Rush’s DVD R30 – 30th Anniversary World Tour is everything a rock concert DVD can be. Short of being there for this 2004 Frankfurt, Germany gig, R30’s high definition multi-camera, multi-sensory experience places the viewer in the audience amidst energetic fans (I swear I could smell the fabric softener sheets in the spinning dryers on stage. Yes, industrial dryers!).
This Canadian power trio puts out regular, consistent high-quality product, with a clear desire to please their zestful fan base. In a retrospective fashion, the 30th Anniversary Tour DVD is nearly so. Retrospective, that is. As other reviews of the DVD also mention, some monumental omissions are songs like “YYZ,” “By-Tor and the Snow Dog,” and “The Trees,” which longtime Rush fans relish and would welcome newer versions of on any release. Overall, this celebratory package is all encompassing, contrasting live-concert footage with rare (little seen) interviews, classic 1970s concert clips and videos, and a charity rendition of “Closer to the Heart,” which further displays the knighted Canadians’ joy at being successful musicians. One might even catch a glimpse of Alex Lifeson (guitar) and Neil Peart (drums) laughing during a song in the Frankfurt footage – Geddy always seems to be having a good time.
The sound is above average for a concert DVD, with the viewer being offered two options upon playing: PCM (2.0 Stereo) or 5.1 Surround. Sure, Geddy’s voice has changed and it is hard for him to hit those arena-roof raising high notes, but it's still great. As a seasoned rock unit, the trio proves it can be like fine wine.
This survey of 30 years of Rush history is necessary for any serious fan or as a brilliant “starter kit” for younger generations. Considering its humorous animated interludes (e.g. The “That Darn Dragon” short before “Tom Sawyer”), the concert footage – with a stunning drum solo by Neil Peart at the end of “Mystic Rhythms” – the engaging chronological interviews, and other added-bonus material, R30 is a Rush fan’s raison de vivre.
