This is the companion DVD to the CD of the same name. Although Iron Maiden is great on their live CD's, somehow something is missing. That missing piece is the visual. Right from the start, Iron Maiden has always been an exciting band but you don’t get the full effect until you see them live. For those of us in the United States, this DVD set is a real treat because unless you lived in New York City or Los Angeles, you never got to see the Dance Of Death show. The boys did a summer run that was called the “Give Me Ed…‘Til I’m Dead” tour but that was more of a greatest hits concert. For my money, this was a much better show both visually and musically. I always liked the fact that Iron Maiden would play a good chunk of their latest release during the tour and this show is no different. They play “Wildest Dreams,” “Dance Of Death,” “Rainmaker” and a couple of others. Although they did focus on the new record, they also played a healthy selection from their past. Ever since Bruce came back they still don’t disown the Blaze-era. Although it is not one of my favorites, “Lord Of The Flies” does sound much better live (and with Bruce singing it). All the hits are performed so those of you who like “Run To The Hills.” “The Trooper,” etc. will still be chuffed by the DVD. The set list is played on a backdrop of castle-esque proportions (and I do mean that literally. I won’t go into great detail about this because I want you to be surprised at the staging). I think this is probably the best stage show they’ve had since the Powerslave tour. There might not be the pyro from that tour but the lighting definitely makes up for it. The filming is also done really well. I was a little disappointed in the Rock In Rio DVD because the colors were washed out but that has been corrected here. They are deep and vibrant and it has a real concert feel.

Now I would recommend this package if it only included the main concert but, like all Iron Maiden products, the band always goes above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to extras. Some of the extras you may only watch once but that doesn’t mean that I would skip them first time around. The better bonus features include both videos for “Wildest Dreams” and “Rainmaker,” a documentary about the record and tour (it was cool seeing how the staging was designed), and interviews with the band. I watched “The Fans” bonus feature which just consisted of fans being interviewed at Earl’s Court, but that is one of those parts that will only get one viewing. There are over 2 hours of bonuses, so if you don’t like one thing, you can go to the next part. There is enough here to have something for everyone.

The whole package is housed in a tri-fold digipack that is then housed in a slipcase. Every detail was thought out to make this an awesome release. If you are an Iron Maiden fan and you don’t have this yet, then get it soon or Eddie will getcha. All kidding aside, get this DVD. Few things in life are too good to be true. This is one of them.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2007 Volume 2 at lulu.com/strangesound.