Rush Classic Albums: 2112 Moving Pictures
by John Kindred
Staff Writer
Eagle Rock Entertainment is busy churning out DVD and Blu-ray releases featuring rock’s greatest artists. Its latest Blu-ray release is a Rush documentary. It’s another video in the Classic Album series titled Rush – 2112/Moving Pictures. Unlike ‘09’s Beyond The Lighted Stage, which documents the history of the band from inception to the present, Rush – 2112/Moving Pictures briefly touches on the band’s formation. This documentary focuses instead on the events and songs of Rush’s two landmark albums; 1976’s 2112 and ‘81’s Moving Pictures.
It follows a familiar presentation that includes the artists and producer breaking down the music in the studio setting. Alex Lifeson, Geddy Lee, Neal Peart and producer Terry Brown deliver the inside track to these celebrated albums. The band’s history is intertwined with the discussion of the writing and recording processes. With instruments in hand, band members talk and play back signature riffs and melodies. Covering both albums, the band and producer break down the first side of 2112 and the varied approach on side two, as well as songs from Moving Pictures, such as “Tom Sawyer,” “Limelight,” and “YYZ.”
Neal Peart’s talent doesn’t stop at percussion, and the documentary discovers his passion for books and how he penned classic lyrics to Rush’s music. The band also reveals that within the confines of its own skin, influences of other music styles are unlimited. And although these influences are drastically and stylistically different, the band never loses its identity.
The Blu-ray includes insights from Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters) and “Rolling Stone” journalist David Fricke. VH1’s original 112-minute version and an additional 50 minutes of bonus footage also are included.
As with many of the videos that comprise the Classic Album series, this one is informative and insightful.
Features:
- Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
- Video Codec: AVC/MPEG-4
- Resolution: 1080i/60
- Audio Codec: English LPCM 2.0 Stereo
- Subtitles: English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish
- Region: A
- Rating: Not Rated
- Discs: 1
- Studio: Eagle Rock Entertainment
- Blu-ray Release Date: September 28, 2010
- List Price: $19.98
Hardrock Haven rating: n/a