November 7, 2005 16:44

Classic Queen album re-released

'A Night At The Opera' re-mastered with tons of extras

Queen are commemorating their 30th anniversary with a combined CD/DVD special release of 'A Night At The Opera'.

The landmark release, which went to the top of the charts in many countries three decades ago, has been completely restored from original analogue tapes and digitally re-mastered by Bob Ludwig, in both stereo and 5.1 surround sound.

As well as the original 1975 videos for Number One hit single 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and 'You're My Best Friend', the DVD also contains brand new video footage for the other 10 tracks, along with archive audio commentary from all four members of Queen, including the late Freddie Mercury.

Guitarist Brian May said: "This DVD also features for the first time visuals for every track on the album - some, like the original 'Bohemian Rhapsody' video, carefully digitally restored and re-graded, and some, like the stunning new video for 'Good Company', created especially for this release.

"There are also some special commentaries, ancient and modern, from all four Queen members on facets of the tracks, and ... yes, this is quite simply the best 'Night At The Opera' ever produced. I doubt if it can ever be bettered!"

The original album was the first Queen LP to go to Number One in the UK, where it sold over a million copies, giving them their first platinum record.

It was also their breakthrough album in the USA, where it reached Number Four and remained on the charts for 52 weeks, giving them their first gold record in the States.

Recalling when Freddie sat at the piano and first played 'Bohemian Rhapsody' to him and the band, producer Roy Thomas Baker said: "'Bohemian Rhapsody' was totally insane. We never stopped laughing. It was basically a joke, but a successful joke.Freddie set out three impressive verses then stopped and said, 'Now dear, this is where the opera section comes in'."

'A Night At The Opera': 30th Anniversary is out on November 21 - 30 years after first single 'Bohemian Rhapsody' went to the top of the charts.

The full tracklisting is:

'Death On Two Legs'
'Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon'
'I'm In Love With My Car'
'You're My Best Friend'
''39'
'Sweet Lady'
'Seaside Rendezvous'
'The Prophet's Song'
'Love Of My Life'
'Good Company'
'Bohemian Rhapsody'
'God Save The Queen'