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I really appreciate a band who cares about their fans. It's easy to say that this was released to garner a quick buck, hawking previously owned material to masses in a newer shiny package, but that is definately not the case here. Rush seems to have embraced the DVD medium and is using to truly satisfy their fans. Three new amazing DVD's in the past three years is more than any fan could hope for.

This release completes the available Rush video catalog (with only the curious omission of Countdown and The Body Electric videos last seen on Through The Camera Eye video compilation). The packaging is brilliant, featuring an elegant fold out (maybe a little flimsy in the long run) case with stark yet completely stunning graphics. I especially like the artwork on the discs (I'm a real sucker for the Grace Under Pressure egg and vise design). As mentioned in prior reviews, it also has copies of the original tour booklets, which as with all Rush imagery, is intelligently thought out, beautifuly photgraphed and features a touch of their wit. All of this alone makes this package totally satisfying.

It's great to see these video again, my video copies worn out with horrible sound dropouts on my ESL tape. I also like that they didn't really alter the content in any way. Exit... Stage Left is the highlight of the set as it features their strongest period of music. It straddles the moment where they went from prog players to rock icons, with both featured promenantly. The cheesy early eighties visuals and film grain give this piece a satisfying feel that takes me back to my early days loving the band. The only complaint is the lack of material, but that is only wishful thinking.

Grace Under Pressure shows the band in all their awkward mid-eighties glory (I laughed when I saw Geddy's hair, until I remembered I had the same look in high school). The video is ultra clean and extremelly well-lit. It features a great if abbreviated set, including the full "fear" trilogy which was only played on that tour.

A Show Of Hands is a hit-or-miss affair, it features maybe the best footage and warmest image of the three, but features some of their weaker pieces that used a ton of effects samplers (Manhattan Project, Prime Mover, Marathon). The performances are strong with the band having a great time, and it features a good Peart solo.

The inclusion of the bonus CD is a real nice touch, as it didn't need to be included. It features the soundtrack for the GUP DVD and has got clean, full sound. The performances sound even better on the disc as you can really take in the music. My only true gripe though comes with this disc. It is a true shame that they couldn't have included the full show. The sound tapes must survive. I understand not altering the video, but it could have been a real treat to hear the other songs I remember from that tour (Red Barchetta, Between The Wheels, YYZ, Subdivisions, and on and on). Again wishful thinking, but it would have been a great opportunity.

Overall, highly recommended for all, but especially for the fans.