"The first disc contains the classic "Maiden England" video, which was originally released in 1989 on VHS, as well as three extra songs, previously unreleased, performed during the encore of the show, which are ‘Running Free,’ ‘Run to the Hills’ and ‘Sanctuary.’
Disc two has all the bonus footage including a new 40 minute documentary on the history of Maiden as well as music videos and a remastered version of their 1987 doc, 'Twelve Wasted Years'.
Comes with a double sided folded Poster with the artwork from the new cover on one side, and a photo collage of old passes, merchandise, band shots and notes taken from the original releases sleeves, and the tour dates from the "Seventh Tour Of A Seventh Tour 88"
"On November 27th and 28th, the band played two massive, sold out shows to the Birmingham NEC, which were filmed and recorded for a DVD/CD release. Whereas Rod Smallwood had complete control over Live After Death, Steve had control over Maiden England- his aim was to depict the show through the eyes of the crowd. And boy, does it work well here. There's very few drum kit shots or from the stage shots- the 90% of the show can be seen from the barrier, the balconies, the stands, etc. It's very effective, and at times has a bit of a bootleg vibe, as if it was pieced together from a number of camcorders- this was all Steve's idea, and it worked brilliantly here.
THE SHOW
The band's performance is on fire here, as they usually are. Bruce had the flu and it's very obvious in his singing, but he still puts on a hell of a show. He still runs and jumps about, messes with the crowd and even plays with a Sooty puppet at one point in a Welsh accent! The key performer on this package is Dave Murray- I've always been biased as his more classical style of guitar was what drew me to Maiden's guitar playing in article, but here, he's just insane. His solos, particularly "The Prisoner" are just killer. He also runs and jumps about the stage, just like Janick too! Nicko is playful as he always is, and Steve is just bundles of energy personified. This may not be the best performance of theirs, but it's proof that the band has what it takes to never disappoint.
The band storm through a 110 minute set that begins with "Moonchild"- a burst of pyro goes off and the band are in full-on mode. The usual theatricality is there- tons of pyro (gerbs, fireballs, even an Eddie's head on fire), and lighting that sets moods that range from ominous to mystical. There's the usual two eddies- the first makes an appearance during "Seventh Son of a Seventh Son" that looks like a scribe, and the second being the usual big Eddie in the style of the SSOASS artwork.
Special attention must be drawn to the added encores- in the original release, they weren't featured as of people already had the songs, but here they're back and in full form. The encore begins with "Run to the Hills", which takes care of itself as it always does. Next is "Running Free", which is always fierce and fiery, and the band does the usual "slowing things down near the end and letting the audience sing along" thing they usually do. Last up is "Sanctuary", and let's just say, this easily justifies the purchase of the DVD. It's as fast and fierce and fiery as it usually is, but one particular part that raises hairs and sends chills is when the lights flash red and blue (emulating police lights) and has the crowd mock the police sirens. Just goes to show you his true showmanship!
AS FOR THE REST OF THE DVD...
The 5.1 DTS track is the reason to buy the DVD. Mixed by Kevin Shirley, it sums up why I always prefer DTS tracks to Dolby and the sound is just loud, grand and epic. Excellent use of the back speakers with tons of dynamics you can practically breathe in- it'd be a crime not to watch it with the DTS track. As for the special features, the 40 minute documentary does pale compared to the 60 minute one on Live After Death and the 90 minute one on The History of Iron Maiden Part 1: The Early Days. But it's nonetheless entertaining and covers the synth era in 40 minutes- but the most compelling part is when it ends on a chilling cliffhanger where Adrian says bluntly into the camera, "I wasn't happy with it at all... and then a year later, I wasn't in the band". Bring on the Donington Live 92 DVD! The 12 Wasted Years documentary is featured, which is fun to watch, and the promo videos for the hits from both Somewhere in Time and Seventh Son of a Seventh Son albums, which you most likely already have on Visions of the Bast.
In closing, Maiden England '88 is the perfect way to revisit a beloved era for all Maiden fans, and for a number of reasons too. For one, the complete show is available for the first time ever, and it also is just nice to have the show on DVD, PERIOD. Yeah, it does kind of suck there's no blu-ray release, but considering it was shot on video, chances are it wouldn't translate. Either way, this is money well spent! For old fans, it'll be a lovely trip down memory lane, and for the new fans, it's the perfect way to open the door to an era that's considered to be a staggeringly interesting one by even the outsiders.
Now, the only thing left I have to say?
UP THE IRONS!!!!" - Sputnik Music
Double DVD
Tracklisting
Disc One:
1. Moonchild
2. The Evil That Men Do
3. Prisoner
4. Still Life
5. Die With Your Boots On
6. Infinite Dreams
7. Killers
8. Can I Play With Madness
9. Heaven Can Wait
10. Wasted Years
11. The Clairvoyant
12. Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son
13. The Number Of The Beast
14. Hallowed Be Thy Name
15. Iron Maiden
16. Run To The Hills
17. Running Free
18. Sanctuary
Disc Two:
1. The History Of Iron Maiden Part 3 (1986-1988)
2. 12 Wasted Years (1987 Documentary)
Extras
3. Wasted Years (Promo Video)
4. Stranger In A Strange Land (Promo Video)
5. Can I Play With Madness (Promo Video)
6. The Evil That Men Do (Promo Video)
7. The Clairvoyant (Promo Video)
