Iron Maiden are one of the worlds best metal bands and this DVD shows why. The sound is fantastic and the camera work is as well. Recorded live in front of 250,000 screaming fans this is Maiden at their best. In an age when most like shows are nothing more than lip synched dance party (Brittney Spears, n'synch, backstreet boys etc.) B.S. where the actual music is nothing more than an after thought, Maiden show what real musicians can do in a live atmosphere. Playing songs that span their 30+ year career these guys show no signs of slowing down. Bruce sounds great, Dave,Adrian and Janick all play their hearts out and unlike most of the bands that have popped up in the last 10 years Maiden plays quality guitar solos. Steve Harris is without a doubt one of the worlds best songwriter/bassists and as far as drummers go Nicko can't be touched. If you're a Maiden fan or metal fan, this is a must see/hear. Up the Irons!!!
15 Reviews
Best Metal Band Ever
mickanddave11 July 2006
you are correct Barry (manson21), the sound does go up and down, so it is not just you who has noticed this!!! The best concert i have ever seen on DVD, i wish i was there in person to get the real, full experience (one of the DVD extras being able to choose what quality sound you wish to hear the concert in, such as Dolby 5.1 surround etc. so all is not lost ;)). The passion each member puts into each of the 19 songs is unreal, especially Dickinson, the lead vocalist, he is never static for one moment!. If you ignore the brief ups and downs in sound,this is definitely worth a 10/10 in my opinion.
BRAZIL, ROCK IN RIO... GOODNIGHT!!!
BRAZIL, ROCK IN RIO... GOODNIGHT!!!
Scream for me Brazil!!!
TheHande4 December 2005
Iron Maiden has always been about live-shows and Rock in Rio is probably their ultimate live-DVD/album. With the six-piece band now playing in front of the incredible crowd of 1/4 million people you can truly feel Maiden's energy.
There are several high-points during the very long concert with a variety of songs from the (at the time) recent album "Brave New World" and even some of their older ones. Definite high-points include "The Sign of the Cross", "The Clansman" and of course "The Trooper" which sounds more aggressive than ever before.
Naturally "Blood Brothers" and "Brave New World" rise to the occasion and even after 20 years, "Sanctuary" still packs a punch.
There are several high-points during the very long concert with a variety of songs from the (at the time) recent album "Brave New World" and even some of their older ones. Definite high-points include "The Sign of the Cross", "The Clansman" and of course "The Trooper" which sounds more aggressive than ever before.
Naturally "Blood Brothers" and "Brave New World" rise to the occasion and even after 20 years, "Sanctuary" still packs a punch.
Maiden at it's best
garcizeppelin7 December 2005
Iron Maiden is best when live, and this DVD is an excellent demonstration of that fact. The playing is awesome, with Adrian, Dave and Janick tearing off the walls with their guitars, Steve making the ground tremble, Nicko smashing the drums and Bruce giving the performance of the decade. The band sounds better than ever, the real highlights of this show are: the band (of course), the scenery (the album backgrounds are awesome), and Bruce singing Blaze Bayley's songs (I mean, the Clansman is to me one of the best songs of the whole DVD, the shredding screams of "Freedom!" sound really energetic, completely different from the studio version). So all in all, this is a must have for any Maiden fan, and even if you aren't a fan, this is one of the most awesome DVDs ever.
A Perfect 10 for Maiden Fans
Darth Grimby28 September 2003
On August 1, 2000, I witnessed Maiden's Brave New World Tour in Toronto. It was the opening show of the North American leg of the tour. This DVD captures the last show of the same tour, and it certainly captures the energy of Maiden's live performance.
The concert is enjoyable for Maiden fans young & old, because the set strikes a balance between new material (6 tracks off BNW) and a good mix of the classics. Bruce injects new life into the Blaze-era tracks "Sign of the Cross" and "The Clansman", and this DVD shows why he is one of the best frontmen in metal, with plenty of running around, jumping, dancing, feeding (and feeding off!) the crowd of 1/4 million crazy Brazilians.
The rest of the band are seen having the time of their lives. Nicko is all smiles behind the drum kit, Steve looks comfortable setting his groove, and the three guitarists gleefully take their turns soloing in the spotlight.
There have been complaints about the sound quality of this DVD, but let's be honest: it's a LIVE recording and it sounds pretty good even if it was touched up here and there. Watching it makes me feel like I am right there huddled alongside my metal brothers, and for that I think it is a complete success. A perfect 10 for all Iron Maiden fans.
The concert is enjoyable for Maiden fans young & old, because the set strikes a balance between new material (6 tracks off BNW) and a good mix of the classics. Bruce injects new life into the Blaze-era tracks "Sign of the Cross" and "The Clansman", and this DVD shows why he is one of the best frontmen in metal, with plenty of running around, jumping, dancing, feeding (and feeding off!) the crowd of 1/4 million crazy Brazilians.
The rest of the band are seen having the time of their lives. Nicko is all smiles behind the drum kit, Steve looks comfortable setting his groove, and the three guitarists gleefully take their turns soloing in the spotlight.
There have been complaints about the sound quality of this DVD, but let's be honest: it's a LIVE recording and it sounds pretty good even if it was touched up here and there. Watching it makes me feel like I am right there huddled alongside my metal brothers, and for that I think it is a complete success. A perfect 10 for all Iron Maiden fans.
Iron Maiden Rock in Rio
paul_cantillo30 June 2007
I've owned Rock in Rio on DVD since it came out and its a really great Iron Maiden performance. All the band members are here putting on a great show for all the fans in Brazil.Bruce Dickenson hasn't seemed to lose any of that vocal ability he has. The set list is good as ever. They always have a great stage setup and lights. The sound mix is right on. I've seen them live on the 86' Somewhere on Tour and Seventh Son of a Seventh Son in 88'. They're one of the best live metal bands in the world. Rock in Rio is a really good DVD to own for any Maiden fan. The Early Years is also another one to check out for the Iron Maiden of old.
The Best Band In the World along with Marilyn Manson
manson2128 February 2003
I love this Iron Maiden rock in rio it has just about got all my fave songs just name some of them Fear Of The Dark The Wicker Man Run To The Hills. I don't know if anyone notice but on the DVD the sound seem to go high and low like they made abit of a mess with the sound or mybe its just me. anyway makes me happy when i am watching Iron Maiden rock at its best. So giving this 9/10 UP THE IRONS
Better than the CD
withfullforce6669 October 2005
The Brave New World Tour 2000/01 was one of the bands best. This DVD showcases them at the finale in front of a monstrous crowd. Apart from the editing (too many quick cuts!) it really is a good concert DVD. I think RiR sounds better on the DVD than on the live CD. The mix makes the guitars stand out better and sound not as thick. Hilights for me are: The Intro/Wickerman, Brave New World, The Clansman, Dream Of Mirrors and Sign Of The Cross. It will be interesting to see how Death On The Road compares. The bonus disc is not too bad. A day out with all the members as well as some stuff from Ross Halfin. One gripe is that the packaging is a bit dogger. The discs are held in by little pieces of sponge glued to the card. One ripped off quite easily trying to remove a disc. 8/10
8/10 for the quality of the music, a full 10/10 for spectacle and PZAZ!
Quinoa19849 March 2008
Iron Maiden have a true sense of how to really put on a SHOW (in caps), with their trademark metal brand going out to audience's the world over with the impact of a harrowing horror movie and the gusto of superb theater (perhaps there's a reason why the lead young girl in Persepolis, in Iran of all places, loved Maiden enough to get it off the black market). I was there for their 2003 tour, and comparatively, even at a much smaller venue to see them at, their appearance in Rio in 2000 is no more or less spectacular. They deliver hard-driving heavy metal tunes, some faster than others, with the energetic, awesome Bruce Dickinson belting out the tunes (pretty much, with some minor exceptions in belting out some complicated lyrics) with the same power and vocal range that he had on the original recordings.
Now, the music here and there, while usually spot on, does depend on its being effective if you really like their 2000 album, Brave New World. In truth, I didn't think it was quite a Number of the Beast or Seventh Son of a Seventh Son; sometimes even repetitive and loaded with more thought to the words than the music, it's not one of their best, and those songs make up a good bunch that are on this tour. This being said, however (and what a however), when Maiden is dynamite, they are f***ing dynamite squared. They deliver some of their most acclaimed and loved 80s period Dickonson songs for screaming Brazilians all rocking their heads off in the stadium, and the buzz makes up for any of the faults in the actual performance. And, of course, what would a Maiden show be without Eddie! It's a damn hell of a good show, in more ways than one, and it should only be a disappointment to the most purist of Maiden fans (i.e. can only appreciate the 80s stuff).
Now, the music here and there, while usually spot on, does depend on its being effective if you really like their 2000 album, Brave New World. In truth, I didn't think it was quite a Number of the Beast or Seventh Son of a Seventh Son; sometimes even repetitive and loaded with more thought to the words than the music, it's not one of their best, and those songs make up a good bunch that are on this tour. This being said, however (and what a however), when Maiden is dynamite, they are f***ing dynamite squared. They deliver some of their most acclaimed and loved 80s period Dickonson songs for screaming Brazilians all rocking their heads off in the stadium, and the buzz makes up for any of the faults in the actual performance. And, of course, what would a Maiden show be without Eddie! It's a damn hell of a good show, in more ways than one, and it should only be a disappointment to the most purist of Maiden fans (i.e. can only appreciate the 80s stuff).
...shall we burn our little wicker virgins?
owen-watts7 January 2021
In a time of chaos and calamity (check the review date) I wasn't expecting Maiden's debut DVD to be such a bastion of comfort but it really is. I had deeply coveted the lenticular cover'd CD as a Maiden-obsessed teen and when I got it, at last, I played it endlessly. I know every note and second of the bombastic and extensive set - getting it on DVD filled in all the blanks. Of COURSE there's a giant wicker man on stage, that makes sense now. I thought Bruce was just going insane. It's a wonderful show - for some quarter of a million people who are rapt - the energy of it is palpable and it catches the newly reunited Maiden in high spirits. Further to that you get special features of the band fishing, playing football, fencing and golfing because they're basically bunch of old men which is hilariously relaxing. Up the irons, always \m/
Iron Maiden
GoldenGoose12 October 2008
Iron Maiden: rock in Rio. How do you go about reviewing this title in a way that does not make you sound like you are on the payroll? If you a are a Maiden fan this is a title you must on, like it or not it is a resounding performance delivered by six men at the top of their game. The vocals are clear, the riffs are loud and the drum and bass is spot on. the only fault i have with it is that i wasn't there to witness this truly inspiring feat. there are not many bands out there nowadays that could pull of such a performance and from the intro to the end of run to the hills this performance delivers.
Iron Maiden have since toured the world more than once, and released to more albums, Dance of death might not be to everyones taste but i like it and a Matter of Lfe and Death? the beast is back to its best!
Iron Maiden have since toured the world more than once, and released to more albums, Dance of death might not be to everyones taste but i like it and a Matter of Lfe and Death? the beast is back to its best!
Scream for me Brazil!!!! The Iron Maiden!!!!!
Meven_Stoffat13 December 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Maiden's Rock in Rio is a fantastic DVD concert. It depicts them on the last date of their Brave New World tour in front of 250, 000 people at Rio De Janiero's "Rock in Rio" festival. Great set list, and Bruce's energy shows the band's enthusiasm. T
The audio is amazing, if you have it wired correctly you can hear the Guitars and bass from the left and right speakers, Bruce's voice from the sub-woofer, and the drums from the back speaker. The audio DOES rise and fall in a few quick places, but that doesn't distract you from the awesome-liciousness of the film. Yes, the editing was fast but I didn't mind it, and after 12 minutes I barely noticed it anymore, at least not when compared to the AWFUL editing of Death on the Road where you can hardly keep up.
From the starting "The Wicker Man" to the ending "Run to the Hills", this DVD holds you in its vicious grip.
Some fun facts about Maiden in Rio:
-Bruce went fencing in Rio -Adrian went fishing in Rio -The band had began their set at 12:02 AM -This was Maiden's final tour date for the BNW tour -The band had some...fun backstage, as seen on the "Day In The Life" feature on the second disc
That said, great DVD! Up the Irons!!!!!!
The audio is amazing, if you have it wired correctly you can hear the Guitars and bass from the left and right speakers, Bruce's voice from the sub-woofer, and the drums from the back speaker. The audio DOES rise and fall in a few quick places, but that doesn't distract you from the awesome-liciousness of the film. Yes, the editing was fast but I didn't mind it, and after 12 minutes I barely noticed it anymore, at least not when compared to the AWFUL editing of Death on the Road where you can hardly keep up.
From the starting "The Wicker Man" to the ending "Run to the Hills", this DVD holds you in its vicious grip.
Some fun facts about Maiden in Rio:
-Bruce went fencing in Rio -Adrian went fishing in Rio -The band had began their set at 12:02 AM -This was Maiden's final tour date for the BNW tour -The band had some...fun backstage, as seen on the "Day In The Life" feature on the second disc
That said, great DVD! Up the Irons!!!!!!
I saw Maiden in San Antonio last week ...
redwards-8124730 June 2017
I have seen Maiden seven times. This is not the best video out there. 2008 Porta Allegre is the best video. While this video is live in front of thousands of people, it could have been done better. The camera is all over the place. Many times its as if the camera is out of place. The set list is very good. I saw Maiden last weekend in San Antonio. Stage set is over the top. Set list above avg.
Leave the editing to the pro's, Steve.
simon-cryer16 August 2019
I've had this DVD for years. It sounds great, though I still haven't watched it all the way through in one sitting. The editing is butchered by Iron Maiden's very own Steve Harris, and while I appreciate the idea of total artistic control, someone should really have stepped in and stopped him.
From Iron Maiden's own website - "Instead of using the existing TV broadcast the show was completely re-edited by Steve Harris to create an explosive two hour visual feast of the band's intensity on stage. The concert contains thousands of edits (more than the likes of most full length action movies such as Lord Of The Rings or Gladiator!) in a relentless two hour stage performance."
Thousands of edits. Thousands. Relentless? It's unwatchable. Steve Wonder might have done a better job. Good luck.
From Iron Maiden's own website - "Instead of using the existing TV broadcast the show was completely re-edited by Steve Harris to create an explosive two hour visual feast of the band's intensity on stage. The concert contains thousands of edits (more than the likes of most full length action movies such as Lord Of The Rings or Gladiator!) in a relentless two hour stage performance."
Thousands of edits. Thousands. Relentless? It's unwatchable. Steve Wonder might have done a better job. Good luck.
Effective concert film for the casual metal fan
bob the moo13 August 2007
To mark the release of their new (at the time) album "Brave New World", heavy metal group Iron Maiden took their show to approximately ¼ million people live in Rio de Janeiro. Now, I'm not a Maiden fan although I do know a couple of their bigger hits. Mainly a lot of metal sounds the same to me but the odd time I have been to a metal concert I have found that it works well for me in a crowd. So why did I watch this film then? Well partly out of interest I knew it is so highly rated on this site because it had been viewed by fans and I was curious as a casual viewer.
However my main reason for watching it was because earlier this week I watched Alice Cooper live in 1975 and enjoyed seeing the clichés that Spinal Tap spoofed being presented as real. However it did make me think about how stadium rock has grown from there to where it is now and Iron Maiden are a fine example of what it means today. So where Cooper had people dressed in monster suits running over his stage, Maiden have a massive wicker man and hundreds or thousands of people in a state of the art show. Of course it helps to be a fan but if you do like metal even slightly then this gig is roundly good you don't really need to specifically like Iron Maiden.
For the casual viewer the gig is impressive anyway because of the scale of it but it did also give me enjoyment in seeing the modern rock clichés being played out (and I don't mean clichés in a negative way). So we get sweat, big hair, the wide-foot guitar playing stance and so on. It all suits the atmosphere of energy and friendly aggression from the crowd and I found the music more enjoyable than I probably would if I had just been listening to the studio album. The band themselves may be clichés but they do have great stage presence Dickinson in particular runs the stage well and seems able to control a crowd this size.
Overall then, understandably popular with fans but interesting enough for the casual viewer. The stadium rock clichés are in full effect and the heavy metal tracks all work well within the context of a massive crowd. I probably enjoyed it more due to the juxtaposition with the Alice Cooper concert but it is still an effect concert film.
However my main reason for watching it was because earlier this week I watched Alice Cooper live in 1975 and enjoyed seeing the clichés that Spinal Tap spoofed being presented as real. However it did make me think about how stadium rock has grown from there to where it is now and Iron Maiden are a fine example of what it means today. So where Cooper had people dressed in monster suits running over his stage, Maiden have a massive wicker man and hundreds or thousands of people in a state of the art show. Of course it helps to be a fan but if you do like metal even slightly then this gig is roundly good you don't really need to specifically like Iron Maiden.
For the casual viewer the gig is impressive anyway because of the scale of it but it did also give me enjoyment in seeing the modern rock clichés being played out (and I don't mean clichés in a negative way). So we get sweat, big hair, the wide-foot guitar playing stance and so on. It all suits the atmosphere of energy and friendly aggression from the crowd and I found the music more enjoyable than I probably would if I had just been listening to the studio album. The band themselves may be clichés but they do have great stage presence Dickinson in particular runs the stage well and seems able to control a crowd this size.
Overall then, understandably popular with fans but interesting enough for the casual viewer. The stadium rock clichés are in full effect and the heavy metal tracks all work well within the context of a massive crowd. I probably enjoyed it more due to the juxtaposition with the Alice Cooper concert but it is still an effect concert film.
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