Iron Maiden - Number of the Beast Classic Album

So good, I watch it over and over.

This is a definite must have for any Maiden fan. Okay, it's not perfect. But, you have to look at what this is--this isn't a documentary really about Maiden as a band. This is a documentary about the making--obviously--of one of the greatest, most influential rock albums ever produced. It doesn't cover every song, though. That's true. But, it does cover, to me, the most important ones on the album. Personally, I like the entire album...but, I can understand why some songs were either glossed over or simply not mentioned, such as Invaders or Total Eclipse. While decent songs...I don't think they make or break the album, honestly.I've watched several other Classic Album episodes over the years...and I think this is probably one of the more enjoyable ones I've ever seen. Like I said, this is about an album that's a sliver in time for a band that's now well-established. Back then, Maiden had a following, true...just not like after this album, just not like today. And I seriously doubt they'd have the success today without The Number of the Beast.Anyway. What you'll get on this disc is everything that went into making the album. All of the trials and tribulations. All of the myths surrounding it--and, yes, some of them are true. Best bits: Bruce talking about the reaction and attention the album's title track got back in the day. Bruce talking about how The Prisoner came into being. Adrian Smith showing guitar parts on certain songs--as well as the stuff he shows that didn't make it into the episode. There are some candid pieces on here, too. Over all. Great stuff.

I recently purchased this DVD thinking that I probably owned half the footage on it already, but the price was right, and I figured it might have a clip or two I hadn't seen before. But actually I was very surprised. This DVD is made up of interviews with the band members, plus producer Martin Birch, and manager Rod Smallwood, and they take you back in time to 1982, and how The Number of the Beast album came to be. It's filled with cut up clips of the Beast concert, (available in it's entirety on Iron Maiden: The Early Years Part 1)and it shows Adrian Smith twanging away at the signature licks from various tracks off the album-- it's really cool to hear those rhythms coming out of a little studio amp without the production and mixing, etc. This DVD is a great time capsule, and it reminds you of just how perfect this album is. And how 26 years ago, four British upstarts rode that New Wave of British Heavy Metal into a World-Wide Conquest that still stands the test of time even today. So if you've already got everything Maiden, and you want to relax and have a pint with the boys, and go back to when one of the Greatest Heavy albums of all time was created, this is the DVD for you.

It's fun to watch a band talk about one of your favorite albums or certain parts of their career. I would've liked to seen more on Paul Di'anno but at least they have him on there singing for about 10 seconds. The "message from clive burr" is ultimately a gimmick when u read the chapter list cos all it is is a 30 second spot that says "clive burr wants you to know he has..." and shows a slow motion shot of him drumming. He does look a little frail throughtout the dvd. Megadeth's Dave Mustaine is also on this dvd praising Maiden...and a little comical at times explaining how cool they are. Being an American, it took some getting used to listening to about 10 people all with english accents! (especially Dave Murray! don't talk please, just play the guitar-ha ha). A good dvd, could've been better. The Metallica classic album DVD is waaaay better. This one buy only if your a die hard fan or want to relive the glory days... like me!

Excellent. It had what music documentaries should have: lots of input by band members. I loved this album in my twenties, but that was long ago; this documentary didn’t disappoint. Showed the band as they are, and showed the story, very low-key, down to earth. Having Dave Mustaine in there was potentially worrisome because he can be a real twat, but even he was low key for a change. Excellent job all around; top notch.

Well done episode with lots of commentary from the band members as well as from producer Martin Birch with regards to the making of the album. Highly recommended for fans old and new of the mighty Iron Maiden. Up the Irons!

Fun to hear how it was made too.

This dvd highlights each song of the Number of the Beast album from beginning to end. This play the original songs with interruption of comments like the storys behind the songs, the interviews.I liked too much the sneek peek at the new Rock in Rio DVD, is really worth to buy it !.It was also nice to see old drummer Clive Burr, and I was saddened by his illness. I would like to see a recopilation of the life of the other members like Paul Di Anno...

Beast was, and remains, one of the best releases from Iron Maiden. Now this DVD tells the story behind the making of the album, and it is great viewing.Most of the songs are given a good in depth analysis, with the exception of Invaders and Gangland (which are used as background music).The hours spent trying to get the first four lines of the title track "just right" made me smile, and the release of frustration by Bruce when he finally gets to do the scream is evident.Steve H talks about where he got the idea for "...Beast", and Adrian plays parts of the song on his guitar.In fact, each band member adopts a role, Steve does the majority of the analysis of the songs, Adrian also contributes to this (especially 22 Acacia Avenue, which he originally wrote age 18 and then forgot!), and does all the live playing. Dave Murray drops in anecdotes and more general comments on the history of the band, and Clive Burr is produced to talk about his feelings on his time in the band.Martin Birch is back behind a mixing desk, and plays around with the tracks to show details of what is on tape.And Bruce takes the role of main presenter, moving from the interview room to deepest Cornwall (I think), where he describes the concept of "The Prisoner" (remember the TV series?), how he came up with the rhythm whilst having a go on Clive's drumkit, and Rod Smallwood's fumbling call to Patrick McGoohan seeking permission to use part of the soundtrack. He also tells of how he joined the band, and the way the band developed into one of the biggest rock bands in the world.Run to the Hills, which was the first single, and got to #7, is discussed with clips from the promo video, and Hallowed Be Thy Name is obviously a band favourite, remaining in the live set to this day. "Children..." is also run through fondly, Adrian on guitar and Steve talking about the inspiration and the fact that whilst they may write slow numbers, they never manage to stay slow 'till the end.Even the cover artwork is discussed. And of course, various journalists are interviewed (Mick Wall is especially full of stories). Some myths surrounding the album are dismissed, although the car crash + nuns + repair bill is apparently true! Other guests include Dave Mustaine, and Nicko McBrain, who toured with the band as part of the support act, and got to dress up as a devil for the Maiden show.There is a spattering of live footage throughout the DVD, from Paul Di Anno's era right up to Rock in Rio, although a lot of it seems to come from the Powerslave/Live After Death era.And stories from the US tour are especially funny (pickets, burned albums, and a chap with a huge cross on wheels in one concert).One poigniant fact is that none of the current line-up realised that Clive Burr was ill (multiple sclerosis) until this DVD was recorded. they have since started a benefit fund and held charity gigs for him.Good for them.

Great!!!! That is the word that sums up Iron Maiden!!! Especially the album, "The Number of the beast." To hear in depth of how they made this magnificent piece of work, is extremely interesting!!!!! Bruce Dickinson took this band to another level, without the band compromising their integrity!!! Great musicianship, combined with interesting compositions & imaginative lyrics, really set the standards!!!!

thank you i love iron maiden

Just recieved today cant wait to get in the player to watch it

Great insight into how the songs came about, also its maiden say no more.......