Status Quo: Pictures: At Montreux 2009

Although Status Quo had only 2 charted hits on Billboard in US, the picture in UK is vastly different. Their first hit was Pictures Of Matchstick Men in 1968. Since then up to now, they have amassed a total of 64 charted singles in the British chart, more than any group in UK history. They have Top 20 hits in each of the past 5 decades. Status Quo has sold over 118 million records worldwide.

In 2008, Status Quo released the very collectable Pictures: 40 Years Of hits box set with 4 CDs and a table size book containing paintings contributed by other artists. This is a must-have for all Status Quo fans, containing all the singles released during their career. Be careful not to mistakenly buy the abridged 2 CD set with the same name.

This blu ray disc was filmed in 2009 when Status Quo rolled into Montreux. Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt delivered a blistering set of classic tracks covering their 40 years of hits with giant screens behind the stage, illustrating high points from the Quo's career. There were 22 songs in the complete concert, although some were in medley form.

Video: It was filmed in 1080i at 1.78:1. The images were very sharp and detailed. Eagle Vision has done a good job in bringing the concert to video. (4/5)

Audio: There is a choice of DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital and LPCM Stereo. Of course one would choose DTS-HD MA, with excellent sound. Singing track was very distinctive, and the band was very tight with good beat and bass. Very well done (4.5/5)

In addition to the full concert, there is also a new documentary "Pictures: The Story Of 40 Years Of Hits". The total length of the concert and documentary is a staggering 243 minutes. This blu ray concert is the first disc that contained so many hits in their 42 years career in one package, with great video and killer audio.

If you are a Status Quo fan and have been trying to collect all their hit singles, the box set of 4 CDs Pictures: 40 Years Of Hits is the definitive choice, much better than any of their previous releases, including the Gold series.

If you like Rock N Roll, this blu ray disc will not disappoint. For those people who are not familiar with this UK band, this disc is a good introduction. Afterwards, you will appreciate why Status Quo has lasted 42 years...and still going strong. Amazing career. Amazing disc. Highly recommended.

If you like Status Quo, even a little, you need this DVD and you won't regret the purchase. Excellent picture, sound, crowd, song choice, energy, you name it. It feels like you're there and the entire show puts a smile on your face. Even if you're not a HUGE Quo fan, you'll enjoy this one. It's just good time rock 'n' roll played by a bunch of guys who obviously like their job. A++

This disc is a must, outstanding performance and the audio quality is superb. Recorded in Switzerland in July 2009. 243 mins of pure enjoyment. Status Quo has release great albums. The Party Ain't Over, Heavy Traffic, Searching for The Fourth Chord. This Blue Ray is the only way to hear and see this band. The video and camera work including the flying boom/cam is fabulous. The Montreux concert has 22 LIVE tracks with songs that are previously mentioned and more. Also on bonus "The Story of 40 Years of Hits" interviews with Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt with the beginning of Quo and their early lives around 10 years old to present. Rick Parfitt had triple bypass heart surgery at one time that saved his life. Francis is quite enjoyable to watch and listen to in the interviews and old photos and videos of the band from the late 60's and 70's and so fourth. The documentary is very well done which has a lot of history of the band. Don't hesitate this may be discontinued later this year as I find with a few CD'S and DVD'S on Amazon. You'll have a good time partying with the Quo. Watch for my review with Bad Company LIVE at Hard ROCK on Blue Ray.