Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #13803 in DVD
• Released on: 2006-07-24
• Rating: Exempt
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 4
• Dimensions: 1.00 pounds
• Running time: 700 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
While Pink Floyd's widely popular Pulse ranks as one of the bestselling DVDs of 2006, Rush: Replay x 3 is a similarly praiseworthy treasure-trove that's geared more for long-time Rush fans with a working knowledge of the band's evolution. New fans and late-blooming converts are just as likely to enjoy this three-concert package (compiled from previously available VHS releases from the 1980s), but it's the die-hard devotees of Canada's premiere prog-rock power trio who'll get the most from this epic-scale, remastered DVD package. Particularly welcome here are the miniature reproductions of the official programs from each of the tours featured here: "Exit Stage Left" (1981), "Grace Under Pressure" (1984) and "A Show of Hands" (1987-88). With tour-diary notes by the band's illustrious percussionist and co-founder Neil Peart, and often humorous personnel profiles and equipment list by Peart, guitarist Alex Lifeson, and bassist/synth player and vocalist Geddy Lee, these handy booklets offer both tour-related nostalgia and successive glimpses into the band's creative process. Lavishly illustrated, they're also fascinating as visual records of the band's on-stage look, album designs, and related materials.

As presented here (as opposed to earlier releases on VHS and laserdisc), the concerts are intended to complement the same live recordings (with some variations in playlists) that were previously released on CD, and the "Grace Under Pressure" CD, included here as a special-bonus fourth disc, is an all-new release exclusive to this package. If you own them all (and what self-respecting Rush fan wouldn't?), you'll have a near-complete collection of these pivotal performances. Both "Exit" (recorded at The Forum in Montreal, Quebec) and "Grace" (Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto) have been re-edited to an even hour apiece, while "A Show of Hands" (National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, England) clocks in at 90 minutes. While they lack the visual splendor of Pulse, each concert offers an equal serving of highlights, notably "The Trees" and "Xanadu" (on "Exit"), "The Spirit of Radio" and the muscular medley of "YYZ/The Temples of Syrinx/Tom Sawyer/Vital Signs" (on "Grace"); and the stunning Alex Lifeson showcase "La Villa Strangiato" (on "A Show of Gands"). The latter also includes an obligatory and always-impressive Neil Peart drum solo (on "The Rhythm Method"), and while the original video source results in occasionally murkey image quality (as also happened with "Grace Under Pressure" director David Mallet on Pulse), there's no doubt that the 5.1-channel Dolby Digital remastering (supervised by Lifeson and Mike Fraser) represents a substantial improvement in overall sound, especially for those with DTS decoders. For those who think a little Rush goes a long way, Replay x 3 will probably qualify as overkill, but true fans will be ecstatic despite the absence of certain previously available material or any backstage features that would allow a more intimate glimpse of prog-rock's most enduring practitioners. What's not here is regrettable; what is here is fantastic. --Jeff Shannon

Synopsis
Contains 12 songs previously unreleased on DVD plus live performances of a selection of Rush's hits.

Customer Reviews

Essential Purchase
At last Rush have released the Exit... Stage left and A Show of Hands videos on DVD, as well as adding the previously unavailable Grace Under Pressure concert footage. The picture quality of Exit... may be a little lacking due to the age of the film (1980s) but it more than makes up for it in the sheer quality of the band's prowess as musicians. The other two concerts are of higher quality although perhaps not quite up to todays standards. But bear in mind that these were all shot years ago and considering this the quality is truly amazing. Some may not even noticeon the latter two. And anyway, anyone who quibbles over this is missing the point. This is Rush at their best. And this is more than a historic document - it's a tour de force.

The extra CD of the Grace... concert is a nice addition as are the 3 tour book reproductions.

Excellent Value
Have just received this DVD set from Amazon and as a life long Rush fan can't recommend it highly enough. Each show was previously available on VHS video but they became hard to find so hats off to Rush for making them available in a box set at an unbelievable price. The extra miniaturised tour book for each show, along with the Grace Under Pressure Concert audio cd, just makes this an essential purchase for anyone with even a passing interest in one of the greatest bands ever. Some reviews on the Amazon.com site have expressed disappointment with the sound and picture quality. Bear in mind that these are concerts from the eighties so you can't really expect today's technology. However what you get is perfectly acceptable picture quality, and the sound is in stereo, DTS 5.1 surround and Dolby 5.1 surround. The only fault is the remixing of Geddy Lee's bass which is too low in the mix sometimes. Highlights - too many to mention - just buy it and be amazed.

A great RUSH historical snapshot
It's good to watch these again. A set of three great concerts taken from 1981, 84 and 88. Some interesting footage and not for just die hard fans. (The thing that all the die hard fans want is a full show from 1981).
Ah well.....
The first concert in 1981 is probably labelled as the most popular, filmed in Montreal on the Moving Pictures tour. Its most annoying feature is the talking they do in between the songs - for me it spoils it a bit. The second is in Canada again on New years Eve 1984 during the Grace under Pressure tour - and they look typically 80's in this one. That last is on the Hold Your Fire tour in 1988 in Birmingham NEC (I was there!!) and is a longer 90 min concert and with good filming.
There is a fair selection of songs on them all with a few repeated (inevitably as these were three separate releases originally).
But all in all with songs spanning 1974 - 1987, this is fantastic value for money, especially now it is even cheaper than when first released.
Whether you are wanting an intro to RUSH or you love 'em, just buy this. Heck, even if fall in somewhere between and just like the odd Rush song, just buy it anyway - you will like it. :-)