Rush: R30 Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		1.0
Overall		4.0

Rush: R30 Blu-ray Movie Review

Without Canadian rockers Rush progressive rock would have been a very different animal. Bands such as Marillion, Asia, Queensryche, Mercyful Fate, Dream Theater, Fates Warning, Ayreon, Symphony X, Angra and Savatage, probably would have not existed. Entire rock sub-genres probably would have not existed.

Rush was formed in 1968 in Toronto, Canada by Alex Lifeson (Guitar/Vocals), John Rutsey (Drums) and Geddy Lee (Vocals/Bass). Their first album, Rush, however, came in 1974, when Rutsey was replaced with Neil Peart, who would eventually become the band's principal lyricist. Since then, Rush have recorded 24 albums, of which 3 have become multiplatinum.

Initially more of a hard rock than progressive rock band, Rush were inspired by the likes of Black Sabbath, Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin. Like many young rock bands, they played live as often as they could, and did as many covers as they were asked to. The more the members of Rush performed together, however, the more confident they became in developing a unique style. By 1978, when Rush released their Hemispheres, it was clear to everyone who followed the rock scene closely that this was a band that had something different to offer.

I was introduced to Rush in the early 80s, while I was experimenting with the music of another legendary progressive rock band, King Crimson. Their albums were not easy to purchase, but this only fueled my desire to find out more about them. During a trip to Germany, I managed to get four of their albums, including the groundbreaking Hemispheres, and since then have seen them perform live more than a dozen times.

As cliché as it may sound, what makes Rush a very special band is their music. Their compositions are incredibly complex, incorporating elements from a number of different genres, from folk to new-wave and jazz. Also, Rush do not imitate what other bands have already done before them; on the contrary, there are countless examples of their unique style being copied by others. Rush are also notorious for their terrific live improvisations.

Rush: R30 was recorded live during the band's stop in Frankfurt, Germany, in 2004, which was part of their 30th Anniversary World Tour. During this truly memorable show, Rush performed many of their classic hits, including "Mystic Rhythms", "Between the Wheels", "The Seeker", "Bravado", "Secret Touch", "YYZ", "Bastille Day", etc. (Note: Unlike the SDVD release of Rush: R30, which misses a number of songs Rush performed, the Blu-ray disc herein reviewed contains the entire R30 show).

Between the Wheels

Rush: R30 Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.78:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080i "live" transfer, Rush: R30 arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Anthem Entertainment/Zoe Records.

Recorded at Festhalle, Frankfurt, Germany, in 2004, Rush: R30 looks terrific in high-definition. Detail is very impressive, both during close-ups as well as during the numerous panoramic shots. Clarity is also excellent; neither digital noise nor macroblocking are an issue of concern. Mild motion-judder is noticeable only during a couple of scenes (see "The Seeker" and "Roll the Bones").There are no serious shadow issues to report in this review. Generally speaking, the stage lighting is very effective - particularly late into the show. Finally, I did not detect any transfer-specific technical issues while watching the show. (Note: Even though Rush: R30 is marketed as a Region-A release, it is in fact Region-Free. Therefore, you will be able to play it on your PS3 or SA regardless of your geographical location).

Rush: R30 Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There are three audio tracks on this Blu-ray disc: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Digital 2.0. I opted for the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track and later on did a few random comparisons with the other two tracks for the purpose of this review.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is excellent. In fact, I'd say that occasionally it is as potent as the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track from Rush: Snakes and Arrows Live. What impresses the most about it is the terrific separation between the guitars, drums and vocals (listen to "The Spirit of Radio" and "Between the Wheels"). The sound is crystal clear and well rounded, never anemic or misplaced. This is also a very diverse mix, with excellent movement in the surround channels that should certainly impress those of you who have seen a large number of live shows. Finally, the crowd noise is also handled very well - it is prominent but never overpowering the music.

The Dolby Digital 5.1 track is quite weak. Next to the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, its dynamic amplitude feels seriously limited. The excellent separation between the guitars, drums and vocals is also almost unrecognizable on it. The crispness of the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is also missing.

Rush: R30 Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Most unfortunately, there are no supplemental features to be found on this Blu-ray disc. However, Anthem Entertainment/Zoe Records have included a 24-page illustrated booklet with photos from a number of different shows Rush staged during the years.

Rush: R30 Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

If you consider yourself a serious fan of Rush and their music, then you should definitely add Rush: R30 to your library. The show is terrific and the presentation wonderful. The Blu-ray disc herein reviewed, courtesy of Anthem Entertainment/Zoe Records, is also attractively priced. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.