangiato, Resist (unplugged) all there. Even the all 70s encore of By-Tor and The Snow Dog, Cygnus X-1 and Working Man are all here. My only down on this video are that Neil's feet action should have been shown more. I wish the band would have kept in Vital Signs and Between Sun and Moon. Even Geddy and Alex said they should have just kept it in the setlist...it was only another 10 minutes. Also where was the 3 Stooges opener?!?! That should have been in here. Oh well there is always next tour for that. I also wish Subdivisions and Time Stand Still would have made it. Just listen to the dvd in stereo. Don't mess around with the 5.1 feature. It is pointless on this release. But be on the outlook for a box set in 2004, Exit Stage Left on dvd, and a 30th Anniversary tour of the world. Stop on by a new website called www.rushvote.com and have a look at it. You can vote on everything and it gets sent to Rush. 5 stars
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