Editor Reviews:

Amazon.com:
Billed as "the day music changed history," the Live Aid concerts of July 13, 1985, were held to raise money to fight the horrifying famines sweeping Africa. The brainchild of Bob Geldof and representing the efforts of countless musicians and technicians, Live Aid was a genuine and inspiring effort to help the victims of an overwhelming calamity. Twenty years after the twin concerts (one in London, one in Philadelphia) were broadcast worldwide, the 4-DVD treatment furthers the cause, with proceeds going toward the Band Aid Trust.

The DVD set opens with a heartbreaking documentary on the crisis, followed by videos of the two hit songs that represented the collaborative nature of Geldof's efforts—Band Aid' s "Do They Know It's Christmas?" and USA for Africa's "We Are the World." Since Live Aid was never intended to be released in a recorded format, preservation of TV footage has been unreliable, resulting in some glaring omissions. Led Zeppelin's semi-reunion doesn't appear, and neither does a legendary session with Bob Dylan, Ron Wood, and Keith Richards. Some sets by performers who were popular at the time may inspire either nostalgic glee or head-scratching (Kiki Dee fans, you know who you are). Sprinkled amid these performances are a couple real gems, including a performance by Run DMC, the event's sole representative of the ascendant rap movement. Much of the music here was a passing fad, but the sentiment that brought it all together is timeless. -- Ryan Boudinot

Rating : - Amazing quality, Queen at their top
This disk is finally a release of what must be one of the top Queen live shows. Just the four of them, at the top of their fame and strength. Together with the Queen on Fire, this is a must have for any fan.

Freddie's voice is strong, amazing, no shortcuts, no compromises. The band just clicks together. Some beautiful performances here.

The video is very good given the age of the material, too bad more footage was not preserved to re-cut the show. Audio is flawless.

Commentary is entertaining, although best watched as subtitles (available in several languages), since the music is very quiet between the comments which are rather sparse.

Great show, probably the best live concert disk in my collection.