Rush concert DVD redemption is at hand. Coming back from the not-so-great 2003-concert footage, Rush In Rio, where a lackluster audio mixing stained a spectacular performance, the 2008 Snakes and Arrows Live nears perfection, and mercifully redeems the determined threesome, Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neal Peart. Thank you Richard Chycki, for your Dolby Digital 5.1 audio mix.

For a band that has managed to perform together for nearly forty years, I would be a big fat liar if I were to claim that I could extract the succulent nuggets living within Snakes and Arrows and deliver a cohesive review in a few short paragraphs here. That said, the best I can offer you dear readers, is a short overview of the three-disc set with a high recommendation to stop by your nearest FYE, or online music source and shell out the dough for the DVD.

Never mind that I was not born when Rush came out; I have had plenty occasion in my life to fall in and out of love/lust with them. I have listened to them long enough to both over and underrate them. Though it is not included, I will forever love 'Roll the Bones". I commend Rush for highlighting a specific studio work, Snakes and Arrows, and piecing together an extraordinary work of art through this compilation. Loosely translated, this DVD triple-action rocks. The first two discs highlight the Rotterdam concerts while the last disc, "Oh Atlanta! The Authorized Bootleg" portion offers four "authorized bootlegs" which kind of smacks in the definition of bootlegs, but whatever.

While the commitment to the three DVD set is enormous, it's nearly a four hour seating so get some popcorn and a tasty beverage or six, the wild ride that accompanies watching the widescreen footage (shot in HD none-the-less) of the 2007 Ahoy Rotterdam arena show in the Netherlands is nothing short of brilliant and reaffirms why Rush is one of the staple rock and roll bands of all time.

Co-directors Pierre and Francois Lamoureux have an eye for extraordinary detail and capture the bands' humorous and playful side. Rush, and their loyal following, never take themselves too seriously, which has endeared generations of followers. For starters, the DVD is filmed with 21 HD cameras. If you do not think that HD makes a difference, I beg you to compare any one of their previous 20 video releases. Secondly, there are several ways to enjoy the collection including a one-disc DVD Blu-Ray version—which must rock, I wouldn't know cause I don't have it, or through the PMC stereo track and a mono mix which are included in the triple disc set.

Alex Lifeson, Geddy Lee, and Neal Peart are still rocking after all these years and are deserving of all the kudos this DVD album grants them. Every one of Rush's fans knows Lifesons' prowess is uncontested; he plays as if an army of rhythm and lead licks bleeds from his fingertips. Of course, Geddy Lees' consistent bass and Pearts' hammering percussion fill out the production warmly. One item of sheer euphoria for longtime Rush fans to be on the lookout for is the melodramatic drum solo Peart throws at us, replete with electronic pads.

What to expect musically—die hard fans and new adopters will appreciate both the classics and newer stuff. Tracks like"Tom Sawyer, "Limelight," "The Main Monkey Business" "Subdivisions", "The Larger Bowl" and "YYZ" will find regular rotation in the iPod shuffle. I personally dug the pulling-out of "2112" and "Red Barchetta". Who cares if it is now out of Lees' range? Not to spoil any fun surprises, along the lines, you will get all hot and bothered over "Witch Hunt" and that is all I am saying. That and maybe keep an eye out for "Ghost of a Chance" a first-time filming of the song. Oh yeah, and be on the lookout for chicken.

Hidden gems of comedic outtakes can be found nestled in the "What's that Smell" vignette potion of the DVD that die-hard Rush fans will find fulfilling. Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee push the mettle of fans patience but deliver a performance that leaves a deliciously satisfied feeling. Other features to watch out for include "What's That Smell" vignette; 2007 Tour Outtakes; "Far Cry" screen footage, "The Way the Wind Blows" rear screen footage, "Red Sector A" from the R30 Tour; and the "What's That Smell" Trailer.

One of the most amazing aspects to this collection is the artistry behind the camera shooting-- the on-stage work is beautiful, intimate and mesmerizing. It is quite a treat—more like walking around onstage with them than viewing from afar. The angles are shot extremely clean with minimal shake and with a discerning perfectionist eye to detail which masterfully conveys a sense of power and perfection, helping to place this Rush release at the top of the list for the award of "archaic band still bearing relevance in the 21 century." Go out and get Snakes and Arrows Live. It is a must for all Rush fans and new generations looking back on a band that helped shape the feel of rock and roll.

Stars 5

TRACKS

DISC 1:
1. Limelight
2. Digital Man
3. Entre Nous
4. Mission
5. Freewill
6. The Main Monkey Business
7. The Larger Bowl
8. Secret Touch
9. Circumstances
10. Between the Wheels
11. Dreamline

DISC 2:
1. Far Cry
2. Workin' Them Angels
3. Armor and Sword
4. Spindrift
5. The Way the Wind Blows
6. Subdivisions
7. Natural Science
8. Witch Hunt
9. Malignant Narcissism - De Slagwerker
10. Hope
11. Distant Early Warning
12. The Spirit of Radio
13. Tom Sawyer
14. One Little Victory - Encore
15. A Passage to Bangkok - Encore
16. YYZ - Encore