Rush Blog - Rush is a Band Blog: Snakes & Arrows DVD release open thread

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Monday, November 24, 2008

Snakes & Arrows DVD release open thread

Posted at 7:27AM | comments (249)

UPDATE - 11/25@10:35PM: Artisan News Service recently spoke to Alex Lifeson about the DVD and Lerxst had this to say (audio available here):

Yeah, and this one really is about the performance. It's about the interplay amongst the three of us; how we play, how we sound, and how we are presented. In the past some of our DVDs have been about different aspects of our show. For example Rush In Rio that we did in 2001, in obviously Rio De Janiero, was really about the event. It was a huge crowd in a big soccer stadium. It was really about that energy and the band where this is something pure about the performance.

He also said the following regarding the What's That Smell comedy vignette:

It connects us with our fans more. It all becomes part of the Rush family. Rather than bringing in actors or some other people to do these little bits that give you some kind of flow visually in the show. When we do it, it's more of an effort on the part of the band. It's more genuine. I think Rush fans like to see us goofing around and see that we're not particularly serious about most things in our life. We take our music seriously, we take our performance seriously, we want to do the best that we can, but we're not serious people. This is really one way where we're able to show this side of the band, and I think Rush fans really enjoy it. I know we do. As you can see by the outtakes in 'What's That Smell' that we're just having a riot doing that stuff. So, we hope to continue with that.

Thanks to Brendan for the heads up.

----- snip -----

UPDATE - 11/25@10:05PM: I'd forgotten to mention that Rush.com also has received the Snakes & Arrows DVD treatment and now features a theme celebrating the release. Thanks to Lerxster for reminding me.

UPDATE - 11/25@8:00PM: As expected, the official Rush MySpace page has been updated with a shiny new Snakes & Arrows DVD theme. Thanks to mr soul for the heads up.

UPDATE - 11/25@1:43PM: Snakes & Arrows is the Blu-ray pick of the week at TAWKN.com and here's a positive review from Blogcritics (thanks Sean).

UPDATE - 11/25@1:01PM: Here's a description/instructions for the Easter Egg (including the Blu-ray version) from MovieWeb:

Select 5.1, wait like 7 cycles, Jerry comes on and tells you to push play already, then when suitcase (Envy) Al tells you to listen to the man and go for it, go for it! You'll see no menu options, just Al crossing his eyes at you. Hit enter or play You get a bonus extra What's That Smell behind the scenes with interviews of Ged and Al in character being interviewed.

This is on the Blu-ray as well - go to Bonus Features, go down to Oh, Atlanta! then press 'down' again and then enter/select

Thanks Daryl!

----- snip -----

UPDATE - 11/25@11:30AM: Reader Lerxster seems to have found an Easter Egg already! Here are the instructions. On Disc 1 at the main menu, wait for Jerry Stiller to come on. Then suitcase Al is crossing his eyes and there are no menu options - he's just looking at you. Hit the enter button on your remote and you'll be treated to a What's That Smell behind the scenes extra with interviews of Geddy and Alex in character. I haven't had a chance to try this myself yet, so if you have anything else to add (or if you find any other Easter Eggs) - please do so in the comments. Thanks Lerxster!

Today is the official US release of Rush's Snakes & Arrows DVD. This is Rush's first DVD to be released on Blu-ray as well as standard DVD. To celebrate the release Rush.com has posted a bunch of great new photos from the DVD shoot in their Multimedia: Rush on the Road section. There are also several teaser videos from the DVD online; namely The Larger Bowl, 2112, YYZ, The Spirit of Radio, Far Cry and Limelight. Many screenshots and a description of the menu/packaging can be seen here. Geddy also had a lot to say about the DVD in a recent Billboard interview. If you've already gotten your hands on the DVD please let us know what you think.

COMMENTS

#1 - Posted 11/24/08 @7:34AM by Will Collier [contact]

If there's a Circuit City still open near you (or anybody else), they've got the standard version DVD on sale for $12.99 today. Cheapest price I've seen.

Unfortunately, all the CC stores around here are in the middle of liquidation sales, so no new product and no such deal for me. Next best is BestBuy at $14.99 for the DVD and $19.99 for the Blu-Ray...

#2 - Posted 11/24/08 @7:36AM by Electric Brain Elderly [contact]

I think I'm going to have to wait a day or two to pick it up, but I will be getting it soon.

#3 - Posted 11/24/08 @7:38AM by Kelly D [contact]

Yeah, I may be in the minority here, but I'm in no huge hurry (yes I avoided the pun) to pick it up. Am I a bad Rush fan?

SPOTRUFR = when you need much more than stain remover

#4 - Posted 11/24/08 @7:48AM by ghost__rider [contact]

Sally, Sally, Sally...................disappointment in me, I must say......

#5 - Posted 11/24/08 @8:02AM by Electric Brain Elderly [contact]

Kelly, I think the word you were looking for was "haste.:

BUMOCAKU - the sound of a really sloppy drum roll from an indie concert? =\

#6 - Posted 11/24/08 @8:10AM by LanceTheShred [contact]

Somebody else is in Kelly D's body posting that comment....

#7 - Posted 11/24/08 @8:11AM by LanceTheShred [contact]

My bad! Please don't take that sexually :)

#8 - Posted 11/24/08 @8:23AM by Kelly D [contact]

Heheeheeee. . . I assure you, no one has taken over my brain. . . I just think it'd be an easy Christmas present, as I am somewhat of an enigma to get gifts for.

#9 - Posted 11/24/08 @8:45AM by Sub-Xanadu Man [contact]

I'm leaving work early today to go pick it up then head home to watch it!! Am I a bad employee?? :-)

#10 - Posted 11/24/08 @8:46AM by Wall05

I'll be heading out shortly to Best Buy to pick it up. I can't wait!

#11 - Posted 11/24/08 @8:49AM by entrenous [contact]

i have to wait 'till tomorrow eh!

#12 - Posted 11/24/08 @8:52AM by Bx3 [contact]

Kelly...Christmas...are you kidding me? Some things are far more important than giving others easy gift ideas. I'm sorry, this day could not have come soon enough for me.

#13 - Posted 11/24/08 @8:58AM by hermy [contact]

Fell asleep last night which was ok because crap mart didn't have it

At Target right now waiting for the doors to open.

No work today so I'm going to veg out all day and watch Rush in Blu ray!

Petie, I should taken you up on your offer!

#14 - Posted 11/24/08 @9:08AM by hermy [contact]

You gotta be kidding me........Target had ONE copy and no Blu ray......

#15 - Posted 11/24/08 @9:09AM by Will Collier [contact]

Hermy, what was the price at Target?

#16 - Posted 11/24/08 @9:13AM by Bx3 [contact]

Yeah, I'm not particularly surprised by that. Best buy is the safest bet,I think.

#17 - Posted 11/24/08 @9:17AM by hermy [contact]

#15.......it was $21.99

#18 - Posted 11/24/08 @9:19AM by alee64 [contact]

I ordered mine from Amazon. and stepped up shipping to Over night! If I don't have a email from them today that it has Shipped, I might just pick one up Locally here today. theres nothing wrong with Having two copies! I've worn out one dvd of Rush in Rio already. and I don't think my R-30 can take Much more.......

#19 - Posted 11/24/08 @9:34AM by alee64 [contact]

well I just checked my Amazon Account, and it says Item will ship on 26th.........................

#20 - Posted 11/24/08 @9:36AM by nlb [contact]

I picked mine up here in Mississauga Ontario on Friday Night. I have been a Rush fan since 1974 and I have attended 25 concerts since 1980

I must say that they have finally gotten a DVD right.

I must say that the DVD is very well done and it was much better than I expected. I picked up the Blue Ray.

Positives: Great Picture and Sound, Camera work is overall very calm with many full stage shots.

Negative: The Atlanta recoredings were not very good. The video is over lit and the sound, for lacker of a better word, very coarse.

Anyway, a great DVD which I have been enjoyng all weekend.

#21 - Posted 11/24/08 @9:46AM by Pat [contact]

I stopped by WalMart on the way into work, and they didn't have it and didn't know anything about it and insisted that it wouldn't be out until tomorrow. So I'll stop by Circuit City on the way home and hope they have it out already. I don't trust them, though. I've had run-ins with those folks before.

#22 - Posted 11/24/08 @9:52AM by Alexfan [contact]

Hey nlb - Where did you get it?

#23 - Posted 11/24/08 @10:03AM by Michael Senyo [contact]

In So Cal, get to Best Buy or Target.

I wouldn't spend two cents at WalFart.

ms

#24 - Posted 11/24/08 @10:16AM by State of Grace [contact]

Some of you may remember when we were speculating about what was the next Rush 'Surprise' (as hinted by Donna Halper). It was mentioned by some of us (klownboxer being one) that we wondered if Rush was doing an I-MAX 3-D project at the Toronto July '08 concert.

I mentioned that I saw a picture somewhere of a camera up on the grass hill where I was (I didn't see the camera at the concert even though I'm just over from the right of it - ahhhh... I was just a wee bit occupied :P - LOL). I finally found the picture here is the link.

link

We'll just have to see.

#25 - Posted 11/24/08 @10:19AM by State of Grace [contact]

Oops, it won't embed the exact link for that picture so if you want to see it just go to 'Other Toronto Stuff' and it is the 9th picture. You can't miss it.

#26 - Posted 11/24/08 @10:22AM by dedlift [contact]

Some of those screen-shots are SICK!. I love the indoor venues...

I still say the band should offer for sale some of the pix from multimedia of the shows. I'd love to have some of them.

#27 - Posted 11/24/08 @10:29AM by State of Grace [contact]

Also go to the 11th picture and check out the camera next to the guy taking a still photo. There is also another track camera I never spotted between the grass area and the seating area (near the end third last picture).

#28 - Posted 11/24/08 @10:31AM by Wall05

I knew that preodering it would have been a mistake, they always take so long. That's why I'm glad I resisted my urge too. I have obtained my copy from Best Buy it was $14.99 and they have tons of copies.

******Just a warning I went to TARGET first and the DIDN'T HAVE ANY

After this busy morning rushing around (pun intended)all i can say is Oh, Atlanta!

#29 - Posted 11/24/08 @10:31AM by tr1gger [contact]

I live in Europe and had an email from Amazon saying they had shipped on Saturday afternoon... great excitement this morning only to be disappointed when postie arrived. I leave first thing in the
morning for a two day business trip so it'll be Thursday before I get to see it!!

#30 - Posted 11/24/08 @10:41AM by corbinator [contact]

I ordered 2 copies from the fan club (one for me and one for my 8 year old son) which is suppose to ship today. I am off from work today and trying to figure out who I can "gift" one of the copies to so I can run out to Best Buy to purchase it now!! I can't wait..I don't want to wait. I want immediate grafication!!

#31 - Posted 11/24/08 @10:43AM by RUSHnATL [contact]

Ordered from Amazon - Free shipping as prime member and only $4 for overnight.

$12.99 - standard DVD
$19.99 - blu ray

Should have it Wednesday. Will be nice to watch rather than the crappy NFL games scheduled for this year.

#32 - Posted 11/24/08 @10:44AM by starman2112

Just tore open new DVD and am in process of watching. so far AWESOME performance. The boys still put me in awe everytime I see them. Can't wait for next tour.

#33 - Posted 11/24/08 @10:45AM by GoldenRushFan [contact]

So,
I noticed the DVD in Best Buy's Sunday ad for $14.99, so I immediately headed out to get it. At 41 years of age, I burst through the doors of the store with the excitement and anticipation of a 10 year old. After a THOROUGH search of the DVD section, CD section, video game section (perhaps an unknowing employee thought it was a Wii version of Snakes and Arrows, a.k.a. "Chutes & Ladders"???...probably not, but WHERE IS THE DVD?????), and the dozen cardboard bins holding various DVDs, CDs, and video games....I finally resorted to asking a store employee for help.
The (trying to be) helpful employee verified via computerized stock-check that there were 23 copies in the store, searched all of the places I had already been, then the back room, before announcing that he didn't know where they were. What sort of cruel, twisted trick was this?? My eyes darted around, looking for the "Punk'd" cameras.
I next did what any of you would have done in this situation...I asked for a manager. He re-verified that there were 23 copies somewhere in the store, and checked a special back room area where Black Friday merchandise was segregated from everything else (perhaps the DVDs were misplaced there, he thought). Once again, no luck. By this time, it was getting late, my daughter (who I dragged with me) was hungry, and I was losing my patience, so I reluctantly headed home.
I am now at work, waiting for lunch hour to come so that I can try once again. I post all of this not to vent (well, maybe a little), not to solicit sympathy, but to pose the question: What other band has such loyal fans, that would go through such lengths to get their hands on a DVD that was being advertised a day prior to its official release date? RUSH RULES !!!

#34 - Posted 11/24/08 @11:31AM by RUSHGIRL [contact]

Here in Canuckyville, I will go to Wal-Mart at midnight and see if they have it. Otherwise, gotta wait until the music store opens tomorrow at 9am.........
Ahhhhhhhhhh the anticipation!!!!!!!!!!

#35 - Posted 11/24/08 @11:33AM by Bx3 [contact]

Is your release date still the 25th in Canada?

#36 - Posted 11/24/08 @11:41AM by starman2112

GoldenRushFan I feel your pain! I had a similar experience at Circuit City. Some young kid (who has probably never heard of Rush) said he didn't know if it came in or not. I asked him to check stock to see if it was. He was clueless. I crossed the street and went to FYE and purchased for a few more $'s. Anyway, I just finished watching DVD One and this is AWESOME!! can't wait to pop in disc two.

#37 - Posted 11/24/08 @11:44AM by dcd2112 [contact]

I picked up my copy Saturday night at a small CD store about 80 miles from where I live. Had gone to Madison for a football game earlier in the day. On a hunch, I decided to stop at this small shop and the kid behind the counter dug a copy out and sold it to me. Way cool! Thanks man! I am 41 years old and I am still like I was when I was 13 when it comes to this band. Can't wait for any new release!

I was able to watch most of it yesterday and I have to say it is the best live Rush DVD yet. I am always picky about the audio. Suffice to say that I thought that the three re-issues of the 80's films and R-30 were all brick wall limited and mastered way too hot (also the Vapor Trails and Feedback CD's, but that is another issue). I don't enjoy those very much because they sound bad. The Snakes & Arrows live DVD sounds great! It's warm and the sound breathes a little. Andy VanDette did a great job of mastering in a transparent fashion - as all mastering should be done! The mix is beautifully done and the mastering does not crush the cymbals or negate the dynamics.

The band's performance is among the best I have ever seen from them in person or on film. It almost makes you sad to realize that there aren't going to be too many opportunities to see them play. This type of playing is legendary - this incredible powerful precision is the stuff that people will talk about years from now in much the same way that people reminisce about epic performances by stellar artists like Cream, Hendrix, The Who, and Zeppelin. Rush knows how to burn it's music deep and you only get that when you are tempered by years of touring. The performance is relaxed, the guys are obviously enjoying themselves, and yet they are grabbing you by the scruff of the neck and mopping up the stage with you.

On top of all of that, the editing and camera work pulls you in to the performance and the interplay on the stage in a way that is very satisfying. There is something about the way that the shots are cut together that doesn't leave you feeling disjointed. It's not hyperactive editing. The show is the performance and the editing serves that extremely well.

Lastly, as a very long time fan, it was understood that Rush had a sense of humor. But it was subtle and cerebral. The guys had always been reserved somewhat in the way they presented themselves. It is priceless to see them having so much fun while making the little intro films. Obviously, that humor is one of the reasons that these guys continue to work together after almost 35 years.

David Duran
Milwaukee, WI

#38 - Posted 11/24/08 @11:47AM by Wall05

Disc 1 is awesome! The Secret Touch was so amazing! getting ready to put in disc 2

#39 - Posted 11/24/08 @12:04PM by rear view mirror [contact]

I'm in the Great White North Eh... And still waiting for my pre-ordred copy from Rush back stage.

Fortunately I have the rest of the DVD collection to keep me busy.

But I do have one eye on the street for the mailman.

#40 - Posted 11/24/08 @12:08PM by Zitro [contact]

Thanks for all of the updates and reviews, everyone.

Thought about going out to get it while I'm out-n-about today, but decided that I do NOT want to deprive glortiz of the privelege of going into the store after all his hunting this past weekend and walking out with it in his hot little hands......

#41 - Posted 11/24/08 @12:10PM by unktehila [contact]

dcd2112, your excellent description/review has gotten me very excited to go get my copy. soon, lunchtime and i'm out the door.
i agree 110% on mastering... they've certainly had their issues with many of the more recent releases - literally sucking the air and space right out of the mix with the hot wall of noise method. it crushes Neil's dynamics and subleties, especially on Vapor Trails - still one of my favorite Rush records.
so i'm glad to hear that this DVD is a superior audio experience. i'm not the hugest fan of the sound/mix of the S&A Live CD - i prefer Different Stages, but am very psyched to see and hear this DVD.

#42 - Posted 11/24/08 @12:10PM by Will Collier [contact]

Had the same experience as GoldenRushFan at BestBuy (Smyrna, GA). No copies on the shelves, but a manager looked it up for me and then went and rooted around in the back until she located the discs. Took her a while, but I did get "mine."

I guess putting out the G&R crap CD early was as much as BestBuy could handle...

#43 - Posted 11/24/08 @12:21PM by Lerxster [contact]

It.. is.. AWESOME!!! Probably the best direction in a Rush live dvd. And a truely spectacular performace from the boys. Heart lept, tears (of some kind) fell, fits of joy and a some laughs too as I watched (Ged & Neil making faces at each other at the end of Alex's Freewill solo had me crackin up). Leave Disc 1 on the main menu for a while and you get a "Jerry" surpirse. So great to see the intro/2nd half/outro films in entirety. Bonus stuff was great. Oh Atlanta! was not shot in HD however but no worries- so glad they included it so we have it all! I found the part where Geddy films the crowds asking them to say "Hello Canada" was well executed into the film- you'll see what I mean. Can't wait to watch it again tonight!!! :D :D :D

#44 - Posted 11/24/08 @12:25PM by Will Collier [contact]

Some packaging notes: The Blu-Ray is a single disc, standard is a three-DVD set. Both are in slimline cardboard cases (much appreciated by those of us with bulging DVD cabinets), the standard box is slightly larger than the Blu-Ray box, which can accurately be described as "wee." The standard DVDs are simply labeled "one," "two" and "three," no other markings other than Dutch windmills in the background. The front sticker is a blurb from the Rolling Stone feature article(!). Booklet has a very complete credits list for the tour, including the background video credits. The standard set also has an insert card advertising Retrospective 3.

We knew this already, but Atlantic Records is not mentioned anywhere on the packaging. The Atlantic suit who turned down Rush In Rio a few years back cost that company a hella lot of money; fortunately, the Boys have been able to reap the financial benefits of his stupidity (they get a much bigger cut of the DVDs, since those are self-financed by the band).

#45 - Posted 11/24/08 @12:28PM by SuNdOgSfIrEoNtHeHoRiZoN [contact]

I just bought the dvd from best buy at like 8 in the AM.I've watched the whole thing and it rocks just as good as the rest if not better.The sound is better and the video is so clear its almost like your there.Im only 20 years old but ive loved rush forever and they are pretty much the sound track of my live and i think that this dvd proves that there not done yet they still havent played countdown yet damnit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

#46 - Posted 11/24/08 @12:31PM by rear view mirror [contact]

SOG is over moon!!! I just received confirmation from 'The Hour' with George Stroumboulopoulos for tickets to the taping on Wednesday Nov. 26th. - Geddy & Alex :O (only 2 sleeps away)

YAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
WOO HOOO!!!

I didn't think I had a chance but WOW miracles happen and I really needed this one - OMG :D I'm doing a happy dance, screaming, shaking, so EXCITED.

My family is putting up with me only because they know what this means to me right now.

#47 - Posted 11/24/08 @12:36PM by yyz_6785 [contact]

I live in Rome, GA and have what I think is one of the only two Circuit City stores left in Georgia...I'll be heading over right after work, but I'm not optimistic as nearly everything I try to go there for on release day is never there yet...they blame FedEx, but with issues like this on release days, no wonder they are biting the dust. Crazy fans like us have to have these things on release day!

#48 - Posted 11/24/08 @12:41PM by State of Grace [contact]

Doh! SOG (State of Grace) - didn't realize that her hubby was logged in under his username 'rear view mirrow' and posted under his handle. So if anyone was confused, now you know. And that was my hubby's first post. Haha... I'm turning him into a Rush Rat :)

#49 - Posted 11/24/08 @12:44PM by alee64 [contact]

Got My Hands on the New DVD! Best Buy!!! The Little Sales Clerk Had to go in the Back and in His words "It's Still on the Truck" $14.95
also have one being overnighted from Amazon! If I don't Keep it, It'll Make some one a Nice Gift! Andy

#50 - Posted 11/24/08 @12:50PM by dreww76 [contact]

Struck out At Circuit City, went to Best Buy 14.99.
Watched Atlanta first Ghost of a Chance is great!! Red Barchetta is better than on R30. Overall I think if they decide to do one more let them go out on top. IF they keep touring then great but lets all just sit back watch this dvd and relive the last two tours, grab an alcoholic beverage maybe a cigar and put your feet up-crank it up and just enjoy!!!! Make sure you open the windows so everyone can hear!!!!

#51 - Posted 11/24/08 @12:55PM by Kelly D [contact]

*shrug* I still haven't bought the S&A Live CD yet. I'm honestly not that concerned because I saw them five times (most in EXCELLENT seats) over the past year and a half and I have my memories. To each her own, and that includes when she chooses to buy her own Rush mass-produced memorabilia!

#52 - Posted 11/24/08 @1:01PM by Bx3 [contact]

Sorry...still in shock.

#53 - Posted 11/24/08 @1:07PM by dreww76 [contact]

"Sweet Memories Flashing very quickly by"
-Lessons-
I hear ya five times would keep me for a while also,
I'll probably see them 6 or 7 the next go around,
I'm still shocked when I see women chime in these message boards, but that comes from years of having some women actually get out of the car when they saw a Roll the Bones tape or some mention of them made them unresponsive.
What kind of memorabilia do you make?

#54 - Posted 11/24/08 @1:23PM by Snoscootr [contact]

FYI-To all those buying @ Best buy becuase Circuit City doen't have them, bring the flyer and they will price match! I will casually be picking up both the dvd and blue ray after work tonight, firing up the 46" and surround sound!

#55 - Posted 11/24/08 @1:34PM by Kelly D [contact]

#53, I'm an artist (albeit one with minimal formal training and with limited skill). I have made quite a few portraits of Geddy Lee, using computer programs (Facebook Graffiti, actually) and crayon pastels. I've also recreated the first four Rush album covers in oil paint. I'm in the process of drawing a portrait of Presto-era Alex.

I'm actually considering writing a memoir of sorts, detailing my intense obsession with Rush, because certainly it seems unusual for an adolescent girl to be so in love with Rush and their music.

#56 - Posted 11/24/08 @1:42PM by ewayte [contact]

I picked up my copy at work today. I work at a university that has a small music shop on campus less than 5 minutes from my office!

#57 - Posted 11/24/08 @1:49PM by SuNdOgSfIrEoNtHeHoRiZoN [contact]

Does anyone have anything live from signals tour?I just found a power windows tour download on line and got middletown dreams and territories but still no grand design.bummer.But i realyl want to hear countdown live so if anyones got plz i have some cool stuff to trade also.

#58 - Posted 11/24/08 @1:50PM by dreww76 [contact]

That sounds great Kelly!! I'd love to see some of this art.

#59 - Posted 11/24/08 @1:58PM by sth2112 [contact]

ahhh, 11 o'clock here in Seattle. Waiting to get out of school then headin to best buy to get my Copy! Cant wait! And thanks for all the reviews, nice to read them in my very exciting business graphics class!

#60 - Posted 11/24/08 @2:13PM by dedlift [contact]

Well...I guess I'll hit BestBuy on the way home, since I just returned from WalMart and they suck.

#61 - Posted 11/24/08 @2:17PM by Bx3 [contact]

Lol, news flash!

#62 - Posted 11/24/08 @2:22PM by I love Rush [contact]

KellyD:
I'd love to see your artistic work too (especially Presto-era Alex. mmmmmmmm)
I'd love to hear your story too, how you became a Rush fan and you're so young. My nephews/nieces are your age, and they call Rush "old stuff"!!!

#63 - Posted 11/24/08 @2:27PM by I love Rush [contact]

#53
I'm a female Rush fan and have been since 1978.
Yeah, that's right, 30 years.
They produce great music.
Plus I have never been one to follow the "in-crowd".
I think there are a lot more of "us" than you realize

I have trouble getting my husband (who likes Barry Manillow!) and even female friends to see "the boys" with me.

I travel to the east coast to visit my best pal when Rush tours, 'cause she'll go with me! (I live in the midwest). Now that they're probably not touring in 2009, I'll probably visit her anyway and not see Rush!

#64 - Posted 11/24/08 @2:30PM by freewilly [contact]

Eagerly awaiting... ordered my copy at UK's cdwow!, good/best price for European market I think, includes shipping, holy... they just lowered the price it's GBP 13.99 (I have no ties to this store, just want to be helpful to fellow European Rush fans): link

By the way this one is in PAL, I though all Rush dvd's were only in NTSC...
While my European player can play NTSC the image quality in PAL is still slightly better I think.

Different thing, the supposedly 'slower' performance (in tempo) of certain songs during this late first leg concert (Limelight, Freewill?)... is there any truth in that, and/or is it bothering anyone anyway? Haven't listened to the live album in a while but I recall some discussion here around that. I was at the concert and did not notice it then... was just awesome, whole concert.

#65 - Posted 11/24/08 @2:39PM by freewilly [contact]

(PS: a PAL-dvd being better for my PAL-player, because it does not have to make a transfer from NTSC to PAL)

#66 - Posted 11/24/08 @2:43PM by Alexfan [contact]

"Would you like a bucket of Chicken ?"

I picked it up today at Best Buy here in Burlington ON, and it is absolutely great.

The "What's that smell" skit is insane, and the out-takes are even funnier. I had tears streaming down my cheeks from laughing so hard.

All of the comments about the editting and the sound quality have been bang-on. It is their best live DVD to date.

#67 - Posted 11/24/08 @3:11PM by State of Grace [contact]

Update (CANADA) S&A DVD from Rush Back Stage (Showtech):

I just got off the phone with Showtech as my shipment tracking number wasn't recognized in the Canada Post system. Got concerned and phoned, if anyone here in Canada pre-ordered from Showtech here is what I was advised:

My package hasn't even been scanned by Canada Post yet (even though I received e-mail confirmation from Showtech that it was shipped 11/24/08), so it's not coming today. The customer service representative at Showtech said, "Hopefully it will come tomorrow" (Hopefully?). I asked about canceling my order as I wanted to go purchase it today and I was advised that it was too late to cancel.

I like to give Rush my business and hate giving big box stores my money. Looks like I'm going to have to because the smaller music store chain I give my business to was surprised when I called to inquire if they had it in stock and out on the shelves. They advised that they had it but the release date is 11/25/08 and can't sell it until tomorrow. Needless to say when I told the manager that some of the big box stores have it and are already selling it he was quite miffed (that's prettying it up for the folks here). I can't repeat what he said because I would need a BIG *bleep*.

Rush's website home page states "Snakes & Arrows Live DVD" available in stores everywhere today. So Sunrise Records said they were going to check into it with head office and call back.

While I was still writing this Sunrise Records called back and said they are putting it out on the shelves right now! Needless to say there has been some confusion on the release date for customers and stores. So if anyone has a Sunrise Records near you please go give them your business they missed out on sales today and deserve a break.

What can you do - nothing in life is 'Perfekt'. And my extra copy will be gifted to someone who needs it... a chance to pay it forward. It's all good in the end. OK gone to get my DVD!!! :D

#68 - Posted 11/24/08 @3:22PM by The Clansman 2112 [contact]

My local CD store won't get it until Tommorrow so they coyuldn't give it to me even if they wanted to. But I will try the Walmart and Zelers here in town to see if I could get a copy tonight.

#69 - Posted 11/24/08 @3:35PM by Rush Fan Since 1976 [contact]

Someone should tell both jerkit city 2nd best buy thta the DVD came out today, because I went to BOTH where they informed me that it comes out tomorrow?! What's the dealio?

#70 - Posted 11/24/08 @3:48PM by palmbeachdrummer [contact]

Just got the DVD about an hour 1/2 ago and I am 1/2 way through it. I do love the camera angles that are on the DVD. Them guys can still give a good show. I saw them here in Florida for the R30 show, 2007 S&A tour and the 2008 leg in Ft Lauderdale. I have to say as a drummer myself the guys kinda look road weary. I know what it is to play a bunch of shows in a week, that is with a day job. And as a motorcyclist, I wonder how Neil and Mike ride all them miles without their butts killing them, just a trip up and down Florida's A1A to Cape Canaveral from Lantana Beach my A__ was killing me. As far as Rush goes, These are the best sounding drums that Neil has ever owned and before that the R30 kit did it for me too. Dw makes good drums, but I still own 2 Gretsch kits. The 1st CD has a wonderful set list. I browsed through the outtakes and I really dig the sense of humor of them 3 guys, always good to keep one for that job. I hope all these releases leaves a legacy for the band in which they only released 3 videos in the 80's. I hope they continue to do what they do best and enjoy thier lives families and interests outside of Rush (Life Beyond The Cymbals) There won't be another Rush. My predictions, forgot to mention it when the FINAL TOUR posts were up :

first of all, I don't think musicians just put it down for good, look at the Rollling Stones and other greats, they always come back again again and again. They way music is today, I hope they remain, or live on to do what they do best. Well here is my so called predictions , like the animal house ending :

Neil : Starts his own line of drums in his mid 60's (NP drums)or maybe sooner, continues the Paragon line. Continues projects with the Buddy Rich Band and other jazz greats. Maybe BMW will build a NP edition red GS limited signature bike.

Geddy : Will produce music for other bands I guess.

Alex : Nobody is really sure what happened to that guy.

#71 - Posted 11/24/08 @3:51PM by State of Grace [contact]

I'm back with my S&A DVD in hand! Sunrise Records sent an e-mail from head office (after my phone call) to tell all their stores to put the DVD out on the shelves. So if you are one of the desperate ones like myself go to Sunrise Records and get it now!

#72 - Posted 11/24/08 @3:52PM by rodviking [contact]

Sorry for a (probably) dumb question, but wasn't this DVD recorded on their concerts in Rotterdam? How come 2112 is there, if they didn't played it in those concerts?

#73 - Posted 11/24/08 @3:56PM by Sub-Xanadu Man [contact]

2112, Trees, Ghost of a Chance and Red Barchetta are from the Atlanta show during S&A Tour Part II

#74 - Posted 11/24/08 @3:58PM by Sub-Xanadu Man [contact]

And BTW...The DVD rocks so far from what I've watched. I'm so happy at the way it was edited as some of you have mentioned already. It really does seem to focus on the playing more. Excellent!!

#75 - Posted 11/24/08 @4:03PM by dman2332 [contact]

Can anyone tell me where to get a copy in Downtown Seattle. I struck out at Borders, Barnes and Noble, and FYE. Can anyone help me?

#76 - Posted 11/24/08 @4:11PM by Zitro [contact]

So I called my local Circuit City, they have it & are holding it for glortiz to pick up on his way home from work! Woooo Hooooo!

But here's my dilemma: in the interim I've developed a raging headache & if it doesn't get better soon I'll have to skip it til it is :-(

Going to lay down now for sure

#77 - Posted 11/24/08 @4:21PM by Wall05

Lifeson totally makes a weed smoking reference during Tom Sawyer just after Geddy sings "Todays Tom Sawyer he gets high on you" Haha i love it!

#78 - Posted 11/24/08 @4:26PM by Armeee [contact]

Can anyone tell me if it is available on VHS.

Its gonna look great on my new 4 head VCR with S-Video!

#79 - Posted 11/24/08 @4:27PM by bgibsonjr [contact]

Bought the DVD from a Best Buy here is MD and had a small issue at the store. When I asked about the produce, the sales associate told me that it wasn't for sale until tomorrow. I took some convincing, but after looking at his website and the sale paper, he was kind enough to retrieve them from the box in the back.

Prices as discussed: 14.99 DVD 19.99 Blu-ray

#80 - Posted 11/24/08 @4:30PM by bgibsonjr [contact]

Forgive my lack of grammar in #79

I asked about the product (not produce)

It took some convincing (not I)

Perhaps using the preview button would be helpful in the future.

#81 - Posted 11/24/08 @4:36PM by Sean [contact]

BestBuy had about 20 copies right next to Chinese Democracy (which had 4 seperate displays of its own), but the S&A DVD was priced at $24.99. I told the shift manager at the register he can expect to see a ton of Rush fans walk out of his store empty handed unless he put up a sticker with the sale price on it.

His response? "We are too busy to worry about stuff like that, the price changes at the register"

Idiot.

#82 - Posted 11/24/08 @4:37PM by dcd2112 [contact]

Hello Unktehila,

I'm glad my review stirred up your interest in the DVD and I agree with you whole heartedly that "Different Stages" is their best sounding live CD. I love that Geddy and Paul Northfield mixed it from a "visual" perspective in that Alex's guitar leans to the left channel and Geddy's bass leans to the right channel. That's how an audience member's eyes would map the audio to the brain if you were standing in front of them. I read that they worked hard to warm up the ADAT tapes by transferring to analog tape and creating most of the mixes in analog and I read that Bob Ludwig was really concerned about getting the mastering correct. It's a crying shame that so much of Rush's post 2000 output has been ruined by horrible mastering. I cannot understand the logic behind trying to make them "competitive" in today's marketplace. Making their stuff over hot is not going to see more product to the teenagers!

#83 - Posted 11/24/08 @4:41PM by Kelly D [contact]

Wow, I didn't realize people would actually want to see my stuff :P

Well, if you click the link that is my name, it takes you to my Facebook group (if you have a Facebook account). The group's picture, a recreation of the Fly By Night album cover, is something I did on the computer back in June. If you flip through the group's pictures, you'll find many pictures that I drew/painted, but if you have MySpace. . .

link

Also, I have a Deviant Art account so I'll post that later. Enjoy! Comment if you'd like :)

#84 - Posted 11/24/08 @4:43PM by AFarCryfromFBN [contact]

Reading #43 from Lerxster just gave me an idea about what the Boys are working on (The Surprise Donna mentioned).

Something to do with all the crowd footage Geddy took?

Just a thought.

#85 - Posted 11/24/08 @5:05PM by The Muffster [contact]

After a half hour of fumbling around at my local Best Buy, the clerk finally found a box of the Blu-ray edition in the back room. Yay! Just got home with my copy.

I'm sure a lot of typical Rush humor awaits within, but my laugh of the day came from the sticker on the front of the package:

"It's true that Rush doesn't mean today what it did in '76 or even '96. It may mean more." - Rolling Stone

Fucking idiots.

Ah well, off for a few cold ones with the best band on the planet. Enjoy folks!

#86 - Posted 11/24/08 @5:06PM by va_subdivisions [contact]

I ordered my copy from amazon with overnight ship and it was sitting at the door when I got home. The e-mail they sent said the 26th.

#87 - Posted 11/24/08 @5:09PM by RaceUnderPressure [contact]

my dvd story...picked mine up at best buy and the guy at the register asked me if it was a new video game because some kid was very excited to buy it earlier in the day...informed him what it was and explained that fans of the band are very devoted.

s&a live - the video game...make neil smile for bonus points.

#88 - Posted 11/24/08 @5:12PM by workinmyangel1030 [contact]

Yeah I checked store availability on this said dvd on bestbuy.com and it said that it was available in the desirable store (it said that it was available) and i placed an online order for pickup and they emailed me back saying that they could not find my item.. I am wicked pissed about it.. But whatever I am going to see if this store (that Geddy lee has been spotted at) in my hometown of Rochester NY will carry it at midnight tonight. wish me luck.

#89 - Posted 11/24/08 @5:13PM by freewilly [contact]

This dvd will be mega-selling, I predict... just as it and RUSH deserve! Yet still unknown to many, our 'little' (3 piece) band, ridiculous, but the more precious for us!!! RUSH!!!

#90 - Posted 11/24/08 @6:20PM by rcrothert [contact]

I just finished watching the BluRay Snakes and Arrows LIVE show. This is by far the best Rush video *ever*. It is also the best rock concert video I've ever seen. Now i have a legit excuse to get that 5.1 surrounds system I've been wanting. Simply amazing show.

#91 - Posted 11/24/08 @6:21PM by Rob [contact]

#80 lol! Would that be the kind of produce that you find on a trip to the salad bar?

(yes..Lance is wearing off on me) lol

#92 - Posted 11/24/08 @6:23PM by Lamb Saag [contact]

re #78:

Armeee, it should look great on your new equipment! And four heads means that when you pause the tape during playback, the picture won't flutter. You lucky bastard!

#93 - Posted 11/24/08 @6:25PM by Lamb Saag [contact]

OOPS!
Sorry Armeee, I didn't mean to call you a bastard; now people are going to be fighting about that comment. Nuts....

#94 - Posted 11/24/08 @6:27PM by Lamb Saag [contact]

AAARGH, now people are going to think I'm calling THEM nuts. I meant... well, let's just forget it...

#95 - Posted 11/24/08 @6:36PM by 1-2-bucklemyshoe [contact]

For anybody in the NorthEast PA area, Best Buy in Dickson City (near Scranton) has the DVD.

I had to request it because they didn't have it out on the floor and they had to find the guy who is in charge of the new releases, but its in the back there somewhere, so go ask for it.

Now, I gotta go and show watch the show with a couple of female friends who are NOT looking forward to this, but are willing to indulge my crazy taste in music.

I told them I would only ask them to watch the funny parts and the acoustic numbers (they appreciate "Resist" accoustic version at least)

#96 - Posted 11/24/08 @6:38PM by 1-2-bucklemyshoe [contact]

oops,

"watch the show", not "show watch the show"

PREPABRU -- what a lot of guys a doing to get ready for the game tonight

#97 - Posted 11/24/08 @6:57PM by tezzaj [contact]

Cross-posting but would be really interested in any muso opinion on this:

talking of the new DVD, can anyone confirm that Ged's black and white US made 73 jazz bass has been refitted with his own Japanese Fender Geddy Lee model replacement neck?
I know on the Rush site there is an interview with his guitar tech who said the US neck had been retired and a new neck fitted.

When I stop the S+A dvd in the right places to view the back of the bass, there is Ged's signature on the back of the headstock underneath the tuners, the same as on the Japanese models.

Would he really put a Japanese neck from his own tribute model on his trusty 73?????

#98 - Posted 11/24/08 @7:06PM by corbinator [contact]

I'm back, again... Like some other Rushie fans, I went to Best Buy (Deptford, NJ) and waited 10 minutes while the guy had to search for the 5 copies that they received. Luckily I had patience for something worthwhile!! After watching the entire DVD I went to my mailbox only to find my 2 other copies that I had purchased from the fan club!! Now I owe 3 copies, guess there are worst things in life!

#99 - Posted 11/24/08 @7:07PM by bravado34 [contact]

Anyone in the Portland (OR) area.

I have confirmed that Music Millennium (east Burnside) has the DVD!

#100 - Posted 11/24/08 @7:12PM by cvachon84 [contact]

Hey Is there any Easter Eggs on the S&A DVD?????

#101 - Posted 11/24/08 @7:12PM by Michael Senyo [contact]

Got mine this afternoon at the Los Feliz Best Buy. The new DVD wasn't in the normal "Rush" section, but displayed somewhere else. I asked somebody, and he took me to it right away, saying the sales have been decent.

But what a lame=assed crowd in Rotterdam!

ms in la

#102 - Posted 11/24/08 @7:22PM by I love Rush [contact]

#83, Hi Kelly D

I don't have Facebook or Myspace; but from what I was able to view on yours-- I love your Rush art.

I thought the album cover (fly by night) was something you scanned-in! Very cool....then again, I'm nearly computer illiterate...but if I were to do computer art, it would be Rush!

You let me know when you write your memoirs:
How does a 20 yr old love music that the 40-50-60 yr old crowd likes?

#103 - Posted 11/24/08 @7:35PM by RaceUnderPressure [contact]

not through it yet but it looks like the best yet...the shot where ged and alex are jamming center stage during entre nous and neil is in the middle gave me chills.

#104 - Posted 11/24/08 @7:35PM by bravado34 [contact]

Big Ups to ms in la...I know the store in Los Feliz, used to work for a publicist over there, blah, blah, blah...

#105 - Posted 11/24/08 @7:40PM by dkirgis [contact]

Adding to the chorus.... This is the best Rush DVD !!!

I'm glad the production doesn't have choppy camera angles. You can actually focus on what they are doing. Simply awsome.

#106 - Posted 11/24/08 @7:49PM by sth2112 [contact]

Alright, just called my local best buy and they confirmed they have a whole box of the dvd's! Cant wait! Headin out folks, ill report back with my take on it......even though i already no its gonna kick a$$!
RUSH ON!

#107 - Posted 11/24/08 @7:54PM by glortiz [contact]

Hey RIAB! I got mine, Zitro had Circuit City hold a copy at the front desk for me and sure enough, it was there when I got off!

It's too long for me to watch in one sitting tonight because I have to work. But hey, probably Wednesday night at the earliest. Then of course, a few of us folks will be getting together with MMB Saturday to watch it together.

Talk about will power. I love the art work!

And looking forward to all of your reviews so keep them coming!

#108 - Posted 11/24/08 @8:16PM by dreww76 [contact]

My God this is one beautiful looking dvd!!!
It's about time they got a first rate camera crew and director!

#109 - Posted 11/24/08 @8:22PM by Snoscootr [contact]

WWWWOOOOOOWWWW! Watching the Blue Ray now! Definitely got it right on this one. Sound, video are sweet. Only up to Secret Touch so far and blown away! Even better went to Best Buy and asked them to price match Circuit City and they sold me Blue Ray for 12.99$ instead of 19.99.

#110 - Posted 11/24/08 @8:29PM by dreww76 [contact]

It's indescribable.
The footage looks as dramatic as the exit stage left video, lots of low angle shots looking up at them, giving them a much more elevated rock star appearance. Remeniscent of Hamish Hamilton's work with U2 (boston vertigo tour ) and Whitesnake's (live in the still of the night) dvd's. I wish all music could be released on dvd instead of Cd. The format always sounds better, always, obviously. I never knew Alex used a 12 string for Entre Nous, nice crisp details like being able to read the brand name on alex's amps from like the 31st row. They really put some work into this, I'm going to send the guys who cut this together a thank you note.

#111 - Posted 11/24/08 @8:31PM by dreww76 [contact]

holy cow blu-ray for 12.99 -thats some fancy footwork i've gotta try that tomorrow

#112 - Posted 11/24/08 @8:41PM by Kelly D [contact]

Thank you, #102 and 104 (I think you were talking to me. . .)! I haven't done a Rush Graffiti in awhile. ghost__rider suggested I do the Snakes & Arrows cover to spite me, but I'll have to take him up on it eventually (I've done 19 of the 36? so far)!

#113 - Posted 11/24/08 @8:59PM by A Symptom Of Life [contact]

Watched the entire DVD today after a frantic search all over Anchorage. Jebus, this town really sucks. Anyway, found it at BestBuy (where I would have gone first had I known they were open at 9am) for 14.99. Raced back to the farm and spent the next three hours in Rush bliss. Excellent camerawork and sound. However, there were a couple shots I would have done differently to maximize the lighting effect on several songs. Oh well. This may be their best DVD release - quit bitching about what you may have seen on YouTube and enjoy! Thank you gentlemen - you hit this one out of the park.

#114 - Posted 11/24/08 @9:02PM by Lerxster [contact]

#103, not only chills for me, but Entre Nous is when i started tearing up. Great stuff, love this song and how they treated it- it's a highlight of the show for me. A highlight among many I should add. Love that camera shot when all three are in the frame at center stage. One thing I noticed is the dvd went as fast as the real concerts did. After disc 1 I was like, first half over already??? :P

#115 - Posted 11/24/08 @9:03PM by Will Collier [contact]

Anybody tried playing the Blu-Ray on a Samsung BD-UP5000? If so, did it work? I get the dreaded 0x000000ff error.

#116 - Posted 11/24/08 @9:10PM by jensawyer [contact]

Good evening everybody! :-)

I'm asking Santa to leave a copy of the new dvd under the tree for me!!! XD

#117 - Posted 11/24/08 @9:12PM by cygnusx-12112r30 [contact]

i cannot believe how frickin funny the outtakes are!

#118 - Posted 11/24/08 @9:14PM by windycitygirl [contact]

i went out yesterday in hopes of maybe scoring a dvd early. had no luck.
today, woke really early....but to a nasty little stomach bug.
keeping me indoors.

i am hoping tomorrow is better. i can't wait to see the dvd!!

#119 - Posted 11/24/08 @9:21PM by Lerxster [contact]

I think I found an easter egg. On disc 1 at the main menu, wait for Jerry to come on then afterwards suitcase Al is crossing his eyes and there is no menu options- he's just looking at you. I thought where are the menu options and just hit the enter button on my remote and ended up watching a What's That Smell behind the scenes extra with interviews of Ged and Al in character being interviewed. It does not seem to be a part of the regular bonus features. I don't recall seeing that before! Easter egg found??? :D

#120 - Posted 11/24/08 @9:21PM by Lerxster [contact]

Hi Jen!! (smiles and waves)

#121 - Posted 11/24/08 @9:32PM by glortiz [contact]

Hey Jensawer! Hope all is well!

#122 - Posted 11/24/08 @9:35PM by PetieLee [contact]

#13: hermy - :) Hope you got your fill o' Rush today! I could've stayed home and enjoyed the DVD but I just started my new job position. For my part, I stayed up until 12:30 a.m. watching the DVD. I just can't believe how good it is. I feel this live performance has captured Rush at their best. I love the Atlanta footage lots! Mind-blowing good! Wow!

#46: State of Grace - How awesome! You have tickets to see Geddy and Alex! Nice! ;P That would be a dream come true!

I'm off to watch more of this wonderful DVD! Yay!

Love da Geddy! Miss da Geddy!

#123 - Posted 11/24/08 @9:36PM by PetieLee [contact]

#118: windycity, hope you feel better! Hope tomorrow you have a Ged-Day!

Love da Geddy! Miss da Geddy!

#124 - Posted 11/24/08 @9:51PM by LanceTheShred [contact]

Just got finished watching this delicious and savory pellet in it's entirety. Cried three times and there has to be a few rats on here whose faces hurt. Please tell me that I am not the only one. I'm gonna yell this time-Insert colon here for Pat:

DOES ANYONE'S FACE HURT FROM SMILING YOUR ASS OFF THE ENTIRE TIME?????

One other thing-Do any of the folks in the front row know any of these songs by heart??? Get in the zone people! You are f**king point blank range from the greatest band in the world and there are times when you are not singing?? Son of a bitch!

Now off to look for Lerxster's possible Easter Egg???

#125 - Posted 11/24/08 @9:59PM by A Symptom Of Life [contact]

#114 - You're absolutely right! At no point while watching this did it ever feel tedious or unenergetic. Best of all - no lines for beer or for the restrooms!

#126 - Posted 11/24/08 @10:00PM by backfire103 [contact]

Just picked this up and watched it in bluray. I have to say hands down this is the nicest concert ive ever owned. Love it, especially the atlanta footage. Definitely recommend to pick this up in blu-ray if you can, its worth the money.

#127 - Posted 11/24/08 @10:11PM by dedlift [contact]

Decided to run some errands for work after lunch. Went to Best Buy and looked everywhere...not to be found.

Then a helpful salesperson asked if I needed help "finding something". "Yes" I said, "I'm looking for a newly released dvd from a band called RUSH"...he says, "oh yea, you're the third person today...we looked all over and finally found them in a box"...so we head over to the box and he says "here ya go". They had a bunch.

I make it home, run to the dvd player, pop in the disc....only to find out it's a freaking Blue Ray disc. I don't have a Blue Ray disc player. I'm an idiot and so is the helpful dude. I just can't wait to take it back for exchange...what a waste of time.

The case is cool though.

Crap.

#128 - Posted 11/24/08 @10:11PM by Lerxster [contact]

HA- it's f*cking hilarious! Al is killing me :D :D

I selected 5.1, wait like 7 cycles, and when Jerry comes on and then suitcase (Envy) Al tells you to go for it, go for it! Hit enter or play :)

#129 - Posted 11/24/08 @10:20PM by Soundtweaker [contact]

Got mine on Blu-Ray this morning Best Buy for $16.99.
Seeing the boys in HD is amazing. It feels like your up there on the stage with them. Sound is great too. That lil bit of distortion on Geds bass really cuts through the guitars well. The 5.1 mix is stellar even when matrixed to 7.1

#130 - Posted 11/24/08 @10:37PM by Sean [contact]

I will add my $.02 to the reviews. I now have watched everything and soaked it in. Highlights include a strong Entre Nous, Digital Man, Mission, Freewill, Circumstances, Main Monkey Business, Between The Wheels, Witch Hunt, Subdivisions, Spindrift, Mal-Nar, Distant Early Warning, Tom Sawyer, a surprisingly STRONG One Little Victory, Passage to Bangkok, and YYZ...all were very well performed.

I was at the Alpharetta show and remember the horrible storm before it. The show was tight for sure and I wish they would have included Neil's solo from that night as a bonus as well...the solo had improved a great deal from the first leg.

I thought his solo in the main dvd performance was tight and MUCH MUCH better than R30. The entire performance was much much better than R30. But I didn't care for the long far away pans from Neil during key points of the solo. Made no sense to me to show a long shot for 10 seconds during his cowbell solo, crossovers, and during the big band part. Come on.

I felt no different watching the dvd than I did at the shows though. I wanted to skip through a good portion of the S&A songs and Secret Touch. I still think if they had done 4 Snakes songs maybe 5 they could have really broke out some obscure songs in the other spots.

The Atlanta videos are indeed bootlegish looking. But I enjoyed the performances and gotta be honest..they did not appear as tired in either of these performances than they did in R30.

Overall I was hoping for behind the scenes footage documentary style. I would like to have seen stuff like that. I was hoping they were going to add the roadie documentary to it as well. I thought the handi-cam thing before Natural Science was cool...a good idea of splicing a dozen shows together like that.

Sound / A-
Video / A
Crowd / C+
Production / B+
Setlist / B
Performance / B+

Worth the price. However, I am still of the opinion that nothing can top the pure energy of Rio, peak of playing Grace Under Pressure, and the lack of being a total classic like Exit Stage Left.. It is however better than R30 and ASOH putting it in the middle which is not a bad place at all in the grand scheme of things.

#131 - Posted 11/24/08 @10:39PM by PetieLee [contact]

#124: Lance, I didn't want to go to sleep last night because all I wanted to do was play "2112" over and over and over...then there was "Natural Science" and "Spindrift" and "Main Monkey Business" and "Mission" and...well you get the idea. At work folks told me, "Petie, you're in such a good mood today! It's like you're floating on air..." I told all who would listen about this glorious DVD but I didn't quite getting around to tell them I'm in Air Rush, too! Ha ha ha!!

Yes, Rush is the greatest band in the world. Watching this DVD I cried, I cheered, I sang and jumped up and down. Life is good! It has all the eye and ear candy I could ever wish for. This is a great, great DVD! I love Rush!

Love da Geddy! Miss da Geddy!

#132 - Posted 11/24/08 @10:42PM by PetieLee [contact]

#130: Sean, I wish they would've put out an alternate S&A live DVD performance of that entire Alpharetta show. Man that was the best Rush performance I've ever experienced!

Love da Geddy! Miss da Geddy!

#133 - Posted 11/24/08 @10:48PM by Sean [contact]

Oh and I MUST file this complaint. I have a really big issue with the "canned" fake applause rising during parts that simply never happened. I have an audio boot of this show that is not the CD version of this show and I noticed it on the disc as well. It is so awkward because they have this over bearing crowd roar and the camera is over the crowd for like 8 seconds and not a single hand in the air or anyone moving.

You can totally spot the canned applause for dramatic effect.

No need for that guys...I know what you were trying to accomplish but it was overdone.

#134 - Posted 11/24/08 @10:50PM by ColdFire466 [contact]

Comment Deleted

#135 - Posted 11/24/08 @10:51PM by Sean [contact]

LOL PetieLee...I saw a bunch of shows this tour. I am a fan of the first leg's setlist much more because of Circumstances and Entre Nous. Just love those tunes to death.

I thought that part at the end of Tom Sawyer was hysterical with Neil getting up to walk away before it was over. This is the most animated I have ever seen him on video...it was refreshing.

#136 - Posted 11/24/08 @10:52PM by Sean [contact]

Comment Deleted

#137 - Posted 11/24/08 @10:55PM by Sean [contact]

Comment Deleted

#138 - Posted 11/24/08 @10:57PM by ColdFire466 [contact]

Comment Deleted

#139 - Posted 11/24/08 @11:01PM by glortiz [contact]

Sean, I am a looser too. Oh what a loser I am. Really. You think?

Get over to Counterparts and share your opinions with those who will agree.

We do not need this here.

Time to pull down my baseball cap and cover up my eyes....

Good Night RIAB.

#140 - Posted 11/24/08 @11:04PM by sth2112 [contact]

WOW, this dvd rocks! Secret Touch is incredible! Nice long steady shots of the guys, great sound. Everything is perfect!

#141 - Posted 11/24/08 @11:34PM by LanceTheShred [contact]

************
HAPPY EASTER
************

Way to go Lerxster! He definitely found the Egg. During the main menu, let the green Al go through about 3 minutes of full cycles. When Jerry pops up he tells you to "Hit play already". It takes you to some funny as shit behind the scenes footage. Classic..

Sean-Funny little observations on your part but damn man..... I know that was your opinion but why throw all that intricate, detailed negativity in the mix of a bunch of Rush high, hungry rats? I know coldfire called you out but using the "LIVE" version of the F-word was totally uncool. Going into your style of opinionated depth this early in the game is worse than callin someone's momma an ugly bitch. Re-read your post and it looked like you had a scoul on you face the whole time. My god man, chill

Rob #91-#80 lol! "Would that be the kind of produce that you find on a trip to the salad bar?"

I too thought exactly the same after reading that post and then got down to yours and lost it!

#142 - Posted 11/24/08 @11:36PM by Erwig Chuapchuaduah [contact]

to #124, Lance:

"DOES ANYONE'S FACE HURT FROM SMILING YOUR ASS OFF THE ENTIRE TIME?"

Hmm, I never thought of it before, but... my ass hurts from wiping my face off!

#143 - Posted 11/24/08 @11:36PM by Erwig Chuapchuaduah [contact]

UP WITH RUSH!!!

(so, does that make me a butt-head?...)

#144 - Posted 11/24/08 @11:51PM by rocinante5m [contact]

"Rushed" out of work, stopped at Circuit City to grab my copy....the same dude that told me it would be available today said "sorry dude, not til tomorrow"...i took a deep breath, felt the force and said "listen, word on the street is that it's out already everywhere, you guys are behind....so please go in the back and bring me a copy, thanks".......

after watching this DVD there are many things that come to mind......I have watched many music DVDs and this by far is the best i have ever seen.....talk about making you feel like you are there!!!!.....the sound is phenomenal, love the camera work, the extras are great and Alex is freakin hilarious.....Man would it have been awesome to be there when they were filming those skits........I don't know what kind of awards are given for music DVDs but they should get all of them........This is a true Masterpiece and they should feel very proud..........I would like to thank the Boys and everyone involved with this, truly amazing.......

If you have any complaints after watching this DVD, go write to your congressman.....better yet go find someone who will give you a hug, because there is something wrong with you......

RUSH-Snakes & Arrows Live DVD
Another Grand Design

Thanks Boys :)

#145 - Posted 11/25/08 @12:19AM by digitalfries [contact]

If they make one of their farewell tour it would be nice to see one from one of two places...Red Rocks--start the show late so we can see the effects; or Toronto--a home crowd.

#146 - Posted 11/25/08 @12:21AM by musicofthespheres [contact]

gave my $22 to target, cuz Amoeba here in the Bay Area was waiting 'til tomorrow...

wow.... waaayyy better than I thought it would be, and I've only gotten through Freewill. Only dislike is camera panning behind the heads of the crowd...

Also watched the Atlanta bit and was fun to hear homer et al. more clearly...

The overhead camera pausing on the horizontal barbies in digital man was hilarious...

yeah, F-bombs no bueno in posts, but saw no problem with opinions originally expressed. No need to fight the fire by feeding the flames.

#147 - Posted 11/25/08 @12:25AM by takeafriend [contact]

Actually it was Coldfire who called out Sean.

Let it go Sean, and make sure you drink the Kool-aid of all of these Stepford Rush Fans. I consider myself one of their biggest fans and I sometimes take issue with how they do things. But don't dare express any opinions here unless you are kissing ass, praising at their alter and being very bland.

#148 - Posted 11/25/08 @12:29AM by rocinante5m [contact]

Oh boy, here we go again.....even on such a great day there's always negative shit to go along with it.....im out, going to find the Eggs.......

#149 - Posted 11/25/08 @12:35AM by Pat [contact]

Anybody wonder, as I do, about how Alex's vocals sometimes just trigger Geddy's voice? I kind of like to hear Alex really singing (even though he's not so hot at it; I've heard some of MitA's files). And, if there's a Geddy-voice-transponder, why haven't they made it commercially available through the Backstage Club?

BTW: My wife had the same problem many folks had (after I struck out at two stores): they told her they didn't have it, nope, not even getting it in, but then finally a smart kid checked and found it. Man, you'd think these stores would realize that to sell something, they gotta have it available.

#150 - Posted 11/25/08 @12:40AM by musicofthespheres [contact]

take a friend,

who are you trying to correct with "actually". lance got it right and my comment was subtlely to coldfire and anyone else who feeds the flames. i saw nothing wrong with sean's posts - as apollo creed said "it's his opinion, and he's entitled to it".

#151 - Posted 11/25/08 @1:07AM by ColdFire466 [contact]

Comment Deleted

#152 - Posted 11/25/08 @1:08AM by Pat [contact]

It's hard to read through all those comments, but I gotta thank Lance for the shout-out colon (and I'm glad it's the punctuational kind). And thanks to Lerzster for the Easter Egg instructions! I'm off to check it out.

#153 - Posted 11/25/08 @2:18AM by Hakky [contact]

Grats on 80 rofl
--I mean the easter eggs!!

THIS DVD RULES
IN CAPS, or lower...
it takes the bread and lets us eat cake.

Lance, ahhh, teary too me was.
;)
Cant help it!
And i wasnt crying about the canned applause either, jeesh.

(Sometimes people like to critique just to be the first to point it out or say so...does it really affect your enjoyment of the music? Heck, make a matrix of the Aud B+ bootleg and call us when you CRY.)

Gotta love Bangkok, all S+A songs, everything. What a day!!! =D

#154 - Posted 11/25/08 @3:18AM by Pat [contact]

So: anybody located themselves in the "Hello Canada" crowd shots yet? I was front row, right in front of Geddy, for the Salt Lake City show. There's a guy who looks a lot like me at 39:10 on disc 2: tall guy, light hair, wearing the Red TAROT shirt from Vapor Trails, but IT'S NOT ME. Dang. I can tell because the barricade is different and my wife is nowhere to be found.

Somebody find the Easter Egg that's ALL the crowd shots indexed by location.

#155 - Posted 11/25/08 @3:58AM by GedHed [contact]

Well, got my copy at Target this afternoon. I have no idea how much it was. Guess I just didn't care, since I finally had the thing in my hands! Have only as yet seen the first two DVDs & had to watch them in chunks between phone calls & kids. Not complaining, that's just the way it went. Haven't read anyone else's reviews yet. But all I can say is, maaaaaaaan! I *love* this thing! It's reminding me just why I love this band so much. I swear, Geddy's voice is virtually pitch perfect! Alex rocks like no other guitar player, and Neil is a machine! There's no band anywhere that can touch these three hard working men on a stage. No one. Period. Yes, even after 35+ years, even in their mid-fifties. Correction--precisely *because* they've been doing this for over 3 decades! I believe they're better now than they ever have been. Anyone who can't see/hear that is blind & deaf. As for the video itself, I have no complaints. It took me right back to last summer and the summer of 2007. And I am *so grateful* to have been fortunate enough to have seen them 4 times between both legs of the tour! I know it's a drop in the bucket compared to so many who post here, but I still feel very very lucky. Secret Touch and Circumstances are still two of my major faves. Oh man...when Ged belts out that last "OOoooooooohhhhh...." on Secret Touch, I get goosebumps! Makes me even more grateful to have been able to see them on the first leg. That song just kicks major butt live. And of course, Natural Science is always magical. Mal Nar rocks my socks off. Always does. Can't get enough of it. Finally really looked at what was on the screens (well, at least part of the time. I'll get back to 'em). I always save that for the live DVDs, since I refuse to take my eyes off the guys during shows. Don't know what else to say right now, except that I'm going to be pausing & slow advancing this thing on DVD #2 around about 38:00 over and over. I guess this little RushRat is just self absorbed enough to want to see if we're there! lol! My daughter and I were 2nd row Ged's side in Bonner Springs on the first leg and I swear he pointed that thing right at us making hearts with our hands at him. Doesn't mean they used it, but it's going to be fun to check. I'll get plenty of chances to do so, since I plan on wearing these discs out! Long live Rush, and my heartfelt thanks to them for making another live DVD available to us! Much, much love to the best band ever.

#156 - Posted 11/25/08 @4:14AM by freewilly [contact]

Just read this pre-release customer review, it will just be totally true!!! Hopefully have the dvd in just a few days myself...

(amazon.co.uk):
NOT yet another Rush DVD!!!, 8 Nov 2008
By Mark Haynes
The title says it all really because those of you that have R30 or Rush in Rio might be thinking 'why do I need this?'. Well, firstly it has a load of songs which are not on those DVDs, secondly Geddy's voice sounds better than ever (and is for once well up in the mix), thirdly the band play a blinder (this is even better than R30) and finally the sound and picture quality is the best yet (some dates on the British tour weren't so hot sound quality wise - don't judge this by them). The Snakes and Arrows cd of course is heavily featured and some Rush fans have been a little lukewarm about this latest cd. But most who stick with the songs end up loving them (which just makes it a typically Rush album!!).

Amen to that.

#157 - Posted 11/25/08 @4:23AM by GedHed [contact]

#156 freewilly: You will absolutely not be disappointed! The DVD rocks, rocks, rocks!!! It's as close to being there as is possible.

#158 - Posted 11/25/08 @4:44AM by freewilly [contact]

Allright GedHed!!! Great review you wrote! I have no doubt it will be great!!! What about the Dutch crowd? Not too lame looking/sounding overall, I hope? I was there (and yelling and jumping) 1st night!

#159 - Posted 11/25/08 @5:19AM by GedHed [contact]

Thank you for your kind words, freewilly! :)

As for the crowd on the DVD, I'd describe them as happy to be there (who wouldn't be???), but not as animated as the RIR crowd. Please let us know if you're on the DVD! :D Where were you in the crowd? Were you up close?

#160 - Posted 11/25/08 @5:25AM by freewilly [contact]

Okay, the crowd sounds decent then (and topping or even 'equalling' the RIR crowd is not possible I guess)... I'm doubt if I will be visible on the dvd (unless the camera was moving just above me... I can recall camera's being pretty close, even though I was standing somewhere in the middle of the arena, but fortunately closer to the stage than the real middle of it).

#161 - Posted 11/25/08 @5:35AM by eastcobb [contact]

OK I know this is going to sound like a stupid question but can a blu-ray disk play on a standard DVD player or do I need a blu-ray compatible player or what?

#162 - Posted 11/25/08 @5:44AM by freewilly [contact]

As far as I know you cannot play a blu-ray disc on a regular dvd-player. The other way around is possible. One thing I'm a bit suspicious about is: will that latter compability (regular dvd disc playing on a blu-ray player) be an 'inherent' feature of a blu-ray player, or is it a software-wise thing which the industry will take out in the end so everyone is finally forced into blu-ray (because 'old' dvd is not playable anymore on future blu-ray players and 'old' dvd players are running out, because not being made anymore)? Any thoughts on this, anyone? I ordered the regular dvd and will pe perfectly happy with it.

#163 - Posted 11/25/08 @5:46AM by freewilly [contact]

pe perfectly happy with it = be perfectly happy with it ;-)

#164 - Posted 11/25/08 @7:15AM by neelbeeten [contact]

Blast! walmart doesn't have it. I trust circuit city will

#165 - Posted 11/25/08 @8:07AM by Kelly D [contact]

Gawd, I need a life. . . I had a dream about RIAB again and somehow Ed managed to allow more than 500 comments per thread, and this particular one had more than 860. I'm off to go skydive or something- how sad am I?! :P

#166 - Posted 11/25/08 @8:13AM by crusher87 [contact]

I picked up my copy at Barnes and Noble last night on my way home from work. I only watched a little bit but it seems really well done. Alex's mug painted green and twirling around on that pillow is freakin' hilarious! I look forward to watching it in entirety on Wednesday night, in an adjusted state of mind...

#167 - Posted 11/25/08 @9:04AM by HoldYourFire [contact]

Simply put...EXCELLENT!

#168 - Posted 11/25/08 @9:09AM by cygnusx-12112r30 [contact]

got the regular DVD for 9.99 at best buy yesterday

#169 - Posted 11/25/08 @9:23AM by LanceTheShred [contact]

FTR #147 takeafriend dude-My post regarding Sean was more of a Rush fan state of mind issue. Actually his ratings were pretty good and agreed on the Rio crowd! Sean is an extremely honest guy that sometimes posts things that throw the average Rush stoned rat for a loop. I just intervened hoping that the language would fizzle a tad. There is nothing wrong with opinions unless they are directly disrespecting a band that doesn't deserve it. My opinion..........................

BTW-if you had the tolerance to drink my kool aid, the officer would wonder how your car ended up through the front window of the local 7-11 after he picked up the broken "Slippery When Wet" sign and found you sitting on the curb playin air drums to The Enemy Within while mumbling the lyrics to Alien Shore.

GedHed-Can always count on your posts to be enjoyable and detailed. You rock girl!

Kelly D-Right on with your funny little RIAB dreams girlfriend!

#142-Erwig Chuapchuasdchuaponesandwichshortofapicnicduah: WTF?

Anybody find anymore funny little eggs?

#170 - Posted 11/25/08 @9:23AM by jakrelax [contact]

Anyone notice a couple of audio drop-outs on the standard DVD? One before Between the Wheels and one before MalNar? On Rush in Rio, there is an audio drop-out before Dreamline or Secret Touch - can't remember which one right now - which I thought was because of a defective DVD, but I did eventually buy another one and it had the same drop-out. FYI, they had the BlueRay disc on at a BestBuy in suburban Philadelphia... after coming home and watching the standard one that I purchased, I am going out early on Black Friday morning to but a BlueRay player at Walmart, which is one of their specials and will be purchasing the BlueRay disc as well! Also, the only disc that would ever beat this one, would be a full version of Grace Under Pressure Tour Live (Why would they not release that as a full concert with a full A Show of Hands and a full Exit... Stage Left thru Replay is beyond me. I would think that they still have all of the footage that was shot).

#171 - Posted 11/25/08 @9:29AM by LanceTheShred [contact]

jakrelax-I had a few total stops during some songs but can't recall which ones. I thought it was me jamming and triggering the "TILT" on the player!

#172 - Posted 11/25/08 @9:31AM by Kelly D [contact]

Thanks, Lance :D I would ask about YOUR RIAB dreams but I think we all (okay, well, four of us) know how they end ;)

#173 - Posted 11/25/08 @9:43AM by Pat [contact]

I noticed a few audio dropouts, too, which now worries me, but I'm just going to pretend that those are the moments I felt responsible to the future and put in earplugs for a split second before realizing "This is RUSH! You can't protect your hearing from RUSH! You'll miss half the notes!"

#174 - Posted 11/25/08 @10:04AM by Bx3 [contact]

I didn't notice any audio issues with my blu-ray copy, although my receiver was at a 10:30PM friendly level. The video is excellent and really does make you feel right in the middle of it at times. I especially like the uber-elevated swooping, and twisting shots from the back of the house...really different. You'll notice some grain in the heavy black areas, but that is inherent with HD when there isn't alot of light, but when the stage lights up...everything is extremely clear.

Also of note for the audiophiles, the surround track is in DTS HD. I only mention it because everywhere I looked before it came out simply said 5.1 surround. Those who know what I'm talking about will understand what a huge difference that makes.

I LOVE THIS DVD.

#175 - Posted 11/25/08 @10:12AM by gag2man [contact]

I bought mine from Bestbuy since it's 3 blocks from my office and across the street from where I go for lunch. I've watched the first disc completely, including all of the extras. Hopefully, there aren't any easter eggs as it's a pain in the ass to find them, especially with older equipment. To echo an earlier sentiment, Secret Touch absolutely smokes. I really like Between The Wheels - who can knock a song with 3 solos in it? I really like how they stretch out the songs, too. It seems like just about half of the songs on disc 1 were stretched from the studio versions - Secret Touch, BTW, Digital, Entre. Great!
This is their best live DVD ever!

#176 - Posted 11/25/08 @10:20AM by Erwig Chuapchuaduah [contact]

To 151 -

Wow, that's the pot calling the kettle black!

HIPICRIT - one who claims to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform

#177 - Posted 11/25/08 @10:31AM by Pat [contact]

Boys, let's just behave here. All the pots and kettles are bright, shiny silver. That's what a new DVD will do for your cooking implements!

Good strategy: if someone posts a slightly negative review and that upsets you, treat your malaise with two doses of the What's That Smell Easter Egg. Just waiting for Jerry Stiller to arrive will bring you peace.

#178 - Posted 11/25/08 @10:58AM by dreww76 [contact]

The audio dropouts are due to the fatc that the standard DVD are dual layer discs. The dropout occurs because the player disc is going to the next layer of the disc.

#179 - Posted 11/25/08 @11:11AM by mabhogO [contact]

Bring that frkkkin DVD to me!!
If my local store has it tomorrow i will burn the whole f***g place!
*Angry*

#180 - Posted 11/25/08 @11:12AM by thedigitalman [contact]

i work at HMV so i was taunted all night while it was just sitting in the stock room yesturday...now finally ,when i go into work today, something extra shall be returning with me at the end of the day. First thing im gonna watch...the authorized Atlanta bootleg videos!!!

#181 - Posted 11/25/08 @11:13AM by mabhogO [contact]

Typo*
I meant...
If they don´t have it :))

#182 - Posted 11/25/08 @11:23AM by Col0Korn [contact]

Hey, does anyone know how to get the easter egg to work on the standard DVD version? THANKS :D

#183 - Posted 11/25/08 @11:30AM by Bravest Face [contact]

Picking up the DVD this evening after work at Best Buy. I am off work until next Monday for the holiday, so I plan to blast it out completely tonight! Told the wife to get out of the house unless she wants hearing damage! lol!! For the first time in a long time, I have avoided temptation at spoilers, clips, anything, so I am super excited about this.

#184 - Posted 11/25/08 @11:51AM by Fish Eyelands [contact]

So where is the easter egg on the blu ray version? I'll be damned if I can find it anywhere on the menu.

#185 - Posted 11/25/08 @12:07PM by Sean [contact]

Comment Deleted

#186 - Posted 11/25/08 @12:25PM by Wall05

Hey everyone. Not that this has anything to do with Rush but ... I have 10th row tickets to the Eagles concert in Philly tonight! I am so exicted i just had to tell someone. :)

#187 - Posted 11/25/08 @12:38PM by Wall05

On a Rush related note... Great find Lerxster!

"Choking the chicken, slapping the chicken, whatever it takes to find the motivation" haha

#188 - Posted 11/25/08 @12:43PM by How f---ing cool is Geddy Lee. [contact]

#185 -- I don't know any of the combatants -- haven't been lurking as consistently as in the past, but ...

I was following you -- up until you started reading violent intentions into post #151. Seems like you are stretching it a bit to return fire, but might I suggest to *all* of you folks: either "Hold Your Fire" or take it outside.

WUSTACID: what a bad trip!

HowF-ingCool

#189 - Posted 11/25/08 @12:54PM by narpet [contact]

Strike 2!!! Circuit city yesterday and a SuperWalmart today. Neither location had a single copy of the DVD!!! WTF??

#190 - Posted 11/25/08 @12:58PM by rushisaband

I just wanted to step in and remind everybody to keep things on topic and refrain from any personal attacks. Any further comments along those lines will be removed. Thanks for all the great feedback everyone!

#191 - Posted 11/25/08 @1:07PM by mommy_of_zuzu

The first thing I did was watch What's That Smell?! and the outtakes, which were a scream I must say!

Thanks to the people that found the easter eggs, much obliged.

And Lerxst in a box on the menu is the greatest idea!

#192 - Posted 11/25/08 @1:08PM by jensawyer [contact]

Re: #120 & #121

Hi Lerxster & Glortiz! *waves back*

Yeah, I am going to patiently await getting this DVD for Christmas. I'm really looking forward to seeing it, but waiting is half the fun. Glad to hear everybody is enjoying it. :-)

#193 - Posted 11/25/08 @1:10PM by mommy_of_zuzu

Is that Ged's brother Allan in the outtake scene where he's reading the jacksie line?!

#194 - Posted 11/25/08 @1:12PM by jensawyer [contact]

#186: Wall05, that is awesome!!!!! Have a blast! I just saw The Eagles in Pittsburgh last Friday night and they were amazing. You will not be disappointed. :-)

... Then I saw Brian Wilson outside of Philly on Saturday night--totally awesome as well!!! :-)

Ok, back on topic: Ruuuuusssssshhhhhhh!!! :-D

#195 - Posted 11/25/08 @1:23PM by HitThemSkins [contact]

GEDDING PEARTER LERXTY DAY ! ! !
or getting better every day...its a prized frozen moment in time for this guy...the last two years of shows have brought a sense of clarity to my "obsession" and thankfully I have a token show to remind me of this. we all should be thankful this holiday season for the sense of hearing.

#196 - Posted 11/25/08 @1:50PM by Hakky [contact]

Having slept after watching the whole thing last night,
I have to say the disc grew on me in my sleep.

It was one thing to be amped about the RIO crowd and performance which was insane!!

But the QUALITY of S+A live takes the prize for me now.

As I think back to how much (my fiancee and) I enjoyed it last night, I'm freaking out.
It was that good.

Free Will "Each of us..." is nailed.
Neil is super funny and Alex played a solid show.

Seeing Geddy's strings wind-wobble after a pop or pull-off took me back to the front row of May 29 2008......so much of the camera work is on Geddy and was done from right under the Samsung lyrics monitor.....
**which is exactly where Ron and I sat for the show**

Freaking out! DEJA VU woohoo!
Front row Geddy all over again!!!

A sonic mnemonic, a visual keepsake that is now the most sacred RUSH to my (our) collection yet!!!

Here here!
(clink, clink)

#197 - Posted 11/25/08 @2:12PM by Pat [contact]

mommy_of_zulu: I can't confirm that it's Ged's brother, but the standin DOES look a bit like Geddy, so I kind of assumed what you did.

In other news, it's kind of shameful when Ed has to babysit us here. C'mon, guys. Stop the whining and name calling. Let's all be brothers and sisters here. Wait. Maybe that's not a good idea. Let's be polite strangers.

#198 - Posted 11/25/08 @2:59PM by Lerxster [contact]

Hey man, that MovieWeb instruction reads word for word what I posted on The Rush Forum!!! I would have written it better if I'd known it was going to be used like that :P

#199 - Posted 11/25/08 @3:08PM by Lerxster [contact]

I had actually pieced together my two posts here from last night, put them together and posted it on TRF to alert them. That's too funny.

#200 - Posted 11/25/08 @3:11PM by TMMB [contact]

My local Hastings had a few in stock yesterday and I raced home to watch it. This is probably their best "live" DVD overall.

If I had to nitpick (and it's not a big deal) I wish they would of had the crowd noise in the background during the opening video. I think it just sets the tone for that opening chord when Alex comes on stage.

Other than that...man, what a video!!! A++++++++++ Thanks guys for another masterpiece and something to put in the vault to remember the S&A tour. It felt like I was there and seeing them all over again live.

#201 - Posted 11/25/08 @3:11PM by Lerxster [contact]

Oh sorry, meant to add the blu-ray instructions were lifted from another TRF post.. I didn't write those (got no blu-ray) but I hear they work :)

#202 - Posted 11/25/08 @3:14PM by State of Grace [contact]

Watched the entire DVD last night with the hubby and my son. WOW... EXCELLENT! Exceeded our expectations and BLEW US AWAY!

Rush is in their prime!!!

BEST DVD EVER and OMG I could go on and on because I drank a couple of gallons/liters of the Rush Kool Aid last night. Today I have my rose colored Rush glasses on and they aren't coming off.

Way to go Rush, the DVD is funny and THE BEST concert DVD I own.

Off to drink some more Kool Aid, you know the new flavor - S&A LIVE DVD :D

#203 - Posted 11/25/08 @3:19PM by LanceTheShred [contact]

Lerxster Rules! Thanks bro........

I tried some codes last evening in different areas but to no avail. I also tried something with the blinking Rush related lights at the top of the menu screen and nothing. There has to be a few more eggs buried in this collection. Somewhere?????????

#204 - Posted 11/25/08 @3:32PM by Wall05

I am very bored in class so I thought i would just say WHOO RUSH!

The DVD RULES!

#205 - Posted 11/25/08 @3:34PM by State of Grace [contact]

Lance, thanks for reminding me to give a BIG THANKS to Lerxster for that Easter egg... how did you figure that out? That was hysterical :D Thanks for sharing!

#206 - Posted 11/25/08 @4:40PM by GedHed [contact]

#169: Thank you so much for your kind words, Lance. Big hugs to you! I envy those lucky Rush-Ratettes who were fortunate enough to hang with ya' out in MA. Hope to get to shake your hand some day. Better yet, hope to see you and MMB air it up at a Rush concert! Next tour for sure! :)

#186 Wall05: Oh man...I know exactly what you're feeling. Saw The Eagles for the very first time in '02. Serious nosebleed seats, but it didn't matter. They blew me away! In fact, the only band which was more of a surprise/life changer when I saw them live was Rush. I just wasn't expecting The Eagles to be...what they are--and that's super, super tight, with absolutely magical harmonies. And the James Gang stuff really knocked me out. Wasn't expecting them to be so spot on with that. Walk Away & Funk #49. I swear, that took me back 30+ years. Made this lady actually feel young! ;) And Rocky Mountain Way was just...wow. And of course, The Eagles' massive catalogue of hits was awesome live. Hotel California. Seven Bridges Road...wow. 3 hours just zipped right on by. If I hadn't spent so much on Rush shows over the summer, I probably would have gone to see The Eagles this time. My brother took his family and I am just so happy he did. Great memories for them! But as for me, as my Mom always says, you can only spend your money once! And ours was gone when I decided to make that trip to Indy. It was well worth it, but yeah, I'm just greedy enough to be turning a few shades of green right now hearing about your seeing The Eagles. They're pros, no question about it. I'm envious, but very, very happy for you! :)

Well, I'd say it's about time to get to that third DVD! Woot!!!

You guys, does this blog rock or what?! Ed, you're the man.

#207 - Posted 11/25/08 @4:55PM by eastcobb [contact]

This DVD is incredible. I like how they played the full introductory video. It reminds me of the actual show being out in the crowd watching the introduction and the anticipation giving me goose bumps.

#208 - Posted 11/25/08 @4:58PM by Fish Eyelands [contact]

Thanks for the Blu Ray Easter Egg instructions! Btw... I am seeing The Eagles in B'ham on January 24th- 10th row, floor.

#209 - Posted 11/25/08 @5:24PM by JohnnyTRacer [contact]

Looking forward to picking up the S&A DVD very soon!! Looks like Best Buy is the "best" from reading all the posts. Now I will be entertained for Thanksgiving Day!! Have a great holiday to all of my fellow RUSH fans!

God Bless from Portland, OR
RUSH ON!!

#210 - Posted 11/25/08 @5:24PM by Kelly D [contact]

I think I finally stopped blushing from the blistering phone call I got about 45 minutes ago from a certain Rush rat about not having bought the DVD yet. . . oh my. Never again shall I wait to buy such an astonishingly amazing rat pellet!

#211 - Posted 11/25/08 @6:08PM by hermy [contact]

just got out of the basement........been vegin' out for two days jammin' the new DVD on 120" of Blu ray heaven!

Holy Rat Pellets Batman.......The folks to the north have done it again....

I mean who takes off three days of work just to rock out to a DVD......ME...thats who!

Anyone see themselves in the "Hello Canada" bit?

My only wish would be a little more behind the scenes tour stuff like "the Boys in Brazil"

Other then that it's one fine piece of Wisconsin cheese for this Rush Rat!

#212 - Posted 11/25/08 @6:54PM by bravado34 [contact]

#209, Halo from another local Rush fanatic! Music Millennium on 32nd East Burnside has the new DVD!

I like to support the local indie music stores, anyhow, Laters!

Steve from Portland

#213 - Posted 11/25/08 @7:19PM by main monkey business [contact]

Well for what it's worth...and I won't give names...I say it all the time, and seeing how people like myself were criticized...I'll say it again....I drank the Kool-Aid over thirty years ago...Damn it was good! It tastes even better now! Am I a Rush fanatic?? You better believe it!! Am I a Rush apologist???? Yes I am!!! Am I proud of being like this???? You're damn right I'm proud of it!!! I follow the greatest band that has ever been assembled....what's not to be proud of? Here sits a group of three musicians in their mid 50's who could still go against ANY rock band and run circles around them. You better believe I still drink the Rush Kool-Aid....It even tastes better now than it did back then! Any questions??

#214 - Posted 11/25/08 @7:48PM by Cortisol [contact]

I have a small question... was anything pertinent said in those deleted comments ? A bad review ?
I still have to see the DVD... I havent gotten to the store yet ! I hope the vocals are a bit less dry in this mix though.
I have no qualms about hot mixes...(I dont like my rock "polite") but dry vocals bug me.

#215 - Posted 11/25/08 @8:34PM by entrenous [contact]

"Each of us, sells head of lettuce!"

I LOVE THIS DVD!!!!

#216 - Posted 11/25/08 @8:51PM by big ole country bastard [contact]

Cortisol...look at post #147....That's uncalled for under any and all circumstances. This site has always been for Rush fans....and we all know about 98% of us drank the Kool Aid, and love everything about the band. Sure we all have a song we're not crazy about, but that doesn't take away from our affection for the band, for whatever reason. If someone doesn't like the "Kool Aid drinkers" or the fact that almost all of us "are kissing ass" or "praising them at the altar", then either go find another Rush page and try to fit in there, or make your own page...it's not needed or wanted here.
It's almost as if there are one or two things going on with these people....

1. They have an "elitist" attitude, and whatever they think or feel is what everyone should feel, and even if the majority don't agree.....they're right and we're wrong anyhow....doesn't work here. Or.....

2.They are getting no affection or attention at home, and feel they need to say something ridiculous here to stir people up, and that way they get some form of attention and satisfaction....Pathetic if you ask me.

Like I said....no one is forcing you to stay on this webpage.....if you don't like it, or us....there are plenty of other sites for you to ruin.

#217 - Posted 11/25/08 @9:07PM by big ole country bastard [contact]

Oops Cortisol...my mistake...I meant to say there are plenty of sites for them to ruin....sorry 'bout that!

#218 - Posted 11/25/08 @9:22PM by LanceTheShred [contact]

#206-You are quite welcome GedHed and much love back your way! Oh, we will damn well meet in the near future. No doubt. BTW-Hola State of Grace!

Kelly D-It must have been a boy that made you blush :)>

#211 Hermy-I totally envisioned you scurrying up from the basement after two days of veg time all scruffed up, whiskers in disarray, pellet remnants everywhere...LMAO

MMB-Another vision of you lookin like that big Kool Aid pitcher dude breaking through a wall wearing a S&A's t-shirt saying "Oh Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Remember that commercial?

#219 - Posted 11/25/08 @9:27PM by unktehila [contact]

this DVD is so incredible. just stopping in here and back under i go.
highlights (there are many), but TMMB, Between The Wheels, Secret Touch, Spindrift, MalNar, Subdivisions, Natural Science blew me away.
the sound is fantastic, the angles are fantastic, the whole package is top notch, if only they could have transplanted the Rio crowd. this crowd is really quite lame, it's kind of a shame. but the boys are on fire and that's what counts. Geddy is on another planet.

peace Rats, back to the fiRe

#220 - Posted 11/25/08 @9:27PM by windycitygirl [contact]

i have the 3 disc dvd where is the 'hello canada' stuff ?? i have not watched all the way through yet!! :)

#221 - Posted 11/25/08 @9:30PM by patrush

All I can say is this DVD is FABULOUS. That's an EXCELLENT live performance. I hope they tour at least one more time and record live performances of their remaining songs (rarities).

#222 - Posted 11/25/08 @9:33PM by GRgreg [contact]

Anyone notice in the opening credits, it reads:

RUSH Snakes and Arrows

Live in Holland

(isn't that weird?)

I didn't notice it the first two times I watched, by I caught it the 3rd. Too funny.

Last night I was extremely over-served at a friends house, and somehow my copy of the DVD (which just happened to be in my jacket) made it's way to the basement entertainment system. 65 friggin' inches of TV, and very loud. Even some non-believers were awestruck.

#223 - Posted 11/25/08 @9:43PM by GRgreg [contact]

windycitygirl, it's inbetween Subdivisions and Natural Science, but if you just go to NS, you only catch the very ending. Fast forward through Subdivions and it's at the end of that track.

#224 - Posted 11/25/08 @9:46PM by windycitygirl [contact]

never mind i found the 'hello canada' clip. right before natural science on disc two. how sweet is that -- he showed off some clips!! very cool. i can't tell for sure if i made the dvd, but i do know i said 'hello' to canada 5 times on the s&a tour. so i'm on geddy's camera somewhere.
that was the road manager, donovan lundstrom that handed geddy the camera on the dvd. he was the only one that had anything nice said about him in ross halfins (did i spell that right) nasty blog that one time about that girl jill. he wrapped up his story with how he ended his evening hanging with the super suave road manager, donovan sipping champagne or something??
crazy!

#225 - Posted 11/25/08 @9:50PM by Rob [contact]

No need for a 1000 word review.....simply put, this DVD is an absolute masterpiece.

GRgreg-If you have the S&A live CD...look at the inner liner,it says the same thing.

While the crowd in Rio was great....I really don't know what more a Rush fan could ask for with this release.

Hey MMB! (or big ole hillbilly whatever) lol

Hey Lance! stay away from salad bars!

#226 - Posted 11/25/08 @10:28PM by Lynn-2112 [contact]

I love it. I got an email this morning from Amazon saying they credited me $4 on the two DVD. Amazon said it would be here Dec 1st. I got home from work and they were here. I suprised my friend who went the the Vegas show with the other copy.

#227 - Posted 11/25/08 @10:41PM by rocinante5m [contact]

The camera work is superb, especially of Neil...sometimes i felt like i was handing him a new stick......should anyone still have any doubt about Big Al's skills and talents, they should watch this DVD, he's ridiculous!!!!!.......I saw them 3 times on the last tour and twice on the first leg and Alex seemed to be the one who was a little hotter than Ged & Neil, this DVD just confirmed it for me, not to take anything away from Ged & Neil.......... The way they edited Al's P2B solo was really cool.......man this whole DVD is really cool

Hey Main Monkey Business, can i borrow a towel, i just spilled Kool-aid all over the place........

Made me think of something.......
"Can i borrow your towel?? My car just hit a water buffalo"

#228 - Posted 11/25/08 @11:00PM by patrush

Waaa the closing bits at the end of DVD #2 are totally hilarious (re: lifeson + peart + stiller).

#229 - Posted 11/25/08 @11:07PM by RaceUnderPressure [contact]

just drive asshole

#230 - Posted 11/25/08 @11:09PM by LanceTheShred [contact]

Buncha nasty little stuffed, fat and happy rats up in this blog tonight! You all going to be competing on "The Biggest Loser" if your not careful ;)

I have come to the conclusion that if during Mission on this DVD, you don't have your fists straight up in the air at the point of

We each pay a fabulous price
For our visions in paradise
But a spirit with a vision
Is a dream, with a mission..

then there was definitely not enough residual sugar in your Kool Aid....the refractometer wasn't calibrated properly.....someone cut the fermentation process off a tad bit too early....

Comment Deleted 1001001...

AFRARMOP-Mr. Tucks floor sopping apparatus

#231 - Posted 11/25/08 @11:31PM by ColdFire466 [contact]

Comment Deleted... lol funny as hell Mr. Lance :o)

Ok... I give in... I am upgrading tomorrow. I am heading to BestBuy to buy a SONY Blue-Ray player to go with my 55 inch Sony HD. Knowing there is a better/clearer version out there than my standard DVD is messing with me... as dad ALWAYS said "Get the best or get NOTHING at all!" It's time to go get the best~ ! :o)

#232 - Posted 11/25/08 @11:32PM by dbos_CX1 [contact]

Wow. That's all I can say about this DVD. Definitely their best yet. Those outtakes were great. Good to see Neil get in on the comedy.

#233 - Posted 11/25/08 @11:47PM by primemover_3 [contact]

Not reading any of these posts!... :)

I'm having trouble finding the DVD in my local Bay Area music stores, to my surprise. They all seem to think that the MVI is the new DVD. This is weird. Had no trouble getting Rio or R30 at the same stores...

Anybody from San Francisco or Oakland on RIAB score one yet? Contact me. Let me know where to snag one at. Rasputin's Records seems to be clueless....

#234 - Posted 11/25/08 @11:58PM by primemover_3 [contact]

Nevermind. Just called Best Buy. They have it, I'm out before they close @ 10.

Rasputin's blows.

#235 - Posted 11/26/08 @12:10AM by ReGorLaTroy [contact]

Greetings Net Boys and Net Girls...

It has been awhile since I've posted here, but I have checked in on a regular basis to keep tabs of all things new and late breaking on our favourite band, courtesy of our RIAB hero, Ed.

I just wanted to first chime in and to say how excited I am for this release, another great live show for the collection and a wonderful trip down memory lane to the past two tours celebrating the fantastic Snakes and Arrows era.

Secondly, I wanted to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a very Happy Thanksgiving, even if you are reading this from outside of the United States.

I think we can all be in agreement that on Thursday we can all find great reason(s) to give thanks regardless to which part of the world you are reading this from.

I am so thankful to have a band like Rush, which has given me great joy and provided such an amazing soundtrack to my life ever since I purchased my first Rush album way back in 1976 at a lad of just 13.

I am also thankful to be sharing this band with a great group of fellow fans like all of you, who are some of the greatest fans and nicest people any rock band could ever ask for...it has been a pleasure and an honour to have met so many of you over the years.

Again, a special thanks is order for Ed and all of his hard work on behalf of Rush, to which we are the most fortunate recipients of...cheers to you Ed!

Enjoy the new DVD everyone and Happy Thanksgiving!

~Love, Hope, Strength,

RGLT

#236 - Posted 11/26/08 @12:12AM by patrush

Wow, Freewill is absolutely Amazing. I also love this version of Ghost of a chance. Digital man is totally insane, love the guitar !!! Bangkok is their best live version ever. I love this DVD!

#237 - Posted 11/26/08 @12:58AM by unktehila [contact]

Freewill IS amazing.... Geddy's vocals on the high climactic part... holy shit. he f*#king nails it.

i couldn't help but notice that Neil is severely cranking the shit out of his drums on Ghost Of A Chance, even more than usual... you can tell that tune felt fresher to him.

i don't know if i can get to sleep tonight, too excited over this DVD.

#238 - Posted 11/26/08 @2:25AM by Ricbass4003 [contact]

oh man. Just got done watching the DVD. The sound mix is great bass sound is superb! This rat pellet is awesome! I thought I had good seats for the show in row 10 but really the seats in Hershey are much farther away then you think. This is the view I wanted to have. Lots of close action on the guys, we DO get to see what they are doing just like ged mentioned. I like how Ged wiggles his butt in YYZ. :-)
I watched it on my computer and used head phones it was great. The out takes were very funny! I watched them a few times before I watched the concert portion.

Is it me or are the Rats from Ratterdam very subdude? It is like they are in a trance or something seemed like only the people in the front had their hands up. Guess every country is different.

I am going to take this DVD with me on my Thanksgiving travels so I can get my fix when I need to. If I was Roger Ebert I'd give this thing an A.

#239 - Posted 11/26/08 @2:50AM by patrush

Yes that right, I noticed that too. The sound of the bass comes out really good in the mix. I have been listening to it on my crappy laptop computer (with crappy speakers), and I can totally hear the bass very well.

BTW Check out the mellow guitar riffs on Ghost of A Chance, it is very different from the original recording. First of all, the Les Paul sound isn't as fluid as the PRS, so Alex makes up for it by gently strumming various chords.

#240 - Posted 11/26/08 @2:51AM by main monkey business [contact]

Hey there Rob!!! You caught the alter-ego!! You can thank ole' "Shredder" for the other title. He called me that in a post, and it kinda stuck. Can't wait until Saturday...it'll be fun! I've been bustin' my ass all week to try and get 5 routes done in four days, and after fourteen hours again today....I think I can do it....if I do I can sleep in Thursday morning, and I won't have to work on Saturday...that'd be great!

#241 - Posted 11/26/08 @3:37AM by PetieLee [contact]

Holy Moley! What has this blog come to?! I had no idea that such a delicious Rat Pellet would evoke the worst in RIABers. I am reading this thread in serious disbelief! Holy smokes! Whether you hate or love this Rat Pellet, I suggest everyone should probably just sit back and savor this one because it's gonna be a while before the next Rush tour everyone! Remember: Universal Peace, Love and Geddy Lee!!!!

It's Thanksgiving week in the good ole U.S. of A. Seriously, thank the powers that be that we still have the best band on the planet putting out the best music in the world - and still releasing the best material out there. All kidding aside - regardless of how you feel about this DVD, thank your lucky stars Rush is still around, still rockin' and still VERY relevant. Be thankful for this blog, for all the hard work that Ed does to make this site the most up-to-date and important Rush fan site in the world - AND most of all be thankful for each other. We're all Rush fans and there are no better fans in the world. Rush is the best band in the world. C'mon ya'll!

#210: Ms. KellyD...did you check your mail yet? Hmmmm?

PEACE OUT!

Love da Geddy! Miss da Geddy!

#242 - Posted 11/26/08 @7:26AM by rear view mirror [contact]

You kids better behave or your friend's going to have to go home (LOL)!

GREAT DVD!!!

#243 - Posted 11/26/08 @7:55AM by Kelly D [contact]

Lance. . . SURELY it must've been. . .

Petie- I've been at home, trying to finish a paper ASAP! I'll be checking my other school mail today, though. A million thanks to you, my dear ;)

#244 - Posted 11/26/08 @8:28AM by narpet [contact]

Went to Best Buy they had the DVD listed for $24.99 i walked over to the laptops on display and went to Bestbuy.com and found the dvd for $14.99 i bought it and selected instore pickup. I looked around the store for about 15 minutes and then i picked up the DVD from the front counter. How annoying when the online price is $10 cheaper!!

#245 - Posted 11/26/08 @8:43AM by GRgreg [contact]

#244 narpet I had the same issue, but when I got to the check-out lane it rang up at the %14.99 price. The cashier told me that all new DVDs are on sale. Then she wondered why I was buying so many copies of the same DVD!

#246 - Posted 11/26/08 @1:27PM by Hakky [contact]

I think the Amsterdam crowd may have been subdued by brownies or cookies.
*Just a thought...

#247 - Posted 11/26/08 @1:40PM by analog_kid [contact]

I am a little late in joining this discussion. The DVD was only released yesterday here in Canada, but I didn't get a chance to pick it up until today. (Had a good excuse, with a newborn daughter at home 'n' all...)

Anyway, I just picked up the DVD today during my lunch break at work; brought it back and I'm watching it on my computer here in the office (with the sound going through earplugs). I am glued to this thing. The performances are amazing, and the sound quality is awesome.

I could get fired for watching this DVD all afternoon at work! I should just head home and tell my manager that I'll be "working from home" the rest of the afternoon (more like "workin' them angels").

#248 - Posted 11/26/08 @5:45PM by Fiat

For those of you thinking about taking the Blu Ray plunge now that Rush has released one - I hereby recommend the Panasonic DMP-BD35K 1080p Blu-ray Player.

Got it from amazon for $234.00 and it is awesome. Decent price and the first to get CNET's coveted Editor's Choice designation.

Just fyi.

#249 - Posted 1/29/09 @11:02PM by Major-YYZ [contact]

Can someone post or send to me the instructions for Blu-ray to find the easter eggs on the S&A Live disc. Thanks. Its just so quiet around the boards since Rush is offline. They needed it, great album and awesome tour!

RUSH IS A BAND

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Snakes & Arrows DVD release open thread

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Monday, November 24, 2008

Snakes & Arrows DVD release open thread

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