Rush: Changing Hemispheres [DVD] [2011]

I should start this review by stating that 2 1/2 stars would be more accurate than 3, but since I had awarded 2 stars for " Rush - Music In Review [2006] [DVD] [1974 ]", I had to give the additional star to differentiate between the two works.Where this differs from the above-named work written by Jerry Bloom, is that author James McCarthy has devoted the first 68 pages of the book detailing the history of the band from 1968 to the present day, together with pen-pictures of the band's members (including original drummer, the late John Rutsey and four members who spent time in the band long before the recording of the first album) and a summary of the awards won by the band and its individual members. The preceding work reviewed Rush's albums to 1981, whereas this book also reviews the albums from 1982-2007.One of my primary reasons for purchasing this book was the four DVD set which accompanies it (I was given to understand that the total running time for these would far exceed the 90 minutes now stated in the product description); however, when I received the set, the first disheartening factor was the writing credit "with additional material by Jerry Bloom". Further disappointment was to follow when I inserted the first DVD and became aware that these showed the same reviews as the previous "Music In Review" discs, now spread over 4 discs rather than 2 (why??!!) and without the image gallery special feature. Further investigation showed that pages 69-103 were written by Jerry Bloom and that these pages are, word-for-word, a reproduction of "Music in Review".James McCarthy devotes 13 pages to reviewing the 10 studio albums (there is no review of the Feedback mini-album or live albums released during this period) from Signals (1982) to Snakes And Arrows (1987), accommodating brevity by reviewing what he considers to be the four or five most important tracks on each album and simply listing "other tracks on the album" at the end of each review; however, his reviews are more based on song structure, chart positions (for tracks released as singles) and award nominations than Jerry Bloom's more opinionated style. I did find myself wishing that the latter author had offered his own reviews of the first eight studio albums instead of incorporating the earlier work.Overall, this is a much stronger work than " Rush - Music In Review [2006] [DVD] [1974 ]" and may include some snippets of information of which fans, even those who have watched " Rush - Beyond the Lighted Stage [DVD] [2010 ]", may not be aware. Almost half of this book is Jerry Bloom's work and the DVDs are the same as those included with the previous author's work, but the James McCarthy portion is worth reading, if not particularly enlightening.I would recommend this with some reservations and for those who have not purchased  Rush - Music In Review [2006] [DVD] [1974 ], I would say buy this instead as you will have everything from the earlier work plus better written and updated additional material.

Bought this item for my uncle. He has told me that he has been totally disappointed.When it came out of the plastic wrapping, things were looking ok. The book looked good quality, some nice old photos and is quite frankly a saving grace of this item.But as soon as the DVDs went in, the stars started falling off. I think he probably would have given it 1 star if it wasn't for the book. They have taken an old documentary, cut it into 20ish minute parts, and stuck one part per DVD. There is no reason what-so-ever that it could not have fitted onto one disc. They don't even have the very basic feature of a DVD menu. And there are no special features in any shape or form.Another disappointment came in the form of Amazon not doing there homework. This item on Amazon is listed as having a run time of 240 minutes. This item barely manages 90 minutes.So yeah... Disappointment all around really.One thing I think I should add on to this is don't send Rush hate mail or don't start slagging the band off. If you do a little bit of research about this item it has not been checked, reviewed, endorsed or authorised by the band. It a totally independent item and it would be nice to see the band sue the creator of this item because this really is tarnishing their name.

The book is certainly quite nice, lots of nice glossy colour photos of the band from all eras and a reasonably comprehensive history of the band. Nice discography and a breakdown of each album at the back too.Where the package falls down is the DVD's - there is a total of 90 mins of video footage across ALL FOUR disks. In fact, the footage consists of two 45 min documentary programs made in 2005 which are each cut in half so that they can spread it out over 4 disks. Whilst the footage is pretty good, there was absolutely no reason that it could not have been all put on one disk with a proper menu (also missing) and some extras. Instead you load a disk and by the time you've got comfortable you have to switch it for the next. It's blatantly misleading to advertise 4 DVD's when there is barely enough content to fill 1.That said, for the price it's a nice package. Just be aware of exactly what you are getting for your money.

I agree with a previous reviewer. 4 CDs sounds like you're getting quite a lot but it isn't, with only 30 or 40 minutes or so per CD.

I was hoping for something new , but the DVD content is the same as other Rush review dvd's..Shame as I am a big rush fan.. This should state it on product description .. Book is good though..

Not an official item but is an interesting diversion, some good interviews with other musicians. It would have been better with more interviews with the band.

All Rush fans should buy!

As described