Rush in Rio [2 DVD] [Import]

The setlist is fantastic, including all of the classics, and a few obscure tracks as well. The band delivers with passion and precision that makes it difficult to believe that they're in their 50's. Alex Lifeson has a great stage presence, with his goofy antics and endless arsenal of guitars. Neil Peart is just amazing (although a bit stiff; looks a bit like the terminator playing drums, but it works for him), especially his solo (certainly one of the best drum soloists in rock). And Geddy just rocks as well. His vocals are top notch, as is his drumming and keyboard work.

It's difficult to pick high points, because there's hardly an off moment here. The aforementioned drum solo is certainly worth a mention, as well as the extended "La Villa Strangiato" (disappointed that they cut out the acoustic intro, though). A lot of the newer material, like "Driven", "Earthshine", and "Roll the Bones", is fantastic as well. If I absolutely had to pick a favorite moment, I'd go with the acoustic version of "Resist". This version really is stunning, much moreso than the original. Such an emotional performance, and Geddy's vocals here on among the best I've ever heard from him. He's not a bad guitarist, either.

The documentary is fantastic as well. Very interesting, as well as entertaining. It really gives you an insight as to how cool and down to earth these guys are, and how much they genuinely appreciate their fan support. Plus, they're just total goofballs, which is always good. ;)

This is a spectacular DVD. If you love Rush, buy this now.

It's great and I sotrongly believe that this was achieved because they avoided overdubing the original sound. In fact there are some songs like "Secret Touch" that you can even notice some misadjustments on the efects they use (observe Alex backing vocals). There are also some deep low tunes at the beginnng of the drum solo wich I had to fight a little with a graphical equalizer to not to saturate my DTS equipment.

One can clearly observe that the efforts were to make this DVD sounds as close as possible to the live performance, and that includes the "imperfections" of a live environment. Most of the DVDs that are recorded live, are so much altered (overdubbed) that, most of the time, you loose the "live feeling" completely. However, with this DVD, Rush is proposing to break up with this terrible tradition, and that's why I believe that "Rush in Rio" is the best live performance video ever made.

By the way: I have shown this DVD to several people and everybody stays shocked when they see it for the first time (Including my sister who always hated Rush). BELIEVE ME, IT'S A MUST HAVE.