Flight 666: The Film [DVD]

REVIEW OF SPECIAL SHOWING OF THE FILM TUESDAY 21st APRIL HATFIELD GALLERIA

When many people see the title of this DVD they could expect 2 hours of non stop head banging to Iron Maiden, and in that respect may be disappointed. There are numerous snippets from their 2008 world tour in venues as diverse as Mumbai and San Jose, but overall the film provides an insight into the workings of a unique piece of rock history.

In Bruce Dickinson Iron Maiden have a leader who is not only a musician, world class fencer, radio presenter, but a fully qualified commercial airline pilot, and it is his flying prowess which laid the basis for the tour. Several documentaries have been filmed about rock tours and generally comprise endless shots of black flight cases with fleets of Edwin Shirley trucks (other trucking companies are readily available) criss-crossing motorways in the UK and Europe.

It was decided that by modifying a Boeing 757 jet the group, management, and road crew together with staging, lights, and sound equipment could fly around the world perform a show, then take off the following day to the next venue. Perhaps this all sounds tedious but from the first sight of their beautifully sign written plane at Stansted, to the final chord struck in Toronto Canada the film keeps your attention without flagging.

There was a very human element to this documentary and what came across to me is the great family atmosphere the whole touring party created between themselves. The production director deciding he was retiring "again", the comment from the roadies that they can party as hard as anyone but at 7am or before if necessary they will all be ready to work without fail, the friendly banter with the air stewards never getting malicious.

In some ways the film is also a travelogue with stunning shots of cities, and the chaos from when their plane touched down until they were safely inside their hotel. The sickness the group encountered in India, perfect organisation of the shows in Melbourne and Sydney contrasting with the disturbing scenes in Bolivia showing fans camped out on the road for 10 days to see their heroes perform only to have their basic possessions stolen by the police.

There is plenty of stage footage to please die hard fans and interviews with band members who I felt gave a well balanced view of life on the road. Many of their entourage have been with the group since the early days of transit vans and motorway service stations so comfort levels have certainly increased. Perhaps the most revealing statement regarding media/fan pressure was the comment that once in the sanctuary of their hotel complete privacy should be given ... you would not think it from the hundreds of fans storming the reception area in Santiago.

There is a very fine line between success and failure in the music business so to remain in the top flight for nearly 30 years is a remarkable achievement. Iron Maiden still attract fans worldwide from ages 7 to 70 and I feel this DVD will appeal to anyone whos interest goes beyond buying their latest CD and attending the odd concert.

(Review by "Frank")

For those who could not get to the cinemas to see this excellent "Rockumentary" filmed from Mumbai to Toronto on the Somewhere Back In Time tour this review concerns only the film (running at 117 minutes)and not the concert disc.
The film was brilliant. Mostly behind the scenes with the road crew and band. Yes, yes it was "This Is Spinal Tap(esque)" but so flippin what. Maiden were shown to work hard, play hard & chillout quietly. The film was superbly edited and nicely laid out chronologically. The groups humour shone through. Harry (Bruce's ex-father-in-law) always told me the old cliche was true of them, "You couldn't meet a nicer bunch of lads". And that's going back about 23 years. It is mainly the subtle humour which carries this film. as all of the live songs are extracts except for Hallowed Be The Name. Hence the inclusion of the concert disc in this package. (According to the dvd cover it is the full concert filmed in 16 different countries).
I will not spoil this film but relaying what happens but it was interesting to listen to the cinema audience I was in (that will be lost when viewing this at home)react to different cultures around the world. Not meaning to be racist, it is just something that a British rock fan base is not used to and that is to see 000's of Indians going hell for leather & singing along to metal. And the Japanese are just wonderfully mental (always have been since Deep Purple & Queen etc in the early 70s). A large chunk of the movie is given to the fans who express their love, devotion & admiration of this cute little beast called Iron Maiden.
OK I have seen the film and will probably watch it once or twice more over the next few years, but no doubt the concert disc will be played a whole lot more.
Thanx for reading this review...
...and of course... UP THE IRONS !!!!!

i saw this film at the london premiere and after two hours of headbanging and singing later i can conclude that this is well worth the money and a great Rockumentary even iff you don't like Iron Maiden!