Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #37858 in DVD
• Released on: 2006-01-23
• Rating: Exempt
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Formats: PAL, Widescreen
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: Dutch, German, Italian, French, Portuguese, Spanish
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 80 minutes

Special Features
16:9 Wide Screen
DVD 5
English
Region 0
Dolby Digital Stereo English
Dolby Digital Stereo
Dutch\French\German\Italian\Portuguese\Spanish

Synopsis
THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST was Iron Maiden's greatest achievement, and, accordingly it brought them their greatest popularity and notoriety. Revered by metal fans for their focus on music and reviled by critics for their supposed "satanist" leanings, this record represents the seminal British metal band at their peak. Featuring a track by track examination of the record's original multi-tracks lead by Martin Birch, the album's producer, as well as interviews with rock journalists that put accusations made against the band in perspective, this documentary provides an inside look at one of the best and most notorious metal albums of the 1980s.

Customer Reviews

Fascinating.
Beast was, and remains, one of the best releases from Iron Maiden. Now this DVD tells the story behind the making of the album, and it is great viewing.
Most of the songs are given a good in depth analysis, with the exception of Invaders and Gangland (which are used as background music).
The hours spent trying to get the first four lines of the title track "just right" made me smile, and the release of frustration by Bruce when he finally gets to do the scream is evident.

Steve H talks about where he got the idea for "...Beast", and Adrian plays parts of the song on his guitar.
In fact, each band member adopts a role, Steve does the majority of the analysis of the songs, Adrian also contributes to this (especially 22 Acacia Avenue, which he originally wrote age 18 and then forgot!), and does all the live playing. Dave Murray drops in anecdotes and more general comments on the history of the band, and Clive Burr is produced to talk about his feelings on his time in the band.

Martin Birch is back behind a mixing desk, and plays around with the tracks to show details of what is on tape.

And Bruce takes the role of main presenter, moving from the interview room to deepest Cornwall (I think), where he describes the concept of "The Prisoner" (remember the TV series?), how he came up with the rhythm whilst having a go on Clive's drumkit, and Rod Smallwood's fumbling call to Patrick McGoohan seeking permission to use part of the soundtrack. He also tells of how he joined the band, and the way the band developed into one of the biggest rock bands in the world.

Run to the Hills, which was the first single, and got to #7, is discussed with clips from the promo video, and Hallowed Be Thy Name is obviously a band favourite, remaining in the live set to this day. "Children..." is also run through fondly, Adrian on guitar and Steve talking about the inspiration and the fact that whilst they may write slow numbers, they never manage to stay slow 'till the end.

Even the cover artwork is discussed. And of course, various journalists are interviewed (Mick Wall is especially full of stories). Some myths surrounding the album are dismissed, although the car crash + nuns + repair bill is apparently true! Other guests include Dave Mustaine, and Nicko McBrain, who toured with the band as part of the support act, and got to dress up as a devil for the Maiden show.

There is a spattering of live footage throughout the DVD, from Paul Di Anno's era right up to Rock in Rio, although a lot of it seems to come from the Powerslave/Live After Death era.

And stories from the US tour are especially funny (pickets, burned albums, and a chap with a huge cross on wheels in one concert).

One poigniant fact is that none of the current line-up realised that Clive Burr was ill (multiple sclerosis) until this DVD was recorded. they have since started a benefit fund and held charity gigs for him.

Good for them.

The best Maiden album gets a great docu-dvd
Cast your mind back to an age where bands actually played their own instruments as opposed to miming and dancing on Top of the pops....
Its 1982 and Maiden have just released possibly the greatest album of their career. This DVD mixes footage (live clips - possibly from the never released Beast over Hammersmith film??)with interviews with the band and key members of the Maiden 'team' (Martin 'Farmer' Birch, Rod Smallwallet). Ardent fans will have heard many of the stories already from such releases as 12 Wasted Years, but the DVD format really make it a must buy. Extras on the DVD include Adrian playing the famous riffs and a live cut of Hallowed be thy name taken from this years Rock in Rio III festival. If your a lifelong fan you'll buy it anyway, but this will appeal to new fans alike.
In the words of 'Arry - Up the Irons!!

If you're a Maiden fan, buy this!!!!
This DVD contains everything you would want to know about the making of Number Of The Beast and has loads of interviews with current and old band members. The unseen footage from different gigs is brilliant to watch, true Maiden style shows. The preview of this years Rock In Rio festival are mouth watering....if you are a Maiden fan you have to buy this, you wont regret it. Up the Irons