IMAX AND PATHÉ LIVE ANNOUNCE THE GLOBAL RELEASE OF
“QUEEN ROCK MONTREAL” EXCLUSIVELY IN IMAX THEATRES
FOR A LIMITED ENGAGEMENT BEGINNING JANUARY 18
“Queen Rock Montreal” to Release Exclusively in IMAX Theatres for a Limited Engagement Beginning January 18th
29 November 2023
Los Angeles, CA (November 29, 2023) — IMAX and Pathé Live in partnership with Mercury Studios and Queen Films announced today 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 January 18, 2024. This exhilarating live concert from 1981 is a window into Queen in their 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 customized 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 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 realized 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 focussed 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 beginning January 18. 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 IMAX.COM/QUEEN.
“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 consecutives sold out, legendary nights.
“QUEEN ROCK MONTREAL” not only delivers Queen in their 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 ground-breaking band.
About IMAX Corporation:
IMAX, an innovator in entertainment technology, combines proprietary software, architecture, and equipment to create experiences that take you beyond the edge of your seat to a world you’ve never imagined. Top filmmakers and studios are utilizing IMAX systems to connect with audiences in extraordinary ways, making IMAX’s network among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event films around the globe.
IMAX is headquartered in New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles, with additional offices in London, Dublin, Tokyo, and Shanghai. As of September 30, 2023, there were 1,731 IMAX systems (1,651 commercial multiplexes, 12 commercial destinations, 68 institutional) operating in 87 countries and territories. Shares of IMAX China Holding, Inc., a subsidiary of IMAX Corporation, trade on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the stock code “1970.”
IMAX®, IMAX® 3D, Experience It In IMAX®, The IMAX Experience®, DMR®, Filmed For IMAX®, IMAX LIVETM, IMAX Enhanced® are trademarks and trade names of IMAX Corporation or its subsidiaries that are registered or otherwise protected under laws of various jurisdictions. For more information, visit www.imax.com. You may also connect with IMAX on Instagram (www.instagram.com/imax), Facebook (www.facebook.com/imax), LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/imax), X (www.twitter.com/imax), and YouTube (www.youtube.com/imaxmovies).
About Pathé Live:
Pathé Live is a pioneer in global distribution of event cinema. Over the last 10 years, the subsidiary of Pathé group has released over 200 events in cinemas including operas (Metropolitan Opera Live in HD in French speaking territories), classical ballets (producer and worldwide distributor of the Bolshoi Ballet cinema series which ended right after the beginning of the war) and record-breaking music concerts such as BTS – LOVE YOURSELF IN SEOUL (2019), MYLENE FARMER 2019 – THE FILM (2019) and INDOCHINE – CENTRAL TOUR IN CINEMA (first ever Filmed for IMAX concert film – 2022 – French speaking territories only). Pathé Live strives to reach the widest international audience with epic, prestigious and unmissable cultural events combining uniquely communal cinematic experiences with the highest quality image, sound and comfort tailored for the big screen.
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Assets:
IMAX PUBLICITY or EPK.tv
Press Contacts:
42West
TeamQueen@42West.net
