Chrome Dreams Media, Queen Under Review 1980-1991, is a critical look at the band from the Flash Gordon days up until the death of Freddie Mercury in 1991. The discussions found on this DVD, are from some music journalists and other experts within the industry. Sometimes enlightening, other times it sounds like they’re speaking to hear their own voices but it is very educational even for the die-hard fans.
During this era of Queen, the band focused away from their long experimentation days of the 70’s into a more concise machine with very little reminders. In essence the were forward even at the risk of losing their fans of the 70’s. I remember a time when it was ‘uncool’ to be a fan of Queen and since Wayne’s World, that soon changed.
I first became a fan of the band when I picked up their Greatest Hits cassette after hearing their musical score on the campy Flash Gordon soundtrack. I was so very hooked to this band, much like how some gelled to the Beatles and Led Zeppelin.
Anyways, back to this DVD. After watching it a few times, I found there was nothing new to tell about the legendary band for a die-hard fan, since they knew everything about the band. That being said, I do believe this is a nice retrospective for them as well as a introduction to new fans. Some highlights of the DVD are snippets of Queen as an live act, including their ’show stealing’ set at Wembley Stadium for the “Live Aid” concert on July 13th, 1985. This is a very nice recap of the band’s history and I would say go get it or rent it soon.
Reviewed by Ron Fuchs on November 12th, 2006
