“QUEEN ROCK MONTREAL”
EXCLUSIVELY IN STER-KINEKOR IMAX THEATRES IN SA, LIMITED SCREENINGS FROM 18 JANUARY 2024
IMAX and Pathé Live in partnership with Mercury Studios and Queen Films has announced that, for the very first time, one of the world’s biggest bands will perform on cinema’s biggest screens with the global release of “QUEEN ROCK MONTREAL,” exclusively in IMAX® beginning 18 January 2024. This exhilarating live concert from 1981 is a window into Queen in its most unalloyed form, giving audiences a larger-than-life, front-row immersive experience.
The film was digitally re-mastered for the first time into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience®, including 12-channel surround sound, crystal-clear images, and IMAX’s customised theatre geometry.
Rock & roll royalty Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon take to the stage in a historic and exhilarating performance of their greatest hits including “We Will Rock You”, “Somebody To Love”, “Under Pressure”, “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “Another One Bites the Dust”, “We Are The Champions”, and additional songs from the popular album The Game including “Dragon Attack”, “Play the Game”, and more. Executive producers include Geoff Kempin and Alice Webb for Mercury Studios and Jim Beach and Matilda Beach for Queen Films.
“I don’t think we quite realised it at the time, but this film has preserved one of the highest peaks in Queen’s touring life, on stage in the old glory days. The director was very much focused on Freddie, and this now stands as probably the most precious intimate capture ever of Mr. Mercury at his full awesome power,” said Brian May. Added Roger Taylor, “Enjoy. We were young!”
“QUEEN ROCK MONTREAL” will be released in over 450 IMAX locations globally for four days only, beginning on 18 January. Participating territories include the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, South Africa, Australia, Brazil, and Mexico, to name a few. For a list of theatres and to purchase tickets please visit the Ster-Kinekor website.
“QUEEN ROCK MONTREAL” captures a pivotal moment in the band’s history. When Queen returned for the fourth time to Montreal’s 18,000-seat Forum in November 1981, where this concert was recorded, it was after a 15-month absence during which they became the biggest band in the world. Fueled by the release of The Game album, their smash single “Under Pressure,” and extensive touring, Queen now dominated the charts in every major territory across the globe.
The two shows that took place in Montreal – November 24 and 25, 1981 – were arranged specifically to set Queen up for another first: shooting a full-length concert film to properly document their live show, highlighting the state-of-the art sound recording. Having spent almost two years on the road, the group was ready for such a challenge and hit Montreal in top form for what would end up being two consecutive sold out, legendary nights.
“QUEEN ROCK MONTREAL” not only delivers Queen in its rawest form but captures the unparalleled musicianship and vocal talents of Freddie, Brian, Roger and John performing together. Showcasing the group in their pre-Hot Space album era, before keyboards would find a place in the band’s touring line up, this classic concert film shows these talented musicians in total cohesion while finding space to demonstrate their individual strengths. Directed by Saul Swimmer, “QUEEN ROCK MONTREAL” marks the first concert captured on film of this legendary and groundbreaking band.
All Ster-Kinekor IMAX sites are fitted with a generator, so you can leave your loadshedding problems at home, and enjoy an uninterrupted big concert experience on the biggest screen at The Grove in Tshwane, Cradlestone, Eastgate and Mall of Africa in Johannesburg, Gateway in KZN, Baywest in Gqeberha (PE) and at Capegate, Tygervalley and V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.
The concert film will be screened on 18, 19 and 20 January 2024 at 17:30 and 20:00, and on 21 January 2024 at 16:30 and 19:00. The screening time is 95 minutes.
Bookings are now open for your ‘golden circle’ front row ticket to experience “QUEEN ROCK MONTREAL” in IMAX. Book your tickets now at www.sterkinekor.com or download the SK App on your smartphone. For news and updates, go to Facebook: Ster-Kinekor Theatres | follow Ster-Kinekor on Twitter: @Ster-Kinekor. For all queries, call Ticketline on 0861-Movies (668 437).