‘Queen Rock Montreal’ concert film to receive limited IMAX release
Queen Rock Montreal is set to receive a limited release in cinemas early next year. The concert film has been digitally remastered for IMAX.
Initially recorded in November 1981, the film showcases Queen’s performance at the Montreal Forum in Quebec, Canada. For two nights, the 18,000-seat venue played host to Queen classics like ‘We Will Rock You’, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, and ‘Under Pressure‘.
Queen had released The Game just one year earlier, which would become one of their greatest commercial successes, spawning beloved hits including ‘Another One Bites the Dust’ and ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’.
Directed by Saul Swimmer, the concert film was initially released on DVD, CD and vinyl in 2007. Now, the iconic performance has been reworked for IMAX and will run in cinemas from January 18th to January 21st, 2024. The immersive IMAX experience will be available to Queen fans worldwide, showing in 450 places across the UK, South Africa, Canada, Brazil, and more.
Speaking on the concert film, guitarist and astrophysicist Brian May reflected, “I don’t think we quite realised it at the time, but this film has preserved one of the highest peaks in Queen’s touring life, on stage in the old glory days.”
“The director [Saul Swimmer] was very much focused on Freddie,” he continued, “and this now stands as probably the most precious intimate capture ever of Mr. Mecury at his full awesome power.” Meanwhile, drummer Roger Taylor simply stated,” “Enjoy. We were young!”
Watch the trailer for Queen Rock Montreal below.
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