A short time on from its limited screenings in Cinemas around the Globe we have the DVD and Blu-ray release of Rush documentary Beyond The Lighted Stage; presented as a two disc set with a host of never-before-seen live performances and outtakes adding up to a total running time in excess of three hours. That Directors Scot McFadyen and Sam Dunn (Iron Maiden – Flight 666 and Metal, A Headbangers Journey) were evidently granted access all areas to the Rush archives and also interviewed the band members' parents is testimony to the amount that they were trusted by Lee, Lifeson and Peart to do a great job – which is exactly what they did.
The filmmakers really delve deep to uncover the Rush story and it is these early childhood recollections that are perhaps the most fascinating of the film. The round table discussion in the Lifeson household about his future makes you appreciate just how much he had to persevere to find his own path in life and not that which his family would have preferred. By having the narrative flow in chronological order the bands transformation from their geeky high school days to multi-platinum selling Rock Stars is truly compelling. Add in talking head spots from the likes of Jack Black, Sebastian Bach, Billy Corgen, Gene Simmons and Kirk Hammett and this is the most honest and revealing look at Rush that any fan could wish for. Even the casual observer will find much here of interest and the soundtrack is never allowed to take over from the story itself, but effectively serves to complement.
The second disc of bonus footage is one for the Rush completists with 1974 footage of "Best I Can" and "Working Man" (both with John Rutsey on drums) shot in a high school alongside other cuts from the more recent R30 and Snakes and Arrows treks that were missing on the live documents of those tours. Additional outtake footage such as RUSH Trekkies and Dinner with RUSH serves to remind us that this is a band that have never taken themselves all that seriously and take whatever comes their way in their stride. What you don't get with Rush of course (and as Gene Simmons wryly observes) is the Sex, Drugs and Rock N Roll lifestyle which is replaced instead by their undeniable quirkiness.
An honest, funny and rewarding account of the Rush story, this is simply essential viewing.
Added: June 22nd 2010 Reviewer:Dean Pedley Score: Related Link:Movie Trailer Hits: 2320 Language: english
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A short time on from its limited screenings in Cinemas around the Globe we have the DVD and Blu-ray release of Rush documentary Beyond The Lighted Stage; presented as a two disc set with a host of never-before-seen live performances and outtakes adding up to a total running time in excess of three hours. That Directors Scot McFadyen and Sam Dunn (Iron Maiden – Flight 666 and Metal, A Headbangers Journey) were evidently granted access all areas to the Rush archives and also interviewed the band members' parents is testimony to the amount that they were trusted by Lee, Lifeson and Peart to do a great job – which is exactly what they did.
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