Queen Budapest heads to cinemas worldwide

Queen Budapest, the first rock concert by a Western band staged in a stadium beyond the Iron Curtain, as well as the last filmed live performance by the complete Queen lineup, will be screened in cinemas and IMAX theaters worldwide starting October 7.

In Italy, the film will be shown in cinemas from October 7 to 11, distributed by Nexo Studios, CE Report quotes ANSA.

The theatrical release marks the 40th anniversary of this landmark moment in the band's history. The film has been meticulously restored in 4K from the original 35 mm footage, with a newly remixed soundtrack created from the original multi-track recordings. On October 30, the release will be accompanied by the launch of the concert soundtrack, remixed by Queen's studio team.

Recorded on July 27, 1986, at Budapest's Népstadion during the band's Magic Tour, the concert was a groundbreaking event. At a time of profound political and cultural change, Queen became the first Western rock band to perform behind the Iron Curtain. In addition to the 80,000 tickets sold, an estimated 45,000 people gathered outside the stadium to listen to the performance.

The concert film alternates live performances with behind-the-scenes footage of the band and their fans, along with scenes filmed during the five days leading up to the concert, showcasing the group at some of Budapest's most iconic landmarks.

Directed by János Zsombolyai, the film features performances of classic Queen songs including We Will Rock You, We Are the Champions, A Kind of Magic, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Under Pressure, Who Wants to Live Forever, Radio Ga Ga, and Bohemian Rhapsody, as well as an acoustic rendition of the traditional Hungarian folk song Tavaszi Szél Vizet Áraszt.

"For years, fans living behind the Iron Curtain could only hear Queen's music through illegal cassette tapes," Brian May recalled. "Listening to rock bands like us was forbidden, so seeing us perform live seemed impossible. That concert was an incredibly emotional moment for them, and for us as well. There was an extraordinary energy. There will never be another event quite like it. Perhaps the most memorable moment was performing that beautiful Hungarian folk song, which Freddie and I learned especially for the occasion."

The restored 4K version of Queen Budapest will have its world premiere at the Budapest Classics Film Marathon on September 15, followed by its UK premiere in London on September 30.

Photo: Queenonline