“Queen Rock Montreal” will make its global streaming premiere May 15 on Disney+ as the first concert film available with Imax Enhanced sound by DTS.
When it arrived in theaters in January, the remastered 1981 concert was Imax’s biggest exclusive engagement. Now, it will debut on Disney+ alongside 18 Marvel films that will also be offered with Imax Enhanced sound on supported devices, Imax’s senior VP and head of Imax post and image capture Bruce Markoe announced during a panel Sunday at the NAB Show in Las Vegas.
The original concerts, featuring Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon, took place over two consecutive nights in November 1981, and were arranged specifically to be filmed for a full-length concert film to document their live show. The performance includes classics such as “Another One Bites the Dust,” “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Somebody to Love.” It was restored for Imax by Mercury Studios. Executive producers include Geoff Kempin and Alice Webb for Mercury Studios and Jim Beach and Matilda Beach for Queen Films.
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Today’s announcement is the latest in a longtime relationship between Imax and Disney Entertainment. Marvel movies that will also be available with Imax Enhanced sound at launch include “Avengers: Infinity War,” “Avengers: Endgame,” “Black Panther,” “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” “Guardians of the Galaxy (Volumes 2 and 3),” “Black Widow” and “Doctor Strange.”
The announcement also underscores Imax’s plans to create and distribute more concert movies.
Imax Enhanced devices, including supporting models from manufacturers such as Sony, Hisense, Sharp, Denon, and JBL.
Variety and Variety VIP+’s Carolyn Giardina moderated the NAB panel.